How To Wear A Denim Jacket With Jeans
Sophie Diego
Table of Contents
Colloquially known as the ‘Canadian tuxedo,’ denim jacket and jeans continue to be an iconic duo when it comes to fashion.
It’s not always associated with the redneck lumberjack look, as this combo is also affiliated with the ‘90s and the early 2000s. Typically dyed in blue, head-to-toe denim is considered a much more casual version of tops and tails.
If you’ve yet to join the ‘Canadian tuxedo bandwagon,’ you’re probably wondering how to wear a denim jacket with jeans. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to wear a maple flag or a Blue Jays jersey.
This outfit can be styled in several different ways, ranging from retro city pop to Nirvana-esque grunge.
Obviously, the best way to address the ‘how to wear a denim jacket with jeans’ query is to provide some outfit ideas. Within this style guide, you just might find:
- Jean jacket men looks
- Denim on denim outfits
- How to wear a denim jacket for guys
- Denim outfits for women
- Some cool jeans designs
What Is A Denim Jacket And Jeans?
If you vibe with early 2000s Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, head-to-toe denim should hit a soft spot for you. This classic outfit combo is comprised of a denim jacket and matching pants.
While it’s typically dyed in blue, that shouldn’t stop you from experimenting with other colors and designs such as black, pink, or even cow print.
History Of Denim Jackets And Jeans
Ironically enough, the Canadian tuxedo didn’t originate in the great white north. In fact, this coveted outfit combo is considered an American staple. Jeans were invented during the 1870s, while the jean jacket was born a decade later.
Created by the one-and-only Levi Strauss, head-to-toe denim was regarded as a mandatory uniform for laborers, such as railroad engineers and miners.
The ‘50s and ‘60s were responsible for the glamorization of denim jackets and jeans.
Popularized by celebrities like James Dean and Marilyn Munroe, this outfit combo was considered a symbol of counterculture and teenage rebellion.
All that said, where did the name ‘Canadian tuxedo’ come from? Well, you can thank Bing Crosby’s iconic look when he landed in Vancouver in 1951.
Now considered a timeless staple, denim jackets and jeans continue to take the world by storm.
When To Wear Denim Jacket With Jeans
Bing Crosby was famously denied entry at a Vancouver hotel for wearing a denim jacket and jeans.
Considered too casual for the Fairmont, this specific fabric blend was regarded as the opposite of upper class. Funnily enough, this iconic moment gave way to the term, the ‘Canadian tuxedo.’
Nowadays, most establishments don’t have a dress code. You’re allowed to wear a denim jacket and jeans at the Fairmont Hotel.
That being said, it’s probably not the best outfit to wear at the Notch8 Restaurant & Bar. The Canadian tuxedo is still considered casual wear, after all.
In terms of season, denim jackets and jeans are typically worn during cooler weather. I don’t recommend donning this fit in the middle of summer, as this specific material isn’t known to be breathable.
How To Wear A Denim Jacket With Jeans
Not a fan of blue on blue? If so, then you’ll be glad to know that denim jackets and jeans come in multiple different colors. The number of outfits that you can put together is literally limitless.
So, this style guide thought it best to show you a condensed list of only a few looks.
From celebrity-inspired fits to retro finesse, here are some creative ways to answer the ‘how to wear a denim jacket with jeans’ query.
11 Outfit Ideas With A Denim Jacket And Jeans
Celebrities are often known for sporting bizarre, impractical looks. That said, we often forget that they typically don casualwear in the name of comfort.
Gigi Hadid is no exception, as here, she was spotted wearing boot-cut jeans, a matching denim jacket, a red camisole, and a pair of pointed-toe booties. Simple in design, it’s the perfect go-to for city walks and shopping sprees.
If you’re wondering how to wear a denim jacket with jeans casually, I suggest sticking to wardrobe basics. Also, basing your outfit on a simple color palette (such as red and blue) can help prevent clashing.
This chic outfit definitely screams, ‘darkness is my soul, but I absolutely live for fashion.’ Composed of a black denim jacket, cigarette pants, and matching booties, this ensemble is the perfect go–to for nonconformist fashionistas.
The green handbag is a nice touch, as it helps break up the monotony of complete black. If this look is too stark for your liking, this ‘how to wear a denim jacket with jeans’ guide suggests brightening things up by wearing sterling silver jewelry.
Calling all sewists! If you hoard a decent collection of fabric scraps, it’s time put those denim off-cuts to good use. This patchwork jacket features an interesting collage of dark and light-wash material.
Complemented with a basic pair of high-waisted jeans, this look manages to modernize the kitschy grandma quilt and turn it into a high–fashion statement. Instead of opting for your usual pair of sneakers, some pointed-toe stilettos can help elevate the final look.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to resort to distressed denim in order to get that tough look. Instead, you can opt for extreme bleach.
