The 7 Best Mens Dark Wash Jeans

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There are certain menswear essentials it’s very hard to argue with, whether that’s in terms of style points, utility or some combination of the two. For the stylish modern man, the best dark wash jeans check boxes in both categories quite handsomely. They were originally a workwear staple prized for their durable, thick fabric, and now, they’re a style move that every guy looks great wearing – and one that every guy needs. Here are our favorites when it comes to the best mens dark wash jeans.

Best Overall: Mugsy 

The best dark wash jeans, like we said earlier, check a few key boxes. It helps in this day and age if the wash itself is crisp and dark, yet casual enough to wear with a classic T-shirt. And it gets even better if those jeans feature a flattering classic yet slim cut, along with plenty of helpful stretch. Luckily, Mugsy checks all of these boxes and more, with a wide range of different varieties of dark wash jeans to suit every style.

Best Athletic Fit: State & Liberty

Finding a stylish pair of the best dark wash jeans for men can prove tricky if you’re a guy with larger thighs or a more athletic build. But just as with its excellent tailored suits cut for well-built, athletic guys, State and Liberty has solved that same problem in the denim department. Its athletic fit jeans in a crisp navy colorway are perfect for bigger guys. Plus, it helps that the dark wash finish is versatile enough to dress up with a blazer and an Oxford shirt, or dress down with a henley. 

Best Dark Wash Skinny: Mott and Bow 

There are some trends that ebb and flow, and you might say that skinny jeans are one of those trends – we here at The Guy’s List think stylish skinny jeans in a dark wash still just work well for some guys. And for plenty of bang for your buck and style points aplenty, there’s hardly a brand out there making the best dark wash skinny jeans quite like Mott and Bow. The dark wash of these Wooster Jeans is expertly crafted, while they’re also made with dynamic stretch for comfort.

Best Dark Wash Bootcut: DU/ER

Just as skinny or slim jeans will never quite go out of style, on the opposite side of the coin sits bootcut jeans, which are now coming back in a major way. And while some bootcut jeans feature lots of flare at the ankle, others are more understated, which is what we appreciate with DU/ER’s performance denim. Made with a ton of stretch and fabric that’s designed to bounce back, these feature an athletic-straight fit that looks great with, well, your favorite pair of leather boots. 

Best Dark Wash Ripped: The Perfect Jean

The best dark wash jeans offer variety and versatility in every guy’s wardrobe, even if you prefer a style that’s a bit more edgy and slightly less traditional. Take a pair of the best dark wash ripped jeans, for instance. The Perfect Jean turns the grunge aesthetic up to 11 with these sleek ripped jeans, which work well with canvas sneakers and a flannel shirt at a rock show. Plus, right now they’re on sale and come in a wide range of sizes. 

Best Jeans to Dress Up: Proper Cloth

Even denim can be dressy and refined, especially when made the right way by Proper Cloth. The refined retailer, which normally specializes in sleek suiting, crafts a stylish pair of surprisingly dressy denim. They do so by using premium Japanese indigo cotton denim, some of the finest material on the planet. And they also use details like ultra-premium hardware and a flattering classic yet tailored cut. Take it from us at The Guy’s List: For one of the best pairs of dark wash jeans on the market, reach for Proper Cloth. 

Best Cheap: Uniqlo 

Shopping on a budget for a pair of the best dark wash jeans? Uniqlo is the place to go (at least, in our opinion here at The Guy’s List), and they’re tough to top. For under $50, the retailer delivers a quality pair of stretch jeans in a stylish dark wash. The fit is slim but not too slim, and the fact that they wear extremely well with stylish Uniqlo Oxford shirting and more is an added bonus. 

Dark Wash Jeans FAQ’s

Are Dark Wash Jeans still in style?

In our opinion, dark wash jeans are definitely still in style. They’re a classic move that works well with T-shirts, casual shirting, flannel buttondowns and much more. And every guy looks great in a well-fitting pair of dark wash jeans. 

What does dark wash jeans mean?

Dark wash jeans refer to jeans in a deep, dark blue color. The dark blue cotton denim sometimes gets this color from indigo dying, and sometimes, dark wash jeans feature slight fading or distressing. 

What colors look good with dark wash jeans?

Dark wash jeans look great with other neutral, complementary colors like olive, charcoal, light grey, white and other shades of light blue, like an indigo chambray shirt. 

How do you wash dark wash jeans?

Dark wash jeans should be washed inside out in cold water with other similar, darker colors. For selvedge jeans or jeans made with indigo dye, wash your jeans separately or else spot-clean and hang dry your jeans. 

What to wear with dark wash jeans?

Dark wash jeans are one of the most versatile pairs of pants a guy can own. Dark wash jeans look great with menswear classics like a T-shirt, a henley, a flannel shirt or a chambray shirt. Avoid wearing classic dress shirts untucked with dark jeans – instead, opt for casual men’s style essentials to complement a rugged pair of men’s jeans.

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Whether you’re on the hunt for a new pair of jeans or a stylish new date night spot, The Guy’s List is your one-stop shop. We curate expert shopping guides, grooming tips, city information and more to help keep you covered from A-to-Z, from your daily routine to your next #OOTD. Browse The Guy’s List for tips on what to wear, how to wear it, where to shop and more.