This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Learn More. If you’re looking for the best jeans for men over 50, then you’ve come to the right place. Not only are we listing the best jeans for men over 50, but this guide is also giving you tips on what to look for when buying jeans for older men men including the style, fit, wash and how to wear them!
What jeans should a 50 year old man wear?
A 50 year old man should wear dark, straight fit jeans with a clean finish and no rips. These look the best for older men because they are classic and timeless and you can dress them up or down which makes them incredibly versatile.
Color/Wash of Denim
You can go with dark wash or light wash denim but make sure there are no rips or excessive distressing (you’re not a teenager anymore).
Fit
Straight to slim fit with a mid-rise looks the best. For most men 5’6 to 6’2, mid-rise (9.5 to 10 inches) works really well. But again, this depends on your body proportions. You want to even out your upper and lower body and make it look balanced. So if you’re someone with longer legs and a shorter torso, then get jeans with a slightly lower rise around 9 to 9.5 inches. This will help your torso look longer and balance your proportions.
However, if you have a longer torso and shorter legs, then get jeans with a slightly higher rise, around 10 to 11 inches. This will help elongate your legs and make you appear taller and more proportional.
Also, look for jeans with a slight taper. Avoid bootcut jeans (unless you are wearing cowboy boots). Also, don’t buy jeans with an extreme taper around the leg opening because it throws off your proportions and makes you look like a trendy teenager.
Get your jeans (in fact all your pants) hemmed!
So many men are walking around with jeans that are too long and bunching around their shoes. Not only does this make you look shorter but it also makes your complete outfit sloppy and unkempt.
Simple back pockets. No bling or excessive designs.
Where should jeans sit on a man?
For men, jeans should sit right at the hip bone which is about 1 to 2 inches below the belly button. This is the ideal fit because it helps balance out your whole body.
Don’t be one of those guys walking around wearing jeans so low that you’re underwear shows. Not a good look.
Denim Fabric and Stretch
Go for jeans with a bit of stretch and more rigid denim. Avoid super stretchy jeans. You also don’t want to go full on 24 oz selvedge denim.
The point is to avoid jeans that feel and stretch like sweatpants. Go with something more substantial. It’s more masculine and classic. A 2% percent stretch blend is ideal because it offers the best of both worlds; a nice medium to heavy denim with the comfort of slight stretch.
Here are the Best Jeans for Men Over 50
Everlane Selvedge Jeans
Everlane makes makes some of the best men’s jeans on the market. Unlike designer jeans that can cost upwards of $300, Everlane brings the style and comfort of those jeans but at a much more affordable price.
This pair is made from premium Italian selvedge denim in a dark wash which never goes out of style.
What I love about these jeans is that they’re made in 12.5 oz. selvedge denim with 2% stretch making them comfortable but also long lasting.
As you should know by now, the most versatile pair of jeans is a dark wash with no distressing. You can wear these jeans casually with a henley or dress them up with a dress shirt and blazer. The versatility is through the roof.
34 Heritage
If you’re looking for the perfect pair of jeans to wear in the summer then look no further than this pair from 34 heritage. These jeans are made in a lighterweight fabric that is incredibly comfoftable and breathable; something you need in a pair of summer jeans.
They also come in a classic light wash that isnt’ too over the top but has some really nice color variation which gives them the appearance of a well worn pair of jeans. These jeans are made with 40% coolmax fabric which helps you stay cool and dry even on the hottest of days. Pair these jeans with a t-shirt for a classic casual look or wear them with a collared shirt for a smart casual ensemble.
Duer
This is a brand that’s relatively new but when it comes to denim, they are probably at the top of the list for innovating fabrics and designs. Personally I really like this pair.
If you live in the colder climate and still want to wear jeans, you know how difficult it can be. Most jeans on the market work well in moderate temperatures, but as soon as it gets too hot or cold, you start becoming uncomfortable.
These Duer jeans have a fleece lining as well as a water repellant finish which will help you stay warm and dry even on the coldest and wettest of winter days. They also come in a versatile dark wash which means you can dress this pair up so you won’t have to change from your snow pants to your business casual jeans once you get to work.
Mavi Zach
One way to stand out when wearing denim is to go for a wash that not a lot of men are wearing. For this, dark gray jeans are a great option because they have the versatility of dark indigo denim, but with a slight edge. If you’re planning on wearing a leather or suede jacket, especially in black or dark brown, then try pairing it with dark gray jeans.
These Mavi jeans in the Zack straight fit are a great choice because the faded black denim gives your whole outfit a vintage and edgy look. They’re also made from high quality medium weight denim that has just the right amount of stretch.
DL1961 Russell
I came across DL1961 jeans about 2 years ago and ever since, I have purchased 5 additional pairs from this brand. The Russell fit from DL1961 is a great all around jean. It has a good amount of room around the hips and thighs and then has a streamlined fit down the legs. With a medium rise, it suits most men.
What I love most about this brand is their incredibly efficient process of making denim. Denim as you may know, is an incredibly pollutant product to make. It takes about 1500 gallons of water to make an average pair of jeans! Think about that. With DL1961, they only use 10 gallons!
Enough with the eco-talk, lets talk about these jeans. The fabric is medium weight which means that they actually feel like jeans and not sweatpants. They also come in a tonne of different colors but I really like this dark indigo wash which has just the right amount of fading giving the jean some depth and character.
Calvin Klein Straight Fit
Black denim is and will always be in style. No matter your age, you can always look good in a pair of well-fitting black jeans. The problem with most black jeans is that they don’t stay black for very long. In fact, most tend to lose their color after just 1 to 3 washes. This pair from Calvin Klein has a specially designed denim fabric which holds its color even after multiple washes.
They also fit great, with a slightly lower mid-rise (great for men with a shorter torso) and a straight fit through the hips, thighs and legs. You can wear these jeans with just about anything but I love dressing up a pair of black jeans with a sport coat or blazer.
Pro Tip- If you want to keep your dark jeans ‘dark’ for longer then wash them inside out, in cold water and with a special detergent made for dark clothes. I like Woolite Darks because it helps maintain the feel and color of jeans for longer.
Levi’s 501 – The Best Levi’s for Older Guys
The 501 fit from Levi’s is one of the most iconic pairs of jeans you can buy. They come in a tonne of different colors and washes so you’re sure to find one that suits your style. These jeans have a slightly higher rise which means that they work really well for men with shorter legs and a longer torso.
My only issue with Levi’s 501’s jeans is that the sizing can be a bit off which means that it’s best to order a few pairs (above and below your normal jean size) so that you get the perfect fit.
How should jeans be worn after 50?
As an older gentlemen you should wear jeans paired with classic casual and formal items. For casual looks, you can pair your jeans with t-shirts, henleys, sweaters and suede and leather jackets.
For formal looks, you should pair your jeans with collared shirts, ties, sweaters and even blazers and sport coats.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best jeans for men over 50. I included not only a list of the best jeans for older men but also provided a guide on how your jeans should fit, the best colors to buy as well as how to wear them.