THE JOURNAL
You’d be a bit of a rogue if you didn't have a pair of jeans kicking about in your wardrobe. Since their inception as workwear in 19th-century France (the word “denim” comes from the French “serge de Nîmes”, a twill fabric that was woven in the southern French town of Nîmes), by way of cowboys, supermodels and presidents, they have become an off-duty staple. Take that trusty, wear-with-anything fabric and translate it into outerwear, however, and things to start to become… intimidating. It is tricky to pinpoint why a denim jacket provokes fear in so many men, but we imagine their ubiquity in the 2000s may have something to do with it.
We urge you not to dismiss this underrated (and occasionally derided) item of clothing. Much like a pair of jeans, a denim jacket can be dressed up or down and it definitely comes in handy when layering (’tis the season for it). If you need further persuasion on the versatility of a denim jacket, the following three styles cover all bases.
01.
The Acne Studios distressed denim jacket
This denim jacket from Acne Studios immediately banishes all thoughts of millennium boy bands or Midwestern dads. The pale grey subtly distressed fabric and slouchy fit give it a goes-with-everything versatility that will instantly ramp up the cool factor. We suggest wearing it with an Isabel Marant pinstripe shirt and a pair of Jacquemus chocolate-brown wide-leg cargo pants for added street smarts.
Assert your fashion-guy credentials with a pair of chunky intrecciato slip-ons from Bottega Veneta. This belt by Burberry echoes the weave of the leather and ties the outfit together, while Lemaire’s shapely crossbody bag creates a visual contrast. A graphic logo scarf from LOEWE injects a tasteful pop of colour and some plush texture.
02.
The Row’s selvedge denim jacket
If hyper-elevated quiet-luxury classics get your pulse racing, then we’d wager this jacket from The Row is on your Wish List. The New York label’s take on the denim jacket is crafted from the finest selvedge denim. If you want to take a risk and go full Canadian tux, wear it with the matching jeans. The secret to pulling off this look, rather than looking like you’ve just stepped off the red carpet at the American Music Awards circa 2001, is clever styling.
This chunky Brunello Cucinelli rollneck sweater, crafted from cashmere, is the sort of muted yet sumptuous piece that will add a touch of Italian elegance to your look. A pair of white box-fresh TOM FORD sneakers and a Zegna holdall provide the finishing touches. This blue woven belt from Anderson’s adds a crafty, homespun touch, while a pair of blue-tinted Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses will give you an air of mystery.
03.
The AMI PARIS blouson denim jacket
Have you ever wondered how certain men ooze style in seemingly simple outfits? They invest in classics with a contemporary twist, such as this AMI PARIS jacket, which is cut from classic true-blue denim, but riffs on the blouson shape, complete with two-way zip. It is comfy, casual and wearable, but much more interesting than your standard denim jacket.
For a laid-back weekend look, team with a wholesome lumberjack shirt from James Perse. Add depth by layering a lightweight knit underneath, such as this high-neck piece by the Scandi label NN07. Contrast the denim and dial things up with tailored wool trousers from NN07 and a pair of chocolate-brown Derbies from our in-house label Mr P. Just in case it’s all feeling too deliberate, this nylon tote bag from Porter-Yoshida & Co and DIME’s corduroy baseball cap will bring things back down to earth.