The New York Times first called it back in 2013, and it’s happened again: dad jeans are officially cool. That’s right, your old man is a bonafide style icon, and he doesn’t even know it. We probably wouldn’t tell him that, though — you’ll likely never live it down.
Once a necessity for frantic fathers requiring maximum mobility and comfort, they’re now a stylish staple that deserves a place in every guy’s wardrobe (regardless of whether or not you have a little human to look after).
If you’re searching for the best dad jeans on the market, you couldn’t be in a better place. We set out on a quest to find the very best that money can buy and found some pretty awesome denim suitable for every man.
Our Top Picks
Organic cotton brand Nudie Jeans has specialized in premium denim since it was founded in 2001, so they know a thing or two about making amazing jeans. This pair has it all: a neatly tapered profile, belt loops, five pockets, and signature stitching. They’ve also been stonewashed for a vintage feel that all dads (and non-dads) will love.
The great thing about these dad jeans is that they look and feel amazing. The bonus is they’ll team up with pretty much anything you already have in your closet, especially casual outfits. Wear them with a leather jacket and tee for smart-casual occasions or with your favorite shirt for lunch with the in-laws.
Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Sizes available: 28-38” | Colors: Blue | Inseam: 32-34” | Care: Machine wash
Made in Japan, these high-rise jeans from
They’re an excellent addition to your casual rotation, and they look best when paired with a baggy silhouette (think oversized tees or sweaters). However, they also work well with bomber jackets, polo shirts, and chunky knitwear. If you want to play it safe, simply tuck in your favorite white T-shirt, and you’re good to go.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes available: 28-38” | Colors: Blue | Inseam: 30-32” | Care: Machine wash
Technically speaking, dad jeans are not usually ripped; unless your father was the overly clumsy kind. However, style rules are there to be broken, and Todd Snyder has done that ever so stylishly with this pair.
Presented in a mid-blue wash, they’re baked and sanded to give off the effect of years of natural wear, complete with abrasions and holes popping up where they typically would. While clearly a match made in heaven for a classic white tee and sneakers, they’ll look just as good with a checked flannel shirt and work boots.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes available: 30-36” | Colors: Light Blue, Mid-Blue, Indigo | Inseam: 30-34” | Care: Machine wash
Acne Studios gave a nod to popular cuts from the early 2000s with their loose-fit jeans as a simple yet stylish option you’ll turn to time and time again. They’re skillfully made from Japanese denim with a deep rise and straight leg.
Whiskered throughout for a pre-worn look, the vintage black wash makes them the ideal partner for a leather biker jacket and a plain white tee. Some high-top Chucks will complete a rock-inspired look perfect for hitting a bar with friends.
Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Sizes available: 28-34” | Colors: Black | Inseam: 30-34” | Care: Machine wash
Carhartt has been kitting out hard-working dads since forever, so it would feel wrong if they didn’t feature on our list of the best dad jeans for men. This pair has been built to last. They’re made from 15oz cotton and feature regular rise, reinforced pockets, and belt loops.
Whether you’re building a playhouse in the back yard or out and about in town, they’re a fail-safe investment for any man. We think they look great with a relaxed-fit sweater and box-fresh sneakers.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes available: 28-54” | Colors: Light Blue, Blue | Inseam: 28-36” | Care: Machine wash
These jeans from H&M offer a comfortable fit that’s not clingy, so you can easily go about your daily errands without a hitch. The light wash gives them a vintage feel, but you still get the modern five pockets and zip fly closure.
Don’t worry if you have skinny legs that won’t fill them; this will only further cement you into dad jeans territory. Team yours with classic workwear (chore coats and plaid shirts) or with relaxed sportswear like crew neck sweaters and hoodies.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes available: 28-44” | Colors: Pale Blue, Dark Blue, Black, + | Inseam: 28-36” | Care: Machine wash
90s nostalgia is finding its way into the wardrobes of men across the globe, with baggy jeans right up there as an essential every guy should own. To get in on the trend, we suggest taking a look at what True Religion has to offer.
