THE JOURNAL
When you think about summer fabrics, denim probably isn’t one that springs to mind. For men like myself who have lived through the #menswear revival of stiff, heavy raw selvedge, immediately followed by the era of clingy, clammy, skin-tight skinnies, the suggestion of wearing jeans on thermometer-busting summer day is frankly mind-boggling. And, if you’re talking about those particular types of jeans, you’d be absolutely right. That’s why the jeans you’re seeing out and about on the current crop of style superheroes this summer are altogether breezier. Just take a look at Mr Harry Styles on his current tour sporting slouchy, 1970s wide-leg jeans. Or Mr Joe Jonas hitting the sun-baked LA streets in billowy, 1990s, distressed grey denims.
But the idea of wearing jeans in the summer is only half the story. What it’s easy to forget is that denim is way more than just a pair of jeans. It’s a fabric that’s hard-wearing, but also supremely versatile. After all, there’s a reason we’re all still wearing it over 400 years after its invention.
This season’s denim is also the canvas for a vast variety of shades, patterns and detailing, which means that, right now, it’s a material that’s making a play for far more of men’s wardrobes than just the trouser department. Take a look at the way designers are deploying denim in cool (and we do mean cool) new ways for you to try throughout the hottest months of the year.
01.
The Polo Ralph Lauren denim shirt
Cut from a mid-weight denim and fitted with rivets rather than buttons, this shirt from Polo Ralph Lauren is your heatwave-friendly alternative to a classic denim jacket. Wear it (unbuttoned) with a striped T-shirt and bandana tied round your neck for a relaxed, summertime take on the classic look of Mr James Dean. Breezy rider.
02.
The CELINE HOMME distressed shorts
Named after one of the most stylish musicians of all time, CELINE HOMME’s Kurt shorts will bring superb grunge spirit – and a whole lotta distressing – to your summer wardrobe. Whether it’s the feathering, the tears, or the frayed hems slashed to hit just above knee-level, that catch your attention, just think of the added aeration these details bring.
03.
The TOM FORD slim-fit selvedge jeans
If you don’t have a pair of feather-weight summer jeans in light grey, now’s the time to act. Think of them as the rock-star cousin of white jeans, and just as versatile. That soft, stony shade is perfectly suited to black accessories and bright colours alike, especially green.
04.
The AMIRI appliqué denim jacket
Summer days are great but, ah, those summer nights. If we’re talking about after-dark denim, then this season, there’s a definite vibe with designers adding interesting details and eye-catching appliques. This starry little number from AMIRI is the perfect example of late night, laid-back LA style done right.
05.
The Givenchy denim backpack
With blue skies abound, you’re going to want to spend as much time as possible outside over the next few months. This max-monogrammed denim Givenchy backpack with 19-litres of internal space – and plenty of street appeal – is the perfect way to tote around everything you might need from sun up to sundowners.
06.
The FRAME distressed jeans
Our advice? Leave the skinny elasticated denim in the drawer and reach for something a little breezier this summer. These straight-legged, subtly distressed jeans from Los Angeles denim specialists FRAME are cut with a more generous silhouette and won't cling to your thighs, making them a totally viable option in the heat.