Are stretch jeans exclusively for the ladies, or can men dive into the comfort and style of these versatile denims?
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In our comprehensive guide, we enlist the insights of style experts to debunk myths, unearth the best stretch jeans tailored for men, and unravel the art of selecting the perfect fit. From mastering the art of styling, read on for the ultimate guide to men's stretch jeans.
The Best Men's Stretch Jeans
I’m a big advocate for the Wranger Wrancher. These are advertised as “dress jeans” by Wrangler, and honestly, I think they look great! They include a flared leg which is great for guys who might have a larger thigh or belly, since they can help even out your profile. I’d wear these with a boot, but not just a cowboy boot! A nice Chelsea boot works great for most looks.
- Darren Bogus | Senior Editor | Shop LC
- Levi's: Both 511 Slim Fit and the 514 Straight Fit Stretch Jeans are very popular. They're great for everyday wear and look good with everything.
- AG Adriano Goldschmied: The Tellis Modern Slim Leg.
- Uniqlo EZY Jeans: These are pretty comfortable and a very affordable option.
- Yenia Hernández Fonseca | Stylist, Fashion Expert & Contributor | Margo Paige
A favorite brand is Monfrère. The silhouette of fits such as the Brando model look great with and without a tailored jacket.
There are plenty of other jeans I like. Another quick recommendation is Rag & Bone’s fits 2 and 3. Fit 3 does not require downsizing.
- Joseph Rosenfeld | Fashion & Personal Style Strategist
There are several fantastic options out there. Here are the ones that I highly recommend:
- Edwin's Slim Tapered Jeans: A go-to for style editors and celebrities alike, known for their versatility.
- Levi's 511 Slim Fit Jeans: A modern slim fit with advanced stretch technology, perfect for smart-casual occasions.
- Ralph Lauren's Sullivan Jeans: They strike a balance between smart and casual, offering a slim fit without being restrictive.
- Chris Laverty | Movie Fashion & Design Expert | Elemental Spot
- Wrangler's Texas Low Stretch
- Uniqlo's Selvegde Stretch Slim Fit Jeans
- Diesel's Straight Jeans Waykee
- Muji's Super Stretch Skinny Fit
- Levis 511 Slim Jeans
- Stephen Antonio | Gentleman's Trend
Can Guys Wear Stretch Jeans?
Men can and should wear stretch jeans. And while the cyclical nature of fashion currently shows a flared leg trending, there’s plenty to enjoy about a stretch jean.
- Darren Bogus | Senior Editor | Shop LC
Stretch jeans are designed for both men and women. In recent years, stretch jeans have become incredibly popular due to their comfort and unlimited styling possibilities. Men can wear stretchy jeans for casual or even semi-formal occasions, depending on how they're styled.
- Yenia Hernández Fonseca | Stylist, Fashion Expert & Contributor | Margo Paige
Yes, guys can absolutely wear stretch jeans, and they've become an increasingly popular trend in men's fashion in recent years. While the go-to fabric for jeans is still, of course, traditional denim, stretch jeans offer a level of comfort and flexibility that its rigid texture can't match. They afford the wearer ease of movement, making them great for days when comfort or mobility is the goal.
- Patrick Kenger | Personal Stylist | Pivot Image
Men can absolutely wear stretch jeans! As jeans are a staple in the modern man’s wardrobe, it is great they can keep their style in a more comfortable way and with more cuts available, as the stretch widened the options of types and styles of jeans.
The variable cut features in these denim items allow every man to find his comfort without compromising on style, and in some cuts, nobody will know if it is stretchy or not. You can find super skinny, skinny, tight fits, slim-fit, straight-leg, more relaxed fit, low-rise, or high-rise.
- Pazit Reuven | Fashion Designer, Blogger | Shawlovers
I personally love wearing stretch jeans and, as a movie fashion and design expert, have explored their evolution and impact on men's fashion extensively.
And yes men can wear skinny jeans. Stretch jeans offer the classic look of denim but with the added benefit of comfort and mobility. Whether you're commuting, hiking, or just lounging, they're a must-have in any man's wardrobe.
- Chris Laverty | Movie Fashion & Design Expert | Elemental Spot
Yes, men can wear stretch jeans. Stretch jeans are typically more comfortable and flexible compared to traditional denim jeans. The added elasticity in stretch jeans comes from a small percentage of synthetic materials like elastane or spandex mixed in with the cotton. This provides the jeans with a comfortable fit that adapts to the shape of the body.
- Stephen Antonio | Gentleman's Trend
Should You Size Down for Stretch Jeans?
When you’re considering whether or not to size down, there are a few things to consider. Some brands offer a tighter fit than others, so sizing down isn’t necessary. For others, it’ll provide a closer fit, but at the cost of greater wear on the fabric, since it will be stretching more often.
If you’re like me, and have strongly defined thighs, sizing down probably isn’t required. However, guys with a thinner build can benefit from this extra definition. I bought my most recent pair of stretch jeans in my regular size (36W32L) and haven’t experienced any issues.
