Dark jeans or light jeans?

[rawrxd]

Should guys wear dark jeans or light jeans?

I used to wear light jeans but today I went shopping at a clothes store and bought two pairs of relaxed fit and straight jeans. They're really dark and I mean very.

Do you think dark jeans are better? Or light jeans? And why?
And also what kind of shirts and shoes would dark jeans go well with?
I remember I got them from Levi's and the other from Nautica.

 

[Mr.K]

I like the look of darker, but it is a matter of your own tastes and likes. Most on this board will opt for the darker.

 

[chrisb0109]

While I like dark jeans, and will admit to not actually owning any light jeans, I've never understood why the latter variety seem to be hated so much here.

We where trousers in shades spanning from white to charcoal, with many different hues there of. Why should this not hold true for jeans?

 

[alphaO888]

Light blue is okay but I don't own any pairs that are super light, near white..

 

[Rathbone]

I like both, but i rarely go to the extreme end of the spectrum for either. Well, i do have a pair of white jeans that i wear with a chambray shirt very occasionally (like, once this summer) and i don't know if i own any black denim that fits anymore.

 

[hatguy]

dark, more classy and versatile imo

 

[Ianiceman]

This is the style forum not the fashion forum. Dark jeans are 'in fashion' currently but when they eventually wash out light are we supposed to throw them out just because some numbskull in paris or Milan or wherever says they aren't 'in'?

I do think dark jeans can get you into a more dressed up event than light jeans, but as discussed recently on here, dark jeans with a navy blazer look too close in colour. I have all Levis - a couple dark pairs, a couple washed out which look fine when I'm on the Harley, and one white for summer holidays.

Today I saw a fella aged in his forties, wearing yellow dress shirt with cuff links and open neck, checked sports jacket like a glen plaid, and dark jeans with 'designer' fraying from the crotch to the knees on both legs, and brown dress shoes. I have no idea what he was thinking with these hideous things on his legs but its the worst fashion felony I've seen in a while.

 

[NOBD]

Both. Light/medium is more versatile for me.

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Darker are easier at the moment, light jeans can be done but are harder to avoid looking dated or like 'dad jeans'...

 

[Embargo63]

I'll have to side with darker on this one. Perhaps there is an age divide, though. Most 'in-the-know' fellas my age I see are opting for dark including myself. Most older, conservative dressing men I encounter seem to wear traditional denim color or lighter.

It could also be thanks to President Obama's "mom jeans" moment at the WhiSox game some time ago

- E63

 

[greyinla]

While I like dark jeans, and will admit to not actually owning any light jeans, I've never understood why the latter variety seem to be hated so much here.

Traumatic memories of acid wash?

 

[westinghouse]

Dark jeans. The wear lines from your natural body movements at the thighs and behind the knees have character that lighter jeans cannot match.

 

[laphroaig]

Jeans are a classic item and I like them to look that way. Poor quality distressing ruins this and so does ugly pocket decoration. Distressed jeans that look real are rare, done by hand and therefore usually repulsively expensive. They are just jeans but since we are on SF, focus on quality, and factory distressing is anything but.

You won't hear a recommendation here for new distressed and frayed shirts or sportscoats, even though worn in jackets and shirts seem to be greatly admired. Jeans are no different.

My suggestion is, buy them raw or one wash and they will get lighter with wear. If they are decent weight and decent quality they should last long enough that they will naturally become light with age and still look good.

When I buy jeans that are already a light colour, I buy ones that have been dyed with a light colour, just like with any other trousers, not distressed to look lighter.

 

[Oleg]

Both (though only one at the same time). Jeans get interesting when they wear and age. Not so hot on artificially worn ones but dark jeans are a bit more 'du jour'. Dare say in a few years time, there'll be the same militant fringe on here arguing in favour of lighter ones.

 

[westinghouse]

Originally Posted by Oleg

Both (though only one at the same time). Jeans get interesting when they wear and age. Not so hot on artificially worn ones but dark jeans are a bit more 'du jour'. Dare say in a few years time, there'll be the same militant fringe on here arguing in favour of lighter ones.

Lighter jeans will never come back.