All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
There’s no denying the range that blue jeans have. Any situation, any style—they can do it all. They’re the Denzel of pants. But the best black jeans for men can do just about anything blue jeans can do—and sometimes even better. Classic American straight-leg jeans, workwear-inspired Japanese selvedge denim, trendy printed joints—all of the best men’s jeans look absolutely stellar when you turn on dark mode. Whether your wardrobe skews punk rock or preppy, minimalist or maximalist, the right pair of black jeans are the perfect foundation for building big fits.
But what are the right black jeans for you? Are they pitch black and pressed, or washed and thrashed? Are they slim-cut or wide-leg? Crisp and light or heavy and fuzzy? For such a simple garment, there are more spins on black denim out there than there are flavors at Baskin-Robbins. So we did the hard work for you and rounded up all of the ones that matter—the very best black jeans for men to buy right now.
The Pound-for-Pound Best Black Jeans
There’s no beating the Levi’s 501. Not in indigo, not in white, and definitely not in black. It’s the blueprint for the entire denim universe as we know it—a trendproof, universally flattering standard bearer—thanks to its perfect mid-rise and classic straight-leg silhouette.
The Best Dressy Black Jeans
Looking for a dressier pair of jeans that can hang on a dinner date? Uniqlo’s Jil Sander-led +J line has you covered. The denim is as black as night, the branding and hardware are as minimal as can be, and the fit is slick, tailored, and absolutely begging to be paired with a blazer and some Chelsea boots.
The Best Baggy Black Jeans
Pleats aren’t just for stuffy (but stylish!) old men anymore. On a pair of jeans, they’re an unexpected detail that adds elegance and volume—the latter of which is great for trying to land tre flips. This perfectly slouchy, relaxed take from Noah is cut from crisp, heavyweight Japanese denim that’ll break in like a charm the longer you wear ’em.
The Extremely-Right-Now Black Jeans
A lot of denim brands have hopped on the baggy-flared trend that’s sweeping menswear right now, but almost none of them have nailed it as well as Acne. With a mid-rise, roomy thigh, and elegantly flared hem, you’ll want to toss on your silkiest shirt and dancing shoes and get your Saturday Night Fever on.
The Rockstar Black Jeans
These jeans will make you feel like a total rock star. They’re perfectly faded, artfully shredded, and have the exact right type of slim fit to fool everyone into thinking you’re way more famous than you actually are. Cut from a beautiful Japanese denim with just a hair of stretch—you know, for moshing—they’re the kind of jeans that look best with some tough boots and an even tougher leather jacket.
