The denim pendulum is in a constant state of flux, but right now, it’s swinging towards the best slim jeans for men. For the last few years, menswear fans have relished the extra legroom afforded them to by jeans of positively Bieberian proportion, which, hey, nobody’s knocking. (To be abundantly clear, nobody’s advocating for a return to skinny jeans, either.) But in 2024, slim jeans—those figure-lengthening, butt-lifting, clean-lined American classics—sure seem posed for a dramatic return to form.
To help you arrive at the party on time, let’s define your two routes there. Slim-straight jeans are streamlined through the thigh and knee, with a consistent leg opening down to the ankle, creating a clean silhouette that avoids hugging the leg. Slim-taper jeans are tailored through the thigh and knee but taper significantly from the knee to the ankle.
Finding the best slim-fit jeans for you is all about personal preference, though given that old standbys like Levi’s and Wrangler offer great options that don’t break the bank, your search really can start and end with one of their models. That said, plenty of capital-D Designers make a beautiful pair, too—ditto the small-batch denim specialists we know and love—and every single pair worth your time is immediately below.
The Best Men’s Slim Jeans, According to GQ
Best Slim Jeans Overall: Levi’s 511 Slim-Fit Jeans
It’s tough to move away from the tried-and-true 501s and 505s, but that’s exactly what many people did when Levi’s dropped the 511s in the early aughts. The 511s offer a slim fit that’s sharp but not overly tight, giving you a trim look without the painted-on effect of skinny jeans. Plus, a touch of added stretch assures you can move freely without feeling restricted. This light-wash pair arrives with a a broken-in feel, sparing you the rigor of breaking in raw denim.
Best Budget Slim Jeans: Wrangler Cowboy Cut Slim-Fit Jeans
We love the Cowboy Cut. Designed with rodeo cowboys in mind, Wrangler’s iconic, affordable slim-fit has since become a symbol of heartland American style, worn by iconic countryman George Strait, and even Patrick Swayze in Road House. With a high rise that keeps your shirt securely tucked, and a secure fit through the seat and thigh, their light-flare, boot-friendly design ensures they’ll also fall perfectly around your ankles, even when you’re sporting the highest of roper boots.
Best Budget Slim Selvedge Jeans: Uniqlo Stretch Selvedge Slim-Fit Jeans
Leave it to the ‘Qlo to serve up a comfortable yet stylish pair of selvedge jeans for under $50. Unlike the slightly-flaring Wranglers, the fit of these is a true slim straight, perfect for pairing with a wide range of footwear, from Chelsea boots to loafers to sneakers. (They’re also one of the more sustainable options available here, thanks to Uniqlo’s innovative ‘BlueCycle’ Jean technology, which drastically reduces the amount of water needed to produce jeans.) And if the affordability and sustainability aren’t enough to sway you, the retailer sweetens the deal with its online inseam alteration service. Choose a cutoff or visible hem and pay nothing, or opt for a professional chain stitch for just $5.
Best Upgrade Slim Jeans: A.P.C. Petit Standard Jeans
A.P.C.’s Petit Standard slim jean has enjoyed a cult following for years. The 12.75 oz. Japanese selvedge denim fades exquisitely, the tan contrast stitching indicates that you didn’t just pull these off a department store shelf, and the extra length at the bottom allows you to stack, roll, or hem equally—whatever look you prefer. Plus, A.P.C tries to make everything, like, 5% better season after season, and the latest version of the Petit Standard has been upgraded with 2% stretch for instant comfort.
Best Slim Jeans for Denimheads: Orslow 107 Slim-Fit Selvedge Denim Jeans
Named after the slim denim that’s a hallmark of Ivy style, Orslow’s 107 Ivy denim elevates the humble jean to a meticulously crafted art form. Drawing on founder Ichiro Nakatsu’s personal archive of vintage jeans, these do more than just nod to the past—they represent a deep respect for denim’s rich history, down to the vintage sewing machines they’re made on. The two-year wash process has been thoughtfully designed to replicate the soft, broken-in feel of denim that’s been worn for years, yet still allows for the development of a unique patina over time. Even the minor details of the 107 are callbacks to traditional denim manufacturing, down to the oxidized rivets and contrast topstitching.
Best Slim Jeans for Rock Gods: Celine Lou Jeans
Wherever fashion designer Hedi Slimane has taken the helm, his signature slim silhouettes have followed. So it tracks that the slim jeans from Celine, his current home, are excellent. They’ll set you back of course, but unlike many designer interpretations (*cough, sneakers, cough*), Celine’s denim follows all the rules: The pre-washed “black ice” rinse is made in Japan from 100% cotton, with a slim fit, low rise, and charmingly blank leather waistband patch. If you want to go designer for your slim-fits, it makes sense to choose a designer who’s stayed so loyal to the style.
More Slim Jeans We Love
3sixteen CT-101xs Classic Tapered Jeans
Todd Snyder Slim Selvedge Jeans
Kapital Slim-Fit Crochet-Trimmed Jeans
Rick Owens Detroit Cut Jeans
Sugar Cane Slim Tapered Jeans
Madewell Slim Jeans
RRL Slim-Fit Selvedge Jeans
