Elevated Essentials: Our Favourite Denim Labels for Men This Year

In 2025, denim remains a quintessential staple in every discerning gentleman's wardrobe, transcending fleeting trends with timeless elegance. This year sees denim elevated, refined by craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability, capturing the essence of luxury that speaks softly yet profoundly. It's no longer merely about wearing jeans—it's about experiencing denim that feels bespoke, blending modern innovation with heritage artisanal techniques..

Editor’s Picks: What We’re Wearing Now

There are jeans—and then there are jeans. The kind that say you know what “selvedge” means, or that you once queued outside Dover Street Market just to “have a look.” In 2025, men’s denim is less about trends and more about identity: how you wear it, what label’s on the inside, and who notices when you turn up in a perfectly worn-in pair.

NUDIE JEANS

Sustainable, Scandinavian, and surprisingly punk

Still a go-to for guys who care where their clothes come from. Nudie’s organic cotton, free repairs-for-life policy, and consistent fits make them the quiet choice for creatives, musicians, and Soho baristas alike. Their “Gritty Jackson” straight leg is the current cult favourite.

Nudie’s Tuff Tony jeans offer a relaxed, straight-leg silhouette that feels effortlessly lived-in from day one. Cut from organic cotton with a soft drape, they’re the ideal pair for men who want comfort, character, and conscious design in one.

Buy here - £165.00


Icon Denim LA

The Kanye pair of denim from Icon Denim LA offers a modern and relaxed city style, with distressing and a patch on the back. This pair is perfect for those looking for a nostalgic 90s look mixed with a futuristic nod to a modern mid 2020’s aesthetic.

Buy here - £189.00


WEEKDAY

Weekday’s Space jeans nail that off-duty, oversized look with a relaxed straight-leg fit that feels current without trying too hard. Made from sturdy cotton denim, they’re a wallet-friendly staple for men who favour clean lines and Scandi minimalism.

Buy now - £50.00


ACNE STUDIOS

Acne Studios’ 1999M loose fit jeans channel a ‘90s-inspired silhouette with a distinctly modern edge. With their mid-rise, wide leg, and perfectly washed finish, they’re a go-to for men who want their denim roomy, refined, and just the right amount of rebellious.

Buy here - £330.00


Kapital

Denim for people who collect Japanese incense and obscure band tees
Kapital jeans are loud, unpredictable, and highly addictive. Expect sashiko embroidery, asymmetric seams, and cuts that could double as sculpture. Definitely not for minimalists—but perfect for men who treat dressing like curation.

KAPITAL’s Slim-Fit Patchwork Embroidered Tie-Dyed Jeans blend vibrant tie-dye with intricate patchwork and embroidered eye details, creating a bold, artful statement piece. Cut for a relaxed, baggy fit with flared hems, these jeans are a fusion of craftsmanship and avant-garde design.

Buy here - £920


Studio Nicholson

Tailored denim for the wine-bar intellectual
Think: denim trousers with proper pleats, stormy hues, and architectural fits. These jeans aren’t rugged—they’re refined. For men who wear loafers and have thoughts about Brutalism.

Studio Nicholson’s Pyad Jeans offer a refined take on classic denim, with a straight-leg fit and tailored cut that exudes understated elegance. Crafted from premium cotton, they’re the perfect balance of contemporary style and timeless sophistication.

Buy here - £225


A.P.C.

Still the best gateway drug to raw denim
Somehow both timeless and still relevant. A.P.C. hasn’t changed much (thank god), but they have tightened up their edits and re-issued cult classics. The “Petit New Standard” is still a modern-day classic.

A.P.C.’s Slim-Fit Jeans are crafted from indigo denim with a rigid feel that softens beautifully with wear. Featuring contrast topstitching, a classic five-pocket design, and relaxed slim legs, their deep blue wash offers a timeless, versatile look.

Buy here - £215


Represent

UK streetwear that grew up and got expensive

Their jeans are sculpted, moody, and unapologetically hyped. Every drop feels calculated. Especially popular among sneakerheads who want their denim to hit just right with a fresh pair of Jordans.

Represent’s R3 Workshop Jeans fuse utilitarian detailing with a relaxed, streetwear-inspired fit, featuring cargo-style pockets, heavy distressing, and a washed finish that gives them a lived-in, industrial edge.

Buy here - £120


KUON

For patchwork perfectionists
KUON’s denim is a masterclass in texture and technique, blending traditional Japanese mending methods like sashiko and boro with contemporary silhouettes. Each pair feels one-of-a-kind—more like wearable art than off-the-rack jeans.

KUON’s Denim Cargo Trousers blend traditional Japanese craftsmanship with a utilitarian silhouette, featuring sashiko stitching, raw-edge detailing, and oversized pockets for a look that’s equal parts artisanal and functional.

Buy here - £518


BODE

For collector-grade denim storytelling
BODE reimagines denim through a nostalgic, handcrafted lens—think repurposed textiles, appliqué, and embroidery that tell a story. These aren’t just jeans; they’re heirlooms in the making, designed for men who value craftsmanship over convention.

Bode’s Knolly Brook Embroidered Wide-Leg Jeans turn classic denim into a poetic canvas, with delicate floral embroidery and a soft, wide-leg silhouette that nods to vintage Americana through a romantic, handcrafted lens.

Buy here - 510


Levi’s

A timeless staple in men’s wardrobes, Levi’s delivers iconic denim with a focus on fit, quality, and versatility. Known for its classic 501s and 511s, the brand offers everything from relaxed to slim fits in durable, easy-to-care-for denim that ages beautifully.

Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans are the blueprint for classic denim—straight-leg, button-fly, and cut from sturdy cotton with just the right amount of structure. Timeless and endlessly versatile, they’re a no-fuss essential that only get better with age.

Buy here - £63


Deyvid Dimitrov
London-based content creator and editor of Goldfoil magazine.