3 pairs of jeans all men should own

What’s a wardrobe without jeans? Whether you’re a slave to casual Fridays or wear denim as part of your daily uniform, the classic style is such for a reason. From their beginning as workwear staples to becoming the quintessential pants thanks to brands like Levi’s and Wrangler, it’s now hard to imagine a wardrobe without jeans. So much so that there are three pairs of jeans that all men should own. What are they? Scroll down to find out.

No matter what style of jeans you’re going for, here are some guidelines to ensure the perfect fit.

• The fit should be perfect, not too tight, not too baggy—unless, of course, you’re going for the trendy oversized look.
• Your jeans should fit around the waist without using a belt.
• There should be a little fabric pooling at your shoes, but not too much.
• They shouldn’t create discomfort around the crotch area—especially when sitting down.
• The pockets should hug your backside nicely without sitting too low.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s dive into the three essential pairs of jeans every man should own.

Bootcut jeans are a classic for a reason: the wear-them-with-anything style can easily be dressed up or down and gives an elongated, slim silhouette. Style them with low-heeled boots and otherwise slim shoes for the perfect 70s chill look.

Whether you opt for a Johnny Cash-inspired black-on-black look or need a basic you can wear with anything, black jeans are a must-have. Its formal appeal makes dark denim your business casual ally: black jeans look great with a baseball cap and a tank top, but they really come in clutch for more formal events. Just throw on a blazer or a button-down!

Worn with a classic white T-shirt or crewneck sweater, light-wash denim is a tried-and-true wardrobe staple. The most casual wash of all, light-wash jeans shine on weekend strolls and drinks at the pub. Lastly, their year-round, true-neutral nature makes them the perfect pairing for bright colours.