The Best Jeans for Your Style & Body Type: Stylish Outfits for Gentlemen

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One of the staple items in casual menswear is a pair of denim jeans. While it is a basic piece, wearing it stylishly can be a challenge for some gentlemen–which is why today, we’ll discuss how to find the best jeans for your style and your body type.

Origins of Denim Jeans

Most of us have an idea of what denim is, but not many people know where it comes from or why it was created. By definition, it is a sturdy cotton twill fabric, typically blue, used for jeans, overalls, and other items of clothing. In the late 17th century, in the town of Nîmes, French weavers created a serge fabric. When this fabric was later transported to England, it was then known as “Serge De Nîmes.” This later became the English word “denim.”

Native American construction workers wearing denim
Native American construction workers clad in denim

Meanwhile, jeans are hard-wearing trousers made of denim or other cotton substances, used primarily for informal wear. The word “jeans” comes from the French term for the Italian city of Genoa, “Gênes.” In 1873, a tailor named Jacob W. Davis was contacted by a client who wanted trousers that were going to wear well for her husband. Working with Davis, Levi Strauss was the initial supplier of denim in the USA. In the 20th century, denim’s blend of comfort and durability made it ideal for workwear; as an example, in the uniforms for the staff of the French National Railway.

How Is Denim Created?

Cotton is harvested, and the seeds are separated from the fibers. The fivers are spun into yarn, the yarn is dyed to a specific color, and then that yarn is woven into denim. Denim can be processed in a few different ways, which we’ll cover here.

Raw Denim

This is denim that has not been washed after it’s been dyed. The color might be more rich than any other washed denim, but the fabric will almost certainly let out extra dye when washed or agitated. By the way, our post on cheap and easy laundry hacks has a tutorial on how to color-set your denim, in order to subvert this common problem.

Raw denim
Raw denim

Selvage Denim

The term selvage (or selvedge) actually comes from two different words, “self” and “edge,” and refers to the edge of the fabric after it leaves the loom. The fabric is edged against itself, therefore making it more durable, as it will not unravel. This edge is created by continuously passing the weft back and forth through the warp. Fun fact: it actually takes about three yards of selvage denim to create one pair of jeans.

Selvedge denim has an woven edge
Selvedge denim, as you might expect, is edged against itself

Other Components of Denim Creation

Other than the process, another popular added component to denim is some amount of spandex; it adds range of motion and a lot more comfort for the wearer. Typically, you’ll see 1-3% being the average amount of spandex added to denim. However, you will find yourself paying for this added benefit, as the addition of spandex does shorten the lifespan and the durability of your jeans.

How Should You Buy & Style Denim?

Find Your Body Type

Understanding where you fit within the broad spectrum of body types will help you know what to shop for. There are three main body types that most men will fall into, though not everybody is going to fit squarely into just one body type. Many people will find that they have components of many of these different categories.

1. The first category is the ectomorph. This is also known as Cerebrotonic. This individual is very lean with narrow chest and shoulders. They typically have very low body fat and maybe have a more difficult time putting on size.

Preston in G.H. Bass' The Logan
Preston’s thin build means he is an ectomorph

2. The second major category is the mesomorph, also known as Somatotonic. This individual usually appears muscular and appears quite strong and usually will not have a major amount of body fat on them. A narrow waist and broad shoulders is usually seen within these individuals.

Kyle's casual & professional outfit
Kyle is more of a mesomorph

3. The last major category is the Endomorph, also known as a Viscerotonic. These individuals usually have narrow shoulders and carry a little bit more body fat. They may have a fuller body image and at times, may appear pear-shaped.

Sven Raphael Schneider wearing a rust-colored, single-breasted herringbone suit with a contrasting vest and tan full brogue boots
Sven Raphael Schneider is an endomorph

Paying attention to your overall body features, bone structure, and how easy it is for you to put on size and muscle will help you understand where you fit within the broad spectrum of body types. For example, I find that I usually can fit into the mesomorph category a little bit easier, as I can put on muscle and keep that off fairly easily.

Buy Based On Your Body Type

Ectomorphs, for example, have a much simpler time wearing slim, skinny, or even a more modern spray-on style than people of other body types. The more endomorphic individual usually finds that a regular or relaxed fit would fit better. A straight fit might also work as long as it’s not uncomfortable on the hips and seat.

Mesomorphic individuals have a little bit more wiggle room in terms of what they can choose for denim styles. For these individuals, muscle size and their waistline will help determine what styles they should wear. If you happen to be somebody who is more muscular and has larger thighs, but you like to wear things that are a little bit more trim, you might want to opt for something with spandex, or look for a straight fit.

Spray on jeans do not belong to a classic gentleman's wardrobe
Spray-on jeans do not belong to a classic gentleman’s wardrobe

Of course, being at the Gentleman’s Gazette, we want to remind everyone that anything tighter than a slim fit is usually outside the scope of classic men’s style. If you like to wear really skinny or spray-on styles, that’s fine –but do understand that they don’t usually mesh too well with classic men’s styling.

Choose a Denim Color

If you’re anything like me, you might be somewhat surprised when you go to the store–who knew there were so many different shades of blue? It’s always fine to have some fun with quirky, interesting colors, but we recommend starting with the foundational hues first.

Dark Wash or Indigo

This color is very deep, offers great versatility, and always looks great with a sport coat or a sweater. Be aware, the dye is quite rich and can transfer on to other fabrics so color setting is very important.

Mid brown Jodhpur boots with jeans
Mid brown Jodhpur boots with dark-wash jeans

Medium Wash Denim

This is a great year-round choice that you can easily pair with sneakers, boots, a polo or even a button-up shirt.

