At this point in fashion history, it seems like every “jean” is a member of the family: the mom jean, the dad jean, and even the boyfriend jean. But what about the man jean? No, this is not a trendy new term for jeans you might find on advertisements at the mall; it is simply the concept of wearing men’s jeans and totally rocking them. Not only will it satisfy pajama-like mobility while you’re out on the town, but also you can look polished in minutes, and I’m here to tell you how.
This idea might not be so new to some of you; maybe you’ve thrifted guys’ jeans from your local Goodwill. But personally, I did not give it much of a second thought until recently. After a relatively dry day at my local Buffalo Exchange, I stumbled upon the coolest pair of Levi’s I’ve ever seen. They were light wash with a red shoelace belt and a bedazzled Virgin of Guadalupe on the upper left thigh. As excited as I was, I was a little disheartened to learn they were traditional men’s jeans and were also about five sizes too big. The cashier turned out to be my lifeline in this situation. She convinced me to buy them (which I have no regrets for), and also provided me with some pro-tips when it comes to buying men’s pants.
Number one is to get the waist sizing right, which will be a bit bigger than women’s jeans, of course, but will ensure that your pants aren’t going to fall down once you step outside. Wrap the waist around your neck, and if the pants meet equally on the other side, they’ll fit perfectly. And belts are a must since the pants don’t often come in small sizes. She also warned me that mens pants tend to be roomy in the legs, so expect them to give off a baggier look.
Regardless, I was convinced to buy the pants, and it sparked an obsession in learning how to style them. After scrolling for miles on the Instagram explore page, I’ve deduced what will pair well with your new pair of mens pants: crop tops, or anything short really. It’s recommended to show off a little stomach to combat the baggy silhouette that might be swallowing up your figure. Adding a pair of platform boots or even kitten heels will prevent the pants from bunching up on the floor.
So where can you find unique pants that provide comfort, sturdiness, and an unbeatable look that will put skinny jeans to shame? Basically any store that has a men’s section! But below are some ideas to get you started:
1. Patterned Pants
Jeans? No. But moving into the colder months, these typical fall colored corduroys will add a funky embroidered staple to your closet. Even better, they have an elasticized waistband, so no need to embarrassingly pull up your pants while walking. Click here to shop.
2. Levi’s
Thrifting is your best bet when searching for the relaxed, vintage look, and Levi’s are a classic. Especially during the pandemic, online thrifting is essential if you’re searching for a unique find without leaving the comfort of your home. This particular pair comes from Jordan Marie’s Depop shop.
3. Reclaimed Vintage
It seems like Reclaimed Vintage has already hopped on the versatility of mens pants, which makes the search even easier! These 80s throwback jeans are a great option to start out with, since the size range is quite broad. With front pleating and an ankle cuff, you’ll look like you walked out of Back to the Future.
4. Carpenter Jeans
As it states in the description, these jeans are a classic. Carpenter jeans have stood the test of time, so they’re basically as sturdy as it gets. And of course we can’t forget an ode to Lil Nas X, cause you’ll have Wrangler on your booty! Click here to pick up a pair of these men’s jeans for yourself.
5. Overalls
Every teen skater is sporting Dickies pants, but Dickies can be your new hard-wearing denim staple. With an extra layer of security, these pants combine roominess while still standing against the test of gravity (no belt needed!). Sport these with a cuffed ankle, and you have a new men’s fall staple. Buy yourself a pair here.
For more fashion recommendations, check out 6 Affordable Fashion Finds From Amazon and 10 Trendy Small Businesses We’re Obsessed With.
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