How to Wear Black Jeans: The Ultimate Guide for Guys

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Here at SG HQ, we’ve become aware of some unexpected resistance to black jeans. Not blue jeans—you have those down flat by now. But black jeans? It turns out, they’re a bit of a mystery! So, let’s talk about it.

Black jeans straddle the line between edgy and effortless, and who doesn’t want that vibe with a men’s outfit?!

The good news is, you can dress in black jeans all the way up and down the style spectrum from punk to totally work-appropriate.

And no matter how you wear them, black jeans have a way of making everything else you’re wearing look just a little cooler. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to dive in with black denim.

Here’s what you’ll find in this guide to wearing men’s black jeans:

a roundup of stylish men in black jeans to kickstart your outfit inspiration
a week’s worth of men’s black jeans outfits
SG’s picks for the best black jeans for men

Below, style inspiration for wearing black jeans:

man wearing black jeans with black laced shoes, a grey shirt, and a brown overshirt — images l to r: Todd Snyder, Madewell

man wearing black jeans, a grey crewneck sweatshirt, and black lace-up shoes — images l to r: Todd Snyder, Madewell

Wear black jeans with a grey top

SG Says: Black jeans make an impact of their own, so you don’t have to work too hard to make a LEWK out of them. Add a grey top, maybe a layer over that. Black shoes, and you’ve got yourself an outfit with a capital “O.”

And sure, you could swap sneakers into either of these looks, but if you want to elevate your black jeans into a more sophisticated outfit, then black lace-ups are the way to go.

man wearing the NN07 jacket from "The Bear" with black jeans, a graphic tee, and black loafers — images: @calgeary

close-up of a man wearing the NN07 jacket from "The Bear" — images: @calgeary

Wear black jeans with a great jacket

SG Says: Sure, your eye is probably drawn to the NN07 jacket from The Bear that’s been on every guy’s wish list this year.

But don’t miss the black jeans with penny loafers (and socks!) combo on the bottom. Yes, chef.

image of a seated man, taken from above, wearing a white t-shirt, tan vest, black jeans, black belt, and tan cowboy boots. a baseball hat is sitting on his knee — @alexrudolpho

Pair black jeans with cowboy boots

SG Says: Yes, cowboy boots are going mainstream in 2024!

Vests, too.

If wearing both together feels a bit much, just opt for one trendy piece with your black jeans, and keep the rest of your look more timeless.

Black jeans allow for such ease that even a simple grey hoodie will have you looking like a movie star.

man wearing a white denim jacket over a white t-shirt with black jeans and a western-style black belt — images: @alino_who

man wearing a white denim jacket over a white t-shirt with black jeans and a western-style black belt with loafers — images: @alino_who

Wear denim on denim…in different colors

SG Says: Black jeans look great with a trucker jacket. It’s giving “ready for anything” in a cool way. This outfit with a white t-shirt and western-inspired belt peeking out isn’t hard to put together, but it does take confidence to pull off.

Bottom line?

Don’t overthink it when it comes to dark denim. Usually, the simplest outfit you can put together is the best one.

Giannis Antetokounmpo in black jeans and sneakers

Giannis Antetokounmpo style — @giannis_an34

SG Says: An all black outfit is SO easy and SO stylish.

This patterned topcoat on NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo adds just enough visual interest without feeling too “out there.” You can always use outerwear as a way to add something extra with interesting textures and colors.

man taking a selfie wearing a NY Yankees baseball cap, crewneck sweater, bandana tied around his neck, wide-leg black jeans, and brown penny loafers with white socks — images: @mr.upperhand

close-up of a man's feet up on a stool, wearing black cuffed jeans, white dress socks, and brown leather penny loafers — images: @mr.upperhand

Wear wide-leg black jeans

Okay, this one is more trendy, but if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a trend when adding black jeans to your wardrobe repertoire?

5 Outfits to Wear With Black Jeans

You’ve seen a few real world examples. Now, check out a few outfits I styled just for you that you could wear right now.

The jeans: Buck Mason B001 Maverick slim jean

men's outfit flat lay with black jeans, a henley, suede bomber, black blundstone boots and aviator sunglasses

SG Says: A henley is always a cool pick to pair with black jeans.

Oh, and the Blundstone boots with aviator sunglasses? Icing on the cool guy cake.

men's casual outfit flat lay with black jeans, a grey pocket tee, blue denim jacket, gold chain, and grey Adidas Gazelle sneakers

SG Says: Every guy needs a pocket tee in his wardrobe repertoire. And those Adidas Gazelle sneakers? Still very cool in 2024.

casual men's outfit flat lay of black jeans, an olive green overshirt, red and white striped tee, and black lace-up boots

SG Says: This whole look feels sort of Parisian chic, but in a way that any guy can pull off.

stylish men's outfit flat lay of black jeans, a tan turtleneck, black leather jacket and black penny loafers

SG Says: Because turtlenecks continue to be cool in 202!

Couldn’t you totally see past #SGMadness winner Jeff Goldblum wearing this outfit? You can pull it off, too!

casual men's outfit flat lay of black jeans, a grey pocket crewneck sweatshirt, blue plaid shirt, red beanie, and grey Vans sneakers

SG Says: This is a perfect weekend outfit, or even a great look for a casual office. When it comes to how to wear black jeans, this outfit is a perfect example.

Bottom line? You don’t have to try to look like some badass biker when wearing black jeans. Just pretend they’re blue jeans and wear them with what you like!