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
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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 very rarely miss the mark.
Alexander McQueen logo-embroidered black jeans
Proving the brand’s talent for elevated basics, these jeans by Alexander McQueen feature a scribbled white logo embroidered on the back pocket. Woven from black denim with a touch of stretch, they’re the perfect slim-fit jeans for all-day wear that would work great with your best white trainers.
Frame skinny-fit black jeans
Frame’s L’Homme jeans are tailored for a skinny fit but retain a certain level of comfort, thanks to their stretch-denim make-up. Their ultra-dark rinse leaves them that much smarter than faded or distressed styles, making them ideal for less laidback occasions. Pair them with a great bomber jacket and you’re good to go.
JW Anderson wide-leg black jeans
With a mid-rise waist, contrast stitching, and turn-up cuffs that feature the brand’s logo in a grid pattern, the wide-leg silhouette of these retro 50s-inspired jeans by JW Anderson is ideal for those plumping for an easygoing 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 in their design 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.
Raf Simons distressed black jeans
A deconstructed take on distressed denim, this pair by Raf Simons elevates the grunge silhouette. The layered distressed panels add texture to the slim-fit silhouette. We’d suggest pairing it with a printed shirt or fun graphic tee and a bomber jacket.
7 For All Mankind tapered black 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.
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