Bottom line, try them on before you buy. Be sure to try walking, squatting, and stretching in the pants before you commit to a purchase and save yourself a headache.
- Darren Bogus | Senior Editor | Shop LC
Whether you need size down in stretch jeans or not, will depend on the brand, personal style, and your preferences. Ultimately, comfort and fit are crucial.
Brands have a variety of fits, so it's very important to try on as many pairs as possible. You'll probably need to size up in slim-fit jeans if you prefer a looser fit. You'll also need to check the fiber content in each style, namely the stretch percentage compared to the cotton percentage, to determine whether you need to size up or not.
- Yenia Hernández Fonseca | Stylist, Fashion Expert & Contributor | Margo Paige
When it comes to sizing in stretch jeans, it's important to strike the right fit / comfort balance. Aim for a size that matches your waist and leg length, and don't panic if they feel slightly snug at first. They will stretch over time as you wear them, typically within the first hour. I advise clients to get stretch jeans that are slightly slimmer than their regular jeans for this reason, but they should never feel tight, just comfortably snug.
Look for a fit that compliments your body shape (not the body shape of whatever model is featured in the jeans ad). Some style options include slim fit, skinny fit, and straight leg. Choose the one that you feel comfortable in.
- Patrick Kenger | Personal Stylist | Pivot Image
Typically, the rule would be to size down one inch to account for eventual stretching. One would not like jeans to become too big or to become baggy due to the inherent stretching nature of jeans that have ‘stretchability.’
There are always exceptions, of course. If the wearer has thicker thighs — say he is a runner — sizing down will not work. The pant leg will catch at the thigh, causing the length of the jeans to lift up and catch all along the leg. That is unsightly.
So, it is important to fit the thickest part of the body that a pair of jeans cover. It is possible to open the waistband and dart it to make it fit the waistline better. But it absolutely must fit the legs in a flattering way. Otherwise, what’s the point.
And for a guy who wants the smooth feel of stretchy jeans and has a body that requires a bit of room, in addition to tailoring, I will also recommend a belt to help keep the jeans in place on the waist.
- Joseph Rosenfeld | Fashion & Personal Style Strategist
Though it is tempting since a size down may still fit, I do not recommend going down with sizes as it might result in an unflattering and uncomfortable pair (you might have trouble putting your hands in the pockets, not to mention getting your wallet in there!).
- Pazit Reuven | Fashion Designer, Blogger | Shawlovers
It really depends on the brand and the fit you're going for. For instance, the FRAME L'Homme Jeans, a popular skinny-fit pair, recommends buying one size larger than normal as they tend to run small. However, the key is to ensure they're comfortable and provide enough room to move freely.
- Chris Laverty | Movie Fashion & Design Expert | Elemental Spot
It's not always necessary to size down when buying stretch jeans. It depends on the brand and the fit you are aiming for. Stretch jeans, by their nature, will have more give than traditional denim, which may make them feel more forgiving in terms of size. However, they should not be excessively tight, nor should they lose their shape over time.
Keep in mind that some stretch materials may relax with time and wear, so it's often a good idea to consult size charts, and customer reviews, or even try on multiple sizes to find the most comfortable fit.
- Stephen Antonio | Gentlemans Trend
How to Style Stretch Jeans
A lot of this will come down to your personal preference, style and aesthetic, but here are some tips to help you out when deciding what stretch jeans to buy.
Dark colors are a great idea if you have strongly defined legs. Dark colors are naturally slimming and will help visually taper your look. Meanwhile, thinner men might benefit from lighter washes in their denim, as these colors can help add some visual mass.
Secondly, know your measurements based on the way you’re planning to wear them. Are they going to sit on your natural waist, like Wrangler Wranchers, or will they sit on your hips, such as how many men wear their jeans? Your inseam measurement is equally important, as you want to avoid the fabric bunching up at your ankle due to a sloppy fit.
I find that skinny stretch jeans pair best with an ankle boot or high tops, like a pair of Converse All Stars. They help elevate a street style look into something a little dressier than what your regular man on the street might be wearing. I prefer a slim fit pant for this, but that’s based on my body type. Guys with an average build might feel most comfortable with a regular fit.
First up though, the best advice is to find the right fit for your body type and personal style, as not all jeans will work based on your individual needs.
- Darren Bogus | Senior Editor | Shop LC
The style of stretch jeans can range from a classic, clean look to distressed and / or trendy. Choose a style that fits your personal taste and consider what occasions you plan to wear them for before making a final decision.
Generally though stretch jeans are versatile - they can be paired with various outfits and be dressed up or down. Here are a few ideas:
- For a more casual look, put them together with a plain t-shirt and sneakers.
- For something more upscale, dress them up by pairing with a button-down shirt and dress shoes.
- For a more rugged look, try them with a leather jacket and boots.
- You can also try out different belt styles to and other accessories to set off your outfit.
A good pair of stretch jeans can become a staple in your wardrobe, and with the versatility they bring to your closet, it's worth the time and investment to find a pair that's just right for you.
- Patrick Kenger | Personal Stylist | Pivot Image
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.