Despite their origins as workwear, jeans have evolved to become a foundational part of modern fashion and style. In today’s market, you can find numerous styles available at local stores. However, there are specific jeans every man should own. The jeans discussed in this post are timeless pieces rather than fleeting trends.
We recommend you invest in a couple of quality jeans – rather than a dozen cheap ones that will wear out after a couple of washes. If you buy high-quality jeans, they will look and feel the same, even years after the purchase.
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The History of Denim Jeans
If we want to define the essential pairs of denim jeans, we need to understand their purpose and history. Jeans are pants made from denim or dungaree cloth. Denim jeans were invented by Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss in 1873. They are named after the city of Genoa in Italy. A place where cotton corduroy, called either jean or jeane, was manufactured.
Levi Strauss came from Germany to New York in 1851 to join his older brother, who had a dry goods store. In 1853 the younger Strauss heard about Gold Rush in the West, so he moved to San Francisco to expand the family business. One of his customers was Jacob W. Davis, a tailor from Reno, Nevada. Davis made functional items such as tents, horse blankets, and wagon covers.
One day, his customer ordered a pair of sturdy pants that could withstand hard work. He made them from denim that he bought from Levi Strauss & Co and made them stronger by placing copper rivets at the places pants rip the most: pockets and flies. When he wanted to patent them, he wrote to Levi Strauss, and they became partners. They opened a larger factory, and the rest is history.
The Best Jeans Colors for Men
When it comes to jeans colors for men, classic dark indigo jeans and versatile light wash jeans are timeless options that can be dressed up or down for various occasions. For a modern twist, gray or black jeans offer a sleek and sophisticated appearance that can effortlessly elevate any outfit. Now, let’s explore the list of jeans that every man should own:
1. Black Jeans
While it may vary based on personal preference, my top choice would be a clean black pair. Wearing black jeans consistently throughout a week, while alternating the tops, would go unnoticed due to its basic and versatile nature.
Black jeans complement any outfit, making them one of the most versatile options. To achieve your best look, accessorize with your favorite watch and pair it with a collared shirt. Alternatively, add some casual accessories and match them with a burgundy or navy t-shirt for a stylish ensemble.
One thing is certain: you can’t go wrong with black jeans. If you’re considering buying your first pair, I recommend investing a bit more and minimizing the frequency of washing, following the recommended temperature. Even high-quality black jeans can fade over time, losing their distinctive dark color.
I am an immense fan of black jeans, no question why I’ve been wearing them since I was fourteen. I’ve had the chance to experiment with both inexpensive and high-quality options. Regardless of the price, if you wash your jeans too frequently or at settings not recommended, they will eventually lose their color.
2. Light Washed Jeans
Light-washed jeans are ideal for creating casual looks. They pair well with light colors like white or light gray but can also be styled with black. They are the perfect choice for summer weather as they absorb more sunlight compared to your regular dark jeans. For summer jeans, I recommend purchasing lighter-weight options.
If you want to buy a light-washed pair that will last a long time, try to avoid the distressed ones because, after a few years, they will distress way too much. Also, a distressed pair is not as versatile or formal as a classic.
3. Classic Dark Blue Jeans
It’s the second most versatile option, in my opinion. If I had to pick one pair of jeans for the office, it would probably be a dark blue one. Paired with a white shirt, it’s the perfect option for workdays when you want to have casual attire. You can easily dress it up or dress it down.
Because of the dark wash on this pair of jeans, it looks great on everybody. Whether you are a slim guy or have a bigger build, it can hide skinny or thicker legs better than other light-colored pairs.
4. Gray Jeans
Gray jeans are another versatile option – you can dress them up and down. They look great with a white collared or button-down shirt. I recommend this choice for engineers or people working in a business casual environment.
5. White Jeans
Finally, the last one is optional. While for some white jeans may seem extravagant, for others, they can be an excellent choice for summer days spent at the beach or in the club. As I mentioned before, light-colored clothes absorb the sun the best – this is especially true with a white pair.
One thing to keep in mind – avoid white jeans in the office at all costs. While they may be the perfect pair for a vacation, they’re the least you’ll choose for your workplace.
How Should Jeans Fit?
Now that it’s clear what kind of jeans to buy, you need to know the second most important rule – how a pair of jeans should fit. It’s not rocket science, although there are some rules which will help you.
If you are a larger person, try to avoid skinny jeans because they will make you look bigger than you actually are. Try slim or regular cut. If you are a skinnier person, try a skinny pair. If you see super-skinny, leave it there or bring that thing to the girl section of the store. I don’t know why it exists at all for men.
The most important thing is to have a pair that fit you without the need for a belt. Keep in mind, belts are accessories, if you use a belt to keep your pants up, it will look baggy on you, and you will not feel comfortable wearing it.
Are Distressed Jeans in Style?
At last, what about distressed and ripped jeans? If you are a young guy currently in school with a casual style, distressed jeans are a great option for you. However, if you have a serious job in an office, you need to forget about distressed jeans as soon as possible because it is unprofessional. The office requires a clean and organized closet with timeless pieces.
How many jeans should a guy own?
The number of jeans a guy should own depends on personal preference and lifestyle. However, a good starting point is to have at least three pairs: one in a classic dark wash for dressier occasions, one in a versatile medium wash for everyday wear, and one in a different style or color for variety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in the right pair of jeans can significantly enhance a man’s style. With a variety of options available, it’s crucial to consider factors like body type, personal taste, and occasion while selecting the perfect pair. Classic and versatile options such as dark-wash and light-wash jeans are must-haves in every man’s wardrobe.
If you focus on quality and finding the perfect fit instead of chasing trends, you can build a timeless and stylish look that matches your personality and lifestyle. It’s better to invest in three pairs of high-quality jeans that will last rather than buying cheaper ones every year. Quality over quantity is the way to go for a killer denim collection.
Keep on reading: The Complete Guide on How to Dress Like a Gentleman