The Bobby is the brand’s most laid-back style. Made from 100% cotton, they’re super loose-fitting through the leg and slightly tapered at the ankle (in true dad jeans style). They feature subtle fading, 3D whiskering and, of course, True Religion’s trademark horseshoe detailing on the back pockets. Stick with the vintage theme and team yours with an oversized graphic tee.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes available: 27-48” | Colors: Blue | Inseam: 32” | Care: Machine wash
You don’t have to break the bank to find great men’s dad jeans. There are plenty of labels offering affordable versions that leave you with enough cash for rent. One of those is Levi Strauss & Co.
Boasting a classic fit with a straight leg, these versatile jeans are made from premium denim. It flexes and moves with you all while offering the brand’s famous riveted strength. If you fancy a different color, take your pick from seven other options, including stonewash and indigo. They’ll look great on the weekend with a crew neck tee and overshirt.
Material: 88% Cotton, 11% Polyester, 1% Elastane | Sizes available: 28-52” | Colors: Blue, Light Blue, Black, + | Inseam: 29-36” | Care: Machine wash
Who said dads don’t wear designer clothes? If you’re looking to treat yourself,
Cut to a straight leg, they’ve been specially washed for a marbled effect that’s reminiscent of vintage styles. The low crotch allows extra movement — they’re as comfortable as they are stylish. Wear yours on off-duty days with shirts, tees, jumpers, and jackets. The styling options are pretty much endless.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes available: 28-40” | Colors: Blue, Light Blue | Inseam: 31-33” | Care: Machine wash
Everlane is widely known for making well-made and easy-to-wear wardrobe staples at affordable prices. So it will certainly come as no surprise that they make some pretty great dad jeans.
Made from long-lasting 12.5 oz denim, this pair has a hint of stretch for broken-in comfort from day one. Suitable for work (if the boss allows it) or weekends, the versatile blue colorway looks at home with everything from button-down shirts to polos and lightweight knitwear. Roll the cuffs, and you’ll show off the selvage ticking on the edge.
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane | Sizes available: 28-38” | Colors: Blue, Black, Indigo, + | Inseam: 28-32” | Care: Machine wash
Jolle and Daniel, the founders of
The label’s cropped jeans are only worn by the coolest dads around. They come in a wider fit with a slightly tapered leg and cropped length. Made from 100% organically grown 13oz Italian Candiani denim, they feel just as good as they look. Complement this style with everything from long-sleeved tees to printed shirts.
Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Sizes available: 28-38” | Colors: Blue | Inseam: 26-28” | Care: Machine wash
Jeans are a key staple in every guy’s wardrobe. They’re probably one of the most important sartorial investments you’ll make. Sadly, they can often come with a hidden environmental cost, but now more and more brands are taking an eco-friendly approach to making denim.
Part of the label’s sustainable denim line, these tapered jeans from Closed are made entirely of organic cotton and dyed using environmentally friendly methods. Perfect for the weekend, they’ll look just as good with your favorite hoodie as they will with a bomber jacket and crew neck tee.
Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Sizes available: 28-38” | Colors: Mid Blue | Inseam: 30-32” | Care: Machine wash
These jeans from Levi’s take comfort to a whole new level, which is exactly what dad would want. They’re made from an ultra-soft cotton/hemp blend with a loose fit that makes for a truly pleasant wear.
Quite literally a cross between sweatpants and jeans, they feature an elasticated waistband, five-pocket styling, and a zip fly. Because these men’s dad jeans are on the casual side, we suggest keeping your styling relaxed. Think oversized tees, zip-up hoodies, and sneakers.
Material: 80% Cotton, 20% Hemp | Sizes available: XS-XXL | Colors: Blue, Dark Blue | Inseam: 30-32” | Care: Machine wash
LA-based brand Hudson has been creating quality jeans since 2002. Their promise is to provide clothing that transcends trends and gets better over time, making you look and feel your best whatever the occasion. Mission accomplished. This classic denim offering is available in over 30 different colors.
The straight-leg jeans are made from cotton that has an authentic, worn-in vintage feel with extra stretch for easy movement. They’ll be your best friend while going about your day, especially when teamed with your favorite casual shirt and lace-up boots.
Material: 92% Cotton, 5% Elasterell, 1% Elastane | Sizes available: 28-40” | Colors: Light Blue | Inseam: 31-35” | Care: Machine wash
Polo Ralph Lauren’s slim-fit jeans are whiskered and faded in all the right places. They literally look like they could have been passed down by your dad. Presented in light blue, they’re made from a cotton-denim blend which has some added stretch for comfort.
