Thanks to celebrities like Kanye West, Justin Bieber, and Justin Theroux, we have enough evidence and visual sources to make ripped jeans work—yes, even for the average guy like you. Our key takeaway is to go for ones with the ‘right’ distress, fade, and placement of holes to prevent looking too tacky or teenage boy-ish. We’ll explain more later.
The best jeans have become an undeniable staple in stylish men’s wardrobes. Replacing your regular old jeans with a distressed style will instantly add character to any outfit and bring out the inner bad boy in you—perfect for rock concerts, artsy gallery dates, or a casual night out with the bros.
We’re here to help you master the aesthetic and win compliments everywhere you go. Here are the best ripped jeans for men you can buy right now and wear forever.
Our Top Picks
We’re going straight to the king of American denim, Levi’s. The 512 Slim Taper Fit Jeans are an all-time fan favorite for their timeless design and universally flattering fit. Out of all the attractive colorways (we know you’re indecisive), our pick would be the ‘Dark Indigo Destructed’ for the most versatility.
The holes aren’t too big and in-your-face, which makes these a great beginner pair of the best ripped jeans. The subtle rips are appropriate for casual work events, too—get ready to flaunt these at your next office happy hour.
Style these classic Levi’s jeans with a clean polo and a white pair of sneakers for a well-balanced, preppy look. Switch out the polo to a fun graphic tee on weekends to lighten up the mood even more.
Material: 79% Cotton, 20% Polyester, 1% Elastane | Colors available: 8 Distressed Options | Sizes available: 28W – 42W | Fit: Taper | Inseam: 29 – 32”
If you’re already a fan of the best ripped jeans, you know about Amiri. If not, they practically made ripped jeans a trend. This particular pair is a cult favorite, sported by Justin Bieber and Drake, to name a few.
We get it, these look tight—but once you get in them, you’ll understand the hype. The stretch denim makes them more comfortable than they appear. We can’t avoid it anymore; these jeans are worth the price tag (yup, quite the elephant in the room). What makes them so unique is the Brand name patchwork details peeking through the expertly placed rips. It’s quite the flex. These jeans will instantly make you feel like a hot commodity.
Material: 92% Cotton, 6% Elastomultiester, 2% Elastane | Colors available: Blue | Sizes available: 28 – 38 | Fit: Skinny | Inseam: 34”
These are the best ripped jeans with a slim fit, that work for everyday guy who wants unbeatable versatility. We especially love L’Homme’s perfectly placed cutout slits that feel a lot more natural—New York fashionistas will appreciate it.
The medium-blue wash denim is perfect to pair with a crisp, white oxford shirt or any of your favorite tops. These jeans will be acceptable to wear for most occasions—minus interviews or funerals.
The best is always last. You won’t be growing any denim trees in your yard, but this denim is biodegradable. Told you these jeans go with everything—environment included.
Material: 97% Organic Cotton, 3% Roica V550 | Colors available: Blue | Sizes available: 28 – 42 | Fit: Slim | Inseam: 32.5”
Go big or go home. If you’re into some wide-leg denim action, these distressed jeans by Celine Homme should be at the top of your wishlist. As a part of Hedi Slimane’s collection of extremes, these best ripped jeans are voluminous and exaggerated for the nostalgic fashion enthusiast.
This style has the potential to make you like a wannabe Lincoln Park background dancer, but the right styling will elevate the new and improved 90s hip-hop vibe. Pair these baggy ripped jeans with a retro t-shirt or denim jacket to embrace the Y2K trend that keeps gaining traction.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors available: Blue | Sizes available: 28 – 34 | Fit: Wide-Leg | Inseam: 33”
If you’re on TikTok, you know Abercrombie & Fitch is cool again, and we’re low-key excited about it. Taking us back to the 2000s, these Athletic Skinny Jeans are here to turn you into the coolest kid on the block.
These jeans are cut for the perfect athletic fit—roomier in the hip and thigh but slimmer below the knees. Embrace your inner skater boy with these relaxed yet polished jeans. Style it with your favorite throwback sneakers like Converse All Stars or checkered Vans slip-ons for a chill, norm-core look.
Material: 95% Cotton, 4% Polyester, 1% Elastane | Colors available: Blue, White | Sizes available: 26 – 40 | Fit: Athletic | Inseam: 28 – 36”
We know it’s hard to find the perfect wash of blue denim that’s versatile and seasonless. Not too light, nor not too dark—these Cooper Tapered Jeans by Closed are ideal for year-round wear.
The overall pre-worn-out look gives the effortless and laid-back vibe that feels just right, without feeling like you’re trying too hard.
Wear it with your favorite linen t-shirt and sandals in the summer for a beach date. Or with your favorite cozy sweater for your next holiday family feast.
Material: 82% Recycled Cotton, 18% Organic Cotton | Colors available: Blue | Sizes available: 27 – 38 | Fit: Tapered | Inseam: 29.1”
Black is the way to go if you want to achieve a stylish, carefree look instantly. Vetements nailed it with their distressed black jeans. You’ll feel like you stepped out of a magazine.
There’s no stretch in this denim, but the wide-leg fit gives you plenty of room to strut. You should note that these jeans are slightly cropped, making them a great to show off your best footwear. This is probably why Mr Porter styled them with some great white shoes and a sweater. It’s hard to argue with their outfit suggestions. Can any guy resist a hoodie and black jeans?
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors available: Black | Sizes available: 28-34 | Fit: Flared | Inseam: 37.8”
If you’re going through a rebellious season in your life (as we all do at some point), these Punk Super Skinny Jeans by Cult of Individuality are our pick for you. The fresh white color with shredded cutouts at the knees make a bold fashion statement—in a good way.
