How To Wear Lace Up Pants? The 80 Top Answers

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In a recent post ( The modern man needs a good blazer ) you explained how versatile a blazer or fancy jacket can be and how to wear them. However, the picture showed a jacket with a shirt and tie and jeans. Do you think this works well? Or is a tie with jeans too formal? I like the look but I don’t know if I could “pull it off” as they say.

Can you wear a shirt with jeans?

Strictly speaking, it is physically possible to wear jeans with a shirt and tie. But just because you can do something doesn’t mean it’s always advisable. But like everything, there is a time and a place.

Men’s jeans with a shirt, tie, and blue blazer are one of a kind uniform—and they work well for serious creatives, actors, writers, fashion editors, and designers. You can’t turn the conventional wisdom surrounding art and pop culture on its head, but you can learn a thing or two about wearing jeans with a men’s shirt and tie based on how famous artists wear it. Here are our tips on how to wear a shirt with jeans.

casual feeling

The first thing to acknowledge is that pairing jeans with a shirt and men’s tie inherently takes the outfit in a much more casual direction. Obviously, this look is a more casual approach to dressing than wearing a shirt and tie with a suit. But it’s also dressier than pairing a shirt and tie with men’s khaki pants. Indeed, you push the tie out of the context where it is normally worn and has meaning. This begs the question: why are you wearing jeans with a shirt and tie?

your personal style

Artists have it easy. As a successful artist, you are fully responsible for your own lifestyle and have the freedom to dress as you please. You don’t wear jeans with a shirt and tie to the office, and we wouldn’t recommend you either. Wear jeans with a shirt and tie because you want to.

Which jeans are the best

If you want to wear jeans with a shirt and tie, you need to consider how each piece will work best with each other. You should keep the jeans blue and on the darker side and free of any embellishments, embellishments or other frills. A straight-leg pair of dark blue men’s jeans is the closest thing to a dressy look, and that’s the type of denim you’ll want to wear as part of that look.

What kind of shirt do you need

For the shirt, consider something on the more casual side. We prefer white Oxford shirts with classic button-down collars. A men’s oxford shirt with a button-down, spread or point collar can work for this look, but also look for patterns and colors that make the shirt more casual and therefore more adaptable with jeans. Patterns like checks or stripes can work, as can colors like powder blue and pink.

Also pay attention to the “shine” of the shirt. A shirt made from a finer woven fabric, such as wool, tends to have a tighter weave that appears more formal and even a little shiny. When pairing your shirts with jeans, avoid these finer fabrics and look for fabrics with more open weaves like oxfords.

Look at the tie

Now for the tie itself. Like the shirt, some ties are more casual than others and you should seek them out. At the very bottom of the tie are knit ties that look great with Oxford cloth shirts and denim. Slightly higher on the bar are repp ties, which have a preppy connotation that naturally gives them a more carefree, slightly crinkled aesthetic.

As with the shirt, stay away from anything that appears too tightly woven or “shiny,” as these qualities place ties on the more formal end of the spectrum. And if you’re looking for a patterned tie, choose something in a larger pattern rather than a smaller scale.

Don’t forget shoes

One way you can really spice up the look of a shirt, tie and jeans is with dress shoes. Shoes can completely change the feel of an outfit. Sneakers will dress it all the way down, sandals would really be out of place, but a pair of dress shoes would elevate your outfit. Black or brown dress shoes would be best – and try to match them to your belt if possible. This will make your more casual look a little more office-ready.

With these tips, you’ll be a master of the elusive jeans, shirt, and tie combo in no time.

Related Articles

Now the look is making a full comeback thanks to the royalty of pop culture. Cargo pants, seen on big influencers as well as high fashion faces like Bella Hadid and pop stars like Dua Lipa, are clogging our feeds and being paired with everything from baby t-shirts to oversized hoodies. It might have been created for functionality, but the style’s utilitarian look is now attracting attention for its oversized, androgynous vibes.

PureWow editors handpick every article that appears on this page and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. Learn more about this process here.

Everything old is new again. See: combat boots, slip dresses, and even clawed hair clips. You may have noticed that most of these are trends from the 90s? This could also explain why cargo pants seem to be everywhere these days. Equipped with the necessary excess of pockets, the utility-chic pants have received some tweaks and refreshes to make them modern enough to wear in 2020. With the addition of tapered cuts, exaggeratedly wide legs and unexpected fabric, they’re worn as cargo pants without looking like a Friends extra.

