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Best Business Casual Jeans for the Office (Men’s Guide)

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With workplace dress codes becoming more and more casual, jeans are becoming a common choice for men. Here are the best business casual jeans for men.

When it comes to wearing jeans to the office, you need to keep 2 things in mind; 1) the jeans have to fit well and, 2) the jeans need to be dark and clean.

Business casual jeans should fit similar to dress pants, chinos and khakis that you routinely wear to the office. Which means that they shouldn’t be skin tight. Skin tight jeans are not only unprofessional but also offensive for your co-workers or anyone else who looks at you. They should also not be too loose and baggy; otherwise they will make the complete outfit look too casual and sloppy.

If you’re still unsure about how your jeans fit, then read this guide on how your jeans should fit.

The next thing to consider, and this is just as important as the fit, is the color of your jeans. The best jeans for business casual are either black, dark gray, brown, burgundy or dark indigo with a clean finish. By clean finish I mean, there shouldn’t be any rips, tears, stains or distressing in the denim. Simply put, a well-fitting pair of dark jeans should appear like dress pants from a distance.

Choosing between black, dark gray, dark indigo or any of the colors mentioned above is personal preference. Also, keep in mind, the color of the stitching plays a role in how dressy the jeans are. Matching stitching makes the jeans more dressy while contrast stitching makes them less dressy.

When it comes to business casual jeans, I like jeans with stitching that matches the denim color and doesn’t stand out too much.

And lastly, when it comes to buying jeans suitable for business casual office wear it’s not about the brand or the price tag. Rather, focus more on the fit, comfort, color and finish.

Duer Slim Performance Denim

Duer is probably the most innovate denim brand that I have come across. They carry jeans that have stain and water resistant properties as well as jeans designed for hot and cold weather. Simply put, regardless of where you live in the world and in whatever climate, Duer has a jean specifically designed for your needs.

These jeans have a clean dark wash and come in a temperature regulating fabric that keeps you cool and dry even on the hottest or most stressful of office days. You can also count on their durability because they have reinforced seams and a hidden gusset for all day ease of mobility and comfort.

Dockers Men’s Comfort Knit Jean

Dockers is famous for their business casual workpants like khakis and chinos but they also make great business casual jeans. This straight fit is great for most men because it allows plenty of room for comfort but is also streamlined so they look sharp.

The pants come in multiple colors and sizes so you will definitely find one that suits your style. Plus, I know how uncomfortable pants can be around the waist at the end of a long work day, so these come with an elastic waist that sure feels great.

Brax Chuck Modern Fit Five Pocket Pants

Brax is a great brand for high-end business casual workpants. Their clothing is well made and features incredibly comfortable fabrics. I’ve owned and worn a pair of Brax jeans for over 5 years now and they have held up incredibly well. The color has kept dark indigo even after multiple washes which is really rare for dark jeans because they typically lose color after a few washes.

You can really experiment with different colors here but keep them classic. These gray 5 pocket pants by Brax have the design and construction of jeans but are made in a comfortable and soft fabric that can be worn with dress shirts, blazers and sport coats.  

Amazon Essentials Jeans

Amazon Essentials has a terrific line of jeans in various fits and colors. Most of their washes are great for casual wear but not so much for the office.

But they also carry black and dark indigo jeans in multiple fits which are great as business casual jeans. Just make sure to try on the different fits they offer so you get the right pair.

Mott & Bow Mercer Straight Fit Jean

Mott and Bow is known for comfortable and well-made denim. In fact, comfort is the #1 aspect most reviewers talk about when reviewing their jeans. Their jeans come in 3 basic fits; straight, slim and skinny. For most men intending on wearing jeans to the office, straight and slim would work the best.

As for colors, they have plenty of dark washes, but I’m really liking this dark navy pair. It comes in a dark wash with matching stitching. Perfect for the office.

34 Heritage Courage Straight Leg Pants

If you’re a man in his 40’s, 50’s, 60’s or if you’re just looking for more classic fit denim, then definitely take a look at 34 Heritage. Unlike most brands these days which are going after the skinny jeans trend, 34 Heritage is taking menswear and jeans specifically back to a classic and masculine fit.

I love this pair because they set themselves apart with a vintage inspired brown wash that is dressy enough to wear with cardigans, sweaters and sport coats. These jeans are just perfect for the office because they offer plenty of room in the waist and hip region while still having a streamlined silhouette. The fabric itself is incredibly luxurious and comfortable.

Everlane Relaxed 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean

Everlane is fantastic brand for menswear staples and their denim is no different. These jeans are made in an organic stretch denim in a dark wash that pairs seamlessly with dress shirts, ties and blazers.

As for fit, these jeans have a generous waist and hip with a straight slim leg which means regardless of whether you are on the run or sitting at the desk for hours, these jeans are sure to keep you comfortable.

They’re also backed by a 365-day guarantee which means you know you’re getting a hard wearing and high quality garment.

Some tips to keeping your jeans looking new

When it comes to business casual jeans, you want to buy them dark and keep them dark. Part of keeping them dark is washing them as infrequently as possible and also using a laundry detergent designed for dark colors.

I have used Woolite Dark for over 3 years now and I am amazed at it’s ability to clean and wash my dark clothes yet maintain their color. A laundry detergent made for dark colors might be more expensive but it’s definitely worth it in the long run.

Also, always wash your dark denim inside out which helps to prevent excessive color loss. And remember, never ever dry your jeans in the dryer on the hot setting because it can destroy the stretch fabric and make the color fade as well. If possible, let them air dry. If not, then dry them on the lowest heat setting possible.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this article on the best business casual jeans for men. I find that wearing jeans is a really fun way of changing up your business casual wardrobe. Let me know how you like to style your jeans to the office.