This outfit hails from Diesel’s pre-fall 2020 collection. It features a white jean set with leftover blue dye speckled about.
Accentuated with a button-down top, an azure shirt, and brown shoes, it sort of exudes a rustic cowboy vibe—if he happened to live in west-coast California that is.
Clean, polished, and perfect for casual meetings, this outfit from Sandro is considered a beginner–friendly look for novice dressers. It’s composed of a sherpa denim jacket, straight-leg jeans, a blue button-up shirt, and a pair of black oxfords.
Devoid of any additional accessories, this outfit is giving me ‘rich boarding school boy in Europe’ vibes.
But for those in need of some extra sparkle, this ‘how to wear a denim jacket with jeans’ guide suggests wearing a simple Cuban chain for a hint of glitz.
In need of some more jean jacket outfits? If so, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. This stunning ensemble is comprised of a white jacket, a blue collared shirt, and a pair of mid-wash jeans for some added dimension.
Also, this outfit features contrasting hues, as it varies from light to dark blue tones. Finished with a pair of sunnies, I highly recommend saving this fit for late spring.
Jeans aren’t exclusively full-length pants. They can be jorts as well. If you’re in need of a summer–appropriate fit, I recommend taking a page out of Fendi’s 2023 stylebook.
This look is slightly emblematic of Kurt Cobain’s fashion sense, given its baggy silhouette and grunge-esque vibe.
Composed of an oversized denim jacket, matching shorts, a mustard-yellow cable-knit sweater, and a Fendi hat, this chic outfit is definitely a homage to ‘90s alternative fashion.
The ‘how to wear a denim jacket with jeans’ query may be met with frustration if you only see blue.
If you’re in need of a switch–up, why not opt for pink instead? For instance, this chic outfit features a blush denim coat, boyfriend jeans, and a black lacey camisole for some added juxtaposition.
The Puma fuzzy slides are definitely a wildcard, as they emit a lax, stay-at-home vibe, similar to the tank top. Out of all of the jean outfits for women ensembles I’ve featured, this OOTD is one of the more simple options.
I’ll say it louder for the people in the back: GRAPHIC SHIRTS ARE CONSIDERED AN IMPORTANT WARDROBE STAPLE. If you’re struggling to form a cohesive fit, you should never underestimate the power of a vintage band tee.
Paired with a denim jacket, jeans, and some ankle booties, this OOTD embodies a vintage ‘90s feel for those fond of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Green Day.
If you’re looking to soften the vibe of this alternative fit, I suggest adding a dainty handbag, such as a Chanel clutch.
Perfect for Instagram shoots, this chic ensemble is comprised of a mid-wash denim set. It’s relatively simple in design, as the outfit puts direct emphasis on the silhouette itself.
Meant to accentuate the waistline and legs, I highly recommend opting for this OOTD if you struggle with your height. The white tee, Yankees cap, and dad shoes help to mellow out the stark vibe of deep navy blue.
Can you wear a denim jacket with jeans? According to Emma Chamberlain, yes, you absolutely can. This casual look features a mid-wash coat, a white turtleneck, matching pants, and a pair of bright red Converse shoes.
Retro-inspired, it’s certainly a modernized take on late ‘90s fashion. If you really want to exude those MTV vibes, I suggest adding a cute handbag to help complete the look.
What Type Of Denim Jackets And Jeans Can You Get?
You might think that the Canadian tuxedo is already a niche sub-category of clothing, but you’d be wrong.
Fashion loves to get specific, as this particular outfit comes in several different designs, cuts, and colors. If you’re looking to maximize your options, this ‘how to wear a denim jacket with jeans’ guide will discuss some popular trends that are worth a second glance.
- Traditional blue: Offered in light, mid, and dark wash, this classic set is considered a wardrobe staple.
- ‘Treated’ denim: This category extends to tampered material, including bleach and distressing. Basically, it’s any type of design that interferes with the denim’s construction.
- Alternate colors: If you’re not a fan of standard blue, take this as an opportunity to experiment with different hues such as pink and white.
- Mix and match: Instead of opting for classic blue on blue, you can mix things up by wearing black, yellow, orange, or other paired colors for a switch-up.
- Patterned denim: Patchwork, bedazzled crystals, and tassels fall into this category. If your outfit is missing that ‘wow factor,’ perhaps it’s in dire need of added embellishments.
How To Choose The Best Denim Jackets And Jeans
Selecting the best Canadian tuxedo heavily depends on its fabric composition.
