Black jeans are a wardrobe essential; their versatility, practicality and ability to be easily styled make them one of the most important items any man can own. They first came about in the 1950s when Levi Strauss decided to revamp its iconic denim by dying them different colours, black being one of them. Since then, black jeans have formed the foundation of many wardrobes and styles for celebrities and Average Joes alike.
To get the perfect jeans for you, you’ll need to consider three key factors; fit, colour and style. Do you prefer a wider, roomier cut? Or a more athletic, modern slim fit? Remember that black makes you look slimmer so if you’re a smaller guy go for a looser fit and if you’re bigger, go for something tighter, but not too tight!
Colour is also something you should consider. Black jeans don’t just come in one uniform ‘black’ colour; instead, they come in an array of different shades and washes. If you’re looking for something classic, go for a strong dark black without any wash to it. Truly dark black jeans will be easy to style and will look sharp as part of almost any outfit.
You should also consider the style of the jeans. As with colour, there are many different style variations when it comes to black jeans. Some have frayed ends, some have rips and tears. There really is an endless selection of styles to choose from. Depending on your personal style you might want something edgier like a ripped knee or more clean-cut without any ‘damage’, for a timeless and versatile look.
Of the hundreds and thousands of different variations of black jeans out there today, the last factor you need to consider is quality. The extensive choice might seem like a good thing, but the reality is there are a lot of awful black jeans out there that won’t last you even six months. To help mitigate this problem for you, we’ve delved deep into the backlogs of online retailers and selected the finest black jeans for men (you can thank us later).
Everlane
American retailer Everlane is a retailer you really should be getting behind. Committed to all things essential in the world of menswear, Everlane could easily fit out your entire wardrobe with great-quality, even greater looking pieces. With transparent pricing and a steadfast approach to sustainability, Everlane is a must-visit online shop.
The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean is as timeless as they come. They're available in a multitude of waist and leg length sizes so finding the perfect fit will be a doddle, while their slim upper that transitions into a more tapered leg will have you looking your absolute best. They're made from a 94% organic cotton denim, with a hint of stretch, so are lightweight and pliable enough to allow more fluid movement. Everlane's black jeans are also available in straight and athletic fits.
Frank And Oak
Frank & Oak is a Canadian retailer that puts a heavy focus on sustainably made clothing. Like Everlane, it offers consumers transparency, so you know exactly what each item is made from, although rest assured they're all made to the highest possible standards.
Frank & Oak has a number of different fits of denim available, but we've picked out the Dylan Slim Fadeproof black jeans as the ones you should take a look at. They employ the same slim fit from hip all the way down to the ankle (no tapering here) and are made using a fade-resistant fabric technology to help keep them blacker for longer. A regular rise means they'll sit naturally around your waist, making them easy to style with any top you wish.
Outerknown
If sustainability and ethical production methods are your main draw, then Outerknown is the brand for you. Founded by world champion surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown's clothing is made to the highest possible standards for both ethical and environmentally-friendly practices. Outerknown also takes such pride in its clothing that it will replace it for free if you experience any faults during their entire life.
That's certainly true of the S.E.A Jeans range, which includes this pair of Ambassador slim fit jeans. Made from Italian mid-weight 12oz denim, this pair of jeans sit at the waist and remain slim from hip to ankle. If the faded look isn't for you or is a bit too casual, you can get them in a jet black finish instead, both of which are available in a variety of waist sizes and three inseam lengths.
Bonobos
American retailer Bonobos was founded to create pants that fit incredibly. More than satisfied with its efforts, the company has since expanded into a complete range of clothing, still keeping the idea of the perfect fit in mind. Bonobos says the secret to its incredibly well-fitting pants is a curved waistband, as opposed to a traditional straight band used by most other brands. A curved design is said to conform more naturally to your waist, resulting in a more comfortable fit.
You can find that curved waistband used on the Premium Stretch Denim Jeans. Available in a wide range of fits and sizes, you're bound to find a pair to fit you perfectly. For true black fans, Bonobos offers a 'Stay Black' colour, but for an ultra-washed out look there is 'Seaside Grey' to choose from too.
