How to Wear and Style a Men's Denim Jacket
Denim jackets have been a key component of men's clothing closets for decades! Lightweight, warm and easy-to-pair (at least if you follow our outfit tips...), they particularly come into their own in the mid-season, when autumn and spring temperatures call for extra layers. But, despite their popularity, styling a denim jacket properly is not as universally well understood as you might think. In fact, lots of guys are left with questions about how best to dress when a denim jacket is part of the outfit equation. To clear up any confusion and to set you up for style success, we've put together a guide brimming with advice. Read on and discover once and for all when, where, with what, and how jean jackets should be worn!
Fits, colours and smart-casual occasions: light blue, black, dark grey and white denim jackets
Before we launch into what to wear denim jackets with, it's best to first assess this type of men's outerwear in isolation. As a general rule of thumb, these men's jackets should only be slipped on for more relaxed, informal occasions. Light wash jackets are as casual as it gets, while dark wash jackets are on the smart end of the casual spectrum. Black or dark grey denim jackets are smarter still, and white, beige or ecru designs can fall into either camp, dependent on the rest of your outfit. With regards fit, you can opt for a design that's true to your size, embrace a slightly tighter fit for a more tailored look, or – for relaxed affairs – go for an oversized cut that's a little on the large side, radiating too-cool-for-school style. Ultimately, there's a lot of flexibility, so you can find a fit that suits you! Some designs will feature traditional metal stud buttons, while more modern conceptions may feature a full zip for a contemporary spin on a clothing classic. Most styles boast a mixture of chest and side pockets, and some have crest-emblazoned sleeves, chest labels, leather logos, and contrasting collars and shoulder seams for added allure. Thanks to their versatility, you're therefore not confined to having just one jean jacket in your wardrobe – a variety of shades and cuts makes for a worthy investment!
Double denim outfit inspiration – yes, you can you wear a denim jacket with jeans! Here's how...
Contrary to what you may have heard, denim jackets can very much be paired with jeans. If anything, we'd encourage you to give this outfit idea a whirl. Going for double denim is not a fashion faux pas, so long as you do it right! The trick is simply to opt for different shades or colours of denim. Matching a blue denim jacket with blue jeans only works if one garment is darker than the other – not necessarily by a long way, but a colour difference is imperative none the less. If opting for blue denim on both your top half and bottom half, then you also want to choose a plain underlayer for your jacket. Whether it's a monochrome white, black, brown, grey or navy vest, top or jumper, or a brighter orange or green t-shirt for instance, what's important is that your base layer provides some colour contrast to dilute the denim. In our humble opinion, nothing trumps the classic blue jeans, blue denim jacket, white t-shirt and white trainers look. That being said, all black everything with a mid-wash blue jacket will really emphasise your denim outerwear and cause your outfit to pop. Of course, if you want to partner a blue denim jacket with black jeans, or a black or white jacket with blue jeans, then you've got nothing to worry about! Technically still double denim, these latter outfits are far less easy to get wrong.
What looks good with a denim jacket? Ideas for building the best men’s outfits
We've already insinuated that pairing your denim jacket with jeans and a plain t-shirt, vest or long sleeve top results in a winning look that will remain in fashion for eternity. However, what else works well with denim jackets you may ask... For a more high-end outfit, try twinning your men's denim jacket with a crisp white shirt, chinos and boat shoes. If you're less keen on the feel of doubled-up collars, why not opt for a collarless (or mandarin collar) shirt? Not only will this shirt-jacket-chino combination look good, but it'll feel soft and breathable too, thanks to the high cotton count of all the components. Another unbeatable denim jacket look is to layer it up over a turtleneck jumper. Granted, this is one of those looks that only works when the weather is cold enough, but – sleek, suave and sharp – it guarantees bags of style. Finally, in a similar vein to a peeping-out roll neck, partnering your denim jacket with a hoodie and freeing the hood so that it overlaps your outer layer's collar is another outfit idea that'll enhance your style. This is an easy way to master a casual look, especially if you add joggers into the mix too.
What trousers to wear with a denim jacket
You're not just confined to jeans when compiling your denim jacket outfit. These outer layers can easily be dressed up if you throw them together with a pair of chinos, or even a pair of cords. Beige, khaki, off-white or brick red chino trousers complement a blue jacket perfectly, constructing a timeless outfit that screams casual-chic sophistication. Meanwhile, partnering denim with corduroy creates a contrasting combo of textures that captivates the eye! If, however, you're wanting to dress your jean jacket down, then go for multipocketed cargo trousers or joggers.
What goes better with a denim jacket than a fresh pair of trainers or some sturdy boots?
While, generally speaking, it's more important to match your footwear to whatever you decide to wear on your bottom half, it's worth acknowledging that there are some shoes that complement a denim jacket that little bit more. Since they further channel a casual look, trainers are ideal for polishing off your denim jacket outfits. Add in a baseball cap and you've hit the trifecta in terms of chilled out vibes. Winter boots are the other shoe type that couples particularly well with a denim jacket. Capturing an autumnal, cold-weather feel, sturdy boots and steadfast denim are a match made in heaven.
Master men's denim jacket outfits!
Now you're in the know about how to style your men's denim jacket, there's no excuse for keeping this statement piece locked in your wardrobe. And if you've not yet got one to hand, then just know that whether you opt for a revamped design or a classic denim jacket, no men's clothing collection is complete until it includes at least one piece of denim outerwear... Key to the creation of a range of casual looks, denim jackets are a great way to stay on trend with minimal effort, from autumn through to spring. What's more, since they'll blend seamlessly with whatever is already in your existing wardrobe, simply by learning how best to wear them you can boost your style without denting your savings! So, without further ado, embrace denim this season and dress to impress.