Introduction
Nothing feels more comfortably familiar than slipping on your favorite well-worn jeans. As reliable wardrobe workhorses, great fitting jeans can be dressed up or down seamlessly. But it helps to understand how to maximize your denim, from discovering the most flattering fits to creatively styling.
This comprehensive guide will empower you to expand your jeans game beyond just tossing on any old blue pair. Learn insider tricks for choosing jeans perfect for your body. Pick washes suited for everything from client meetings to chilling out. Understand proper sizing, alterations, and care.
Soon you’ll unlock the full potential of denim’s versatility. Let’s delve into making the most of men’s jeans and wearing them with effortless style.
History of Jeans
First, appreciate the fascinating evolution of denim:
- 1800s – Denim pioneer Levi Strauss patents riveted jeans for California gold miners. The durable fabric withstands rugged labor.
- 1920s – Mass production makes denim jeans widely accessible and affordable off the worksite in everyday life.
- 1950s – Young Hollywood stars like Marlon Brando popularize jeans as rebellious fashion statements.
- 1960s – The counterculture movement embraces jeans as activist apparel. Bell bottoms and bootcut fits emerge.
- 1970s – Pre-faded and distressed denim becomes fashionable, moving away from pristine workwear.
- Present – Revolutionary stretch fabrics, trendy cuts, and boutique artisanal denims drive diversity.
Jeans now represent global fashion staples, offered in countless silhouettes, washes, and bespoke details.
Benefits of Jeans
Understand why jeans remain so indispensable:
Versatility
Crisp dark jeans tailored correctly go from workdays to nights out seamlessly. Casual light denim accompanies any relaxed activity.
Comfort
Once broken in, premium denim feels like a second skin thanks to the soft cotton and natural stretch. No other pants compete on comfort.
Affordability
Owning multiple pairs makes sense due to jeans’ reasonable costs and longevity. Explore boutique denim for luxe upgrades.
Familiarity
Jeans feel like old reliable friends. Their nostalgic familiarity breeds confidence as you intuitively recognize what pairs perfectly.
Expressiveness
The array of modern washes, distressing, and bold retro silhouettes allows self-expression. Jeans showcase your style.
Main Types of Jeans
The wide range of denim styles serves diverse needs:
Classic Blue Jeans
The quintessential five-pocket indigo jeans act as staple wardrobe anchors with endless pairing potential. A medium or dark wash looks sharp.
Black Jeans
Deeper than indigo, hardcore saturated black denim provides slick rocker edge and suggests an urban modern attitude.
White Jeans
Crisp bright white jeans add eye-catching flair. A warm weather essential, they beg to be shown off. Opt for minimal detailing.
Distressed or Ripped Jeans
Artfully ripped knees and thighs or abrasions and fading create a worn-in bad boy vibe. Reserve heavily distressed denim for casual contexts.
Selvedge and Raw Denim
Premium selvedge denim woven on old-fashioned shuttle looms gains character via minimal washing. Stiff raw denim softens over time.
Relaxed Fit, Slim Fit, Skinny Fit
Relaxed fits provide laidback room. Slim cuts are tailored but not clingy. Skinny jeans hug the body tight. Try various silhouettes.
Choosing the Right Jeans
Keep these factors in mind when selecting jeans for your build:
Considerations for Body Type
Slim and athletic guys rock skinny jeans. Larger gentlemen turn to relaxed fits. Decide between a low, mid, or high rise.
Getting the Ideal Length
Jeans should hit just atop the shoe with a slight break. Cuffs add some forgiving extra length. Take care to find well-sized inseams.
Find Your Perfect Rise and Waist
Measure where your natural waistline hits. Low, mid, and high rise jeans sit at varying waist positions. Buy sizes aligning with your height.
Alteration Options
Tailor jeans with correct waist but other fit issues. Hemming legs and tapering baggy legs transforms ill-fitting jeans.
Jeans for the Office
Grant jeans office entry by styling them smartly:
Dark Rinse Denim
Deep indigo or black jeans appear polished and professional paired with tailored sport coats and leather shoes.
Minimal Distressing
If opting for light wash or vintage jeans, limit ornamental whiskering and abrasions. Avoid ripped knees and excessive fading.
Polished Shoes
Offset casual denim with sleek cap toe Oxfords, monk straps, or Chelsea boots in leather. Shine shoes and keep heels in good repair.
Blazers and Sport Coats
A properly fitted blazer or corduroy sport coat makes denim workplace appropriate. Stick to dark neutrals like navy, charcoal, and camel.
Weekend and Day-Off Looks
Relax jeans codes off the clock:
Light Wash Denim
Softer vintage washes in lighter blues exude a sentimental laidback attitude ideal for weekends and get-togethers.
T-Shirts and Casual Button-Downs
Pair faded worn-in jeans with broken-in tees, henleys, flannels, and open check shirts. Avoid stuffy shirts.
Sneakers or Boots
White leather sneakers maintain a youthful casual vibe. Rugged boots like chukkas, Chelseas, or work boots toughen up the look.
Relaxed Distressed Jeans
Now is the time for ornamental shredded patches, exposed knees, and bleached accents. But don’t overdo distressing.
Going Out Outfits
Push jeans into nighttime by amplifying key elements:
Black Jeans
Rock solid black denim without any fading for hitting the town. Their inky darkness feels luxe. Stay classic.
Leather Jackets
Finish black jeans with a sleek black motorcycle jacket. Or opt for bold shades like blood red.
Chelsea Boots
Leather Chelsea boots polish off black jeans with rocker flair. Pointed toes or elastic sides sharpen the look.
Untucked Dress Shirt
Contrast a relaxed untucked slim-fit dress shirt with night-ready black jeans and Chelsea boots. Unbutton accordingly.
Caring for Jeans
Extend your relationship with jeans using these care methods:
Washing Methods
Wash jeans infrequently and inside-out in cold water on a delicate cycle. Consider specialty products for dark denim.
Drying and Shrinkage
Air dry jeans flat rather than the dryer. Excessive drying causes shrinkage. Use lower dryer settings if needed.
Spot Cleaning
Between washes, spot clean stains gently with a soft brush and mild detergent. Avoid soaking or over-scrubbing, which damages denim.
Repairing Rips and Holes
Mend tears and holes promptly. Hand stitching or iron-on denim patches do the trick without altering character.
Stain Removal
Tackle stubborn stains with a pasty mix of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water. Lightly scrub and rinse the area.
Storage
Keep jeans out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. Fold properly along seams to minimize creasing and wrinkling.
Conclusion
Like an old friend who never lets you down, quality denim only gets better with time when cared for properly. Follow these guidelines to expand your denim game beyond just grabbing any old pair of jeans. Discover your perfect stretchy match and wear them in good health.
FAQs
Can I wear black jeans to a formal wedding?
If the dress code is formal, avoid black jeans. Opt for dress trousers and polished shoes instead. Reserve black jeans for more casual occasions.
What shoes look best with distressed light wash denim?
White leather sneakers instantly complement faded vintage blue jeans for a relaxed off-duty look. Brown leather boots also pair well.
Should I wash jeans inside-out or right-side-out?
Always wash jeans inside-out. This prevents fading and protects embellishments. Turn them right-side-out to dry.
Can tailors hem raw selvedge denim jeans?
Yes, ask a denim specialist tailor to neatly hem selvedge jeans above the original chain-stitched hem while preserving it intact inside.
What tops pair best with loose relaxed fit jeans?
Balance the slouchy loose shape of relaxed fit jeans with fitted tees, slim polos, or slim untucked button-downs. Avoid also wearing an oversized top.