AllSaints
British fashion label AllSaints is one to turn to for neutral colours, oversized and skinny fits, distressed looks and ultra-fine quality leather. Pieces have a premium look and feel to them, along with a creative edge that makes them distinguishable within the British fashion circle.
You'll only find skinny and slim styles here, but a variety of washes, styles (such as ripped) and lengths (you can bag yourself cropped pairs). These Rex slim jeans taper at the ankle and exude a matte finish, making them suitable for dressing up and down. Made to a high standard from organic materials, they're a pair of jeans that will generate their own character over time.
Flint & Tinder
Flint & Tinder is a clothing brand stocked exclusively by US retailer Huckberry. Huckberry knows a thing or two about high-quality, sustainably-made clothing, so for Flint & Tinder to fit the bill, you know it's a brand you can trust – especially since its clothes are made in the USA.
These Stretch Selvage jeans – selvedge meaning they have a self-finished edge of fabric to prevent praying – are made from a 13.4oz mid-weight denim with a hint of stretch, so will comfortably hug your legs throughout the day. Their all-black colour makes them the perfect companion for both casual and formal events, all you need to do is dress accordingly on your top half.
Nudie Jeans
Swedish denim extraordinaire Nudie Jeans makes all of its denim from organic cotton, big tick there then. The company also promises customers free repairs for life, should they succumb to any rips. Not that you should need them, since they're so well-made.
The Lean Dean jeans arrive in a slim-fit 11.75oz denim with 1% elastane for the tiniest input of stretch that makes a world of difference. Simple, effective and hardwearing, you can't go wrong.
Hugo Boss
German menswear specialist Hugo Boss isn't just one to be in the sartorial game. In fact, Hugo Boss has some fantastic pieces across all clothing categories, and we're particularly enamoured with the denim selection. Boss' black jeans are as premium as you'd expect, arriving in super-soft finishes and a variety of fits with differing levels of stretch to ultimately provide all-day comfort.
Buck Mason
With a penchant for true American style, Buck Mason is a brand for those who aren't afraid to get down and dirty at work during the week, and appreciate comfortable, classic looks at the weekend.
Buck Mason's jeans selection comprises predominantly slim fits in a good choice of colours, although you'll only find one pair of truly black jeans. Stretchy, heavyweight denim that promises to "stay pitch-black forever", they're a vital addition to your wardrobe.
TravisMathew
Still in its infancy having only been founded in 2017, American menswear brand TravisMathew prides itself on its range of premium, lightweight fabrics that are used across its complete clothing range.
TravisMathew's denim range looks and feels like denim, but doesn't bear the weight of it, offering a lightweight cotton/spandex blend that offers plenty of comfort and stretch. Charcoal and full-black colours provide plenty of options.
Reiss
British menswear brand Reiss knows all about sharp fits, neutral colours and the essential wardrobe. We're big fans of the quality to cost ratio, with many styles comfortably sitting in the affordable category.
Reiss' jeans are all of a slim ilk, and the brand's black jeans promise to maintain their clean appearance throughout their life, making the perfect accompaniment to casual, date, and formal outfits.
Levi's
What list of best jeans would be complete without mention of Levi's? The American brand, founded in 1853, it wasn't until 1890 that the first pair of 501 jeans conceived. The 60s and 70s proved to be unbelievably successful for Levi's, as the "blue jeans craze" saw them achieve exponential growth.
The company's jeans are still incredibly popular today (albeit with more fierce competition) and you can still get the original 501 style. Available in black, Levi's recommends you only wash them once every 10 wears at most to help[ preserve their lifespan. They're a straight fit leg, so may not be to everyone's tastes, but for purists, there's nothing better.
G-Star RAW
Dutch clothing label G Star RAW has always been one of the heavy-hitters in the world of denim. Having been founded in 1989, the brand was one of the pioneers of truly luxury denim for those who were made for streetwear style. As the name suggests, G-Star specialises in raw, untreated denim for its jeans, which has proven to be incredibly popular with denim purists.
