The best dark wash jeans for men are an essential part of any wardrobe and the backbone of just about any smart casual outfit. Looking for pants to wear with a t-shirt? Dark wash jeans. How about a button-down Oxford? Dark jeans. A hoodie and pair of Converse? You guessed it: men’s dark wash jeans.
No matter how you spin it, dark wash jeans are the best building blocks behind a put-together outfit, so it’s crucial to have at least one pair in your arsenal.
If you’re hoping to build up your dark wash jean collection, we’ve taken the time to narrow down the best options on the market today. Whether you’re looking for a classic or unique pair, you’ll find it all here.
When it comes to the perfect dark wash jeans for men, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better pair than the No. 2s from A Day’s March. This Swedish brand knows a thing or two about essentials, which shines through in these jeans. They’re ideal for daily wear year after year.
Crafted thoughtfully from Japanese raw denim, these pants adapt to your body and age gracefully. Yes, even if you drag them to hell and back. The slightly high-rise fit and flattering tapered leg will carry you from casual Fridays at the office to Sunday brunches.
A final added bonus is these jeans are designed to be washed as little as possible. Even if it’s laundry day for your entire wardrobe, you’ll still have these pants to depend on.
Material: Japanese Denim (100% cotton) | Fit: Slim | Sizes Available: 29 – 36 | Wash: Raw Denim
Levi’s and denim are synonymous at this point, so it should be no surprise that they make some of the best dark wash jeans for men. Ideal for the budget-conscious man who doesn’t skimp on style, the iconic 501s are a sure bet. And we should hope so, considering they’ve been around since the nineteenth century.
Seen on everyone from George Clooney to Steve Jobs, these straight-fit jeans are an epic starting point for a put-together outfit. Pair them with a plain or logo tee, a blazer or hoodie, sneakers, or dress shoes… the possibilities are endless. However, one thing remains constant—the dependable nature of Levi’s original jeans.
Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Straight | Sizes Available: 28 – 46 | Wash: Rigid, Black, Stone
Created with close attention to detail, Wax London debuts their first denim collection, and it doesn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for the best dark wash jeans for men, this slim-fit pair is the gateway to a timeless look.
They’re pre-washed for an added dose of comfort and designed to be form-fitting with a tapered leg. While they go with just about anything, we particularly enjoy them with creamy knits, premium tee shirts, and a colorful pair of kicks. Ideal for an effortless, versatile style.
Material: 100% Cotton | Fit: Slim | Sizes Available: 28 – 38 | Wash: Rinse
On the hunt for the best dark wash jeans that don’t look like every other pair?
These jeans are the standout accent piece to the modern man’s wardrobe. You’ll be racking up compliments no matter where you choose to wear these bad boys. However, they are more suitable for casual occasions rather than dressier ones.
Despite the dual color design, these denim pants go well with basic and bold patterns alike. Don’t be afraid to get creative when putting together your outfits.
Material: 80% Cotton, 20% Recycled Cotton | Fit: Bootcut | Sizes Available: 28 – 34 | Wash: Mid Blue/Dark Blue
This pair of Italian-made men’s dark wash jeans screams quality and comfort. The eco stretch denim allows you to move without restraint, so wear them on whatever adventures life throws your way.
Thanks to sustainable materials and practices, these organic cotton jeans use less water and energy than a typical pair. So they look good, and you can feel good when you wear them, knowing they’re made with the environment in mind. Since the slim fit design creates a polished look, pair them with sneakers, loafers, and a smart top for maximum style points.
Material: 98% Organic Cotton, 2% Recycled Elastane | Fit: Slim | Sizes Available: 27 – 38 | Wash: Dark Blue
These gems have that little something extra to create an interesting pair of pants without deviating from the roots of pure essentialism. Forét believes in slowing down, which allowed them to create this artful pair of men’s jeans.
Made in Portugal from cotton twill, these chino jean hybrids are simplicity at its finest with a little oomph that makes these dark wash jeans just that much better. Don’t be afraid to dress these pants up with a pressed white button-down and a pair of derbies. Or throw on a hoodie and call it a day. We’re not judging.
Material: 100% Cotton Twill | Fit: Straight | Sizes Available: 28 – 36 | Wash: Denim
Every man needs a pair of raw denim jeans. Look no further than
And they only get better with age (meaning they become more flexible with time). So feel free to wear them into the ground without fear of them losing shape or *shudders* becoming too baggy around the crotch.
The slim-fit design is a flattering one, and the mid-rise waist keeps your boxers from peeking out. Wear them with blazers or flannels, depending on the look you’re going for. They’re versatile enough for any situation that arises, so don’t stress over your outfit. These are a hard yes from us.
Material: Japanese Denim (100% Organic Cotton) | Fit: Slim | Sizes Available: 28 – 36 | Wash: Raw Denim
Hoping to upgrade your style without spending a fortune? These dark wash jeans for men from Uniqlo are hard to beat and won’t make your wallet hurt either. Made from selvedge denim, Uniqlo went ahead and integrated some stretch into an otherwise rigid fabric so that these jeans can move with you.
The slim fit offers a bit of give since they adapt to your body over time, and the black colorway is alluring enough that you may want to wear them every day. A great building block for a sophisticated outfit, pair them with smart sweaters or hoodies.
Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Spandex | Fit: Slim | Sizes Available: 27 – 40 | Wash: Black
Jeans and summer are two words that simply do not go together. Until now, that is. Bonobos did the impossible: made a pair of jeans that can be worn year-round without sacrificing comfort. Yes, it’s true, you can wear these jeans in the summer and winter. Go ahead and throw them on in the fall and spring, too. They’re called All Season Jeans for a reason.
The lightweight denim is super soft with tons of added stretch, thanks to the addition of Tencel and elastane. And they’re sustainably made if you’re after an eco-conscious pair of dark wash jeans.
It’s also worth noting that aside from choosing your waist size, Bonobos allows you to choose the length and the fit. Go for options like slim taper, tailored, slim or athletic. It’s official, these jeans really are the most versatile pair on the market today.
Material: 70% Cotton, 28% Tencel Lyocell, 2% Elastane | Fit: Slim | Sizes Available: 28 – 40 | Wash: 13 Options
With more than 240 five-star reviews, it’s safe to say these men’s dark wash jeans are a fan favorite. Thanks to a flattering skinny fit and three dark colors to choose from, these simple jeans from Everlane pack a huge punch. They’re the essentials every man dreams of. You’ll likely want to wear them forever because since when were jeans ever this comfortable?
Just because these jeans are skinny doesn’t mean you can’t move in them (and no, they’re not Justin Beiber skinny either). They have a touch of elastane for a favorable four-way stretch, and they’re backed by Everlane’s 365-day guarantee because they’re just that good.
Material: 94% Organic Cotton, 2% Elastane, 4% Other Fiber | Fit: Skinny | Sizes Available: 28 – 40 | Wash: Dark Indigo, Black, Washed Black
Introducing the dark wash jeans fit for all the minimalists of the world. The premium Japanese selvedge denim breaks in after several wears, which leads to the perfect fitting pair of jeans. If you’re used to typical denim, they might feel slightly rigid, but it fades as you wear them.
The slim fit design is optimal for smart wear, though you’ll likely reach for them for casual occasions, too. And if you can resist washing them too much, the color has a significantly longer lifespan than most pairs of jeans you can find. Feel free to wear them to your dressed-down workplace or any big night out. They’re a noteworthy blank canvas to build a stunning outfit off of.
Material: Japanese Denim (100% Cotton) | Fit: Slim | Sizes Available: 26 – 36 | Wash: Indigo
If you like a stretchier jean, this dark wash pair by Rag & Bone is well worth considering. Made from 10oz of Japanese denim, they’re a tad lighter than other selvedge jeans, which are generally crafted from 13oz of denim. Since there’s less weight, these dark wash jeans are suitable for year-round wear. And the addition of some stretch makes them some of the most comfortable, too.
We love the look of these jeans with a plain t-shirt and bomber jacket. Cuff the ankles to show off a pair of high tops, or keep it simple with some white leather sneakers. No matter how you choose to style these bad boys, you’re in for a sleek outfit.
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Polyurethane | Fit: Slim | Sizes Available: 28 – 38 | Wash: Dark Denim
What to Look for When Searching For The Best Dark Wash Jeans for Men
Material
First off, you’ll want to consider the material of your jeans as this majorly contributes to comfort. Generally, jeans are almost always made of cotton, but some are made of heavier, more rigid cotton, like selvedge or raw denim.
The benefit to selvedge and raw denim is they’re long-lasting and actually mold to your body after wearing them, which makes for a more premium garment than your standard, run-of-the-mill jeans.
On the other hand, it’s common to see softer jeans with elastane which contributes to stretch and makes for a pair of men’s pants with more give.
Wash
Wash refers to the fading process that gives a pair of jeans their unique color. Typically, men’s dark wash jeans go through a less intensive process than light wash jeans, which require a longer treating process. Dark wash jeans can also be untreated, leading to a stiffer result than a lighter wash—think rigid selvedge and raw denim.
But these days, wash can refer to the color of the jeans rather than the actual process. Dark wash jeans come in a huge range of hues from black, to gray, to deep navy. A good rule of thumb is the darker the jean, the dressier it is. But if you’re after a more traditional pair, you can’t go wrong with classic indigo.
Style
For a smarter silhouette, slim-fit jeans reign supreme. This versatile style features tapered pants with a tailored look without being boyband skinny. Straight-leg jeans have a more relaxed fit if you’re after a more casual pair. And boot cuts are nothing short of classic. A final word of advice—if you do go the skinny jean route, it pays to pick a pair with added stretch so your boys down south have some room to breathe.
FAQ
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Dark wash jeans are some of the most versatile pants as you can wear them with anything. Dress them up with an ironed button-down shirt and a pair of derbies, or keep it casual with a logo t-shirt and pair of Converse. Bonus points if you cuff the ankles to show off your kicks.
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Typically, you should wash your jeans after ten wears or so to help keep the shape and color intact. A good standard practice is to turn them inside out, wash them on cold, and hang them to dry instead of tossing them in the dryer. Also, be mindful of washing them with like colors, so you don’t dye the rest of your wardrobe indigo. When in doubt, always check the care instructions to prolong their lifespan.
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Dark wash jeans look their best with contrasting colors, so think white t-shirts or button-downs and light-colored sweaters. If you’re feeling outgoing, throw in some color with a bright pair of sneakers or loud accessories like a red beanie or green belt. If subtlety is more you’re style, go with black shirts and shoes for a more mysterious look.
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