The best jeans for men: from straight fit to wide leg

• Fabrication: 100% organic cotton
• Sizes: 24-38

An indigo-hued pair of jeans should be a stalwart in any man’s roster, and for a pair that will stand the test of time, Nudie’s got you. Made from 14.25 oz Turkish selvedge denim, these relaxed-fit jeans will become better with every wear and wash, developing their own unique patina. Should anything happen to them in the meantime, a lifetime of free repairs at a Nudie Repair Shop will have them good as new in no time.

• Fabrication: Stretch cotton blend
• Sizes: 28-36

The perennial home of work and formalwear knows its way around a pair of jeans almost as well as a tapered trouser. Case in point: this pair of classic washed indigos in a slim fit that mirrors its tailored suit pants. Style with your best heavy white T-shirt.

• Fabrication: Cotton-hemp blend
• Sizes: 26-40

As classic as it comes in the denim game, Levi’s may have pioneered the blue jean, but it’s done a hell of a lot since. Enter Levi’s 551Z straight jeans, and their nuanced medium-toned stone wash that’s practically beginning to be paired with a crisp white T-shirt and your choice of high-top kicks.

• Fabrication: 100% cotton
• Sizes: 27-36

A washed black pair of jeans is a staple. Barrel leg and tapered, this pair from Weekday will add instant laid-back style to any outfit. Wear yours with a brightly-hued, oversized jumper to contrast the grungey appeal with something more preppy.

• Fabrication: 100% organic cotton
• Sizes: 28-38

Sitting in Mr Porter's permanent collection – a range of everyday staples designed to develop the foundation of your wardrobe – this pair of straight cut jeans are essential for those who favour a classic silhouette. Cut from a rigid organic denim material for an old-school feel, they sit with a mid-rise, fall with a straight leg and fasten with a traditional zip and button closure. Simple and undeniably effective, they're a lifelong favourite for team GQ.

• Fabrication: 100% cotton
• Sizes: 29-33

If you're looking to make a statement through your jeans of choice, Uniqlo has just the pair for you. Going bold through the two most prominent elements of the style – shape and shade – this cotton pair falls with a flattering wide fit and promises to draw the right kind of attention through the popping purple shade. So too incorporating the brand's ‘Blue Cycle Jeans’ technology (which reduces the volume of water used during their production), they're stylish, conscious and sold at a price that won't break the bank.

• Fabrication: Cotton blend
• Sizes: 30-40

Lover of a sexed-up wardrobe, Tom Ford has just the jeans for you. Assembled from a selvedge white denim texture (AKA a hallmark of this style avenue), this pair are as striking as they are flattering: falling with a sleek slim fit and imbued with a touch of stretch to keep you comfortable regardless of what's on your calendar.

• Fabrication: 100% cotton
• Sizes: 27-34

Cos has long been a top port of call for minimalist menswear pieces to last, and this latest pair of jeans proves just why. Blending the ease of loungewear with the durability of denim, they're assembled from a lightweight blend of organic cotton and hemp and have been structured to fall with a cropped straight leg. With a partially elasticated waistband to rest comfortably across your torso, they're a failsafe pick for the season ahead – especially if your budget is under £100.

• Fabrication: 100% cotton
• Sizes: 27-34

The French like to keep things slim and streamlined through their jeans of choice, a perfect example being this pair by Paris-based brand: Husbands. Cut to sit high on the waist (and therefore elongate your silhouette), they’re crafted from a Japanese washed indigo denim and fall with a small flare at the base for a subtle touch of sex appeal. We suggest checking out the brand's heeled leather boots to put an extra dose of charm in your step.

• Fabrication: 100% cotton
• Sizes: 26-40

Leaning into the ‘90s origins of the brand as well as the workwear beginnings of the blue jean, one of Carhartt WIP’s many covetable pairs comes here with a top-stitched double knee. A heavy and durable situation, you’ll find tool pockets and a hammer loop at play, in addition to those patchwork effect double knee placements. We pledge thanks to the person who made workwear fashionable.

• Fabrication: 100% cotton
• Sizes: 27-34

Since its inception ten years ago, Californian brand Fear of God has been making waves in the menswear world through its consistent variety of timeless and wearable garments. A current top pick in the denim department? This chocolate brown design. Cut to a straight leg silhouette, they have a slightly distressed appearance to give the most lived-in look and are subtly branded with a leather patch across the zip fastening. The pair to put you in good fashion standing.

• Fabrication: 100% certified organic cotton
• Sizes: 28-38

You know those jeans that melt to your body and get better with each wash? Well, these are them. Cut from Japanese raw denim and expertly sewn in Italy, these are premium, game-changing jeans at a fraction of the cost.

• Fabrication: 100% cotton
• Sizes: 28-38

Heavyweight Japanese denim cut for a lightweight wear, Burberry's ‘Harison’ jeans are an enviable wardrobe staple, to say the least. Sitting for a high rise on the waist, this is the perfect pair for finally trialling a cropped or shorter-hemmed shirt, or simply for when opting for a Danny Zuko-esque tucked tee.

