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 expansive 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 array of different styles available. Depending on your personal style you might want something edgier like a ripped knee or a more clean-cut without any ‘damage’, for a more 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).
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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 Fit 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 an 11oz Japanese 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 Canadian retailer that puts a heavy focus on sustainably made clothing. Like Everlane, it offers consumers transparent pricing, so you know exactly where your hard-earned dollars are being spent, with each item of clothing being made to the highest possible standards so that it can last you several wears.
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.
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.
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 Travel Jeans. Available in a wide range of fits and sizes, you're bound to find a pair to fit you perfectly. There are two colours that could be considered black, Manhattan Midnight and Austin Asphalt, although neither is a 'true' black, but rather a more faded shade. It lends them to being worn for more casual situations, although paired with a shirt and unstructured blazer, they'll finish off a smart casual ensemble instead.
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 Selvedge 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.
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.
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.
