Jean Buying Guide
Buying the right jeans comes down to matching fit, wash, fabric and size to how you will wear them. This hub walks through each decision, so you buy a pair you will actually reach for. Browse men's jeans (/collections/mens-jeans-denim).
Start with the use
Define the Use
Decide how smart the jeans need to be.
How to decide
Choose a dark, clean jean for smart wear and a mid or light wash with a relaxed fit for casual days.
Quick tip
Buy for the setting you dress for most. Browse men's jeans (/collections/mens-jeans-denim).
Choose the Fit
Pick a cut that flatters your build.
How to decide
Choose slim or straight for most builds, tapered for athletic thighs, and relaxed for comfort-first wear.
Quick tip
Straight is the safest all-rounder.
Choose the Wash
Let the wash set the tone.
How to decide
Choose a dark wash or black for smart and evening wear, and a mid or light wash for casual, relaxed looks.
Quick tip
A dark wash dresses up and down most easily.
Get the size right
Get the Waist Right
Fit the waist before anything else.
How to decide
Choose a waist you can fasten comfortably with room for two fingers; stretch denim gives a little more give.
Quick tip
Rigid denim can drop half a size after wear. Browse men's jeans (/collections/mens-jeans-denim).
Check the Rise
Match the rise to your shape and shirts.
How to decide
Choose a mid rise for most wear, a high rise for a smart, tucked look, and a low rise for a casual line.
Quick tip
A mid rise is the most comfortable all-rounder.
Check the Length
Choose a length that finishes cleanly.
How to decide
Choose a length with a slight break for a classic look, or a shorter leg to sit at the ankle for a modern finish.
Quick tip
A tailor can shorten with a chain-stitch hem.
Judge the quality
Choose the Fabric
Match rigid or stretch to your fit.
How to decide
Choose rigid or selvedge denim for classic fits and character, and stretch denim for comfort in slim cuts.
Quick tip
Stretch makes slim fits far easier to wear. Browse BOSS jeans (/collections/mens-boss-black-jeans).
Judge the Make
Look at seams, hardware and hems.
How to decide
Check for flat-felled seams, bar-tacks or rivets, a chain-stitch hem and a firm waistband as signs of quality.
Quick tip
Selvedge and hidden rivets mark premium denim. Browse men's jeans (/collections/mens-jeans-denim).
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right jeans?
Start with how you will wear them, then match the fit and wash to that setting; a dark, slim or straight jean for smart wear, a mid-wash relaxed jean for casual days. Get the waist and rise right first, choose rigid or stretch denim to suit the fit, and check the seams, hems and hardware for quality.
How should jeans fit?
Jeans should sit comfortably at the waist with room for two fingers, follow the seat and thigh without pulling or bagging, and finish at a length you like on your shoe. The cut, from skinny to relaxed, decides how close the leg sits, so choose the fit that flatters your build and how you will wear them.
Should I size up or down in jeans?
Buy your true waist in stretch denim, as it moulds to you with wear. In rigid, non-stretch denim you can size the waist true but expect it to relax slightly after a few wears, so avoid buying too big. If you are between sizes, the fabric's stretch is the deciding factor.