Black jeans are a wardrobe essential for all men; 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, the best black jeans have formed the foundation of many wardrobes and styles for celebrities and Average Joes alike.
How to choose black jeans
To get the perfect black 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 black jeans for men (you can thank us later).
Black Jeans For Men FAQ
You Might Also Like
- It’s Time You Perfected The All-Black Outfit; Here’s How To Do It
- Best Jeans For Men To Buy Right Now
Everlane
The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean are some of the best men's black jeans out there. 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.
Bonobos
That also means they make some seriously impressive black jeans for men, in a range of sizes and shades of black. And, since they all utilise the curved waistband, they'll remain comfortable all day long.
Frank And Oak
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 be buying. They employ the same slim fit from the hip all the way down to the ankle (no tapering here) and are made using 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
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 black 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.
AllSaints
You'll only find skinny and slim styles of jean here, but a variety of washes, styles (such as ripped) and lengths (you can bag yourself cropped pairs). These Rex slim black 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 the perfect example of a pair of black jeans that will generate their own character over time.
Flint & Tinder
These Stretch Selvage black 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
The Lean Dean black jeans, therefore, are an essential pair of black jeans for men to buy, arriving 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
Buck Mason
Buck Mason's selection of men's black jeans 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
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. You can grab a pair of black jeans or charcoal jeans, which should round out your wardrobe nicely.
Reiss
Reiss' black jeans are all of a slim fitting 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
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, they're an absolute must-buy.
G-Star RAW
The 3301 black jeans for men get their name from the fabric and colour code of the first raw denim released by G-Star back in 1996, and employ 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
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
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
There's no denying the brand will appeal more to the older gentleman looking for black jeans, but for quality, comfort and outright affordability, they're well worth checking out.
Acne Studios
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 for men looking for some of the coolest black jeans around.
DSquared2
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
The ED-85 slim tapered black jeans 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
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
What we also love about Uniqlo's black 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.