Dark Wash Denim Guide 2024 (How to Style & Where to Buy)

Why is dark wash denim a men’s style essential? Mainly because of its versatility, durability and timelessness.

It serves as the anchor for a myriad of outfit combinations. Unlike the light wash variety, you can dress dark wash jeans down with a t-shirt or dress it up with a blazer.

It’s also appropriate for more casual workplaces and after work happy hours. Maybe you have an exciting date coming up? Dark wash jeans is always a smart choice.

Be sure to read until the end for 8 reasons why dark wash denim is considered essential menswear.

Not to be mistaken for dark rinse denim, which is typically darker, almost appearing black. The “rinse” and “wash” refer specifically to the way the jeans are treated during the production process.

Dark Wash vs Dark Rinse

The dark rinse is a fabric that’s dipped in darker dye after the jeans are actually sewn together, allowing for the dye to saturate all the seams for a soft feel and deep color.

The dark wash is dark colored denim that’s washed during production, which gives it a soft touch and adds unique texture.

For simplicity—since they look similar, wash and rinse will be used interchangeably in this article.

Readers’ Favorite: You might like our guide on the Best Slim Jeans for Men.

Best Dark Wash Jeans to Buy

Here, we’re going to list out a handful of great places to purchase quality, dark wash jeans both on a budget and a bit more premium.

Budget Jeans Brands (Under $100)

• Levi’s 511 Slim Fit Jeans – $40 (Khoi’s Pick)
• The Perfect Jean Slim Fit – $80 (Most Comfortable)
• Amazon Essentials Stretch Jean – $16
• Mugsy Bucks Knit Denim – $118
• Everlane Organic Cotton Slim Fit Jeans – $88
• Uniqlo Stretch Selvedge Jeans – $50
• Gap Jeans in Gapflex with Washwell – $70
• American Eagle AirFlex+ Jeans – $40
• Express 4-Way Hyper Stretch Jean – $98

Levi’s 511

Classic Levi’s have to be on every best jeans list. Founded way back in 1853 in San Francisco, California when Levi Strauss emigrated to the west coast where the Gold Rush was booming.

The Levi’s 511 jean is their slim fit model. They also carry a flex version of the 511 slim fit jean which is made with Levi’s Advanced Stretch technology for extra give and flexibility.

The denim from Levi’s is good quality and holds up well, wash after wash. Levi’s recommends that you wash your jeans once every 10 wears at most to increase their lifespan and protect the environment.

I personally, rarely ever wash my jeans. The only time I do is if there are visible stains or I’ve been sweating profusely. Other than that though, I hang ’em and wear ’em again and again. The 511 comes in a whopping 41 different colors on Amazon.

The Perfect Jean

The Perfect Jean (TPJ) is on a mission to find a reasonably priced stretch jean that they could comfortably wear all-day long, whether working at the office, lounging around, among many other activities.

They’re fighting a battle against uncomfortable, rigid jeans and uncomfortably fitting khakis. As the name suggest, they’re all about finding the ‘Perfect Jean’. TPJ was founded not so long ago in 2019 and is based in NYC. 

The Perfect Jean Slim Fit Jean

The Perfect Jean Slim Fit has been been in my ever expanding collection of jeans for about 2 years now. I have the dark blue color, also known as Knight. I picked the dark wash because of course, it’s the most versatile wash denim out of the bunch. It’s got very subtle whiskering and lighter fade on the front and back of the jeans. They’re also pretty soft to the touch as well.

Right now they have 10 different colors to choose from in a skinny fit, slim fit or athletic fit, which pretty much covers the all the bases for most men. What I like is that they offer super slim waist sizes down to 26 and shorter inseams of 26 which is perfect for shorter, skinnier guys as there’s no need to get them tailored.

Materials & Details

• 64.5% Cotton, 30% Polyester, 3.5% Viscose, 2% Spandex
• Weighs ~10.5 oz with 22% elasticity
• Zipper Fly
• 26-50 x 26-38
• Leg opening is 14.5″
• Made in Bangladesh

Check The Perfect Jean Price

Premium Jeans Brands ($99+)

• Mott & Bow Slim Oliver Jeans – $99 (Khoi’s Pick)
• Ministry of Supply Chroma Denim Pant – $128 $84 (Value Play)
• Outerknown Ambassador Slim Fit Jean – $148 $98
• DSTLD Premium Jeans – $148 $74
• Banana Republic Luxe Traveler Jean – $130
• The Unbranded Brand UB422 Jeans – $80-$101
• Bonobos Extra Stretch Travel Jeans – $89+
• Rag & Bone Slim Authentic Stretch Jean – $250
• A.P.C. Martin Raw Straight Jeans – $285
• Buck Mason Ford Standard Jean – $148

Mott & Bow Oliver Jeans

The Mott & Bow mission was born out of the question: “how can we get people premium jeans at a reasonable price?” Sticking to simplicity is at the core of their design philosophy.

With Mott & Bow, you have the option of a skinny, slim or straight fit to choose from. You also have the option of dark blue, medium blue, and black and gray washes. There are wide variety of washes to choose from with each of the 3 fits.