RELATED: The 11 best high-waist jeans, from jeggings to wide-leg crops

Cargo pants are not only stylish (maybe not everyone thinks so), but also practical and versatile. Plus, they look equally good on both men and women. With a relaxed fit and multiple pockets to stash everything, cargo pants are the ideal pants for any casual event or outdoor activity. The great thing about them is that they go with any type of shoe – and when we say any type, we mean any type, from flip flops to stilettos. Don’t worry, we don’t list every shoe option below. We’ve carefully compiled a list of the shoes and boots that we think pair best with cargo pants.

Here is our list…

Sneakers that match cargo pants

One of the most commonly paired shoes with cargo pants are sneakers, both high-top and low-top. Sneakers themselves are extremely versatile shoes and can be used to transform any outfit into casual, street-ready, sporty or dressy. Paired with cargo pants, you can create an infinite number of outfits for every style and almost every occasion.

Solid color high tops

Khaki cargo pants paired with white or black and white sneakers offer a very casual street look and are a great choice for daytime activities, including outdoor sports or just a stroll around the mall. This is a super casual outfit that is perfect for summer due to the wide cut of the pants.

Pair white sneakers with dark cargo pants

If you prefer a dressier look, choose dark cargo pants that are not too baggy and have fewer pockets. Preferably wear white sneakers with it for a more sophisticated look, but black sneakers also work. To complete the outfit, pair it with a dark V-neck t-shirt or henley shirt and don a leather jacket.

High-tops with tactical cargo pants

Want a more adventurous look? Choose high-top sneakers – white, black, tan or different colors – with tactical pants with lots of pants. The outfit is up-to-date and super comfortable and is often worn on forest and mountain hikes and other outdoor activities.

Combine it with a warm wool sweater and a sleeveless hiking vest and you are ready for an adventure.

Combine low top sneakers with black cargo pants

If you want to show off a sporty look, you can either go for very loose or not so baggy black cargo pants – your choice! Combine them with white low-top sneakers or sneakers of different colors and top them off with a simple t-shirt or a tank top.

White sneakers with black cargo pants are one of the best choices as the white color serves as an accent and can help make your dark pants the center of attention.

Remember that you can add pops of color to your outfit to make it more interesting and unique. Because cargo pants and sneakers come in unlimited designs, you can color coordinate them with any outfit.

Canvas shoes with straight leg cargo pants

One of the best types of shoes to choose with cargo pants are the traditional Converse shoes, specifically the Chuck Taylor All-Star shoes. These soft canvas shoes are very comfortable and are great for a cool urban look.

You can pair straight leg cargo pants with black and white canvas shoes. Since these shoes are fairly low key, they look great with loose pants. You can also wear your Chuck Taylors with cargo pants of different colors. Remember that neutral colors like white, black, and tan/beige can be worn with all sorts of colors.

Boots with cargo pants

Boots and cargo pants make a hot combination. This not only gives you a very outdoor look, but also a very cool, edgy vibe depending on the type you wear.

Combat boots with camouflage pants

One of the coolest outfits can be achieved through a pair of combat boots with camouflage pants that give you a very military feel – which is what cargo pants were originally known for. A pair of well polished Doc Martens can successfully give you a very scruffy look and allow you to show off your own authentic style.

This looks just as good on men as it does on women. Women can complete the outfit by wearing a white or black tank top with a pair of slim style ankle boots and cargo pants. Men, on the other hand, can use boots with side zippers.

Regardless of the color of your cargo pants, the military boots will enhance their look and make a statement.

hiking boots

Hiking shoes like Timberland boots also go really well with cargo pants. Whatever color you choose for your cargo pants, the hiking boots will complement them due to their true-to-life color. Hiking shoes and cargo pants offer a lot of functionality for people who enjoy participating in outdoor activities. The cargo pants offer a lot of protection and the boots are made of robust materials, so you are protected from insect bites and injuries.

Snow boots and dark cargo pants

Because of their thick material, cargo pants are uniquely suited to cold climates. Together with snow boots this combination gives a very warm and very stylish winter outfit. One of my favorite outfits is to pair black, charcoal and olive cargo pants with black snow boots, just like model Ashley Graham here.

Dress shoes with cargo trousers (men)

Despite their relaxed fit and utility, cargo pants can be dressed up and dressed down just as well. Adding a pair of dress shoes to these pants can upgrade the use of casual and veer towards business smart. This combination can offer you a more mature and sophisticated look.

It’s a smart idea to choose pants with few pockets and pair them with a pair of leather lace-up shoes. Add a pinstripe button down shirt to a tan or navy blazer for a business casual outfit.

