Denim SZN: We pick the best men's jeans for fall
Raw, ripped, cropped and patched, your primer on everything that's in right now.
We all have that tried and true, favourite pair of jeans that we've painstakingly "worked-in" for years, but it never hurts to add the odd trend-driven pair to your repertoire. And since the chilly autumn wind has already started to invade the once-muggy nights, it's only a matter of time before we'll be reaching for long pants over shorts — and having a fresh new pair to grab makes saying goodbye to summer all the more bearable.
Here's a look at some of the best jeans to pick up this season, with a primer on how they reflect some of the hottest trends in denim right now.
Less rips
It's time to take the "shredded jean" looks down a notch. While the last couple of seasons featured denim with a multitude of rips up and down the leg, this year we're going back to simple skinnies with only knee rips. This pair by H&M brings a classic five-pocket low-rise fit in a stretch denim while proving less really is more when it comes to distress.
H&M Skinny Low Trashed Jeans, $39.99, hm.com
Black is the new black
Frank and Oak's Dylan jeans are a perfect example of an uncomplicated, comfortable, clean pair of black denim. Notice they are indeed "black" — not aged black, vintage black, or washed black. The great thing about these jeans is that they will match almost everything and won't pull focus from your favourite pair of boots or that brand new jacket. Think of a good pair of black jeans as the lead drummer in your favourite band, he may not have the flashiness of the frontman but he keeps everyone together and on the same page.
Frank and Oak The Dylan Slim-Stretch Denim, $69.50, frankandoak.com
Raw and cropped
These Oak and Fort jeans incorporate two huge trends of the season: a cropped fit and a raw hem. They also feature front pleats, an interesting detail which adds a dressy vibe to counter the relaxed, casual fit.
Oak + Fort Jean H011, $78.00, oakandfort.ca
Grey days
A good pair of grey denim is becoming harder and harder to find, but these jeans from the cool Canadian brand Purple get it right. Known for taking cues not only from luxury runways but also from streetwear brands, Purple's 001 Slim Fit jeans feature a unique, grey-coated white colourway, making them the pair to wear with that favourite black tee in your closet.
Purple 001 Slim Fit in Grey Coated White, $298.00, rodengray.com
Patchwork
International "it" brand Off-White incorporates the season's patchwork trend by using cut-outs that bring in the brand's iconic diagonal pattern. This pair is appropriately called the Diag Window Slim Fit + Rips 5, and it's perfect for the guy who wants to make a statement as he walks away.
Off-White Diag Window Slim Fit + Rips 5, $748, off---white.com
Leather
LA-based brand AMIRI offers up an ultra luxe pair of jeans with knee rips that expose leather-pleated insets. I love the black denim on black leather combination. It raises the luxury level, while still remaining true to the brands' grunge and punk influences.
AMIRI MX1 Skinny-Fit Leather-Trimmed Distressed Stretch Denim Jeans, $1160.00, mrporter.com