I own a pair of Mott & Bow’s Warren skinny jeans which have a medium blue wash and a weight of 12.5 oz. The fabric is sourced from Italy with a premium and textured feeling along with the unique stone washed fading.

Ministry of Supply

Ministry of Supply is engineered for comfort. They say that it’s “scientifically better clothing.” With temperature regulation, odor control and climate neutral certification—innovation is the name of the game.

They believes that through science they can make you more comfortable and productive, no matter where you are. They’re currently based out of Boston, Massachusetts and born in the labs of MIT.

Believe it or not, the company CEO and his wife own world records for running the fastest half marathon wearing a suit. Sure it was gimmicky, but it worked since Ministry received a ton of press from the stunt. Learn more about Learn more about the history of their flagship products: A Decade of Innovation in Comfort.

Ministry of Supply Chroma Denim Pant

A few great pairs of jeans should be a style stalwart in every man’s wardrobe. Trusty denim pants are meant to get us through the days casually cool and comfortably. Ministry of Supply’s Chroma Denim Pant is out to do just that.

The indigo wash has a traditional rich, dark color that you’d expect from a pair of indigo wash jeans. They  use an innovative reaction dye that uses 1/2 the water of traditional dyeing methods to create vibrant tones meant to last through countless washes.

Materials & Details

• Fit: Slim
• Sizes: 28-38 x 30-34
• Material: 12 oz 98% organic cotton, 2% spandex
• Made In: Vietnam
• Colorways: 7
• Care: Machine wash cold, line dry in shade. Dry cleanable.

Check Chroma Denim Price

Now that you know some great place to buy dark wash jeans, let’s move on to a few ways you can wear them.

How to Wear Dark Wash Jeans (3 Easy Ways)

Scenario #1: The casual weekender

Whether you’re running a few errands, off to school or meeting up with buddies for drinks—dark blue jeans can serve you well.

This simple look is made casual from the top all the way down to the bottom.

The white/gray check flannel shirt is inherently casual. Also notice the rounded ‘club’ collar which gives it more of a modern appeal. Pair this shirt with a light, quilted vest, suede desert boots, and dark jeans, and you’ve got a rugged, yet still refined combo.

The Timex Weekender watch with a casual leather strap completes this simple getup. Of course this is meant to be a well-fitting outfit which helps to further streamline the look.

Scenario #2: The smart casual office

Find yourself in a more casual work environment? This smart casual outfit can work well in the office.

The shawl neck sweater is a casual piece that ventures into rugged territory depending on what you pair it with.

In this case, the addition of a white oxford button-down shirt helps to increase the level of formality a tiny bit. And a clean pair of suede chukkas, in navy keeps the look balanced with earth tones, of dark blues and the teal of the cardigan.

You’ll look on point style wise with this simple getup, topped off with a minimalist brown leather watch.

Scenario #3: Date night

Quick aside: Stay away from the blazer and tie combo if you’re only a few dates in. You might come off as too try-hard. This is more for a longer term relationship of say 6 months+.

Related: You might like this American Eagle vs Express jeans review.

So it’s date night with your special lady? Here’s how to wear dark blue jeans—dressed up.

In this scenario, I dressed up our trusty dark blue jeans with a silk blended charcoal blazer (yours doesn’t have to be silk) to up the class factor. The silk blend gives off an air of elegance that is perfect for a fancy date or anniversary.

Though hard to see, the shirt is light blue with thin white stripes. The navy, speckled tie is made of a wool fabric that contrasts nicely against the lighter shirt. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures.

A pair of brown brogues like that of Allen Edmonds’ Strand in Walnut always looks great with dark blue jeans. You can of course go darker with your shoe shade according to your personal taste.

Show her that you care and put in a little extra effort to wow her like in the beginning.

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Types of Jeans Fit

Quick preface: Like the many different body types, the fit of different brands can vary a great deal. I suggest getting off the internet and actually visit the individual stores you like and try on the various types of fit to see which is best for you.

It’s also worth noting that over the years, pants fit have gotten slimmer across the board. So even the relaxed or bootcuts of today aren’t as ill-fitting as days gone by.

Skinny:

Remember not so long ago when skinny jeans were all the rage? I admit to falling for this trend even though skinny jeans aren’t the most flattering for my body type. I don’t exactly have thunder thighs, but skinny is not a good look for me.

Skinny fit jeans are most appropriate for skinny guys. It shouldn’t be a struggle to squeeze into your jeans, though many skinny/slim fitting jeans have 1 or 2% elastane, giving it a bit of stretch, which is more comfortable than a pair without it.

Slim:

Depending on the brand, you may fall under a slim or a straight fit. For example a GAP or H&M straight fit is comparable to other brands’ slims. Again, it’s best to try for yourself to see if slim or straight works for you. The primary difference between slim and straight is that slim tends to fit slightly more snug and tapers down towards the ankle.

Straight:

Straight fit is a good choice for the majority of men. It’s the most flattering fit for a wide range of body types and is a safe choice if you are unsure of which fit is most appropriate for you. Think of straight fit as a happy medium, not too tight, not too loose, but just right.