• Fabrication: Stretch cotton
• Sizes: 29-42

Whilst the rich indigo blue of these Hugo Boss jeans might initially pull focus, the true show-stopping element is their super-soft feel. Stitched from finely woven denim made at the esteemed Candiani mill in Northern Italy, these jeans boast a butter-like smoothness to the touch, made to stand out amid the more rigid denim that can have you repeatedly reaching for the fabric softener.

• Fabrication: Organic cotton, leather trims
• Sizes: 28-40

Logomania has ruled the world of fashion ever since the ‘90s and '00s resurgence, and Gucci's Epilogue collection is no exception. Sent down the runway just months ago, these straight-leg jeans have been cut from organic GG jacquard denim, and specifically eco-washed for a vintage effect. Together, these capture the fashion house's individualistic spirit and its affinity for reinventing the ever-popular GG Supreme in new colourways and fabrications.

• Fabrication: 100% organic cotton
• Sizes: 32-36

Denim jeans are an absolute classic, and Superdry have made it their mission to design the only pair that you’ll ever need in your wardrobe. Unlike the British brand’s ever-popular Vintage Carpenter, the Organic Carpenter is composed of one hundred per cent organic cotton. It’s also equipped with a utility-style tool loop, and is available in a bunch of other blue hues too. Rock them with anything from a pair of white trainers to some very rugged hiking boots.

• Fabrication: Stretch cotton
• Sizes: 28-40

When Sunspel springs to mind, it’s possible that you think of its sleek pique polos (a favourite of Daniel Craig’s 007) or even its cashmere knitwear. However, the brand’s denim offering is certainly not to be overlooked — least of all this pair, complete with an ultra-versatile regular-fit and indigo denim blue.

• Fabrication: 100% cotton
• Sizes: 28-36

2023 marked a major milestone for Levi’s, more specifically, for the American brand’s 501 jean. This year, the legendary line celebrates its 150th birthday. One of the most iconic denim collections in all of history, if you don’t have a pair in your wardrobe, this vintage-inspired model has your name written all over it. Built with a classic slim leg and straight fit, it’s finished with a worn-in aesthetic that harkens back to the company’s rich workwear roots. Wear these with a trucker jacket for that full Canadian Tuxedo.

• Fabrication: 100% cotton
• Sizes: 28-40

An exemplary example of selvedge denim, Drake’s has designed the only pair of blue jeans you may ever need. The natural indigo and shuttle-loomed (in Japan, no less) finish give this staple a timeless look, not to mention the slight high rise and hidden copper button fly. Impeccable.

• Fabrication: Stretch cotton
• Sizes: 28-38

The only denim with a shifting life span, the beauty of a pair of selvedge jeans is that they evolve with you – they’ll pick up your creases, the shape of your wallet and even the model of your phone, softening more and more over time. In a mid-blue wash, these jeans from Everlane are cut in a slim-fit, but the more you wear them, the more ‘you’ they’ll become.

• Fabrication: Stretch cotton
• Sizes: 28-38

Manchester’s very own Represent is taking over the streetwear world. Its tees and hoodies have already made their way to every cool kid’s wardrobes, and now, they’re destined for denim domination. The ‘R3 Cargo’ features an ultra-baggy fit and a heavy vintage wash. You’ll find pockets across the sides and back, as well as an additional four to the bottom of the leg – perfect for storing all of your everyday essentials.

• Fabrication: Cotton blend
• Sizes: 24-46

Dickies is world-famous for its cargo trousers and jumpsuits, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the workwear label’s jean game. Throwing it all the way back to the good ol’ ‘90s, the ‘Houston’ boasts a vintage aesthetic that will never, ever go out of style. The relaxed cut is designed to be worn everyday, and it’s finished off with the iconic Dickies label that’s finely woven around the back.

• Fabrication: 100% cotton
• Sizes: 28-36

Grey jeans just don’t get as much love as they deserve, and if you’re in the market for some, Our Legacy’s Third Cut is everything that you need and so much more. To achieve the faded effect, this piece is decked out in a unique ash grey wash and it’s finished off with a vinyl logo patch. Slip on a white T-shirt and some chunky dad sneakers to complete the look.

• Fabrication: Stretch cotton
• Sizes: 30-40

Don’t write off the high street in your search for a pair of jeans with a premium feel. Upgrading your wardrobe with selvedge denim for under £50 is no easy feat, but that most trusty of retailers, M&S, will sort you out. These black straight-fit jeans are a perfect balance between smart-casual and date-night go-to.

• Fabrication: Stretch cotton
• Sizes: 28-34

Made by Paige for Reiss, these high-quality corduroy jeans are a cosy pick primed for winter wear and positively brim with streetwise appeal. Seventies vibes come through.