Cult of Individuality is most known for the kitschy, graffiti-like graphics on their apparel. The punky and cartoonish drawings might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but these best ripped jeans are more modest and approachable for the everyday guy.
The signature ‘xx’ logo on the back is subtle but surely sticks to the brand’s rebellious identity with the unexpected placement. Style these jeans with your favorite band t-shirt to keep things lighthearted, or go for an all-white look if you’re feeling daring.
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Lycra | Colors available: White | Sizes available: 29 – 44 | Fit: Skinny | Inseam: 32”
The truly stylish men know the value of gray jeans, and we’re not gatekeeping here. They’re cooler than your ordinary blue jeans and more warm weather appropriate than your dark, black jeans. These 3301 slim jeans by G-Star Raw are the best versatile option to add to your weekly outfit rotation.
Made with stretch denim, these jeans are super comfortable, and the slim fit hugs you in all the right places to create a lengthening illusion. Sometimes occasions call for underrated gray denim with subtle distressing instead of gaping rips. These are those jeans.
Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane | Colors available: Gray | Sizes available: 26 – 40 | Fit: Slim | Inseam: 30 – 36”
If you’re down to invest in a designer piece, keep things classy with these Saint Laurent Slim-Fit Distressed Jeans. With minimal rips, tears, and holes, this light-washed denim gives you the excitement of the best ripped jeans while still looking put together.
Cut in a slim silhouette that’s typical of Saint Laurent, these jeans pair charmingly with crisp white sneakers. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, take another lead from Mr Porter’s style and throw on a pair of western-inspired boots. Either way, the subtlety of the distress will make you look understated and baller.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors available: Blue | Sizes available: 27 – 36 | Fit: Slim | Inseam: 34”
Do you feel like the best ripped jeans are inappropriate for work? Or think you’re too old for this trend? If you’re not comfortable being seen in the best ripped jeans for whatever reason, these Straight Fit Cut Off Selvedge Jeans from Todd Snyder is the perfect entry-level style to get your foot in the door.
With the cut-off hems at the ankles and light distress near the pockets, these have the lighthearted feel of the best ripped jeans without featuring any rips or holes. If you don’t want to show some skin, these distressed jeans are a modest but fun alternative for you.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors available: Blue | Sizes available: 28 – 36 | Fit: Straight | Inseam: 30 – 34”
Whether you own a Harley or frequent grunge nightlife, these Skinny-Fit Distressed Paneled Jeans will meet your motorcycle aesthetic needs—if you’re into that. And they’re suitable for more occasions than you’d think. Bars, concerts, museums, so many options.
The heavily ripped and distressed knees juxtaposed with the cotton panels create a unique dimension that no other among the best ripped jeans can imitate. Don’t feel pressured to stick to just moto leather jackets, though. They’re a statement on their own. Keep things sophisticated by pairing them with a minimal top and basic white sneakers. If you’re hitting the club, adding some silver jewelry is a plus.
Material: 92% Cotton, 6% Elastane | Colors available: Black, Blue | Sizes available: 28 – 38 | Fit: Skinny | Inseam: 33”
The ideal summer ripped jeans do exist. Look no further than Rag & Bone’s Fit 1 Harper jeans. Don’t let the skinny fit fool you. The stretchy fabric lets your legs bend without feeling like they’re in a straight jacket.
The light-washed denim gives you a chill look that’s perfect for the boardwalk or a nice patio brunch. All of the internet seems to agree that a clean white tee and pristine kicks are a fail-safe with these jeans. But if you’re looking for a tad more elevation, throw on some loafers and a breezy button-down.
Material: 92% Cotton, 6% Eme, 2% Elastane | Colors available: Blue | Sizes available: 28 – 38 | Fit: Skinny | Inseam: 32”
What To Look For When Buying The Best Ripped Jeans For Men
Types of rips
Though it all may look similar, there are different types of rips. The most common are cutouts (usually on the knee area) that look like a knife cut through it—you’ll be showing the most skin with these. Another popular type is shreds with threads hanging—these feel more vintage and grunge. Best for beginners would be light distress all throughout the jeans—they’re modest and easy to style.
Fit
As with all types of jeans, the fit is very crucial when shopping for a pair of the best ripped jeans. It’ll be a safe choice to stick to a silhouette that is closer to your regular jeans as they fit similarly. Do keep in mind that the best ripped jeans (especially those with larger cutouts) can give you a bit more room around your knees than your non-ripped jeans. But unless stated otherwise, stick to your normal waist size.
Color
The color of the best ripped jeans is everything. Dark denim is easier to dress up with a blazer or a nice pair of boots, even if they are distressed. Light-washed and white denim are your go-to jeans for casual spring and summer festivities. Then we have gray and black—these are just necessary staples, gents.
FAQ
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You want to style your ripped jeans a little differently than your regular jeans. The distressed style is the star of the outfit show. Keep your upper half simple with a classic plain tee or solid knit sweater. There’s a bit more wiggle room with footwear, but when in doubt, stick with your low-key kicks.
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Ripped jeans are more expensive because it takes a lot more manual labor to create the ripped effects. It’s that simple. You can try ripping on your own, but it’s harder than it looks.
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Ripped jeans are definitely okay for men to wear. The laid-back vibe isn’t going out of style anytime soon. Just make sure you’re wearing them in appropriate settings (not a great choice for weddings).
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The best ripped jeans for men are those from classic denim brands like Levi’s and Frame. They’re always good for all-around price, quality, and style. If you’re into luxury brands, we also recommend designers like Amiri, Celine Homme, and Saint Laurent.
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