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It seems there’s an unspoken rule floating around that suggests men over 40 should abandon jeans altogether.

Even superstar comedian Kevin Hart seems to subscribe to this notion. On a chat show to promote his latest comedy tour, fittingly titled Acting My Age, he casually dropped this punchline. He said: “I don’t wear jeans anymore… because I’m getting older. It’s all pants, all slacks!”

But like seriously, for real?

It’s no secret that finding the right pair of jeans can be a chore at any age. Many of us have experienced buyer’s remorse after discovering that a seemingly perfect pair falls short in terms of fit, finish, function, detail, construction, or style.

The Levi Strauss fit guide alone has more than 14 options—skinny, straight, bootcut, and everything in between. Then there’s the rise (low, mid, high), the wash (dark, light, distressed, raw), and even functional details to be considered like button vs zipper fly or flap vs patch pockets or raw hem vs selvedge. Thus, a single piece of clothing has turned into an overwhelming sea of choices.

By the time you hit 40, comfort becomes top priority. Life feels less about keeping up with trends and more about embracing what works for you. Some men take this to an extreme, abandoning jeans in favour of joggers or slacks [sic].

Others lean into custom-made outfits with their initials monogrammed onto every piece—ushering themselves into the “dad style” era a little too soon. Not that that is a bad idea. It’s just reminiscent of that boarding school life. A memory I like to keep as fodder for annual reunion banter.

Nonetheless, plenty of men in their 40s and beyond take the opposite approach. They double down on personal style, refining their wardrobe with jeans that suit their lifestyle and aesthetic. These men know that the right pair of jeans can enhance both comfort and confidence.

They avoid anything labelled skinny or slim and opt instead for athletic, loose, or straight-leg fits. They favour dark washes with realistic fading, mid-to-high rises for a comfortable fit, and a structured yet relaxed silhouette. No excessive rips, embellishments, or over-the-top details. Oh yes, button fly.

And let’s talk comfort. Despite its reputation for being rigid, denim is made from cotton—a naturally soft fibre. The tight weaving technique gives it a characteristic heavy weight needed for tensile strength. Modern fabric blends now incorporate stretch technology, making jeans even more wearable for men who prioritize ease of movement.

Should men ditch jeans after 40? I think not. Middle age is no reason to throw away a wardrobe staple that has stood the test of time. The key is to choose wisely. I personally favour the straight or the tapered cut more these days.

The world of men’s fashion would be a lot less interesting without denim in it.

So, before you write off jeans entirely, ask yourself: Am I giving them up because I think I should? Or is it because I haven’t found the right pair yet?

Will you wear jeans after 40—or rock them until the wheels fall off? Please share.