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Skinny jeans are out. Point blank, period. If you’re wearing skinny jeans for men in 2021, we hate to say it, but we’re judging you.
Though we genuinely hate how Gen Z TikTok teens have found a way to cancel something that can’t even breathe, we’re sorta sided with them on this one. Skinny jeans are enormously uncool. They’re almost embarrassing to strut around in. Think of your dad wearing a fanny pack when you were a kid and how it made you wretch in disgust. Wearing skinny jeans in 2021 is the same exact thing.
We’re sorry, but it’s time to replace your skinny jeans.
Skinny jeans on men should be illegal
— Jsui pas mind (@beanztoo) April 26, 2021
Now that we have you frantically tearing pants out of your closet, note that the best men’s jeans and pants aren’t that hard to find. Honestly, nowadays you’ll probably have a harder time finding skinny jeans than you would any other pair since retailers have even caught on to the dying trend.
Some of the best pants and shorts replacing skinny jeans in popularity right now are as follows:
- Baggy jeans
- Comfortable jeans
- Chinos
- Joggers
- Beach pants
- Sweatpants
- Carpenter pants
- Jorts
- Short shorts
- Water shorts
Though you might be thinking, “screw those TikTok teens,” you should already know damn well that Gen Zers are relentless bullies. They will make fun of you until you’re blue in the face. Yeah, wearing skinny jeans will most certainly show them who’s boss, but is the amount of ridicule even worth it? Plus, are skinny jeans even cool to begin with?
The answer? Hell no. Most of the time, we can’t even breathe in them. Now that they aren’t cool, it’s time to stop holding onto the past. You aren’t your parents. Give your skinny jeans to God, baby.
So, as you throw all of your skinny jeans into the local donation bin in your underwear, don’t cry over lost pants. Here are the best pants and shorts that aren’t skinny jeans to snag now.
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Best Pants for Men
1. Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans
BEST OVERALL REPLACEMENT
Let us be frank: you can’t ever and will never go wrong with Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans. These babies transcend time and space in a way that makes them impossible to ever go out of style. They have enough room to keep everything feeling comfortable and cozy no matter what you’re up to and have a fit that isn’t too baggy but not too skinny either. The 501’s come in a range of colors depending on your preference and work wonders shaping your body. If you’re transitioning out of your skinny jeans collection, these are the pants to start with.
2. ASOS DESIGN Baggy Jeans
BEST BAGGY JEANS
Baggy jeans have seen a full-throttle comeback in the past year and we’re not ashamed to say we’re way too glad. If you’ve ever thrown on a pair of baggy jeans, you’ll already know just how damn comfortable these babies are. ASOS has a number of great baggy jeans at prices just about anybody can get behind, just check out these below to see what we’re talking about. For under $40, these baggy jeans will up your look tremendously no matter where you’re headed. Throw these on with your favorite tee, a college crewneck or a button-down for the perfect ‘fit.
3. Everlane Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jeans
MOST COMFORTABLE
After spending so much time indoors the past few years, it’s safe to say that comfort is key when it comes to dressing. Everlane’s Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jeans marry comfort and style in such an effortless manner that you won’t even realize you’re wearing jeans. These are the perfect jeans for wearing on errands, to work, on dates, hell — even on the couch. They have a slim-fit design that won’t ever go out of style and are made with primarily organic cotton.
4. Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos
BEST CHINOS
Chinos are perfect for just about any occasion. They can look as casual or formal as you’d like them to depending on the occasion which is great for those that find themselves going from the office to happy hour to a dinner party. Bonobos has, hands down, the best chinos money can buy in 2021. They’re not only handsome but also as comfortable as it gets. The pants come in a plethora of colors ranging from neutrals to candy shop-esque hues, making them a stellar option for any kind of guy looking to ditch his skinny jeans.
5. Mack Weldon Ace Sweatpants
BEST JOGGERS
If you’ve been following SPY for a while now, don’t be so shocked when we tell you that Mack Weldon’s Ace Sweatpants are the most incredible joggers of all time. At the end of last year, we named these joggers as the best sweatpants in our 2020 SPY Man Awards simply because it would be a crime not to. They hold up day in and day out as if they’re brand-spankin’ new. They hug your body but also leave a lot of wiggle room for cozy days inside or quick errands out.
6. UO Wide Wale Corduroy Beach Pant
BEST BEACH PANTS
Oh, what are beach pants, you ask? Well, they’re the coolest pants to come back in style in years. Think awkward family beach photo, but, like, altered to the likeability of modern men’s fashion. They have a wide leg design with a drawstring top to keep you feeling loosey-goosey but looking like you know how to dress. Urban Outfitters is the top-reigning creator of the best beach pants right now with options ranging from these colorful cords (pictured below) to jean staples and summery, striped linens.
7. Champion Powerblend Sweats Retro Jogger Pants
BEST SWEATPANTS
The same way Levi’s are the main competition of every other jean brand in the world, Champion is the reigning king of classic sweatpants. Originally designed sweatpants aren’t as popular since joggers have taken over the world of athleisure, but that’s not the case with these OGs. The Powerblend Retro Sweats exude a timeless look that is just as iconic as they were in dad’s 80s spin classes as they are now on laundry day.
8. Carhartt Canvas Dungaree Work Pant
BEST CARPENTER PANTS
Carpenter pants are a stellar choice for dudes to rock in their regular day-to-day, not just during work. They have that baggy look that’s so popular right now and are constructed well enough for whatever’s going on in your life. With that said, these Carhartt Canvas Dungaree Work Pants are a force to be reckoned with. They have a number of utility pockets for safekeeping and a slimming waistband for your figure. Pair these with just about anything for a look nobody’s expecting.
Best Shorts for Men
9. Saturdays NYC Quinn Denim Short
BEST JORTS
Now that summer is just around the corner, there’s a solid chance you’re going to be ditching even your comfiest, coziest pants for shorts. We get it, it can get hot in these streets. If that’s the case, look no further than jorts to express your summer style. You look great in jeans the rest of the year, so why not wear them in a shorter format? These jorts from Saturdays NYC have summer ’70 written all over them in a way that will look rockin’ in summer ’21. They have a drawstring top and are begging to be paired with Converse high-tops and your favorite band tee.
10. Rhone 7″ Commuter Short
BEST SHORT SHORTS
Short shorts are the epitome of what you should be wearing when warmer weather approaches. In the same way you shouldn’t be wearing skinny jeans, you should also ditch every single pair of shorts that go below your knee. It’s unsightly, my guy. These 7″ Commuter Shorts from Rhone are all that and more that you’ll need when strutting the city streets this summer. They fit like a glove and come in a few stylish colors to match whatever you’re wearing above.
11. Mack Weldon Stratus Active Short
BEST WATER SHORTS
Water shorts are hybrid active and swim shorts that hit the nail on the head for those who find themselves doing the most each and every day. Morning bike ride? Wear ’em. Breakfast with the fam? Wear ’em. Early afternoon swim? Wear ’em. Rugby at the park? Wear ’em. Brews with the boys? Wear ’em. Hot tub time to end the day off? Wear ’em. From AM to PM, Mack Weldon’s quick-drying Stratus Active Shorts are all you’ll need to put on this summer. Well, underwear too.