Boot cut:

This fit is meant to be worn with boots, hence the name. An indicator of a boot cut is a widening of the pant leg opening that gives ample room to cover up the bulkiest of boots. These types of jeans tend to be more relaxed at the thigh and down the leg as well.

Relaxed:

As the name suggests, this fit is relaxed alright. Perhaps too relaxed, bordering lazy with your style. Not to hate on this relaxed fit, but it’s not the most flattering for any body type. The Brett Favre for Wrangler, dad jeans look can be real comfortable, but can also make you appear real sloppy. But hey, to each his own.

Caring for Your Dark Wash Denim

A common question is, “how do I wash dark blue jeans without it fading?”

So, how often should you wash your dark blue jeans? The short answer—as little as possible.

A rule of thumb is to go for as long as possible without washing. When will you know it’s time? A good old fashioned smell test never fails.

First, here’s what you shouldn’t do:

• Wash your jeans after every wear
• Put your jeans in the dryer
• Put your jeans in the freezer

Washing after every wear is not only bad for the environment, but will shorten the life of your jeans. And the heat from a dryer can actually damage your jeans, causing extreme fading.

Forget about freezing your jeans to kill bacteria, it doesn’t work.

If you want to preserve the dark color of your jeans and prevent fading, the best method I found is courtesy of Bespoke Post. Granted, it’s advice for treating raw denim, it works perfectly on regular dark blue jeans as well.

I’ll let them tell it.

“Turn them inside-out, then put them in the washing machine by themselves. Wash on cold with just a little bit of Woolite Dark detergent. Hang ‘em up to dry.

This is the method we swear by. With just a few minor adjustments, cleaning your jeans is just as easy as doing a normal load of laundry, but they won’t fade too much or mess with the color of your other clothes.

Turning them inside-out protects any fades you’ve already developed, the cold water is less likely to bleed the indigo, and Woolite works well to keep an inky hue on dark clothes.

Don’t go crazy and wash every time you do your laundry, but you can rest easy knowing that when you do need to give your favorite denim a thorough clean, it won’t involve any complicated processes or do too much damage to the dye.”

For more on caring for your jeans. Via Levi’s Unzipped blog.

Finally, here’s some more interesting facts about jeans if you’re curious.

Did You Know?

• Jeans was the creation of Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss in 1873. Davis with a knack for innovation and Strauss an entrepreneurial spirit, together they changed the face of fashion forever.
• Jeans as name for trousers come from city of Genoa in Italy, a place where cotton corduroy, called either jean or jeane, was manufactured.
• Jeans were working clothes at first, made from durable materials that could withstand the rigors of rough working conditions.
• Blue jeans were banned at certain places like schools, theaters, and restaurants in the ‘50s because they were seen as a form of rebellion against conformism.
• Rivets are used on jeans to make them stronger especially on pockets and other places where the jeans would tend to rip.

• Over 50% of denim is made in Asia, specifically China, India and Bangladesh.
• Blue jeans became popular outside of the US thanks to American Soldiers in WWII when they wore jeans while off-duty.
• Making of one pair of Levi 501s requires 37 separate sewing operations.
• About 450 million pairs of jeans are sold in the United States every year.
• Statistically, on average, every American owns 7 pairs of blue jeans.

Why Dark Wash Denim is Essential in Menswear

Dark wash denim is often considered essential menswear for several reasons:

1. Versatility

Dark wash denim is highly versatile and can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for various occasions. You can wear dark jeans with casual outfits for a relaxed look or pair them with a blazer and dress shoes for a more formal appearance.

2. Timeless Style

Dark wash denim has a classic and timeless look that doesn’t go out of fashion. This means you can rely on it year after year without worrying about it becoming outdated.

3. Slimming Effect

Dark denim has a slimming effect on the body and can create a more streamlined and flattering silhouette. It tends to make the wearer look leaner and taller.

4. Easy to Coordinate

Dark denim pairs well with a wide range of colors and patterns, making it effortless to match with various tops, shoes, and accessories.

5. Suitable for Various Seasons

Dark jeans are appropriate for all seasons. You can wear them in the summer with a light t-shirt or in the winter with a sweater or jacket. They can be layered with different pieces to adapt as the weather changes.

6. Professional Appearance

Dark wash denim, particularly in a more tailored cut, can be acceptable in business casual settings or workplaces with a more relaxed dress code.

7. Durability

Dark denim tends to be more resilient and less prone to showing signs of wear and tear, which means it can last longer compared to lighter washes that might show stains and fading more prominently.

8. Easy to Maintain

Dark wash denim is forgiving when it comes to stains and dirt. Minor imperfections are less visible, so you can often go longer without washing them.

In Closing

A clean pair of dark blue jeans is the ultimate smart casual wardrobe piece. It’s the first item I would recommend any guy pick up if he doesn’t already own a pair.

Lighter wash denim is always casual. The power of dark blue jeans is its ability to be worn casually or ultra elegant.

Its versatility and durability is unmatched. It has stood the test of time and I believe will continue to be a staple long before you and I are gone.

So, what are you waiting for? Go get yourself a quality pair…you won’t regret it.

If you liked this article, you can check the out the other features in our Essential Men’s Styles Series.