The State of Denim Is Better Than Ever Before

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STYLING DENIM IS so much more than wearing a pair of blue jeans. That's no knock on blue jeans—in fact, they're definitely still on trend in 2024—but what we're saying is there's a great big world of denim out there waiting to be explored.

The best part about trying different cuts and colors of denim right now? Functionality. Just take how Victor Montalvo, a professional hip-hop dancer and now Olympian, incorporates denim into his competition outfits. "I don't like looking too fashionista,” he says. Montalvo typically wears stretch jeans, a snug work vest, and flashy shoes. “I feel like the right choices just emphasize my moves, especially when I’m wearing bright shoes. It emphasizes my footwork,” he says.

Montalvo's need for clothing that's both stretchy and stylish makes him the perfect guy to show off the latest denim-centric looks coming from our favorite brands. In our guide below, you'll find everything from super soft travel pants from Bonobos to loose-fitting workwear denim from Abercrombie & Fitch, to tapered, stretchy everyday jeans from Mott & Bow. Grab each outfit in full, or pick out one or two pieces and cycle them into your wardrobe. It's time to make some denim moves.

THE 24/7'S

The elastane waistband, relaxed seat, roomy thighs—Ralph Lauren’s jeans are comfortable enough for the morning commute and versatile enough for weekend errands. The indigo wash works with most casual gear.

GET THE LOOK

Classic Fit Wicking Tank 3-Pack

Parkside Active Taper Stretch Jean

White/Blue M-Pro High

THE JETSETTERS

Bonobos’ extra-stretchy cotton travel pants don’t slip or crumple, so you’ll look pulled together even after a flight from hell. Try them with Sandro’s technical windbreaker to fend off inclement weather—or airport drafts.

GET THE LOOK

Floral Print Jacket

Extra Stretch Travel Jeans

Nike Men's Killshot 2 Leather Shoes

Fight Chills, Look Chill

Premium Trucker Jacket

This classic Levi’s trucker jacket has a timeless indigo color that you can dress up or down.

Denim Utility Overshirt

Gap builds its overshirt with durable denim and button cuffs for rolling up your sleeves.

Mechanic Jacket

Cotton Citizen’s groovy bomber features a slimmer cut and a faded wash for a laid-back feel.

THE WORKHORSES

Abercrombie’s workwear jeans have a wide cut that provides ample space for squats and carries. Tons of pockets make room for tools, and a paint splattered vibe lends an already-broken-in look.

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1950's Sportswear T-Shirt

Loose Workwear Jean

Club C Revenge Vintage Shoes

THE PARTY STOPPERS

For a denim-on-denim look, try a Todd Snyder shirt, which has a collar that’s neither stuffy nor sloppy. Pair it with Mott & Bow’s stretchy jeans. Now you’re ready to dance.

GET THE LOOK

Denim Point Collar Shirt in Indigo

Slim Broome Jeans

Suede Classic XXI Sneakers

New Ways to Buckle Up

Stretch Woven Belt

The strap stretches, so it won’t dig at your waist. The contrast of theweave is pretty cool, too. dials up any look. great with dressier jeans.

Striped Stretch Cotton Braided Belt

The elastane-infused band flexes for fit, and the pattern dials up any look.

Woven Elastic Belt

This nautical-inspired design has a clean zinc buckle that looks great with dressier jeans.

THE BIG-NIGHT-OUTS

Citizens of Humanity’s dark slim jeans have a tapered cut like trousers but an elastane waistband like your favorite joggers. Wear them with Tommy Hilfiger’s geometric sweater vest. Yes, it’s a statement.

GET THE LOOK

The Monogram Knit Sweater Vest

London Tapered Slim Archive In Amaro

550

THE CLASSICS

Skinny jeans belong in the 2000s (for now, at least). But slim jeans—especially Levi’s 511—highlight gym gains with flexible fabric. You’ll feel relaxed, not restricted. Add a lightweight Shinola sweatshirt. Simple.

GET THE LOOK

Short Sleeve Label Sweatshirt

511 Slim Fit Men's Jeans

Nike Men's Full Force Low

Keep These Watches Close

Movado Bold Verso

Movado’s chronograph features a sleek stainless- steel case and minimalist hour markers that work with dressed-up and casual fits. Just like jeans.

Pelagos FXD

Stack denim blues with Tudor’s navy dive watch.Its titanium bezel plays up a military-inspired design, and the sporty strap looks great whenever.

Styling by Ted Stafford.

A version of this story appeared in the March/April 2024 issue of Men's Health.

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