Nothing in your closet gets more use than a pair of well-fitting denim pants. Throw them on for casual Fridays at work, match them with a polo for semi-casual weekend outings, and wear them for completing your to-do list on your day off. Depending on the wash and fit, you may even get away with wearing denim to more formal events like dinners or work functions.

But with so many denim brands competing for your dollar and attention, how do you choose the right one? Start with what fit you want. Common styles are slim, tapered, straight, relaxed, and wide leg. There are also subcategories within these styles, but you can decide on specifics later on. Nudie, Kings of Indigo, and Levi’s are great starter brands.

Then consider the wash. To simplify, let’s divide the colors into light, medium, and dark. You also have white and black, which might be more versatile if you really want a pair of jeans you can wear to any event.

Last but not least, choose denim brands that are high quality. A great pair of jeans can run you anywhere between $150 to $200 or more, but get this: jeans can last decades if you take care of them. So they’re definitely worth the investment. Take a look at three of our favorite denim brands that offer men’s jeans.

Nudie

Nudie Jeans Co. is a Swedish-based denim brand that prides itself on sustainability and is one of the leaders in denim culture. They’re proponents of the break-in method where you wear your jeans daily for 6 months without washing them to get a custom fit and custom creasing.

If you’re a denim buff, you know exactly what that means. If not, just know it’s a rite of passage that makes for great, one-of-a-kind pants. On average, expect to pay at least $300 to snag a pair of these well-made jeans.

Why we love this brand:

• Large selection of selvage denim (including Japanese textiles)
• Organic cotton
• Environmentally-friendly company

Kings of Indigo

Founded in 2010 by an Amsterdam resident, Kings of Indigo also reigns supreme in sustainable denim practices and premium materials. They scrutinize every part of the production, consumption, and disposal cycle to achieve some respectable goals. These include reducing water use, using Earth-friendly materials, decreasing transport distance between manufacturers and distributors, and cutting down on waste.

And they do it all without sacrificing quality. Kings of Indigo is also kinder to the wallet than similar luxury denim brands, so you might want to consider this one if you want multiple pairs. Expect to pay about $120 for each.

Why we love this brand:

• Trendy fits and styles
• 95% sustainable, organic cotton
• Large collection of tops (long sleeves and tees)

Levi’s

When you think denim, this industry giant is probably the first one that comes to mind. Heck, you’ve probably owned pants or a jacket from them in the past. Since 1852, Levi’s has been a staple not just in the denim world but in mainstream culture. It’s all thanks to their timeless fits that stray true to the company’s original mission — providing clothes that last. Since they’re a huge company, Levi’s offers a wide range of styles and fits plus a wide price range.

All this to mean you can purchase an exclusive, luxury pair for special occasions and one designated for rough working conditions. It’s difficult to pinpoint a price, so expect to pay between $50 to $200 for a pair of Levi’s.

Why we love this brand:

• Familiar sizing criteria
• Classic fits plus newer styles
• Affordable pricing

If you’re looking for wardrobe durables that don’t need to be replaced every year, a pair of jeans is a no-brainer. From casual to semi-formal, they make dressing up less of a hassle. Shop these three brands above for an article of clothing you can depend on.

The great thing about these denim brands is that they also offer tops, accessories, and sometimes even shoes, that go well with your jeans — or any other bottoms in your wardrobe. Use them as a jumping point for exploring other brands, and if you need more ideas on what closet essentials to look into, check out our guide on the best all-season outerwear here.