Q&A: Men’s Jeans 101 – A Buying Guide for the Perfect Pair of Men’s Jeans
May 23rd, 2007
Q: Where can I go for cool jeans? I’m in my mid-thirties and have a mortgage, so I’m looking for a good style to value ratio. What are the different “fits†I need to be on the lookout for?
A: For a good style-to-value ratio, choose (1) a pair of jeans that fit you well and (2) a timeless style such as the original blue jean, slightly faded blue jeans, or dark denim. Really, the brand name is less important than how the jeans fit on you and how you feel in them.
As for the pricing of the "cool" denim brands, they run in several tiers. Here’s an approximate price breakdown of the men’s denim market:
Under $100: Cheap Monday
$100-$150: Lucky, Mavi, Paper Denim & Cloth
$150-$200: Kasil Jeans, Diesel, Joe’s Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, 7 for All Mankind, True Religion, AG Jeans, Chip & Pepper
$200+: Evisu, Rock & Republic, Earnest Sewn
As for the different denim fits, there are five major styles to look out for.
(1) Classic Fit jeans have a mid-level rise and an easy, loose fit.
(2) Relaxed Fit jeans have a loose, relaxed fit through the thigh and feature a low to mid-level rise.
(3) Straight Leg jeans, like their name implies, have a straight-cut leg and a low to mid-level rise.
(4) Boot Cut jeans also have a low to mid-level rise and have a leg that widens from the knee down to the ankle.
(5) Skinny jeans have an extra slim leg and generally a lower rise.
Pictured: Kasil Victory Jean in Midnight | $187 at Revolve Clothing.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
4 Comments
1. plopculture.blogspot.com | May 23rd, 2007 at 12:33 pm
For the latest info on Kasil jeans check out plopculture.blogspot.com
Also Fidelity Denim (www.fidelitydenim.com) will be introducing their debut men’s line in the Fall.
2. Kristen D. | June 13th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Hello, my name is Kristen and I work as a content manager at http://www.truejeans.com. I definitely agree that fit is much more important than brand name. At True Jeans, we focus on using fit technology to find jeans that fit each individual’s unique body shape and measurements. If you are looking for a great pair of jeans under $100, I would suggest checking out !iT’s Conway jean in either the Laguna or Night wash. Kasil, know for making the ‘Brad Pitt jean,’ is perfect for those willing to spend Check out Kasil’s Clint for a classically fitting straight leg jean. Chip and Pepper is by far my favorite men’s brand of the moment. With their unique washes and super soft denim, you will certainly stand out in the crowd while wearing a pair. The Big Pickle is a big hit with men looking for extra room in the thigh. Created to be roomier in the leg for athletic thighs the Big Pickle comes in three washes, Glen Morris Light, Glen Morris Dark and Corocery Bay.
3. Trisha | June 14th, 2007 at 3:14 am
Thanks, Kristen, for the great advice!
4. AL | February 4th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
What is the best shoe type to wear with the follwoing please:
1- Classic Fit jeans
2- Straight leg jeans.
I learned that for a boot-cut leg jeans, the shoe should be either a cowboy boot or a kneel high boot.
Thanks