I don’t recommend resorting to fast fashion websites for this particular outfit, as cheaply-made denim is notoriously known to be thin and brittle. On top of that, it typically does nothing for your figure.
Customers should opt for something durable and well constructed. Basically, it should conform to your body shape but be stiff enough to hold its own silhouette.
Wearable denim is usually a 70:30 mix of taute to stretchy fabric. Opting for either or isn’t recommended, as it’ll sacrifice comfort and shape along the way.
Brands such as Agolde, Levi’s, and Reformation are known to adhere to this material ratio, so you can rest assured that your $200+ splurge is worth the investment.
Aside from textiles, customers should also look out for other key components, such as zippers, fasteners, belt loops, and pockets. All of these assets play a vital part in forming the perfect jacket or pair of jeans.
Design is another factor worth considering, as there are dozens of denim jackets and jeans to choose from. Ultimately, you should select a set that aligns with your current aesthetic.
While it may seem exciting to purchase a cow-print outfit with tassels, don’t give in to the temptation. Chances are that it’ll be left to collect dust bunnies in your closet—that is, if you avidly subscribe to minimalist fashion.
Price-wise, the best denim jacket with jeans set is typically expensive. You should expect to pay around $300 to $500 depending on the brand and make of your Canadian tuxedo.
If you can’t afford to purchase a brand new set, I highly recommend hitting up your local thrift store. You’ll find a vast selection of high-quality, vintage denim on the second-hand market.
How To Style Denim Jackets With Jeans
Whether you prefer blue on blue, blue on pink, or black on black, the Canadian tuxedo requires some additional accessorizing.
It’s easy to swamp yourself in denim, which is why it’s important to consider add-ons such as jewelry, hats, and purses. For those in need of some inspiration, this ‘how to wear a denim jacket with jeans’ has got your back.
- Statement earrings: Hoops, chandeliers, and other boldly designed earrings work well with Canadian tuxedos. They help counterbalance the overall loudness of the outfit.
- Heels: While it’s easy to don sneakers, I recommend opting for a bougier approach. Wearing heels can help turn your denim jacket and jeans combo into a Vogue runway moment.
- Colorful handbags: If you need a way to break the monotony of blue on blue, I suggest adding a pop of color via a purse.
- The graphic tee: For those looking to achieve the ‘90s alternative rock scene look, a vintage band tee is a must.
Fashion Tips To Avoid With Denim Jackets With Jeans
In all fairness, there’s a comical aspect to the Canadian tuxedo. Wearing denim on denim is considered a controversial look by some trendsetters, which is why some people choose to pair their Levi’s or Wranglers with corduroy or leather instead.
But for those that are intent on marrying their blues together, I’ll discuss some fashion tips to avoid with denim jackets with jeans.
- Pay attention to silhouette: Oversized jackets paired with loose, low-waisted boyfriend jeans are never a good look. Instead, you should resort to sets that flatter your body shape.
- Extreme embellishment: It’s okay to don a few tassels and bedazzled crystals here and there, but they shouldn’t swamp the majority of your denim outfit.
- Flip flops: Unless you’re trying to channel some cringy looks from the ‘90s, I recommend swapping your sandals for boots, heels, or sneakers instead.
- Untucked shirts: To avoid losing your figure, it’s absolutely imperative to French tuck the front of your top. This helps to maintain your waistline.
How To Take Care Of Denim Jackets And Jeans
Contrary to popular belief, denim clothing requires the least amount of cleanup. It should be washed sparingly in order to preserve its silhouette.
If it’s starting to smell bad, I suggest tossing your pair in the freezer. This method helps eliminate foul odors while removing bad bacteria.
As a general rule of thumb, you should only wash your denim jacket or jeans once or twice a month, depending on how well you take care of them.
In terms of laundry, you should wash your Canadian tuxedo with cold water and a mild detergent. Both sets should be air dried, since machine dryers may encourage shrinking. If you’re worried about wrinkles, you can easily iron them out afterward.
Best Places To Buy Denim Jackets And Jeans
Care for some recommendations? If so, here are a few retailers I suggest checking out:
- Levi’s
- Reformation
- Agolde
- Wrangler
- Nordstrom
Final Thoughts
Denim jackets with jeans strike a weird balance between timelessness and controversy. It’s the kind of outfit that divides people, as it’s considered a loud statement. That said, true fashion is regarded as a talking point.
It should trigger a reaction, as fashion is a form of self–expression. If anything, wearing a Canadian tuxedo signifies that you have a taste for vintage clothing or you’re deeply passionate about matching sets.
From grunge-inspired ensembles to modernized fits, this ‘how to wear a denim jacket with jeans’ guide has done its best to supply you with the trendiest looks.
Looking to up your fashion game? We’ve got you covered:
