Though it may seem counterintuitive, the less you wash your jeans, the longer they will last. Running your pairs through the washing machine strips the denim of its color, and can cause the fabric to lose its shape. When you do need to give them a wash, help preserve them by turning them inside out, using cold water and a mild detergent, and letting them air dry instead of using the dryer.

Rather than sticking with just one style, we recommend trying on a wide variety of brands and silhouettes (in store is best). Once you’ve found a pair of men’s jeans that you love, you might still need to make a few alterations to get the perfect fit. For that, choose a tailor who has experience with denim alterations. Our suggestion? Use one of Bloomingdale’s own on-site tailors, who can hem, taper, or even distress your jeans for a lived-in look.

The amount of stretch your jeans have depends on both the fit and the fabric. For slimmer fits, most denim will contain at least 3% polyurethane, elastane, or another stretch fabric so that your jeans will comfortably move with you. Straight fits may have 1–2% stretch fabric, or they might be made of 100% cotton denim (also referred to as rigid denim), which contains no stretch but will give a bit over time as you wear them.

Like its name suggests, raw denim is denim that has not been treated in any way. That includes the washing that usually takes place before the fabric is turned into clothing, as well as any distressing or bleaching. As a result, raw denim has a deep indigo color and very rigid feel, but over time it softens and fades with wear.

When it comes to back pockets and how they affect the way your jeans look and fit, there are three things to keep in mind: size, placement, and embellishment. Larger pockets, or pockets that are placed close together rather than centered, will minimize your backside. Embellished pockets, on the other hand, will draw attention to it.