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DOUBLE DENIM FOR MEN: HOW TO WEAR THE TREND
Like any great trend, double denim just keeps coming back around. It might have had its ups and downs, but the ‘Canadian tuxedo’ has been a fashion staple for decades - and for good reason!
There’s something about denim on denim that just works. Styled one way, it can give you a rugged look - think cowboys and Wild West vibes. Styled another way, it can look urban and cool, elevating a casual outfit into something a little more polished.
But it’s no secret that there’s a knack to getting it right. That’s why we’ve rounded up the simple styling tips that’ll make you look more iconic and less 90s boyband.
WHAT IS DOUBLE DENIM?
Double denim is as simple as it sounds - it’s wearing denim on top and bottom. For guys, that means teaming denim shorts or jeans with a denim shirt or jacket.
A classic cowboy look, it’s been popular ever since denim was created. But it first became a ‘thing’ in 1951 when American singer Bing Crosby was barred from a Vancouver hotel for dressing ‘too casually’ in double denim. Levi’s got wind of it and designed a denim tuxedo so he’d be smart enough to get in - hence the ‘Canadian tux’.
Since then, it’s never really gone away. Elvis rocked the look in this era, then George Michael and Shakin’ Stevens in the 80s, then Tupac Shakur, Justin Timberlake and David Beckham in the 90s.
DOUBLE DENIM MEN’S STYLE TIPS AND OUTFIT IDEAS
Now to the big question - how do you style double denim? With these simple tips, you’ll have no trouble nailing the look.
Match Your Denims
This is the classic way to do it. Just choose a denim jacket and trousers in the closest possible colour match for a consistent, coherent look. If they’re slightly different, your outfit can seem mismatched and thrown together.
Blue on blue is the iconic look, but other colours work just as well - try black on black denim, or cream on cream.
Break Up Denim With a Layer
Denim on denim is good, but breaking it up with a layer is better - this way you won’t look like a big column of blue. Add a longer shirt, t-shirt or hoodie in a different colour so it sits just below the jacket.
Alternatively, try playing with proportions - pair a baggy denim jacket with close-fit jeans, for example. The shift in the silhouette will help to break up the blue block too.
Contrast Denim Finishes
If you’re just dipping your toe into double denim men’s fashion, this is the perfect starting point. To get it right, just pick one item in a lighter shade than the other.
Your go-to dark blue jeans with a faded blue jacket would work great here. The best part? It can give a slimming look too.
Mix and Match
Double denim doesn’t just mean blue on blue. Using different colours can make it less matchy-matchy, but the similar textures will make for a well-put-together outfit.
When it’s warmer out, try a classic skater look with black denim shorts and a faded denim shirt rolled up at the sleeves. Or for a crisp street style, reach for white denim jeans, a tan denim jacket and a grey hoodie.
Keep The Rest of Your Outfit Simple
Wearing double denim is a statement. Team it with something like a Hawaiian shirt, and you’ll overdo it. But keep it simple with a white t-shirt, and you’ll look great!
Tees in other neutral colours will work too, as will a horizontally striped t-shirt - just try to avoid busier prints and patterns. For the mid-layer, a grey hoodie or black jumper will be hard to beat. The one exception? Red or green checked flannel shirts that channel the cowboy look.
The same goes for accessories - keep them simple. Double denim with sunglasses and a baseball cap is a classic look, but a bucket hat and scarf can be a bit too much.
Step Into Casual Shoes
Double denim is at the more casual end of the outfit spectrum, so you’ll want shoes that match the vibe.
A pair of white trainers will always work, and boots are a great option for darker denim. It’s best to avoid lace-up styles like brogues and Derbys - their polished finish won’t sit quite right with the rugged double denim look.
DOUBLE DENIM DO’S AND DON’TS
Done right, a double denim set for men is one of the coolest combos out there. Stick to these do’s and don’ts from our stylists, and you’ll nail the look every time.
DO’S
Elevate the style with a few simple tips:
● Use layers to break up the outfit
● Keep the look simple
● Team it with white trainers or casual boots
● Make sure you’re choosing perfect-fit denim
DON’TS
There are a few things to avoid when wearing double denim:
● Don’t pair close but distinct shades together, like dark indigo with navy, for example
● Steer clear of bright or eye-catching tees, shirts and jumpers
● No more than two denim items in one look - wearing a denim cap with a double denim outfit will be too much
● Make sure your denim is similarly worn - torn, faded jeans won’t suit a fresh denim jacket
● Leave smart extras at home, whether that’s shirts, shoes or accessories
● Keep double denim for more casual events and places
● Don’t wear a tee or shirt in the same colour as your denim
BE BOLD IN DOUBLE DENIM
Double denim is one of the coolest looks out there. It’s timeless, reliable, and it just works. Yes, getting it right is a balancing act, but these simple double denim rules for men will help you rock this style with confidence.
MENS DOUBLE DENIM FAQs
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