If you (or someone you love) are finally ready to say goodbye to your “Dad jeans,” but are a bit bewildered about how to level up your denim game, you’ve come to the right place. ‘Cause we know this is hard. We’ve got some friends and family members who are currently confronting this dilemma, and we’re here to help! So, what are the best brands and styles of designer men’s jeans, including sustainable versions, right now? Our ace correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has curated a list of what to buy for him now: the 10 best denim jeans brands, styles and washes of 2021 for men, all so cool that he (or you, dear reader) will happily ditch the Dad look for good.
2021 is the time to ditch the dad denim for the best new jeans for men
We admit we are prone to superlatives when it comes to clothes. The coziest sweater! The most polished jacket! We just get very excited to share our finds because we believe in the power of fashion to boost one’s confidence and provide comfort. Typically, these two things don’t often go together except in the one staple in everyone’s closet — jeans.
The best jeans brands, styles and washes for men – some sustainable – this is what to buy for him so he can ditch the Dad denim in 2021.
They are, as Erik Tortensson, co-founder of Los Angeles-based brand Frame, says “the anchor of thee modern man’s everyday wardrobe.”
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Except when you suddenly find yourself in jeans that have become too tight, too loose, too ripped, too…dad-like.
The last year and a half has been rough. We get it, if finding a new pair of denim remains low on your priority list.
But as life seems to be returning back to normal, the versatility of a great pair of jeans cannot be overstated. Think of buying a new pair as part of making a fresh start.
But where to start? What are the best men’s jeans of 2021?
The best jeans brands, styles and washes for men – some sustainable – this is what to buy for him so he can ditch the Dad denim in 2021.
In narrowing down our list from the huge inventory out there in the men’s denim marketplace, we focused on jeans that were suited for our friends and relatives. They’re men in their 30s to 50s who are busy working and being dads. They want to look stylish but more importantly, like themselves. And they’re likely skipping the skinny jeans and paint splatter.
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What will make him look modern and polished and dare we say it? Cool. But, not trying too hard to be cool. Our guy is comfortable with not being the coolest kid on the block anymore. If his kids don’t groan at his outfit when they see him walking down the stairs, that’s a win!
The best jeans brands, styles and washes for men – some sustainable – this is what to buy for him so he can ditch the Dad denim in 2021.
our picks for the 10 best men’s jeans of 2021
Here are the brands, cuts, and washes to know for the best jeans for men right now.
1. best jeans for men 2021: everlane
Everlane does minimalist, sustainable basics very well. If you’re in the market for just one pair of jeans this season, make it dark indigo with a relaxed fit. These jeans are made with organic denim in a four-way stretch. And if you’re rough on jeans, no worries. These pants are part of Everlane’s Uniform Collection and backed by a 365-day guarantee, meaning they will replace them with a new pair if you ruin them.
BUY NOW – $78
2. best jeans for men 2021: todd snyder
We chose these jeans with the perfect amount of stretch from classic contemporary American designer, Todd Snyder, for its summery and vintage look. The straight fit sits higher on the waist and has a bit more room in the leg than a slim fit. Wear with your favorite faded concert t-shirt for a relaxed vibe or a button down for casual Fridays.
BUY NOW – $158
3. best jeans for men 2021: paige
The California-based brand, Paige, makes performance-driven denim that is supremely soft. The Federal, shown here, is their best-selling cut and provides a slim straight shape. For guys who aren’t the straight up denim type, try these in Pewter Stone for more of an elegant trousers-jeans hybrid look.
BUY NOW – $199
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4. best jeans for men 2021: rag & bone
Rag & Bone is synonymous with downtown NYC cool and classic British tailoring. The Fit2 Dorset is fabricated in an ultra-lightweight and soft (almost French Terry-like) Loopback denim. I felt them in person and it lives up to all the hyperbole. If you’re already mourning the sweatpants days, start with these to ease back into “real” pants.
BUY NOW – $225
5. best non-Dad jeans for men 2021: reiss
Reiss’ timeless and understated styles are a favorite of the Royal family and fashionable gents all over the world. You can’t go wrong with the classic blue of the Brockwell and the slightly tapered legs are ideal for pairing with cool trainers or preppy loafers.
BUY NOW – $175
6. best non-Dad jeans for men 2021: outerknown
Outerknown was founded by surfer superstar, Kelly Slater so you know it has to be cool. His company has raised the standard for sustainable design — 90% of their clothing is organic, recycled, or regenerated. These light rinse jeans have a ready to go broken-in look and are made in small batches with organic cotton.
BUY NOW – $168
7. best non-Dad jeans for men 2021: j brand/theory
Straight fit. Comfort Stretch. J Brand’s premium denim keeps it modern and simple. This pair sits comfortably on the hip and the dark denim color makes you look instantly put together.
BUY NOW – $178
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8. best non-Dad jeans for men 2021: acne
Stockholm-based Acne Studios has making jeans so uncool that they’re cool since 1996. This style is an homage to the popular cuts from the early 2000s: dropped inseam, with a low waist and straight legs.
BUY NOW – $300
9. best non-Dad jeans for men 2021: orslow
If you want to show that you’re in the know, then it’s all about Japanese denim. The 107 is made with selvedge denim and has the original look and feel of a sturdy pair of rugged 1950s workman jeans. It’s an essential piece from the anti-fast fashion brand, OrSlow.
BUY NOW – $250
10. best non-Dad jeans for men 2021: sault new england
Handcrafted in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Graham jean fits athletic guys with muscular builds really well. With extra room in the waistband, seat, and thigh, it ensures that you can move and feel comfortable all day. That doesn’t mean they look sloppy though. Just chill.
BUY NOW – $225
the best brands, styles and washes of jeans for men in 2021
That’s our roundup of the best jeans brands, styles and washes for men – some sustainable – so you know what to buy for him so he can ditch the Dad denim in 2021. Let us know what caught your eye, dear reader!
join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
