Best Light Wash Jeans for Men
Embrace the Cool, Breezy Climes of Spring with Crisp, Classic Denim
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The shifting seasons call for a refreshed approach to your menswear wardrobe, especially as far as lighter colors, textures and overall ‘fits are concerned. And while classic blue jeans in a rich shade of dark blue or indigo are hardly ever a misstep, regardless of season, there’s something to be said for a lightweight pair of the best light wash jeans — lighter in both fabrication and color, they tend to be a perfect fit for the breezy days of spring.
The best light wash jeans look like you’ve had ‘em for years — yet, they’ve achieved that look right out of the box. Many of the best denim brands for men use garment-dying, hand-treated or fading techniques to get the characteristic lived-in look of the best light wash jeans for men. And plenty of pairs use helpful stretch for added comfort and easygoing wearability.
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Whether paired with a classic pocket tee, a black denim trucker jacket or a timeless henley, the best light wash jeans deliver spring style and attitude in a distinctive way — these are our favorite pairs to try now.
Buck Mason L034 Japanese Ford Standard Denim
It makes perfect sense that Buck Mason would deliver a heralded pair of the best light wash jeans, as the brand is fiercely dedicated to iconic Americana style. The five-pocket jean is an all-American classic in that regard, and the brand’s picture-perfect slim-straight Ford cut of denim gets a fresh update with handsome Japanese fabrication in a not-too-light, just-right faded look. Roll the cuffs for a distinctive finish with chukka boots this season.
Bonobos Gramercy Premium Jeans in Sunnyside Blue
You can always trust Bonobos to deliver an expert-fitting pair of pants, especially in premium fabrics like its stretch denim. Organic cotton offers a sustainable edge for your wardrobe, while stretch delivers plenty of iconic Bonobos comfort. Helpfully, these are available in fit options like Tapered, Athletic and Slim, with a wide range of sizes available. The light wash leans retro, but doesn’t veer too far into stonewashed territory.
Lee Extreme Motion Regular Taper Jeans
Go right to the source as you scour the market for some of the best light wash jeans — Lee has been making the heritage style the right way, and at affordable prices, for years. Its Extreme Motion line gives you the comfort of an athleisure set of pants, yet this time in a classic five-pocket denim design. Best of all is the fact that these jeans are priced under $40 on sale.
DUER Performance Denim In Athletic Straight Fit
Guys who value more room in the seat and thigh — without straying too far into overly baggy denim — would do well to shop the range of fit options offered by DUER. These pants feature double-stitched contrast detailing at key stress points, while the deep medium-light blue denim colorway is a versatile, casual style move that showcases just how many types of light wash denim are on the market. These also feature plenty of stretch for comfort and a performance-minded finish.
AG Felix Vintage Straight Denim
The best thing about buying a pair of handsome light wash jeans might be the comfort and sense of casually cool, lived-in style and comfort right out of the box. AG knocks it out of the park in both categories, mimicking 18 years of wear with its Felix Denim for a truly vintage-inspired look and feel. These also feature a slightly relaxed fit, all the better for easygoing comfort (and for pairing up with sturdy leather lace-up boots for a rugged #OOTD).
Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans
Embrace a sense of laidback style with the best light wash jeans this season, particularly if they’re coming from one of the original purveyors of American denim in Levi’s. The 501 features a timeless fit that’s neither too slim nor too baggy, and the light stonewash manages to be vintage-inspired but undeniably fresh. Pair these with a white T-shirt and high-top sneakers for a tried-and-true look on a sunny spring day.
Wrangler Authentics 5-Pocket Classic Jeans
Cotton denim in its many forms was often prized for its hard-wearing durability, especially in the Wild West, and Wrangler remains the gold standard for Western-inspired jeans. These feature a classic fit and contrast stitching, plus durable riveted pockets for a finishing touch approved by real-life cowboys and ranchers. These pair up nicely with Western or ranch boots as easily as they do with canvas high-top Converse sneakers.
GAP Straight Fit Denim Jeans
Don’t overthink things when it comes to the best light wash jeans for men — this pair from GAP offers a wear-with-nearly-anything straight fit in a spring-friendly light wash. Fittingly, they pair up well with other GAP staples, like a crewneck sweatshirt or perhaps even a black denim trucker jacket for a twist on the Canadian tuxedo. Note that this pair is made without stretch for a heavier feel and finish, then pair accordingly with sturdy leather pull-on boots.
General Denim Works Roam Straight Leg Jeans
Wearing a pair of the best light wash jeans doesn’t mean you have to step fully into acid-washed denim pulled right from the 1980s. Helpfully, you can find tasteful styles in a range of mid-to-light washes, like this stylish pair in a classic straight-leg design. The mid-rise cut is also flattering on a range of body types, while the lightweight cotton denim offers comfort and long-lasting durability.
Amazon Essentials Slim Fit Jeans for Men
You can trust Amazon to design and ship just about anything these days, a pair of the best light wash jeans very much included. This pair boasts a slim fit for a flattering look and a dash of rock star style, and they’re also made with 1 percent stretch for an added hit of comfort all day long (and into the evening, particularly when paired with a leather moto jacket). These are also priced wildly affordably, like other Amazon Essentials menswear selections.
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