Welcome to our Black Wash Jeans Hub! We’ve been scouring the interwebs, shopping and trying them on for years. (And they’ve just so happened to become a TME favorite.) Below you’ll find our editors’ favorite pairs of black jeans, which brands seem to do black denim especially well, tips on how to style them and a few new pairs we’ve been eyeing up as of late…(dad jeans, I’m lookin’ at you). If you’re just looking for black jean outfit ideas, scroll down — we collected all of the articles we’ve ever written featuring the always-cool black jeans. See our favorite black washes from our favorite brands (Levi’s, Everlane, MOTHER and more) on this page!
What Makes A Pair of Black Jeans Good?
I guess we can all agree that black-wash jeans are…black-colored, zero-blue-present jeans. What’s up for debate, however, are the type of black wash jeans we each gravitate towards. Our team consensus seems to be that a vintage-y, ever-so-slightly faded black wash tends to be much more interesting than pure, inky black. Something about it makes it easy to wear for every day, but you’re still able to dress it up if need be. You can also just see the denim’s quality better when it’s not too dark…really making the faded, almost grey denim look higher in quality. With all of that said…we’ve definitely found some high-quality, darker black washes that work really well, too.
How We Style Black Wash Jeans | Tips For Styling Black Wash Jeans | Our Favorite Brands | Return To the Ultimate Denim Guide
Tips For Styling Black-Wash Jeans
Tip 1: Go Monochromatic
The easiest way to style black-wash jeans? Go for an all-black, monochromatic outfit like Linzi. We especially love pairing them with a black sweater (preferably cashmere) and our favorite walkin' sneaks or boots.
Tip 2: Try Denim on Denim
Denim jackets with dark-wash jeans give you that denim on denim look without the Canadian tuxedo (although, we totally encourage that, too). Add your go-to bag, best walkin' boots and a simple top for an every day outfit like Laura.
Tip 3: Wear White (or Light) Colored Booties
Black jeans work SO well with white booties or really, any kind of lighter color boot. Adds a little pop, without too much color (especially if that isn't your thing — lookin' at you neutral-lovers.) Add a camel coat like Shana for the ultimate French-girl look.
Tip 4: Be Romantic
An easy way to make black jeans less edgy and a little more romantic — tops with ruffles, peplums or puff sleeves. Scotti's puff-sleeved sweater with pearl accents gives us all the romantic feels. If you want an even softer look, try a blush color or floral print.
Tip 5: Mix Shades of Brown & Tan
Don't be afraid of mixing shades of brown and tan (like Julieta's top, coat and boots) with black denim. It totally works and looks so chic.
Tip 6: Make Stripes Less Preppy
Stripes tend to give us nautical, preppy, just-hopped-off-the-beach vibes, but you can easily edge them up with black jeans, a smokey eye, red lip and red and black accessories like Scotti.
Tip 7: Edge It Up
Now, this. Black-wash jeans already give us edge, but why not make them even edgier like Laura did with a graphic tee, leather jacket and cool sneakers (or Doc Martens if you're feeling especially angsty).
Tip 8: Add Some Black Socks
If you're anything like Shana, you probably have a whole lotta black jeans you hacked the bottoms off of. This is great until it comes time for winter and you have cold ankles. We found that black socks (especially the Smartwool ones) work to keep you warm and still looking chic. (And yes, they work with both boots and sneakers.)
How We Style Black Wash Jeans
HOW WE STYLE BLACK WASH JEANS
Our Editors’ Go-To Brands For Black Wash Jeans
Levi's
Levi's are a classic, sustainable denim brand we'll always love. They carry some of our favorite styles of jeans in a black-wash. We especially recommend the 720 skinnies, 501s, Ribcage and Wedgie fits. (And most of these are available in plus size, too.)
Everlane
We love Everlane's jeans, and their black wash jeans are a special team favorite. They're the type of dark wash we love: slightly faded and almost vintage. In addition to the button-front skinnies, we also recommend the Kick Crop Flares, too. (Happily, many Everlane jeans come in ankle, regular and tall sizes, and some go up to size 35.)
MOTHER
Some of our all-time favorite denim. The Tomcats, The Hustler and The Insider Step-Hem styles are just a couple of our black-wash favs. This is a brand that always seems to nail that elusive perfectly faded-black-wash so you really won't go wrong with MOTHER.