Oxford shoes with cargo pants

Although most people only wear oxford shoes with their business and formal suits, these shoes can also be worn with cargo pants. Choose straight-leg trousers with fewer pockets and pair them with your oxford for a practical but sharp look. We especially love this look on GQ, which features floral pants paired with black lace-up oxford shoes that reveal a few inches of the ankle – perfect for the spring season.

derby shoes

Derby shoes and cargo pants are great outfit choices when it’s time to call it a day. Pair the combo with an olive green trench coat or raincoat to add to the outfit’s wow factor. This outfit might sound a bit eclectic, but when you put it on, each element works surprisingly well together, making you look sharp and feel comfortable.

loafers

Loafers are one of the most popular heelless shoes that look great on both men and women. They belong to those slip-on shoes that move between the casual and formal spectrum and are therefore very versatile. Wearing your favorite pair of loafers with straight-leg cargo pants can add the classic factor to your outfit and give you an effortlessly sophisticated look.

In addition, this outfit offers a very relaxed yet elegant style and is very breathable. Also, because loafers don’t have laces, they’re very easy to put on and take off.

Flat Soles With Cargo Pants (Women)

If you want to take the comfort of your outfit to the next level, pair flat soles with cargo pants. Flexible soles are one of the most popular shoes for summer. Additionally, they can make a style statement as they come in a variety of colours, patterns and prints and can make a showstopping outfit with your cargo pants.

espadrilles

Espadrilles are soft and flexible rope-soled shoes that often have flat soles, but they can also come in platform styles. Hailing from Spain, this footwear makes a fashion statement when worn with cargo pants.

To complete the outfit, wear a simple polo shirt with espadrilles and cargo pants to create the perfect ensemble for a summer day. For a feminine and flirtatious look, combine colorful espadrilles with cargo pants and top them off with a summery blouse.

ballet flats

Although cargo pants offer a utilitarian and military look, when paired with ballet flats, they can add the cute factor to any outfit. Choose slim-fitting cargo pants with fewer pockets so they don’t steal all the attention from your ballet shoes.

If you want to add that extra cool and stylish element to your outfit, wear a navy coat or blazer over your cargo pants and slip on a pair of neutral toned ballet flats. Complete the look with a simple rectangular flat clutch.

gladiator sandals

Wearing gladiator sandals with cargo pants gives your everyday outfit a uniquely feminine but also slightly edgy look. One of my favorite looks is a pair of gray or olive skinny cargo pants with tan or brown gladiator sandals to elevate the whole outfit. I love these gray cargo pants with black studded gladiator sandals.

Flip flops with cargo pants

If you want it super casual and easy, just wear your cargo pants with flip flops. If you want to turn this outfit into something pretty, add a cami top or floaty blouse to complete the look. Depending on how you style it, you transform the outfit into a cool, breezy and urban look, just like Lindsay Lohan did here.

Heels with cargo pants

Add heels to your cargo pants to instantly transform your outfit into a feminine style. There are dozens of different styles of heels to choose from to match your outfit. Depending on what type of heel you choose, you can dramatically change the look of your outfit.

Platform heel with cargo pants

One of the coolest and most effortless looks we see are platform cargo pants. The great thing about platform shoes is that they go well with skinny, straight and baggy cargo pants. Don’t go too high and leave the bottom of the pants slightly loose. If you prefer, you can also roll up the pants to expose your ankles. Coupled with platforms, this can make your legs look longer and give a more flirtatious look.

Kitten heels with cargo pants

Oversized cargo pants paired with pretty, ladylike kitten heels have a lot going for them. Changing just one style of shoe can turn your entire outfit into something completely different. Pair wide-leg, high-waisted cargo pants with a pair of cutely patterned kitty heels in white, gray or black. Add a bright red crew-neck sweater over it and you’re ready to go to a party with your friends.

High heels with cargo pants

The combination of cargo pants and high heels first emerged in the 1990s. Swapping your sneakers for stiletto heels can transform your outfit from street casual to party glam. High heels are an excellent choice when you’re wearing skinny cargo pants or baggy cargo pants that show the ankle. The great thing about this dramatic combo is that you can’t go wrong and there are many looks to try once you get the proportions of the pants and heels right.

Since there is a huge range of stilettos in all different styles, you can have fun experimenting with cargo pants and discover great new looks every day.

bottom line

With changing fashion trends, cargo pants have become much more versatile and fashionable than they used to be. With the right styling, you can wear any type of shoe with these pants. Although cargo pants are best suited for sporty, street and urban looks, they can certainly be dressed up to give you a glamorous or dressy business look.

