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While blue denim is undeniably the most popular style of jeans, black denim deserves the same amount of space in everyone's closet. They're more versatile, pairing as well with the best T-shirts for men or a collared shirt and sports coat. They can instantly dress up a basic look, and have a flattering elongating effect.
Our top pick for the best overall black jeans for men is the Mott & Bow Jay Jeans. This pair is crafted from Italian denim that's lightweight, breathable, and effortlessly stylish. Another standout is Buck Mason's Japanese Selvedge Loomstate Full Saddle Jeans, which are made in the USA using premium Japanese selvedge and feature a roomy straight leg fit.
Below we've gathered the 20 best black jeans for men. For a wider range of more classic blue pairs, see our broad guide to the best jeans for men.
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Best overallMade from a soft lightweight Italian denim with the perfect amount of stretch in three classic fits.
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Best affordableThese comfortable, durable jeans feature a flexible waist band in a relaxed fit for easy all-day wear.
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Best skinnyThe perfect stretchy skinny jeans. Roomy in the seat and thigh, slim in the knee and ankle.
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Best selvedgeMade with heavy Japanese selvedge and a straight leg fit, the Full Saddle Jeans are roomy and relaxed.
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Best baggyBuilt for fun. Distinctive '90s look with a loose fit and a subtle taper in a durable midweight denim.
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Best cargoFor a trendy baggy look. Traditional side pockets, embellished accents, and loose fit.
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Features a hammer loop & reinforced front panelsA&F's denim comes in both athletic and classic fits. These utility jeans have a relaxed, broken-in feel.
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Super soft and stretchy in a deep blackExtremely stretchy, ultra comfortable, always stylish. Slim fitting, but roomy where you need it.
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Best plus sizeComes in a wide size range with an elasticized waistband, stretch denim & hidden gussets for comfort.
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Best upgradeMade on vintage equipment with an artist's eye. Features brass hardware & hand-sewn front pockets.
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Best rippedFrom the OG denim brand. A lived-in look with blown-out knees, distressed details, and built-in stretch.
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Triple stitching at key points for durabilitySuper comfortable. Tons of stretch with no sagging, soft handfeel, and built-in moisture wicking tech.
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Classic true blackAn eco-friendly lightweight denim in a deep midnight hue with just the right amount of stretch.
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Fairly priced and made in the U.S.A.Durable, slim fitting, and stretchy, with signature rose gold hardware all at $75.
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Keeps fresh with less washingComfy, odor-fighting ionic silver is infused into the denim. Wear longer without washing.
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Double-dyed Japanese denim, artful detailsMidweight Japanese denim double dyed for a rich black, broken-in softness. Details like copper rivets.
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Made in the U.S. from local materialsSustainably made with denim and hardware sourced in North America. Classic style, great price.
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Seriously sustainable, handsome, and comfyA+ sustainability and style. Midweight Italian denim. Super sharp down to the matte black hardware.
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Lightweight, sustainable, and perfect for travelSustainably made from a lightweight denim that's breathable, flexible, and ultra comfy.
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Best dressyMade in Europe with old-world tailoring and modern fabrics. They feel custom made and look sharp.
Black jeans FAQs
How should I style black jeans?
The simplest way to emphasize the coolness of black jeans is to pair them with a white T-shirt, black leather jacket, and ankle boots. Or, go monochrome and pair them with a black or gray tee, polo, or collared shirt. You can still add a pop of color via a bright pair of shoes and/or a belt. Try styling them with blue, emerald green, or darker reds.
For dressing them up, think turtlenecks, button downs, or single-breasted, unstructured sports coats. The cut of your black jeans should also play a part in your outfit choices. With skinny jeans, don't pile on the layers or you'll look top-heavy. Keep it sleek. On the other hand, if you're wearing '90s-style baggy jeans, go for an oversized tee and a flannel shirt or cardigan. Ultimately, the patterns and prints up top should reflect your personal style. Black jeans will serve as a backdrop to balance them against.
How do I wash black jeans?
There are a few simple things you can do to extend the life of your black jeans the next time you toss them into the washer. Turn them inside out and crank it to the cold water setting and the gentle cycle. Even if your jeans are really dirty, with modern washers, the cold water will still get them clean. A gentle cycle is even more important with raw denim, which bleeds more and will definitely shrink in warmer water. For selvedge, it depends on what you're going for, but the less you wash them, the more dramatic the fade will be down the line. Besides the potential for shrinking and fading, line drying them will extend their life. When in doubt, check the label to see what each specific brand suggests for laundering.
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