There will always be style purists who argue that dark,
undyed (preferably selvage) denim is the only type worth investing in for its
versatility and durability. And while we agree, to some extent, denim has come
a long way since tailor Jacob W. Davis and haberdashery salesman Levi Strauss
patented the rivet in 1873.
The most iconic garment of the 20th century, blue jeans,
is too mature for designers to experiment and subvert. And right now, they are
doing it en masse.
Fear not, the bootcut isn't making a comeback, but to make
sure you don't get left behind, we've created a handy new seasonal guide that
covers the denim trends you need to know for the months ahead.
DOUBLE DENIM
Two words that guarantee Justin Timberlake will give your
bone marrow chills. Double jean is not the easiest trend to pull off, and when
things go wrong, it's the boy who goes wrong, but get it right and you'll get a
big payoff. It is the male equivalent of a manual pump or a Wellington ox; only
professionals can.
"If there's a time to do it all in denim, it's
now," says Tony Cook, Farfetch's editor for men. “Take on the dainty trend
by pairing a [blue] jean jacket with dark straight jeans for a sophisticated
approach, or contrasting black skinny jeans with a blue jean shirt for a more
laid-back approach.
Most of your efforts should be focused on making sure the
two jeans are visibly different. Likewise, if you're wearing two blue washes,
split things up with a white tee or gray sweatshirt; Perhaps for the first time
in the history of men's fashion, a blue or knitted T-shirt is not the safe
option here.
How to wear double jeans
The best products for a double denim look
90s DENIM
You would have to have lived under a soundproof rock not to
realize that the '90s are in every men's wardrobe right now. And it is in denim
where the decade is enjoying its second wind with more enthusiasm.
"Classic faded gray jeans are back in a variety of
cuts," said Rachel Morgans, Topman's purchasing manager, who recently
oversaw the relaunch of the retailer's denim line. “The [wash] gives these
models an authentic, vintage look. "
The hallmark of this denim trend is a looser fit and pale
finish, so you need to think about the fit and color of the ensemble next to the
return yarns. What this means in practice is that '90s denim jeans feel more
comfortable with color block staples like sweatshirts and hoodies, with dark
shoes added to add some visual weight to the lower half.
How to wear the 90s denim trend
The best 90s style jeans
WHITE DENIM
White jeans can still scare men, especially during barbecue
season and sitting on the grass. But learning how to use them without looking
like a Eurotrash banker will not only save you from suffocating in the dark in
midsummer, but it will also enhance that tan you worked on until fall.
"White denim is something that men tend to avoid
because they can't imagine how it would fit into their wardrobe," says
stylist Nas Abraham, who has worked with the likes of Barbour and Gap. "In
fact, it goes surprisingly well with other pieces."
Along with the cut, which should not be too thin or too
wide, the secret to a successful look is to go for off-white tones instead of
ecru tones, and be simple and classic with the rest of your ensemble.
How to wear white jeans
The best white jeans for men
FLAP DENIM
Feeling the heat of athleisure's runaway success, jeans
makers have changed course in recent seasons, introducing cropped styles that
give what's underneath a boost. Now, however, after several years of pinned
jeans, the best-dressed menswear is appearing in droves, and for good reason.
"By rolling the hem of your jeans, you add a completely different shape to your overall look," says Abraham. “Since the hem of most jeans usually never sits perfectly above the ankle, a hem prevents them from rolling over the top of the shoe and exposes the ankle a bit, making it appear more tapered. Therefore, cartwheels are not only an exercise to add interest to a look, but they will also stop the cankle.