A gentleman’s guide to double denim
Words: Charlie Thomas
Similar to eating pizza for breakfast or admitting to listening to (and enjoying) Taylor Swift, wearing double denim is controversial. Some people love it, fully embracing the rugged work-wear feel and others reject it as unimaginative at best and too 90’s boyband at worst. There are ways of doing it that can make you look irrevocably cool though. Here’s our gentleman’s guide to double denim.
MIXING YOUR SHADES, , The easiest way to wear double denim is to mix the shades. That is, wear light denim up top and dark below, or vice versa. This will give an essential contrast, ensuring you won’t look like you’re wearing the notorious Canadian Tuxedo. If you’re new to it, try pairing a mid-wash denim jacket with a dark pair of denim jeans, and a grey t-shirt or sweatshirt. This will break up the look and further distracts from the similarity of the material.
KEY PIECES:, , Levi’s 1953 Type II Denim Jacket, £315 from Mr Porter
, Slim Fit Straight Selvedge Jeans, £34.90 from Uniqlo
, Classic Sweatshirt, £75 from Whistles
, Beeswax Desert Boots, £95 from Clarks
MATCHING YOUR SHADES, , Matching denim is a fine art. You can either look incredibly louche (think Steve McQueen and Ryan Gosling), or downright terrible (think Jay Leno). If you’re going down this route then opt for a dark indigo shade. The fit will make or break the look though, so ensure both your top and bottom halves are slim, flattering cuts and above all wear it with confidence. Try a classic western shirt worn open with the sleeves rolled up and pair with a white cotton t-shirt and slim jeans. Finish off with rugged boots and you’ll be good to go.
KEY PIECES:, , Selvedge Denim Shirt, £145 from J. Crew
, A.P.C Petit New Standard Selvedge Jeans, £135 from Mr Porter
, Red Wing Heritage Range Amber Boot, £248 from Stuarts London
BLACK DENIM, , It’s easy to forget that denim comes in colours other than blue. The most popular is black and it’s no secret why. A pair of black denim jeans are just as versatile as blue, yet they’re smarter and more suited to a night out on the town. Pair them with a black denim jacket and penny loafers though and you’ve got a timeless combination that gives off an effortless rock and roll edge.
, Black Denim Jacket, £59.99 from H.E. by Mango
, Nudie Jeans Black Lean Dean, £90 from Liberty
, James Perse Washed Cotton Henley T-Shirt, £135 from Mr Porter
, Bass Weejuns Larson Penny Loafers, £125 from Urban Outfitters
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