When it comes to casual dressing, denim is king. But, jeans aren’t the only way to incorporate this cool and carefree material into your weekend wardrobe. A denim jacket is an excellent option for many outfits. The garment is perfect for adding a simple yet stylish finishing touch to an array of looks. To find out how to rock this menswear staple the right way, just follow this useful style guide on what to wear with a denim jacket for an impressive appearance.
RELATED: The Best Jeans for Men (A Guide to Men’s Denim)
Choosing the Right Fit
If you don’t yet own a denim jacket, it’s time to invest. While that means deciding upon the colour you want, it also means selecting the fit. Today, denim jackets are available in many shapes and silhouettes, meaning that you have a lot of choices. While loose and oversized designs are excellent for creating a relaxed appearance, fitted and cropped styles look sharper. For a classic cut, opt for a denim jacket that finishes on your hips. It should also feel snug but not too tight when the buttons are done up.
Denim Jacket Colors
Blue Denim Jacket
When it comes to selecting a blue denim jacket, it’s essential to consider the shade. If you’re looking for the ultimate casual design or something to wear in summer, try opting for a light blue hue. Alternatively, if you aim to create a smart aesthetic or are dressing for the colder months, dark blue is appropriate.
Black Denim Jacket
A black denim jacket is a stylish option for gents and an excellent alternative to a leather jacket. It can suit both casual and smart casual outfits and can be paired with just about anything in your wardrobe. But, while this jacket is versatile, it undoubtedly appears best as part of an all-black outfit.
White and Grey Denim Jackets
They may not be as common as blue and black denim jackets, but white and grey designs can appear just as stylish and cool. Consider investing in one of these hues when you want a look that’s fresh, contemporary, and unique.
Jeans and Denim Jacket
When you’re rocking a denim jacket, don’t be afraid to wear jeans. The combination is surprisingly stylish and perfect for casual outings. For the most flattering take on this look, try partnering a blue denim jacket with a pair of slim black jeans.
Trousers and Denim Jacket
Denim jackets can look good with a range of trousers. For a simple yet smart look, consider partnering your jean jacket with a pair of chinos. The combination is an excellent alternative to double denim outfits and can suit almost any style.
T-Shirt and Denim Jacket
Rocking a T-shirt with a denim jacket is a no-brainer. The relaxed combination always looks great together and can be paired with a variety of pants and shoe styles. While plain tees look stylishly minimal with denim jackets, striped and printed designs add more interest to outfits.
Hats and Denim Jacket
If you want to add more interest to a casual denim jacket outfit, a hat is a perfect option. In particular, a beanie can make a stylish choice and is ideal for relaxed winter looks. For something a little different, you can consider a woollen fedora or flat cap instead.
Shoes and Denim Jacket
When it comes to footwear to wear with your denim jacket, sneakers are always an excellent choice. However, there are other options. For an edgy look, boots are a good alternative. If you prefer a smarter style, on the other hand, consider leather or suede brogues, chukkas, loafers, derby shoes or Oxfords instead.
Shirt and Denim Jacket
To make your denim jacket seem sleek and smart, you should try pairing it with a white shirt. The look is a good alternative to the usual shirt and blazer combination and appears both chic and cool. Just add a pair of trousers and brogues or chinos and sneakers to complete the outfit in style.
Jumper and Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is ideal for layering and can even be worn with a jumper. To nail the look, just add a simple sweatshirt or hoodie underneath your denim jacket. Not only will this combination keep you feeling warm during winter, but it’ll also ensure that you project a stylish urban appearance.
Denim Jacket Outfits
Double Denim
Double denim is cool once again and a perfect choice for the weekend. To rock the look, you can either decide to go bold or try a more subtle style. For a bold take, pair matching shades of blue for an eye-catching outfit. Alternatively, opt for a jacket and jeans in different hues for a softer appearance.
Denim Vest
For a smarter take on the traditional denim jacket, a denim vest or waistcoat is an excellent option. Simply wear the unique garment with a casual collared shirt and pair of trousers for a sleek and stylish outfit. To complete the look, just add comfortable dress shoes, such as a pair of loafers.
Denim Jacket Logos
For an on-trend denim jacket outfit, select a style with logos or patches. The unique design will instantly create a statement item that draws plenty of attention. As such, be sure to partner your jacket with simple pieces, such as a white short-sleeved shirt and grey chinos to ensure that your ensemble doesn’t clash.
Shearling Denim Jacket
Not only is a shearling denim jacket perfect for a laidback look, but it’ll also help to keep you warm. Wear one during winter with jeans and a flannel shirt to appear stylishly rugged while beating the cold. To complete the outfit, just add boots and a scarf.
How to Layer a Denim Jacket
To wear your denim jacket in new and exciting ways, try layering it with different pieces. Items such as shirts, rollneck sweaters, vests, and even some lightweight jackets can look awesome under a denim jacket while thick coats work perfectly over the top.
When to Wear a Denim Jacket
Casual
When it comes to creating a killer casual outfit, the denim jacket is a winning choice. The classic style can be partnered with almost any item in your weekend wardrobe and take you from brunch in the morning to a bar in the evening with ease.
Smart Casual
As well as looking great with casual outfits, a denim jacket can also look good for smart casual occasions. To nail the look, just ensure that you choose a neat, fitted denim jacket with no tears or rips. Then, pair it with more polished pieces, such as an Oxford shirt and chinos.
Denim Jacket Style Tips
- Find your perfect denim jacket fit based on your style.
- For the colour of your denim jacket, choose between classic blue, edgy black, or contemporary white or grey.
- Partner a denim jacket with a T-shirt, black jeans, and sneakers for a cool casual look.
- Try rocking your denim jacket with chinos, an Oxford shirt, and loafers for a smart casual style.
- Accessorise your denim jacket look with scarves and beanies in winter and fedora hats and jewellery in summer.
- For a cool, statement look, consider a double denim outfit.
How to Wear a Denim Jacket FAQs
What pants do I wear with a denim jacket?
Denim jackets are a casual item, so it’s best to pair them with casual bottoms as well. Chinos, jeans, and even joggers all look fantastic teamed with a denim jacket for a relaxed street vibe.
Can I wear a denim jacket with jeans?
Denim on denim can be a trickier look to nail, but it can be done. The safest option is to choose contrasting shades of blue such as dark jeans and a light jacket, or even black jeans and a blue jacket. If there’s too much similarity between the colors, you’ll either look like you tried to match and missed or like you’re channeling Justin Timberlake at the 2001 American Music Awards.
Should a denim jacket be tight?
A classic cut denim jacket should feel snug but comfortable when done up. Of course, there are more fitted styles that look very sleek, as well as roomier options that are better for layering, so it’s good to consider how you’ll style it most often before purchasing.
Is it weird to wear denim on denim?
Denim on denim, also known as the Canadian Tuxedo, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, done correctly, it can look uber stylish and fashion-forward. It can take a lot of confidence to rock that look, but there are safer combinations such as black with blue and light with dark.
Taylah Brewer holds a bachelor's degree in fashion and business and is a skilled writer with several years of experience in the world of online content creation and copywriting. She is passionate about fashion, beauty, and all things lifestyle-related and has been writing for The Trend Spotter since 2016. She currently works as the Head of Digital & Ecommerce at White & Co.
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