The 3301 gets its name from the fabric and colour code of the first raw denim released by G-Star back in 1996, and employs a classic 5-pocket design. You get a regular rise so they'll sit comfortably around your waist and feature Lycra T400 Ecomade in their construction, which is a sustainably-made fabric technology that allows the 3301 to retain their shape wear after wear.
Rag & Bone
American denim specialist Rag & Bone was founded in 2002 and immediately set out to create a unique look which takes great inspiration from classically British style, but brings it bang up to date with edge pieces that exude genuine flair.
Rag & Bone's Fit 1 jeans have undergone a weight loss program, morphing from slim to skinny, but still being quintessentially Rag & Bone. Available in a jet black finish, they're soft, lightweight and have just the right amount of stretch to allow for all-day movement.
Club Monaco
Founded in Canada and quickly snapped up by Ralph Lauren upon its move to The Big Apple, Club Monaco works to the idea of "better basics". It's similar to Reiss in this regard, taking the essential basics we love, and making them from more premium fabrics cut to more exacting fits.
That ethos shines through in the denim collection, with black jeans looking like black jeans from afar. Slide into a pair and you'll reap the benefits of close fit cuts.
Jos. A. Bank
Founded as a suits and tailoring specialist in 1905, Jos. A. Bank has expanded to become a huge presence in the menswear space in North America. Still very much a suit company and tailor first, Jos. A. Bank has an extensive array of pieces across other essential collections.
There's no denying the brand will appeal more to the older gentleman, but for quality, comfort and outright affordability, they're well worth checking out.
Acne Studios
Stockholm favourite Acne Studios puts its own unique, minimalistic mark on everything it touches, and it's certainly a brand for creative, alternative types.
Acne Studios' denim selection encompasses six different fits (including bootcut) with a gradient of colours within each. The River slim jeans are given a tapered fit towards the ankle, to give off a more convincing figure-hugging look, but without the cramped fit served up by skinny jeans. Available in 'Stay Black' and 'Used Black', they're a well-fitting wardrobe upgrade.
DSquared2
Italian designer fashion label DSquared2 was founded by Canadian twins Dean and Dan Caten (with financial support from Diesel). The brand is known for its more daring designs that push the boundaries of fashion and style, which has help to cement DSquared2 as a revered label around the world.
These black ripped skater jeans are a prime example. Rocking a skinny, low-rise fit, they're finished with various amount of fading, distressing, rips and splatters, resulting in a pair of black jeans unlike any other.
Edwin
Japanese denim brand Edwin has been in business since 1947, when founder Tsunemi Yonehachi introduced American-style jeans to his native country. Further experimentation with manufacturing techniques and washes propelled Edwin into the minds of many and onto the legs of plenty of denim lovers.
The ED-85 slim tapered jean are made from an 11.8oz denim, making them soft against the skin and stretchable. They're as cool as jeans come, and are a pair you need in your collection.
John Elliott
A brand favoured by the world's elite, including the likes of Kanye West and LeBron James, John Elliott set up his own line of clothing to bring the world an eclectic range of essentials made to an incredibly high quality. It does make some pieces slightly pricier than some others on this list, but for designer denim that will last and ignite any outfit, they're worth every cent.
John's The Cast 2 jeans, available in Obsidian, are cut to a slim tapered fit and with a low rise to the front and a higher rise at the back, mixing the best of both worlds.
Uniqlo
Think affordable essentials and you need to think of Uniqlo. The Japanese clothing brand is constantly updating its collections with the latest on-trend styles, but never falters on quality, with many pieces costing much less than you'd assume. What's more, Uniqlo offers a free pants and jeans alteration service to help you get a perfect fit.
What we also love about Uniqlo jeans is the sheer array of sizes available. Admittedly, this is more in regard to the waist size, as more pairs feature a 34-inch leg, but get them altered to your liking and you'll have a great-looking pair that cost you pennies.
