A lot like mailmen, through rain, snow, sleet, or shine, whenever we need them to most, our jeans are always there to deliver. Essentially the global go-to for guys, a sturdy pair of denim is pretty much standard issue straight out of the womb. We live, work, play, and, following the advice of some hardcore denim enthusiasts, bathe in them.
Even though they’re made for it, all the hard wear and tear we put this divine fabric through makes them, well, hol(e)y. And as those all-so-coveted natural fades start to develop over time, we could pretty much always use a crisp new pair of navy blues. Chances are you could, too. Peruse through some of our favourites this SS19 below.
LEVI’S 510 SKINNY FIT STRETCH JEANS
Despite the textile itself actually originating from the coastal town of Nîmes in southern France, (de Nîmes of course meaning “of Nîmes,” and thus ‘denim’) it’s probably American brand Levi’s that has become most closely associated with the fabric. And for good reason.
With a rise that “sits at waist,” the Levi’s 510 line gives you that slightly elevated (excuse the pun) look, elongating the leg line, making you appear taller. These are no dad jeans though; the skinny fit from leg to ankle keeps the silhouette young and fresh. Pick them up in the new marcel light colour for spring/summer.
$108, BUY NOW AT LEVI.COM
BURBERRY SLIM-FIT DENIM JEANS
Easier to wear than you might think, white denim is actually extremely versatile. Just as you’d use the colour up-top with a shirt or sweater, white jeans are the perfect base to compliment other colours and textures in your fit. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and try a pair out – your wardrobe will thank you for it.
$413, BUY NOW AT MRPORTER.COM
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI SLIM-FIT STRETCH-DENIM JEANS
If you’re not feeling fully confident of going full stark white just yet, a pair of off-white or cream jeans is a great alternative. Italian tailoring giant Brunello Cucinelli brings his sartorial skillset to the street with this pair of slim fitting stretch denim. The 8oz cloth is a fantastically versatile weight that will to take you right through from spring to autumn.
$705, BUY NOW AT MRPORTER.COM
GUCCI BLACK ’60S FIT JEANS
Normally I’d say pants this cropped should be saved for summer, but I’d also advise on shades brighter than black in the warmer months. However, something about these ’60s-inspired Gucci jeans just work. Maybe it’s the mid-rise, or slim leg, or more pronounced cuff at the hem – all details I’ve come to look for in pants – but there’s something else I can’t seem to put my finger on, something that’s progressively moving it closer and closer to “proceed to check out.” Gucci’s Italian secret sauce is smeared all over this ’60s silhouette.
$825, BUY NOW AT SSENSE.COM
TIGER OF SWEDEN BLUE SLIM JEANS
Everyone needs a good pair of light denim in their rotation, but in this age of over-distressing, fake colour spills, and suspect acid washes saturating the market, finding the right pair can be surprisingly difficult. If you’ve been biding your time looking for the right pair to pull the trigger on, look no further. These slim fit jeans by Tiger of Sweden are doing it right, and at 2.5 per cent elastane, they have just the right amount of stretch in them, keeping you feeling comfy while looking classic.
$250, BUY NOW AT SSENSE.COM
VERSACE SLIM-FIT STRETCH-DENIM JEANS
Speaking of hard-to-find in today’s market, a good pair of simple, mid-wash indigo jeans can feel like a unicorn sighting. Snap up this understated slim cut, mid-rise pair by Versace while supplies last and people will be scratching their heads over how you’ve done the plain white tee look so well this summer.
$825, BUY NOW AT MRPORTER.COM
FRANK AND OAK THE GORDON STRETCH DENIM
As easy as they are for most, jeans can be a bit of a tricky area for some guys. If you’re a power lifter or a soccer player or just jean-etically blessed/cursed with some thicc thunder thighs, not every cut will work for your physique. Luckily, Frank And Oak have your backside with their Gordon fit denim, featuring extra room in the seat and thighs yet a nice, slim taper below the knee. The stretch fabric makes them even more forgiving to wear, and the black wash will help tame those bodacious curves a little something.
$80, BUY NOW AT FRANKANDOAK.COM
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA INDIGO TAPERED COTTON DRAWSTRING SUIT TROUSERS
While not a pair of ‘jeans’ in the traditional sense, this pair of indigo cotton suit trousers are probably the poshest denim pick on the list. With the option of adding the matching jacket or wearing them on their own, the jean-like fabric on these works so well transitioning between casual or more formal settings. The added comfort that comes with the elastic and drawstring waist band is a feature we’ve been seeing favoured by designers trying to work more tailoring into this year’s collections.
$827, BUY NOW AT MRPORTER.COM
TOM FORD SLIM-FIT STRETCH-DENIM JEANS
With so many cuts, colours, washes, and weights, there’s enough denim in the world to make your head spin. If you could only have one pair though, a slim-fit, dark wash like these from Tom Ford are by far the most versatile and easy to wear. They look equally good dressed up with a crisp white shirt and blazer or dressed down with a tee (and tan, hopefully).
$700, BUY NOW AT MRPORTER.COM
PRADA SLIM-FIT DENIM JEANS
These navy denim pants by Italian heavyweight house Prada are just about the least flash on the list, but that’s the reason we like them. The fine twill and subtle matte finish on this pair of denim means they could easily be mistaken for a pair of slim chinos, but still hold true to all the qualities we love about a great pair of jeans; a sturdy five-pocket construction, hard-wearing fabric weight, touch of stretch – every guy needs a pair of these.