Have fun experimenting with your own styles!

Lace is always in style, but this fall it’s a top trend that shines. Designers sent top pieces down the catwalk for fall 2021 and created romantic, beautiful vibes. We recently covered stunning top pieces from Gabriella Hearst, Akris, who is known for her laser cuts, and Ellie Saab, whose top pieces are always stunning season after season. It’s easy to style lace for fall 2021, even if you’re just adding a new piece to your wardrobe, and you can get the look for less.

The history of lace is interesting and dates back to the early 16th century. The intricate bobbin lace techniques were developed in Europe and are usually done by hand. Lace was used in fashion to show wealth and to show that aristocrats had good taste and fashion sense. Very little is handmade these days and lace is everywhere.

How to style the top trend for fall 2021

Button down shirt with lace

This versatile cream lace button-down shirt from H&M can be styled in many different ways. You can wear it with jeans and booties for a casual weekend or pair it with a silk midi skirt and heels for a chic night out on the town. It definitely looks way more expensive than it actually is and I adore the detail!

Feminine lace tops for autumn

Urban Outfitters also has some affordable lace tops for sale this season. This top comes in a deep maroon and a pretty lime green. It is unique in how it is cut and sewn together to add textural interest. I would pair this shirt with pants and heels for work or a flattering maxi skirt and boots.

Another gorgeous lace top for fall is available at Anthropologie. It’s a bit more expensive but offers more detail. It’s available in black or gold and has pretty crystal-like buttons on the shoulder. I would style both colors with simple gold jewelry and a berry colored lipstick.

If you like wearing a tank top under a see-through shirt, this romantic top from Free People comes in six colorways, all perfect for the season. It’s delicate and has thumb holes. I would style with a similarly colored cotton tank top underneath for full coverage.

Romantic lace dresses

If you are planning to attend a party or wedding, Amazon has a variety of lace dresses to choose from. This casual, boho-style lace dress from Blencot is available in a whopping thirteen different colors and styles. Wear it chic with heels or casual with booties, this dress hits the trend and flatters many different body types.

Another lace dress available on Amazon is from ASTR and is more of a summer dress, but you can layer a cozy sweater or crisp button fly over it for fall. Available in ten colors, it’s a simple floral lace midi dress perfect for a variety of occasions. For an unexpected twist, wear comfortable sneakers instead of a fancier shoe.

Express has a pretty lace dress again this season; It has a feminine silhouette and would be perfect for an evening date or a day at the office. The lace pattern is intricate and the cap sleeves are helpful to cover your shoulders. It is also a versatile piece and can be styled in many different ways depending on the occasion.

If you really want to stand out, this dramatic dress from ASOS is for you! It is a beautiful lavender color and has a long pleated skirt and long lace sleeves. The unique detail about it is the flattering keyhole detail at the neckline. This would be perfect for a very special occasion!

How to style lace for Fall 2021

Play with lace textures, especially if it’s a neutral color. You can combine it with a pattern that complements it.

If your top piece is a light color, let that be the main focus of your outfit!

Lace is very versatile and can of course be dressed up, but donning a lace top for a casual occasion is unexpected and chic.

Shop amazing lace looks for less

Pictured above from left to right:

H&M cotton lace shirt, $50

Urban Outfitters Now You See Me Lace Top, $39

Anthropologie Maeve Lace Mock Neck Top, $70

Free People Lady Lux Layered Top, $40

Amazon Blencot Women’s Boho Floral Lace Ling Maxi Dress, $46

Sleeveless lace midi dress from ASTR for women, $70

Express Endless Rose Lace Midi Dress, $90

ASOS Little Mistress Keyhole Skater Dress With Twist Detail And Pleated Skirt, $108

Will you add the top trend for fall 2021 to your wardrobe? How will you style lace?

– Claire Mykrantz

You might want to read more styling posts like Fabulous Summer Fall Transitional Outfits For Women Over 40 and Best Ways to Style The Saturated Colors Trend for Fall 2021.

This post contains affiliate links which may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.

