THE JOURNAL
In the pantheon of menswear classics, the denim jacket occupies a unique space. It was invented in the late 1800s by one Mr Levi Strauss (just a decade after the German-American entrepreneur introduced jeans to the world, the savvy devil). And in the many decades since, it has become one of the most versatile and sensible additions to a man’s wardrobe.
When you find one that works for you, the right denim jacket can feel simultaneously suave and rugged. It will look the part whether you’re throwing lassos from the back of a horse or going on a first date in the city. You can also dress it up, down and sideways, it can be worn throughout the seasons, and will age like a good wine. Below, three ways to wear it well.
01. Layer it
Channel Mr Martin Sheen in the 1973 classic Badlands (though without the murder, of course) by pairing a denim jacket with a white T-shirt or a ribbed tank top. The white tank or tee and denim jacket – in this case an artfully distressed one from Los Angeles-based brand AGOLDE – is a timeless combo for a reason, and carries with it a potent hint of retro sexiness.
Still, you don’t need to leave it there. Refine it further with the addition of a white cotton shirt, such as this pristine poplin one from Parisian label Officine Générale, whose collar adds an extra air of put-togetherness. The trifecta of blue denim jacket, white shirt and white tank also provides a simple lesson in how to layer an outfit well: nothing is competing for too much attention, it all just fits together with ease.
02. Double it
What’s possibly the most straightforward way to wear a denim jacket also happens to be the most controversial. Known as the Texan Tuxedo (or sometimes the Canadian Tuxedo), doubling up your denim isn’t for the sartorially sensitive, but it looks excellent when done right. Matching your denim is crucial to make it seem intentional, so don’t go mixing indigo with acid wash. Darker navy tones are also a safer option because they look more somber and less cowboy-cosplay than brighter blues.
This jacket from Acne Studios and jeans from Wacko Maria are as good an example as any, and tick those aforementioned rugged and suave boxes with panache. Once you’ve got those two down, the rest is easy: a pair of desert boots carries the western theme without shouting about it, while a plain cotton T-shirt keeps it simple.
03. Dress it up
Though mostly seen as a casual staple, a denim jacket can also be dressed to the nines with a few simple styling tricks. This jacket from SAINT Mxxxxxx (that’s “Saint Michael” to you) has a dusky faded vintage finish and cropped silhouette that will go nicely with a pair of tailored wide-leg trousers – such as this pinstriped pair from Acne Studios.
A black tank top is a smart no-brainer, but a dark-coloured T-shirt will do the trick, too. The key ingredient of the look, though, is the polished pair of penny loafers, and these buckled ones from TOM FORD are as fancy as they get. This pairing helps kick the formality up a notch while still feeling relaxed. And when you finish everything off with a matching leather belt? Even better.