How to make the denim jacket work for you

No matter how quickly the world of fashion moves, there are always pieces that’ll never go out of style. The most significant of the lot being the denim jacket, which has been around  since the first outing of the Levi’s Type I in 1905. Since then, this hardwearing (and working) wardrobe hero has endured in one form or another through countless trends and fads while retaining its classic status – some dalliance with oversized collars during the 70s notwithstanding. And with spring finally starting to rear its head, you’re likely in search of some warm-weather outerwear to seamlessly transition from dressing for baltic weather to warmer climes. Read on for the simple ways to style a denim jacket. 

The easiest way to navigate days where it’s not quite warm enough for a solo denim jacket but much too balmy for your winter parka is to layer together a lightweight denim jacket with a tailored overcoat. The structure of the overcoat balances the fluidity of the denim jacket, making this the perfect combination for everything from the working week to weekend drinks. Mix up colours for a point of difference: a camel coat and dark blue denim or a lightly checked overcoat and a black denim jacket. To instantly flatter, button up your denim.

A sweatshirt or hoodie makes for a naturally stylish partner for the denim jacket because they’re both innately relaxed and low-key. In that vein, do your best to keep the whole look polished: avoid adding extra bulk with anything oversized and make sure you’re staying clear of brand logos or brash colours. Pick a neutral grey, blue or white sweatshirt paired with washed-out denim and a classic pair of chinos or jeans.

The denim jacket looks best when it’s seemingly been chucked on nonchalantly and it’s no secret that they look their most classic when paired with a white tee (or polo shirt) and simple pair of everyday chinos. Keep the look structured by picking a slim-fit jacket, loosely tucking in the bottom of the T-shirt and rolling up your sleeves one turn.

As important as it is to spotlight menswear’s best loved pieces like the denim jacket, the most stylish men will also acknowledge a seasonal trend at the same time, like the striped T-shirt, the gilet and the rollneck, for example. When it comes to picking the jacket,  nod to the utility trend with an open jacket and multiple pockets and pick a lightweight striped T-shirt, rolled up chinos and a staple pair of trainers for a simple but effective look.