It feels like I’m on a treasure hunt every time I search for a new pair of jeans on Amazon. From the different cuts to the range of washes to the abundance of brands, there are just so many options on the behemoth retailer. Yes, everything is accessible, and the site’s functions do allow me to narrow my search. But even then, finding the booty that fits just right on my, well, booty requires some navigation. I basically need a map. And I’m sure I’m not alone in that.
Well, folks, call me Ptolemy or Arno Peters, because I just mapped out a guide to the best jeans on Amazon. Like cartographers past, I surveyed the area, consulted the who’s who, and started making classifications. I landed on 10 go-to silhouettes: straight, relaxed, relaxed taper, slim, skinny, bootcut, biker, cropped, carpenter, and wide leg. From there, I evaluated the best brand maker for each silhouette, factoring in provenance, history, quality, and clout. Some peeps just make certain cuts better than others. Finally, I picked the one option for each that’s worth its weight in gold bullion.
So, if you’re in search of the best denim on Amazon, consider each of the jeans on this list the “X” that marks the spot.
Best Carpenter Jeans
Relaxed Fit Carpenter Jean
Dickies
amazon.com
$27.89
When it comes to workwear, Dickies is miles ahead of the competition. So best believe that the pants named after carpenters—which are characterized by a loose fit, wide leg, hefty pockets, and wide loops—is at its most authentic with this brand.
Best Wide-Leg Jeans
Loose-Fit 5-Pocket Jean
Nautica
amazon.com
$29.99
If you like wide legs without the bells and whistles, look no further than Nautica. Nineties kids who wore jeans loose and baggy definitely know what’s up.
Best Straight Jeans
501 Original Fit Jeans
It doesn’t get any more American than Levi’s jeans. And it doesn’t get any more classic than a pair of its 501s—the undisputed GOAT.
Best Slim Jeans
Slim Straight Jean
The distinction between straight and slims jean is that the latter is narrower from the hip to ankles. And Lee, with a wide range of washes, makes some of the best slim fits around.
Best Cropped Jeans
Rhial Mens Slim Carrot 0681D Stretch Jeans
For those that like something outside the box, liked cropped jeans, Diesel made its name for offering denim with flash.
Best Relaxed Jeans
Rugged Flex Relaxed Straight-Leg Jean
Carhartt
amazon.com
$44.99
Carhartt makes the kind of things that are easy to put on and wear throughout the day. Exactly why they have the ideal relaxed-fit jeans.
Best Bootcut Jeans
Retro Slim Fit Boot Cut Jean
Wrangler
amazon.com
$54.17
Wrangler is the go-to brand for cowboys and Western wear enthusiasts. I mean, just check its name. So it only makes sense that the brand would make the best jeans for the kind of kicks its loyal customers wear 24/7.
Best Skinny Jeans
Skinny Fit Jeans
Calvin Klein
amazon.com
$69.50
Nothing should come between you and your Calvins, which is why the brand has the best skinny jeans.
Best Relaxed Tapered Jeans
Standard Issue Fit 3 Heritage Jean
Rag & Bone
amazon.com
$135.00
If you’re a fan of the classic relaxed fit, but want something streamlined, know that Rag & Bone was built on that ideology. These “Fit 3” jeans are nice and easy but taper a bit for a clean line from hip to heel.
Best Biker Jeans
The Blinder Biker Denim Jean
HUDSON
amazon.com
$191.06
Characterized by ribbed topstitch detailing and a skinny fit, biker jeans can veer toward the kitschy side. But in the hands of Hudson, they’re as slick as motor oil.
Barry Samaha
Barry Samaha is the style commerce editor at Esquire, where he covers all things fashion and grooming.
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