How to wear a lace top

The title of the blog post is kind of funny, isn’t it? “How do I wear a lace top?” Step 1: Put it on. But seriously, there’s always that conundrum of “Is it too sheer?” or “What bra am I wearing?” when putting on a sheer fabric like lace. You have a couple of options: just wear a bra and be okay with showing it. (That’s the option I chose for these photos – it’s a black lace bralette.) If you’re wearing a lace bra, it looks like it should be under the lace, and I recommend that option only if your top is a little looser on the core of your body – choose a color that goes with the top. Another option would be to wear a fitted, skin-colored layered top underneath (with or without a bra, whichever you prefer). The cami gives the illusion that it’s part of the bodice, which is what you want. You can’t go wrong with a beige or black cami underneath, but whatever’s closest to your skin tone looks best under lace (in my opinion). For example, if I’m wearing a white lace top, I would go for a nude/beige top underneath. For a black lace top I would wear beige or black – either would work! And finally, wear a cami in a professional setting—the bra trick only is more for a fun night out (or maybe the most chilled work environment ever).

Lace tops according to your mood

A lace sweatshirt in navy? Chic!

Perfect for Valentine’s Day and under $100

Gorgeous sleeve detailing and an unexpected color

The textile industry has come a long way since the invention of the tie. As technology improved and new materials became available, tie makers have been able to produce a wide variety of ties. Ties can be made from materials ranging from wool and cotton to silk and polyester. And as you might have guessed, there is a time and a place for each of these materials.

If you’re planning on rocking a tie in a casual setting, it’s important to stick with materials that have a matte look. The matte look of a wool, cotton, or linen tie adds texture and allure to complete a more relaxed look. The way the fabric is constructed is also an important factor. For example, knit ties do a wonderful job of adding a bit of casual yet sophisticated texture. (Side note: knit ties are also quite durable and spring back to their original shape well in case your casual gathering gets a little wild.) Additionally, a chambray-style woven tie can add a nice, soft texture to almost any casual look.

After finding the right fabric, the next important step is choosing a pattern that works. In general, solid-colored ties work better than patterned ties in a casual setting. Patterns can easily get loud in a casual setting, and that’s just not what you want. However, ties with subtle, classic patterns like gingham, houndstooth and herringbone can look great if the colors aren’t too contrasting.

In most cases you should not wear a suit blazer with jeans as they are structured. Learn how and when you can.

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Wearing a suit jacket with jeans

Traditionally, a jacket can only be worn with the matching trousers. However, it is possible to wear a suit jacket with jeans and look good.

Related: How to Wear Chelsea Boots with a Suit

You will break the rules, but good looks and confidence are more important.

The key to wearing this combination is to wear a suit jacket that is not too formal and jeans that are in good condition.

Choosing the right suit jacket

Because there are many variations in suits and formalities, there are guidelines for wearing a suit jacket with jeans.

The first thing to consider is if it’s your only suit. If you only have one suit, don’t wear it without the matching pants.

The reason is that if your jacket gets dirty or discolored, the color of your suit will no longer match.

Note: It is better to save your only suit for a formal occasion.

Second, take a look at the material. Is the fabric smooth like wool or a coarser material like tweed or corduroy?

Jackets made of coarse material are considered more casual and can therefore be easily combined with jeans.

Third, look at the pattern and color. The lighter the color, the better it looks with jeans. Shades of blue and gray are also good choices.

Make sure the color is matte and not shiny. This is the best way to blend the pieces together.

Related: How to combine clothes

For patterns, windowpane and plaid jackets go well with jeans. Avoid wearing solid colors and pinstripes because they are more formal.

Finally, how the jacket fits matters because it plays a role in how you are portrayed.

You should be able to move your arms freely without restriction while it sits firmly on your shoulders.

Wear a shirt

Photo courtesy of Amazon.

Even if you are wearing a suit, you should still wear a shirt as a t-shirt would be too casual. Solid color, plaid, or striped shirts are great options.

Tuck your shirt in as well, because if you leave it open it would show up under the suit jacket, which doesn’t look good.

Tucking your shirt in creates a cohesive and clean outfit.

Another aspect to consider is the number of buttons that are left open. Since you’re going for a more casual outfit, leave a button or two undone.

This makes the outfit look more relaxed and cooler.

Buy the Cambridge Oxford Dress Shirt from Gitman Bros on Amazon (opens in a new tab).

type of jeans

Photo courtesy of Everlane.

Wear the dressiest pair of jeans you have and make sure they fit well. In general, dark blue and black jeans look best when you plan to wear a suit jacket.

Wear a lighter wash with a dark jacket as it creates a nice contrast.

The fit of your jeans should be snug, but not too tight where it pinches. You should also avoid jeans that are too long or too long, which will ruin the look.

The goal of pairing jeans and a suit jacket is to create a business-casual feel. This means that your pants should be clean and ironed and will improve your appearance.

Shop Everlane’s The Selvedge Slim Fit Jeans (opens in a new tab).

Best shoes to wear

Photo courtesy of Johnston & Murphy.

Your shoes will complete your entire look, so don’t overlook them. If you’re wearing a suit jacket with jeans, wear brogueed loafers, derbies, cap-toe shoes, or another dressy shoe. If you want to wear a boot, chelsea and chukka boots are good options.

Buy the Evanston Wingtip from Johnston & Murphy (opens in a new tab).

Get a sports jacket

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.

Shop the Hart Schaffner Marx Plaid Stretch Wool Sport Coat from Nordstrom (opens in a new tab).

When the suit jacket and jeans look becomes one you love and feel confident in, get a blazer. It is one of the finest and most versatile items you can own.

It’s not as formal as a suit jacket or blazer, but it’s more formal than just wearing a button-up shirt.

If you’re wearing a blazer, be sure to wear dark, well-fitting jeans. Avoid light, distressed, and baggy pants as they will ruin the whole outfit.

Wearing a jacket gives you a neat and classy look. It’s a great choice for a date, a casual job, a job interview, and when traveling.

If you are looking for a sport coat, you should pay attention to the following features:

Make sure the athletic jacket is unstructured.

Has soft shoulders with no padding.

Look for elbow patches or patch pockets that add a relaxed look.

Casual and unique fabrics like herringbone, houndstooth and tweed.

frequently asked Questions

Can I wear a double breasted suit jacket with jeans? No, the double-breasted suit jacket has peak lapels and is too formal to wear with jeans. Can I wear a tie? No, it’s best to avoid any form of tie when wearing jeans with your suit jacket. Do the jacket and pants have to match? In most cases yes. You should wear your suit jacket with the matching pants. If you want to wear it with something different, wear pants that contrast with the jacket.

Conclusion

If you want to feel more confident and break the rules of style, you can wear a suit jacket with jeans. Remember to wear dark jeans and tuck your shirt in. If you have the opportunity, wear a sports jacket because it looks better.

Featured photo by David Em/Next Level Gents.

The denim shirt has its origins in workwear and seems a far cry from the world of tailoring, but has recently been dubbed the most versatile shirt for the modern man and ‘the new white shirt’ by The Rake magazine. Is it really like that?

It’s also one of our ten shirts every man should own. In this article we examine the value of the denim shirt and how it can be worn in the world of classic style.

Denim shirt in combination with a Glencheck jacket and Stone chinos

What is denim?

Today, “denim” usually refers to a cotton twill fabric, meaning that it has a diagonal weave consisting of two yarns in one direction (the weft) running under two or more warp yarns, although the diagonal appearance of the twill is quite subtle.

Twill fabric with cotton warp threads

Denim comes in a variety of weights and shirts, particularly dress shirts that can be worn for tailoring, are lighter than the denim used for jeans. The fabric’s name comes from the French “de Nimes” for the fabric’s place of origin, although it was first used extensively in Britain before exploding in popularity in the United States by jeans maker Levi Strauss. Denim is usually considered dyed with indigo blue, but it can come in many colors. For example, Empress Mills in Lancashire has over 40 shades of plain denim. Denim’s strength is its durability, which has made it the fabric of choice for workers, farmers and cowboys. This is due to the properties of the fabric.

A heavier weight denim shirt with contrast stitching from Donato Liquori

For the same reason, denim’s association with workwear has traditionally meant that jeans are not tailored on the principle of dressing appropriately. A man who was well dressed would not think of wearing work clothes, and in an age when one’s dress was a strong indication of his social class, a self-respecting non-working class gentleman would belittle his status by appearing thus . Because denim shirts were a traditional part of worker attire, she was responsible for the term “blue-collar worker” that emerged in the United States in the early 20th century. No single piece of clothing is so directly related to workwear, which is a significant obstacle to accepting the denim shirt as part of a tailored style.

Native American construction workers with denim shirts

Denim, in the form of jeans, also featured heavily as the uniform of the rock ‘n’ roll counterculture that began in the 1950s. This was the beginning of the casual culture we are still stuck in today, and was in direct contrast to traditional menswear, which in turn seems to draw a clear line between denim and formal menswear.

James Dean in blue jeans as an anti suit

There can be some resistance to wearing a denim shirt as it bucks the trend of casualization. On the other hand, we can see it as a way of appropriating the fabric in the name of classic style. In addition, nowadays, the mix of high and low style, formal and casual, in clothing has become commonplace as the democratization of clothing reflects the supposed equality of society.

Why wear a denim shirt?

1. To achieve a “smart casual” look

No matter what else you hear, denim is always a way to spice up an outfit, so it’s best suited for those who want to be tailored but don’t want to look overdressed.

Sporty leather coat with burgundy corduroy waistcoat and pants paired with denim shirt

If you want to keep classic men’s style, you wouldn’t normally wear it with a worsted business suit, let alone a tuxedo, although luxury shirt makers Eton and Marol have each produced a denim shirt with a pleat front designed for this purpose. On occasions where formal evening wear or a suit is the dress code, you’ll immediately stand out as the type who defies propriety and rebels against the norms to attract attention. This would be more of a fashion statement than a way to keep the traditional style.

Denim dress shirts like these from Marol (left) and Eton (right) are definitely more fashionable than classic

Therefore, the denim shirt works best with less formal cuts like a cotton suit or a blazer and fancy pants.

Atte Rytkönen from Dress Like a wears a British Prince of Wales check pattern in an unstructured Italian jacket paired with an American style denim shirt.

It’s an unfortunate fact that these days, with a shirt, tie, and jacket, you’re better dressed than most or all of those around you. Denim can help with that. If you’re into the smart casual aesthetic, the denim shirt is a valuable option, perfect for a run to the grocery store or a weekend getaway.

2. For the whole season

The versatility attributed to the denim shirt is most likely due to the fact that it can be worn at any time of the year. The texture of a denim shirt and its relative thickness lend itself to winter wear; however, its casual, relaxed style is suitable for summer days that are not too hot if you have a light version or a chambray. Of course, it can also be worn at any time in between.

Denim shirt worn with autumn and winter fabrics

3. For elegant nonchalance

It is often said of a linen suit that the more you wear it, the softer and more comfortable it becomes. This is even more true for a denim shirt as it is often washed and worn next to the skin. Just as some people talk about their favorite pair of jeans, chances are you’ll treat your denim shirt as a comfortable favorite. It will also fade somewhat from its original color until it reaches a certain point, giving your garment a Sprezzatura quality. It will age into a special kind of beauty.

Andreas Weinas styles a denim shirt with brown and wool white

What kind of denim shirt should you wear?

Clean details on a denim shirt

However, not all denim shirts are created equal. For wear with tailoring, you don’t want thick, ripped denim or one that in any way suggests it can be worn to a country concert or rodeo. That means no pockets, certainly not the double breast buttoned pockets of a western shirt. Such shirts also have shoulder patches and a defined button placket down the center where the buttons are located.

A typical Western-style denim shirt with shoulder patches, a heavy button placket, and two breast pockets with flaps and buttons that you would avoid when tailoring.

All this makes the shirt very casual. Also, avoid unusual washes. There should also be no conspicuous contrasting seams, as these suggest jeans and therefore appear too casual.

Aleks Cvetkovic wearing a denim shirt over a turtleneck

Choose a lighter denim, something with a higher thread count and a tight weave that creates a smooth finish. Shirts made of high-quality denim can be recognized by a slight sheen that makes them look more elegant. These are most likely to be found with smaller menswear brands like Proper Cloth in department stores or with European manufacturers like SuitSupply, Boggi Milano and Pini Parma. Japanese factories are known for their denim, so if you can find a shirt made with Japanese fabric, it will usually fill the bill.

Wide denim chambray shirt paired with a cream wool tie, plaid blazer and DB coat

Although not denim, chambray is a close relative of fabric in appearance and also shares its origins as workwear. So if you really want a finer material with a similar look, you can cheat and wear chambray instead, which is also usually sold in mid-blue. The difference is that chambray is typically thinner and lighter than denim as it is made from a plain weave rather than denim’s two-ply twill. This makes it look more elegant as a shirt, which accounts for its popularity in men’s fashion. Chambray isn’t as durable as denim, but since you won’t be wearing it for handwork, that doesn’t matter.

Gianni Agnelli in a dark gray suit with a button-down shirt and walking stick

What to wear with a denim shirt

In the picture above, Gianni Agnelli is wearing a chambray silk business tie, but Agnelli was known for daring combinations of casual and formal attire like walking shoes and a suit as part of his Sprezzatura style, something not everyone can pull off. Instead, try similarly casual textures like wool-linen blends and wicker in summer or flannel in winter, either as a suit or blazer.

Atte Rytkönen wears a denim shirt with a casual summer suit made from Solaro fabric

Due to its casual nature, a denim shirt is perfect worn tie-free with a jacket and fancy pants. In fact, most of the images of denim shirts are styled without a tie. However, if you plan to wear a tie or bow tie, choose casual fabrics that go with it. Ties made from knitted silk, linen, cotton and shantung or blends (silk-linen, wool-cotton, etc.) pair best with the texture and informality of a denim shirt. If you really want to wear a more formal silk tie, try a coarse grenadine (garza grossa) as its visible weave will stand up to the texture of the shirt. Whatever you do, avoid wearing a tie that’s lighter in color than your shirt, as this combo usually makes you look like a twenty-something going to a club. If wearing a tie, choose a shirt no darker than medium blue and wear a dark tie.

A denim shirt with a bit of sheen, worn with a heavy woven grenadine tie.

Colors with denim shirts

You’ll probably start with mid-blue as your denim color and stick with it, as the vast majority of shirts sold come in that shade. You may find some darker indigo ones, but they’re only as versatile as a regular navy blue cotton shirt, while mid blue can always be paired with more colors and more easily with ties. When choosing a colour, remember that most denims will fade to a certain point with washing. A popular approach to wearing a mid blue denim shirt is to pair it with other shades of blue, such as a navy blue jacket and tie, with grey, white or off-white pants to complete the look depending on the season.

A denim shirt worn with a green jacket and a brown tie with blue polka dots

Treat a denim shirt like a more relaxed version of your standard blue shirt and pair it with the traditional men’s colors you would go with blue, like brown or gray. Ties and pocket squares in the red or orange families pair beautifully with a denim shirt. Green sport jackets tend to be underestimated because men tend to find them difficult to combine, but blue denim creates an effortless pairing that opens the door to a new color family.

For more sophisticated outfits, a blue check color-coordinated jacket is your best friend; These give you an extra level of sophistication by subtly transferring the blue of the shirt into the jacket.

Denim shirts with jackets with blue checked patterns from paulluxsartoria and Pini Parma.

When you wear a denim shirt, it tends to be the center of attention, so it should be treated as such, which means you need to keep the rest of your look simple.

Double denim

Unsuccessful (left) and successful use (right, by Ring Jacket) of double denim with tailoring.

Finally, something needs to be said about the possibility of wearing a denim shirt with another item of denim, most commonly a pair of jeans. Much ridicule has been directed at the so-called “Canadian tuxedo” or “double denim,” which is a popular – and polarizing! – casual look in the 90s. The good news is that while it’s always an advanced style move, it’s actually easier to wear two pieces of denim in a traditional style than to do it casually. A sports coat made of a different material will help tone down the use of denim.

Ralph Lauren is known to love wearing double denim

There are several other keys to success with double denim. Again, the first is to choose finer denims: smooth shirts and selvedge jeans. Second, make sure you create contrast by using two different denim colors: your mid-blue shirt with a pair of dark indigo denims.

David Beckham wears contrasting double denim

Finally, it’s probably best to stick with shades of blue to repel the denim again. Jeans are not a popular choice with many Gentleman’s Gazette readers, but those venturing in that direction now have another option.

The ideal shade for a denim shirt

Conclusion

While denim has humble origins in clothing made for hard work, it definitely has a place in contemporary, tailored menswear when done right. A denim shirt’s ease of care, comfortable softness, seasonal versatility, and mid-blue color are elements that contribute to its appeal. I wasn’t originally in love with denim shirts, but I’ve since converted and wear a denim shirt with navy chinos and a blazer rather than jeans.

Outfit overview

I’m wearing a denim shirt with a medium collar and some really unique contrast buttons. I also have a burgundy sports coat with gray flecks woven in from Hugo Boss that I wear over the denim shirt. I add a nice pop of color from this truly one-of-a-kind Fort Belvedere pocket square. The color I’m wearing is actually a prototype. The actual one being sold on Fort Belvedere’s website is more of an ivory colour.

I also complete the outfit with a nice dark brown pair of dress shoes and a pair of cream chinos. I chose this medium to light denim shirt because it goes wonderfully with both the trousers I’m wearing and the dark color of the jacket.

Kyle wears a denim shirt for a smart off-duty ensemble (pictured: ivory silk-wool hunting-themed pocket square from Fort Belvedere)

Now all the items I wear fall under the smart-casual umbrella as well, so it all ties together quite nicely.

What do you think of denim shirts? Is a wardrobe indispensable? How does tailoring work? Tell us in the comments.