One minute you’re squeezing into skinny white jeans tight enough to cut off your circulation. Next, it’s all about baggy denim that wouldn’t look out of place at an Apple exhibition in the 90s. Fashion, eh?
The best relaxed fit jeans for men are your happy medium. They’re loose enough to get with the times, but not so big that your legs are filed as a missing limb. And unlike the crotch-squishing styles you once wore, they’re pretty damn comfortable too.
A must-have for any well-rounded collection, relaxed fit jeans should be at the top of every guy’s wardrobe wish list. And I’m going to help you find the designs that’ll fire your style into legendary status.
Keep reading for eight of the best options that’ll satisfy every sartorial preference and budget.
Key Takeaways
Finding the best relaxed fit jeans for men can make a significant difference to your everyday wardrobe. Which is why it pays to have a helping hand in your search. Using my knowledge of the denim industry with a little help from customer reviews, I’ve trawled my way through the endless options out there and handpicked only the very best styles for your consideration.
You’ll find a variety of exciting prospects, each offering the perfect blend of style and comfort. Using the best fabrics and the ultimate relaxed fit, there’s timeless all-rounders like Closed’s Springdale, plus some wallet-friendly versions such as H&M’s take.
Our Top Picks
Why it’s great: The best relaxed jeans for men are comfortable, stylish, and tough enough to see you through the years and seasons to come. So you shouldn’t have any trouble understanding why the Springdale from Closed is my top pick.
How it feels: Made from Italian open weave denim, the versatile jeans are super soft with a distinct structure that stands pretty firm yet flexes when needed for easy mobility.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: They don’t have any stretch, so they may take a little getting used to. But once you wear them a few times, you’ll be left with some seriously impressive jeans that you can team with everything from flannel shirts to long-sleeve tees and zip-up hoodies.
Material: 71% Recycled Cotton, 29% Cotton | Colors: 1 | Sizes: 27-38 | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: Turns out you can find a pretty impressive selection of the best relaxed jeans for men on Amazon. And after managing to resist the temptation to fill my basket with Japanese denim and slick selvedge designs, I found this bestselling pair from Wrangler. With over 4,000 five-star ratings, the everyday option is a popular choice for weekends and manual labor. As tough as they are pretty, you’ll still be wearing them in years to come.
How it feels: This is classic, durable denim at its best. They’re soft and the touch of spandex gives them enough flexibility for all-day comfort.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The bootcut hem won’t be for everyone, but it’s perfect for those opting for a cowboy-inspired ensemble. You’ll love the comfort-to-strength ratio and will find the timeless wash versatile enough to wear with a wide range of shirts, tees, and sweaters.
Material: 99% Organic Cotton, 1% Spandex | Colors: 13 | Sizes: 29-42 | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: If there’s one thing my research has shown me, it’s that you’re not short on options. Available in a variety of washes and colors, these best relaxed fit jeans for men from H&M jeans prove that you needn’t pay eye-watering amounts to find denim that you love. The light blue pair is my go-to, pairing well with everything from graphic tees to knitted sweaters.
How it feels: They’re soft, non-stretchy, and surprisingly durable for the price. I wouldn’t say they feel particularly expensive, but they certainly don’t feel cheap either.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The cut is a little more tapered than some of the other versions available, so you may want to look elsewhere if you’re looking for ultimate bagginess.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 7 | Sizes: 28-42 | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: If there’s one thing that relaxed jeans have over their more slender counterparts, it’s comfort. Making styles like Everlane’s pretty much the perfect choice for daily wear. A smarter alternative to your ripped styles, they’ll look the part with everything from plain tees to flannel shirts.
How it feels: The 4.6-star rating speaks for itself, but it’s the comments on the comfort, stretch, and durability that really stood out for me. They’re smooth, soft, and the denim has been made by the brand’s factory partner that recycles 98% of their water—making them a sustainable option as well as a stylish one.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The elastane in the denim means that these jeans stretch in areas where there is the most movement. A quick wash should ping things back in place, but you should be prepared for the fit to feel a little bit looser as time moves on.
Material: 94% Organic Cotton, 2% Elastane, 4% Other Fiber | Colors: 3 | Sizes: 28-40 | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: What’s the difference between ordinary relaxed jeans for men and those considered luxury? Apart from the price, you’re getting the very best when it comes to fit, fabric, and detailing. Case in point is this pair from Paul Smith. They have just about everything you need from designer denim. Look close and you’ll notice the luxury finishing touches such as the zebra-embossed rivet detailing and paper waistband patch (complete with the label’s iconic logo).
How it feels: Made from an 11 1/4 oz organic cotton denim (that’s some high quality stuff), they feature a hint of stretch for comfort and come in a mid-wash that’ll only get better with age. They’re soft but still feel tough enough to last.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: At $195, they’re not exactly cheap, but well worth the money if you can afford it.
