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Good Denim: It runs in the Jeans

The most common trait all jeans share is the type of material from which they are constructed: denim. However, although all denim is a cotton twill weave, even its attributes vary.

Raw vs. Washed: Jeans are produced from two basic denim types. Washed denim is the most popular variety and accounts for the vast majority of jeans in production. When denim is created, it is colored with dark shades of dye. After constructing a pair of jeans, a manufacturer will wash them in order to rinse away the excess dye left over from the denim's creation.

Raw denim jeans are created from material that is dyed and left unwashed after production. This gives jeans a dark look that will fade naturally, creating a look of genuine distress created by the wearer's own body. Raw denim is an favorite among many fashion-conscious consumers, and jeans cut from it are often more expensive than those constructed from washed denim.

Washed Denim

When you want a casual look, chances are you will go for a pair of jeans produced with washed denim. Manufacturers have a variety of finishing processes to give denim different appearances. Ranging from light to dark, you will want to know what to expect from each wash:

• Acid wash: Acid wash jeans have had a rollercoaster of a time in the fashion world. At points considered the peak of chic and at other times looked at as a complete humiliation for the person seen in them, acid wash jeans have seen their share of abuse. However, if you're brave, a pair of acid wash jeans can really shine when combined with a simple, solid color short-sleeved shirt.

• Dirty wash: Jeans constructed from denim with a dirty wash are designed to have a well-worn look. This wash will make a pair of jeans appear to have been used, and used hard. Dirty washed denim combines dark blues with slight yellow or brown tinting, creating distressed jeans with a worn-in appearance.

• Stonewash: Stonewashing is easily the most popular finish for denim jeans. This classic wash is a vital part of every guy's casual apparel collection. Manufacturers use one of two techniques to reach the traditional blue expected of stonewashed jeans. The old fashioned way is to utilize actual stones, but many jean creators now use chemicals to achieve a similar effect. Either way, stonewashed jeans will give you a classic, casual look.

• Vintage wash: Nothing beats the look of a pair of your favorite worn-in jeans. Of course, wearing in a pair of jeans can take years, so why not cheat a bit? Distressed jeans are created with a vintage wash, giving them the slight look of wear that everyone loves. This sort of wash will go with a large variety of shirts, but try something like a retro-style long sleeved shirt to amplify this hip wash.

Selecting Properly-Fitting Jeans

If the jean fits, wear it. But if it doesn't, well, don't. Nothing can drag your style down like a poor fitting pair of jeans. When you take the time to learn how to find a great fitting pair of jeans, your entire wardrobe will thank you. In addition, take a look at our online sizing chart to ensure a terrific fit.

Cuts

• Bootcut: Bootcut jeans are the perfect cut for any guy hoping to look fashionable without looking outrageous. This slim cut fits closely (but not tightly) with a slight flair towards the leg opening. Bootcut jeans make sense for most body shapes, ranging from skinny to bigger guys.

• Relaxed fit: Relaxed fit jeans, which are loosely cut from waist to leg opening, are great for heavier men. The roomier shape of these blue jeans won't accentuate curves and bulges like other cuts will. Thin guys should avoid relaxed cut jeans, as this cut can look loose and sloppy on skinny legs.

• Skinny cut: Skinny cut jeans are a risky bet for many men but have the potential to look hip on the right guy. The skinny jeans club is fairly exclusive, as this ultra-tight fitting cut can make average-to-heavy body types look even larger. This cut should be reserved for the twiggy body shape, which is virtually the only weight class on which skinny jeans flatter rather than offend. Try this cut with a trendy vintage shoe to complete the look.

• Slim fit: For those who want the hipster style of skinny jeans but don't make the cut weight-wise, there are slim fit jeans. This cut of jean is tapered in a similar style to skinny jeans but not in such an extreme manner. With slim fit jeans, you get the best of both worlds: fashion-forward looks and comfort.

• Straight cut: Straight cut jeans are the most discreet cut you'll find. Neither tapered nor excessively loose, this conservative style is ideal for those who want their jeans to do nothing more than cover their legs.

Rises

The measure of a jean's rise is taken from between the crotch and the waist. There are three major rises in jeans: low-rise, medium-rise and high-waisted. The rise can have a major effect on the overall look of a pair of jeans, so it's good to be aware of the differences.

• Low-rise: Low-rise jeans have the smallest space between crotch and waist. This rise of jeans generally sits a few inches below the belly button, so make sure to wear a shirt of appropriate length to avoid exposing your midsection (and lower!) to the world. Also keep in mind that low-rise jeans tend to squeeze around the belly area, so if you've got any extra weight hanging in that region, prepare for this rise to super size it.

• Medium-rise: If you don't feel comfortable in the hip-hugging scoop of low-rise jeans but want to maintain a trendy look, think about medium-rise jeans. The room between waist and crotch on medium-rise jeans isn't dangerously small, but it's not so large as to reach your rib cage, either.

• High-waisted: High-waisted jeans are a terrific choice for heavier men with rounder bellies. The rise is enough to slightly conceal the extra pounds that would be exposed in low- and medium-rise jeans.