As versatile as they are stylish, you could choose to go full-on all-American style with a crisp white tee, varsity jacket, and high-top Chucks. They’ll also look rather sharp with a camp collar shirt and loafers in the summer.
Material: 94% Cotton, 6% Elastomultiester, 2% Elastane | Sizes available: 28-42” | Colors: Blue, Black, Gray, + | Inseam: 34” | Care: Machine wash
Nothing screams hard-working dad more than a pair of carpenter jeans. This version comes from workwear specialist Wrangler. They’re made from a hard-wearing cotton blend in a relaxed fit that offers plenty of movement for everyday wear. You also get utility pockets and a side hammer loop.
These guys are not the best for upscale outings, but they’re a brilliant option for casual days. Pair them with other laid-back essentials like jumpers, flannel shirts, and blouson jackets. Boots or sneakers will work equally well, depending on your personal preference.
Material: 83% Cotton, 17% Linen | Sizes available: 30-36” | Colors: Dark Blue | Inseam: 30-34” | Care: Machine wash
What to Look For When Searching For The Best Dad Jeans
Color
The best dad jeans appear in a light wash of blue, but they come in darker shades too. The key element to nail choosing a pair that looks heavily washed or slightly faded. Basically, your jeans should look like they’ve already been worn for the past few years.
Fit
While men’s dad jeans are not quite bootcut, they’re certainly not skinny either. The perfect pair should be relaxed through the thigh and tapered (but still loose) from the knee down. In comparison to other denim styles – which tend to fall at the hips – they sit higher on the waist, but not so high they’re touching the ribcage.
Material
Part of the timeless dad jeans appeal is that they look like you got them from your favorite thrift store. To achieve this vintage appearance, the material and feel of the denim play an important role. Unlike the stiffness of raw denim, the best dad jeans for men appear soft even when brand-new. If your denim is on the tough side, don’t worry — it’s nothing a good few washes won’t sort out.
FAQ
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Dad jeans offer the magic combination of style and comfort. They’re often described as sweat pants in denim form. Inspired by the type of jeans your father would have worn during the 80s and 90s, they typically have a high waist and a relaxed fit that gets narrower towards the ankle. Think Joey Tribbiani in Friends.
The best dad jeans look like a loveable heritage piece that hasn’t gone out of style (and quite frankly never will). They still maintain the majority of the original design, including fabric, fit and color. Yet somehow they slot effortlessly into your current wardrobe without looking dated.
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There are many options for styling your dad jeans, all of which lean more toward a casual way of dressing. It just depends on your personal preference. You could maintain the vintage appeal with a graphic tee and Converse or keep it classic with a loose-fitting sweater and Nike Air Force 1s.
During the warmer months, tapered versions pair particularly well with sandals or canvas sneakers. And it’s totally acceptable to give them a few rolls (just be careful to stop about an inch above your ankle). When the temperature drops, you can bring out winter favorites such as chunky knitwear, sweaters, puffer jackets, and work boots.
Men’s dad jeans don’t discriminate. They can be worn by men of all shapes, heights, and sizes. But as with the best men’s pants, certain designs will flatter particular builds better than others. This style of denim can potentially make you look shorter and heavier, so choose slimmer styles if you want to achieve the opposite effect.
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So you’ve found the perfect pair of jeans. Now it’s time to start figuring out what you’re going to put on your feet. Choosing the right shoes to wear with your new denim is the key to pulling off this dad-inspired trend. It’s a lot easier than you may think.
There’s no hard and fast rule on what type of shoes to go with, but you should avoid going too formal. That means no lace-up Oxfords or leather brogues. As a rule of thumb, the looser your dad jeans fit, the more substantial your footwear should be.
If you opt for tapered versions, you can take your pick from a wide range of sneakers and shoes that have a slimmer silhouette. For those who choose baggier jeans, think about chunkier footwear like boots or high-tops. Converse, hiking boots, and statement sneakers such as Balenciaga’s Triple S design are all a great choice.
If you want to take inspiration from the original trendsetter (your old man), the best shoes to wear with dad jeans are, of course, the New Balance 990s. Otherwise, pop on your favorite pair of sneakers (or boots) and watch the compliments come your way.
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