Nota bene: All products in this article are independently selected and vetted by InsideHook editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Conventional wisdom (also: our Editor-in-Chief, Mike Conklin) will tell you that the most sound investment you can make when it comes to jeans is a dark-rinse pair of selvedge denim. This may be true, but it sure as hell is not what you should be wearing for the first days of spring. For this special occasion, the single correct answer is obvious — you, my friend, need a pair of the best light-wash jeans money can buy.
While their raw, deep-indigo brethren may indeed be preferred for a more “professional” look, the best light-wash jeans for men are an exercise in relaxed, laid-back, warmer style. Think a dressed-down Harrison Ford, or, more recently Jeremy Allen White packing some serious light-wash denim alongside a flowing oxford shirt flowing or busted band tee.
Below, you’ll find five of the best pairs of light-wash denim for men currently available, ranging from Hollywood cowboy cuts to a new cult classic to an expected (but kinda unexpected) inclusion from Levi’s. Browse and buy below.
The Best-Light Wash Jeans for Men
- A Light-Wash Jean for Anyone: Madewell The 1991 Straight-Leg Jean, $138
- The Hollywood Cowboy Choice: Buck Mason Japanese Loomstate Selvedge Cowboy Cut Jean, $278
- The Sub-$100 Skater Swerve: Levi’s Premium 578 Baggy Jeans, $98
- The New Cult Classic: 3Sixteen Classic Tapered Selvedge Denim Jeans, $265
- The “All-American” Jean: Alex Mill AM Original 5 Pocket Jean, $225
Priced right, cut right, comfy as hell — yup, these Madewell jeans rule. The straight leg is structured enough to wear with a tucked in oxford or even a blazer, if you’re so inclined, but looks just as nice with a tee. There are better quality, more sturdy, and generally nicer jeans on this list, but the cost-to-wear ratio is undeniably one of the best.
Easy there, cowboy. If you’re willing to properly invest in a pair of capital-d denim, the Buck Mason Cowboy Cuts are bordering on the perfect jean. The rise — a mid-high that hits just under the belly-button — and tailored fit is effortly flattering without pinching or squeezing, and the 14 oz. unsanforized selvedge, from Kaihara Mills in Japan, will all but meld to your contours over time. Prepare to purchase and never wear another jean again.
Now hold on just a second. We know what you’re thinking — no 501? Not even a 505? Hear us out. You’re more than welcome to take your chances hunting for the perfect pair on eBay, but that can be a losing battle. Off the rack, the new 578 Baggy might just be the better bargain — under $100, non-stretch and cut wide as hell, they’re killer with a tiny little jacket. You don’t even have to know how to skate.
3Sixteen has done the impossible — they’ve created a new classic. The New York-based denim providers get everything right with their jeans, from the 12 oz. selvedge denim to the Made-in-USA construction to the perfect high-rise fit and slightly tapered leg. No wonder they’ve developed a cult following. If a tapered leg isn’t quite their speed, check out the classic straight style. It’s just as good.
Look up light-wash jeans in the jictionary (jean-dictionary) and a photo of these Alex Mill jeans will be staring you right back. Straight cut down to a minuscule taper, the AM Original 5 Pocket Jeans are both heavier (15 oz) and stiffer than other pairs on the list, giving them the classic all-American look. The button fly helps, too.
More Like This
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself or for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.