Allen Edmonds Chukka boots paired with dark denim jeans
Allen Edmonds Chukka boots paired with denim jeans

Light Wash Denim

This particular color is usually going to look best in the summer, and overall warm months. This color also tends to look a little bit more casual than its darker counterpoints.

Agnelli in washed denim with watch on top of shirt cuff
Agnelli in light washed denim with watch on top of shirt cuff

What Should You Avoid When Buying Denim?

It’s important to take a few extra minutes in that fitting room and make sure you’re not seeing issues arise. Before mentioning any specific points, we’ll caution against the so-called “Canadian tuxedo” of denim jeans and shirt. Style icons like Gianni Agnelli and Ralph Lauren might be able to make it work, but the average guy will simply look out of place.

Too Much Detail

A small or subtle amount of distressing in a casual outfit is acceptable from time to time, however, wearing jeans with exceptionally large holes, distressing, and strange designs are wholly unacceptable for a business setting.

Embellished, overly faded jeans are a DON'T
Embellished, overly faded jeans are a DON’T

Fit Is Too Tight

You don’t want to overemphasize certain areas of your body. Watch out for pull lines, aggressive pattern twisting, and pocket outlines on your thighs, these are all red flags that if you see them happening in the mirror, you should either try a different size or a different fit altogether. Jeans that are too tight will be uncomfortable and are going to be more prone to tearing. Bending over to tie your shoe and having your pants ripped should be saved for a comedy sketch, not real life.

How Pants Should Fit

Fit Is Too Loose

Even if it cost you a pretty penny to purchase, ill-fitting jeans that are too loose will look sloppy and look like you did not add too much effort into your outfit that day. If your body type requires that you wear a looser fit, go ahead and wear them. However, wearing loose clothing just for the sake of wearing loose clothing will make you appear sloppy and dwarfed by the garment.

An older man wearing baggy and sagging jeans
An older man wearing baggy and sagging jeans

Where Should You Buy Denim?

  • On the low end, Wrangler, Gap, and Levi’s all provide great options. On average, these can be found between $50-$75.
  • In a market range price point from $100-$200, you could look at 7 For All Mankind, Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, J Brand, or AG.
  • For a slightly higher price point of over $200 and up, you could look at brands like A.P.C, Paige, Diesel, also Givenchy, Rag & Bone, Citizens of Humanity and they all provide great options.
Levis Tack Selvedge Denim
Levis Tack Selvedge Denim

Keep in mind, there are much lower- and higher-end options beyond what’s listed, and what one person might consider a low price point, somebody else might consider an extremely high price point. Although it’s fine to be frugal, I always like to remember the saying “You get what you pay for.” If you opt for a less expensive or “fast fashion” pair of jeans in the beginning, you’ll pay for it in the long run in the lack of longevity and quality. Likewise, spending more money does not equate to having eternal jeans. All man-made garments have a lifespan, and the more you wear something, the shorter that lifespan is, regardless of what the price tag says.

If you find that you really enjoy a particular color, you could always buy multiples of said color. Similarly, if you find that you really enjoy a particular fit, it might be wise to purchase multiple colors in said fit, so that you have multiple options for outfits. Also, it’s very important to try before you buy. If you’re unsure of some of the brands we mentioned above, whether you’re browsing online or shopping in the physical store, it’s important to take those extra few minutes to test out your daily movements with those brands in the fitting room.

Levis denim fit table
Levi’s denim fit table

Conclusion

Remember that the easiest way to understand what you should be shopping for is to best understand your body type. Also, keep your style preferences in mind, as well as your budget. When all these are in check, you should have no problem finding what denim works best for you.

Outfit Rundown

Today, I’m wearing an olive green flannel double-breasted suit jacket with a white button-down shirt, a pair of mid-washed denim, a brown belt, and some camouflage loafers. I chose to wear the mid-wash denim because it’s a great in-between color between light wash and dark wash, which is great to wear all year long. There is a little bit of spandex in there because I do have bigger legs and I like the comfort that it gives me.

Dark Brown Madder Silk Pocket Square with Navy Bronze Green Diamond Motif and Paisley - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Dark Brown Madder Silk Pocket Square with Navy Bronze Green Diamond Motif and Paisley

I’m wearing the camouflage loafers because they have a casual element, but they still look elevated and they really compliment the olive flannel suit jacket that I’m wearing. I’m also wearing a dark brown madder silk with navy, bronze, green diamond motif and paisley from Fort Belvedere. I also have on a light brown leather watch from Invicta. And you can my pocket square in the Fort Belvedere shop.

What’s your take on wearing denim as a gentleman? Do you have styling preferences for your jeans? Share with us in the comments!

Reader Comments

  1. Jeans make perfect practical sense for those engaged in physical labor and for young persons who outgrow or outwear their clothes very quickly, but I don’t see how they can be part of classic men’s style at all. I quit wearing them after I finished college and have never missed them since then.

    1. I think there is a time and place for them even in a gentleman’s wardrobe but they are not a core piece, more of a supplement.

  2. Chinos/Khakis are what gentlemen wear instead of jeans.
    By the way, Raphael, do you really ever wear jeans?

    1. I have a few pairs, but I hardly ever wear them and some still have the tags on them.

  3. To quote Harry Hart of Kingsman, “Being a Gentlemen is about being Confident in One’s Own Skin” meaning (Relaxed and confident in one’s manner of presenting oneself) so if you feel good in Jeans, wear them.
    There is always a need for a good pair of Jeans. Would you agree?

  4. That’s quite a bad list of places to buy jeans .
    No rrl or lvc on the high end and all the midrange were quite a miss

  5. Una de las maneras más sencillas para descubrir si puedes utilizar tejido vaquero para trabajar es observar a la gente de tu alrededor.
    t.ly/NwGVx

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