The Best Men’s Stretch Jeans To Buy in 2021

Jeans are a wardrobe staple, but they’re not always the most comfortable garment, especially for anyone on the go. Simply put, stiff raw denim isn’t always the most accommodating for a crosstown bike ride or a cross-country flight. The best stretch jeans for men make it easy to keep things comfortable without having to go full athleisure.

Not all stretch jeans are created equal, though. Synthetic fabrics like elastane, spandex and polyurethane can give your jeans flexibility, but too much can make your jeans look like jeggings. That’s why the sweet spot for stretch men’s jeans tends to be about 1% to 2% elastane. Jeans with a lot of stretch fabric might make it comfortable to move, but that stretch can detract from the look of the denim.

Fortunately, it’s easy to find stretch jeans in every color, price and wash. Whether you like your jeans to look fresh off the loom or well-worn and vintage, there’s a pair of stretch jeans that’ll fit your budget and taste. These are some of the best stretch jeans for men.

1. Levi’s 511 Slim Fit Jeans

Levi’s could have just invented jeans and called it a day — but the brand has stuck around for hundreds of years because they continue to attempt to perfect the blue jean. The 511 is one of the brand’s most popular fits — it’s slim, but not skinny, with plenty of room in the thigh to stay comfortable. These black jeans are cotton, with 1% elastane for stretch.

2. Todd Snyder Slim Fit Stretch Jeans

BEST UPGRADE

It’s hard to buy new jeans that look this authentically well-worn, but menswear maestro Todd Snyder puts a lot of thought into what he makes. These slim jeans have faded thighs and natural-looking whiskering. They’re made from 85% cotton, 13.5% polyester and 1.5% Elastane.

3. Everlane The Slim Fit Jean

BEST SOLID WASH

Flattering fits, fair prices — need we say more? Everlane is a great one-stop shop for guys looking for basic wardrobe upgrades. These jeans are available in a solid blue rinse or black. They’re made from Japanese denim with two-way stretch courtesy of the 2% elastane added in.

4. Polo Ralph Lauren Varick Slim Straight Jeans

BEST WHITE JEANS

Polo makes some of the best denim around, including perfectly tailored trucker jackets and denim shirts. Their Varick jeans are a flattering slim straight cut made from a blend of cotton and elastane. The jeans come in a range of colors, including white, which is a great alternative to the standard blue and black.

5. Levis 502 Men’s Jeans

BEST TAPER FIT

The 502 is a relatively recent addition to Levi’s lineup, and it’s a great option for any Levi’s fan who misses the discontinued 508s. It’s a tapered, slightly cropped fit that’s slim below the knee but with a little room in the thighs. The faded black color pairs perfectly with a pocket tee and a pair of canvas sneakers.

Read more: Best Designer Jeans For Men

6. Madewell Athletic Fit Flex Jeans

BEST VINTAGE LOOK 

If you’re looking for something with a more vintage look, Madewell’s Becklow wash jeans have that perfectly worn-in look. They’re made from 99% cotton with 1% elastane. The athletic slim fit leaves room in the seat and thighs to keep you comfortable.

Read more: Men’s Baggy Jeans

7. Calvin Klein Men’s Skinny Fit Jeans

BEST SKINNY FIT

Most of the options on this list are tapered or slim, but if you prefer a skinny fit, Calvin Klein’s jeans are a good option. They come in a range of colors, including this dark “Forever Black” wash. They have 1% elastane.

Read more: Best Black Jeans For Men

8. Edwin Slim-Fit Jeans

BEST DESIGNER

There are a lot of specialty denim brands, but few are as storied as Edwin, which was founded in Japan in 1947. These Japanese-made jeans have a flattering slim fit and are made from a blend of cotton with 2% polyurethane added in for softness and stretch.

9. Abercrombie & Fitch Straight Jeans

BEST STRAIGHT FIT

Haven’t set foot in an Abercrombie since high school? You’re missing out. The brand has stepped up its game in recent years, toning down the moose logos and turning up the style. These straight-cut jeans have a classic look and are made with 95% cotton, 4% polyester and 1% elastane.

10. Amazon Essentials Men’s Athletic-Fit Stretch Jean

BEST BUDGET

It’s hardly the sexiest brand, but when you need anything (really, anything) on short notice, Amazon Essentials is a good place to turn. And yes, they make jeans. These are made with 1% elastane and come in a wide range of colors.

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