Double denim time! The Canadian Tuxedo? 🤔

Published: Sat, 02/06/21

Double denim time! The Canadian Tuxedo?

As you may or may not know, I am in love with denim jackets because they are timeless, classic, and simple yet masculine. Jeans are probably the most versatile pair of pants that you can own -- you can dress them up, you can dress them down – the epitome of versatility. The jean jacket is the most versatile lightweight jacket you can own.

… but talk is cheap because jean jackets can be a little bit scary if you're not 100% confident in the pant choice that you're actually pairing them with. I am going to help answer the pant question and answer the biggest denim dilemma -- can jean jackets be worn with jeans (aka the Canadian Tuxedo)? The answer is yes, BUUUUT it takes finesse!

Before we dive in and start talking about denim-on-denim combos, let's start with some easier options -- other pants that actually work incredibly well with a denim jacket. Here's the secret. Denim jackets are kind of hard to screw up as far as coordination is concerned. They work with pretty much any casual pant -- they look incredibly great with corduroys; they look amazing with chinos; you can wear them with cargo pants; you can wear them with camo.

One little thing to note is when pairing with casual pants, you don't want the casual pant color to be too similar to the jacket color. So if you're wearing a completely dark wash jeans jacket with deep navy blue cords, the colors are too similar and will look a little bit funny. You definitely want a bit of contrast in your pant + coat combo.

How the legend of the Canadian Tuxedo was born

In 1951 and at the height of his career, Bing Crosby visited Vancouver. But as much as the American star was famous, not everyone recognized him. According to Levi Strauss & Co. historian Lynn Downey, Crosby was denied checking into the Hotel Vancouver because he was wearing a denim-on-denim Levi’s ensemble. The Hotel Vancouver was left embarrassed after a bellhop quickly recognized Crosby.

Back in America, Levi’s denim brand was delighted when they heard about Crosby’s altercation from the hotel. The Levi’s designers didn't waste any time creating a custom jean tuxedo for Bing Crosby, which they later presented to him. Made from the classic denim used for the brand’s classic 501 jeans, the look was comprised of a tuxedo-style jacket with red tabs and shiny rivets as well as an interior leather patch that read: “Notice to All Hotel Men.” Levi’s coined the style as the Canadian Tuxedo, and a legend was born.

Now let's talk about matching denim-on-denim because whoever said you can't combine denim doesn't know what they're talking about. Drum-roll, please. You simply need the denim to be different or contrast, aka the higher the contrast the better.

Check it out -- I took a denim jacket and paired it with three different washes of denim.

On the left, you have the highest contrast with a medium wash jacket and very dark wash jeans with minimal distressing. This combo looks incredible.
The middle combo features jeans that are a bit less dark, but the combo still looks great.
Note that the right pairing with the light jeans that are too close in wash and color to the jacket looks odd (think Canadian Tuxedo, gentlemen).

As you can see, the higher the contrast, the better. So that's the answer to the age-old question -- yes, you can wear denim with denim IF the pieces contrast.

How to wear your killer denim jacket

Make sure it fits -- try sizing down for a fitted look
Washes, colors, and distressing are a personal preference, but blue is the most versatile
If pairing denim with denim, make sure the washes contrast
Wear your denim jacket over a tee shirt, hoodie, button-up or Henley
Layer your denim jacket for warmth and also elevated style
Dress it up with some nice shoes or cool boots. Or wear it casual with sneakers or flip flops
Wear with practically any casual pant from cargo to khaki to shorts to jeans

Jean jackets are a timeless classic and killer, and I would highly recommend picking one up for your ever expanding and improving wardrobe. I love my denim jackets! Mine came from Macy's and the GAP. I'm telling you -- I look forward to putting them on and experimenting with different combinations including denim-on-denim. Do some experimenting yourself -- I am sure you'll love it too.

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