By 
A common point of fashion advice that I usually get is that “clothes make the man.”
While there are many clothes that can make the most of a man, none are as classic, versatile, or durable as a good pair of jeans.
However, with so many styles, materials, and sizes of jeans, it can be difficult to manage how many jeans you need, especially when a sale comes in.
So how many pairs of jeans should you own?
In my opinion, every man should have at least 2 to 4 pairs of jeans:
But it really depends on your lifestyle and what you will wear your jeans for.
To help you figure it out how many pairs of jeans you need, here are 6 important tips to consider:
1) What do you need your jeans for?
Of course, the first question you must ask yourself is why you’re getting jeans in the first place?
Modern jeans are way less durable than its initial inception, lasting about a year or more with proper maintenance.
However, developments in denim creation, new dyes, and innovations from contemporary designers, have made jeans an evolving and enduring piece of your collection.
So when the opportunity rises to get another pair, ask yourself if you really need it.
I, along with many jean enthusiasts like designers and everyday people, would definitely recommend that you should own a single pair of blue jeans.
A single pair can fit well any huge number of outfits and can last you well beyond a year if taken care of.
If it is comfortable, is not worn out yet from physical activity, and fits your body and style to a T, then you shouldn’t be really needing another pair of jeans. Maybe get an extra pair in case of emergencies.
You should also ask yourself if you can even keep it in your closet. Jeans can be hard to store as they are thick when folded compactly.
I’ve accidentally destroyed a part of my closet because my stack of jeans put too much stress on it.
If you have too many jeans but want to replace them, consider recycling them in a retail store.
Some may even provide a discount in exchange for old jeans.
So if you’re thinking of expanding your style or inventory, check if you do need an alternative, for fashion or function, and if you have the space to stow it away.
While a hefty discount may seem like a good reason to get your third or sixth pair of jeans, thinking of your current clothing needs or having a second opinion will save you months of disappointment over a pair of jeans.
2) Strategize Your Budget
Of course, when you’re planning to expand or begin curating your personal collection of jeans, you need to set aside some money for it.
Whether you’re looking at reputable brands like the classic Levi’s or the new kid on the block Uniqlo, you need to find the best bang for your buck.
When I was in the market for jeans, I was looking to get another pair that were different from regular straight blue jeans.
I decided to visit an outlet store to find any overlooked pairs of jeans at a cut price. I was awarded with a drawstring pair of light brown jeans that last me to this day.
My biggest tip is to know when to take the extra mile for quality instead of quantity. Don’t spend money once you see a 50% discount.
Maybe you can reserve a good amount of your budget on that vintage pair of durable blue jeans that can last you a lifetime or, just like me, take a little more time to find a great discount on a unique pair.
Always remember to fit any pair of jeans before you buy it to save time and money on refunds.
3) Plan Out When You’re Using Jeans
Before you begin amassing jeans, it also helps to check how each jeans fits into your lifestyle: whether you’re a fashionista, blue collar worker, or a laborer.
A blue pair of Levi’s is a classic choice as it is flexible on many outfits.
But with new jeans coming in several colors, sizes, and new materials, your range of expression through clothing has definitely widened.
For example, a black pair of slim jeans can be a fantastic alternative to straight blue jeans.
It can better define your legs and body shape while providing the foundation for a sleek, mature look.
Meanwhile, a lighter shade of jeans can help brighten up your daily outfits by providing more color.
Buy jeans that can easily seam into what you already have in your closet or that need to suit for a certain occasion or activity.
Save your pair of battle-hardened and worn-in jeans for your daily errands so that your pair of black jeans can be the spotlight on a Saturday night out.
If you’re looking into experimenting with other sizes like a baggy outline or with a new color, consider it as an investment that may or may not work out.
4) Get Tougher Jeans for Work
If you’re in a job that requires a lot of physical activity like as a construction worker, carpenter, or in a factory, you may need a few more pairs of jeans or you need to procure a set of tough jeans that can withstand heat, stretching, and potential tearing.
While modern everyday jeans aren’t perfect for heavy duty activity, the addition of materials like polyester, spandex, and elastane have created much more comfortable work pants than those in the late 1800’s.
Brands like Wrangler, Dickies, and Levi’s are well-known for their durable and limber jeans that make a day’s work go by like a breeze.
They also include further reinforcements in the knees for greater support, extra storage compartments like pockets and a hammer loop, and maximum comfort by incorporating cotton.
5) Take Note of How to Laundry Your Jeans
With more pairs of jeans comes a hidden increase of the cost of water, electricity, and laundry materials.
While adding more jeans in your closet can decrease the load of laundry, it helps to take a mental note on how many loads of laundry you need to wash your jeans.
In my experience, I usually fit 2 to 3 jeans in one load of laundry.
I make sure to reserve any jeans or use them less in case I have any special occasion that requires formal or smart casual attire.
So for any errands or casual hangouts within the same week, I wear shorts or colored pants instead.
A casual pair of jeans can last around five uses before going into the washing machine.
But remember that if it has any visible marks or starts to smell, it’s the best time for a wash. Don’t wash the same pair of jeans too frequently as it could damage the fabric and dye.
The right laundry routine can save you hundreds of dollars in tailor’s fee, utility fees, and replacement jeans. Check the tags found inside the waistline of the jeans for any directions placed by the manufacturer for the most effective way to laundry it.
6) Recycle Old Jeans For a Discount
If you find yourself with too many jeans, I suggest practicing a green thumb by starting to find ways to give out your old pairs.
The production of jeans needs a lot of water, energy, and chemicals that produce tons of waste for a single pair of jeans.
By donating or recycling your pair of jeans, you can help lessen the carbon footprint of these factories
So when your stack of jeans is a bit too high, I recommend giving them to a donation store or a family member or finding a recycling bin.
Some stores have a bin where you can dump your old jeans so that they may be re-used for new jeans.
They may also give a discount so that you can purchase a new pair of jeans, possibly made from other recycled materials.
Whether you’re adding to your pile of jeans or just beginning your denim journey, it’s important to remember these steps that can help you optimize how you manage your pants collection.
Always remember a good benchmark on the number of jeans you should own is around 4.
