Back to black: The best black jeans for men
Both smarter and more versatile than their indigo counterparts, black jeans are a go-with-everything classic
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
There are few pieces of clothing that transcend the lines of class, age and culture quite like a good pair of jeans. From rockstars to royalty, plasterers to politicians, sportsmen to CEOs, I challenge you to find a man who doesn’t have at least a couple of pairs of jeans in his wardrobe.
This uniform of the every day has, in fact, become so ubiquitous as to be entirely unremarkable. Sure, silhouettes will come and go as trend cycles dictate – like super-skinny drainpipe jeans or the extra-wide-leg JNCO jeans that took the 1990s by storm– but you’ll never walk more than a minute in the capital and not see someone wearing jeans (OK, maybe in the City). Because they go with (almost) everything. Shirt and a blazer? Yup. A T-shirt and a jumper? You betcha. Short-sleeved shirt and your most loved loafers? Absolutely. All of this is to say, jeans are an essential sartorial staple for the modern man. But when you want to look just that little bit smarter, cooler or more put together, your best bet is to opt for black denim.
Somehow even more versatile and flattering than their classic indigo or light-wash counterparts, black jeans offer a truly neutral base to work with, while also appearing close enough to slacks or chinos to fly under the radar on occasions that call for slightly smarter dress. You can even get away with wearing them to the office – provided said office errs on the casual side of the smart-casual spectrum. Really, whether you’re crunching numbers or kicking back at the pub, black jeans for men very rarely miss the mark.
McQueen logo-patch jeans
Proving the brand’s talent for elevated basics, these jeans by McQueen feature a simple logo patch on the back. With a touch of stretch, they’re the perfect straight-fit jeans for all-day wear and will work great with your best white trainers.
Frame L’Homme slim-leg jeans
Frame’s L’Homme jeans are tailored for a slim fit but retain a certain level of comfort, thanks to their stretch-denim fabric. Their ultra-dark rinse leaves them that much smarter than faded or distressed styles, making them ideal for less laidback occasions. Pair with a great bomber jacket and you’re good to go.
JW Anderson loose jeans
With a mid-rise waist, off-centre closure, and loop detailing, the wide-leg silhouette of this workman-inspired pair by JW Anderson is ideal for those plumping for an easy going yet stylish look. Style with oversized knitwear and a pair of loafers for a fashion-forward ’fit.
Levi’s 501 Original black jeans
Look, I don’t make the rules, but when you think ‘jeans’, you think Levi’s, and when you think ‘Levi’s’, more often than not, you think 501s. The brand’s signature straight-fit jeans were the first pair it ever launched, way, way back in 1873, and very little has changed since then. Arguably, every other pair of jeans in existence is based on Levi’s 501s, so it would be incredibly rude not to include them. Classic and perennially on-trend, these black jeans will be well worth the investment.
Dolce & Gabbana distressed black jeans
A high-fashion take on distressed denim, this pair by Dolce & Gabbana elevates the grunge silhouette. The frayed patches and faded wash add depth to the slim-fit silhouette. We suggest pairing them with a printed shirt or fun graphic tee and a bomber jacket.
Acne Studios 2021M wide-leg jeans
Trust Acne Studios to do everyday denim the right way. The Scandi brand nails minamilist style with an innovative playful edge and these black jeans embody just that. Wide legged and effotlessly cool.
7 For All Mankind slim-fit jeans
If you’re the kind of guy who likes his lattes skinny and his jeans even skinnier, 7 For All Mankind has you covered. Tapered to fit closely from hip to ankle, these performance stretch-denim jeans are ideal for everyday wear.
A.P.C. Solal straight-leg jeans
Perhaps a little more of a grey-ish, faded black, A.P.C’s ‘Solal’ jeans have a vintage look about them. Cut in a relaxed staight-leg silhouette, pair with trainers and a tee and save for your laidback, off-duty style at the weekend (we don’t think these are quite office appropriate).
Agolde 90's straight-leg jeans
Turn to LA-based brand Agolde for vintage-inspired designs that will never go out of style. Take these ’90’s’ jeans, cut from a distressed denim with fringed hems and available in 10 different colour hues. The black pair goes with everything, the relaxed fit is effortlessly cool and the whole look screams man who knows his fashion.
Read more: The best boat shoes for men