Material: 99% Organic Cotton, 1% Elastane | Colors: 1 | Sizes: 28-38 | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: I know what you’re thinking. Aren’t these the kind of pants you wear whilst remodeling a home? Kind of. But carpenter jeans are also one of this season’s biggest denim trends. And this affordable pair from Superdry is definitely my favorite. Hitting the sweet spot on the baggy scale, they’re an acquired taste for some. But offer up some seriously awesome outfit options if you’re prepared to take the plunge.
How it feels: The denim is soft but durable, as well as organic (bonus points).
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Carpenter jeans are big news at the moment. However, fashions change quickly. If it’s timeless style that you’re after, you may be better off looking at another pair.
Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Colors: 3 | Sizes: 32-36 | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: Whether you’re a fan of flannel-lined jeans or designer denim, the color blue is always the most sensible (and stylish) choice. And no one does it quite like Levi’s—the uncrowned king of men’s jeans. A throwback to the baggy styles of the ‘90s, the Silvertab is the brand’s take on the relaxed trend. The silhouette is loose throughout, but they’re slightly more tapered at the hem to help show off your choice of footwear. A real bonus for sneakerheads.
How it feels: If you ever owned a pair of Levi’s, you’ll already have an understanding of how they feel. This pair is no different. They’re soft, strong, and ready for action.
Flaws but no dealbreakers: The only real drawback is the versatility. They’re ideal for weekend outfits but may feel a little too casual if you try to dress them up.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 3 | Sizes: 28-40 | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: Black jeans are such an essential part of the modern guy’s wardrobe, I’d advise on buying multiple pairs. For starters, you’ll need a smarter, slimmer option for those semi-formal occasions, plus a relaxed shape like these from Afends. If you’ve not heard of them, they’re an Australian-born brand that are driven by environmental and social impacts. They strive to do the best for people and the planet, delivering durable, eco-apparel that’ll last.
How it feels: The Pablo jeans are soft (albeit a little rigid in shape) and come with a mid-rise waist that caters for short and tall fellas alike.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Depending on your height and build, I find that these can fall a bit too straight. You could also call them a little ‘safe’. If you want to stand out, it could be a good idea to try another color.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 1 | Sizes: 28-36 | Care: Machine wash
Buying Considerations for Relaxed Jeans
Fit
The primary characteristic of relaxed fit jeans is their comfortable, looser fit compared to slim or skinny denim. However, the best relaxed fit jeans for men still provide a proper fit. Look for a relaxed fit that allows for easy movement and doesn’t feel too tight or restrictive around the waist, hips, and thighs. Pay close attention to the rise (the distance from the crotch to the waistband) and the leg length. This will ensure a comfortable fit throughout.
Style
Relaxed fit jeans come in various styles, so consider your personal preferences and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Assess the color, wash, and detailing (such as distressing, fading, or whiskering) to find a pair that matches your desired style. Additionally, take a look at the pocket design, stitching, and overall construction quality to ensure a well-crafted and visually appealing pair of jeans.
Material
The material of your jeans will determine their durability and comfort. Denim is the most common fabric for jeans, but the weight and stretchiness can vary. Heavier-weight denim tends to be more durable, while a touch of elastane or spandex in the fabric can provide additional comfort and flexibility.
Why You Should Trust Us
Having worked in the fashion industry for the past 15 years, it’s fair to say that I’ve worn, and handled, my fair share of jeans. I’ve seen endless trends come and go—often being the mouthpiece for brands and their new collections.
For this article, I put on my thinking cap and rounded up all of the biggest denim labels I knew (as well as discovering some exciting new names in the process). I then carefully selected the very best options for every occasion and budget, narrowing down the eight best relaxed-fit jeans for men for your consideration.
Final Verdict
Adding multiple pairs of the best relaxed fit jeans for men to your wardrobe is never a bad idea, but to get you started Closed’s Springdale jeans are the perfect pair. The ideal balance of comfort, fit, quality, and style, they’re a must-have for your everyday adventures. They also offer the kind of comfort that’ll have you reaching for them time and time again.
FAQ
-
-
A relaxed fit refers to the style that provides a looser and more comfortable fit compared to other cuts like slim or skinny. Relaxed fit jeans are designed to have more room in the waist, hips, and thighs, offering a relaxed and less form-fitting silhouette. These jeans typically have a straight or slightly tapered leg opening, providing additional ease of movement and a more casual look.
-
Over time, fashion trends tend to cycle and evolve. And in recent years, there has been a resurgence of looser, more relaxed silhouettes in men’s fashion. Similar to dad jeans, relaxed fit denim offers a more comfortable and casual look, which aligns with the ongoing trend of embracing relaxed and versatile styles. Many popular brands and designers now offer relaxed fit options in their denim collections, catering to the demand for more comfortable and less form-fitting jeans.
-
Relaxed and loose fit are often used interchangeably, but they can have slight variations depending on the brand or specific jean style. Of the two, relaxed fit jeans have a slightly more tailored appearance and maintain a straight or slightly tapered leg opening— offering a balance between comfort and a neater silhouette. In comparison, loose fit jeans tend to have an even roomier cut throughout the waist, hips, and thighs. They also have a wider leg opening, giving a more exaggerated loose fit.
-