Though Men’s Journal notes that denim has long been an iconic symbol of blue collar, greaser, and cowboy wardrobe in pop culture, updated styles and trends have brought denim into the realm of more formal and polished wear. In fact, many menswear designers are currently taking a closer look at fabrics that sit somewhere in the middle of the spectrum between sportswear and suits. Denim is a prime candidate to visit, as the classic material has quite the newly discovered versatility when it comes to being dressed up or dressed down.

There are many ways to incorporate denim into your everyday style, regardless of whether you’ll be spending it at the office or at a casual outing. You might want to start by looking at different types of denim and how their respective looks might fit into the varied elements of your lifestyle.

Understanding Different Types of Denim

Over time, denim styles have evolved, and knowing what’s out there can help to inform your fashion choices. Here are some common styles you might want to consider incorporating into more of your looks:

Stonewashed. Probably the type of denim you recognize most, and perhaps the most classic. Durable, comfortable, and processed in a way that creates a worn, faded appearance; stonewashed denim is your go-to for a casual, relaxed look.

Dark denim. Another common denim look, this is exactly what it sounds like: a darker navy blue colored denim, without the distressed or worn effects found in stonewashed denim. Easily integrated into almost any type of look, in any season, this should certainly be a staple in your wardrobe.

Waxed. With a wax treatment coating the denim, the resulting look is sleek, black, and polished. Perfect for bordering the line between dressy and casual, waxed denim might be the right choice if you’re looking for a little extra something to make your look a bit more striking.

Stretch. You’re probably familiar with “skinny jeans”, made with stretch denim. While stretch denim doesn’t have the more rugged or classic look of regular denim, it can add a more contemporary and elegant flair to an outfit. Paired with dress shoes and a button-down shirt, slim fit denim jeans are the perfect choice for a night out at a club, or even a fancy dinner. Skinny jeans are certainly not just for women anymore, but you must always make sure they fit you right and are not too tight.

Selvedge. This type of denim is thicker than most, and after repeated wear, they’ll lose their stiffness and begin to look as if they were made just for you. Though this type of denim isn’t for everyone due to how heavy and stiff it is, the eventually payoff is great, and selvedge denim jeans are an excellent choice to pair with dress shirts and blazers for a polished look.

Not Just for Pants

Denim shirts might remind you of the 90’s or seem like a generally unfashionable choice, but this is simply not true! A

look at current fashion trends will quickly tune you in to the fact that denim shirts can be exceedingly stylish and attractive when paired with the right pieces. A perfect example of how denim qualifies as an upscale fashion choice is the luxury line of VKNagrani men’s designer shirts. Club a piece of it with a pair of slacks and dress shoes, or even with a knitted tie or blazer. You can also dress down denim shirts like these by wearing them open over a white t-shirt, or with a pair of khaki shorts or chinos in the summer.

The Fashionisto recently reminded that denim can indeed be paired with other denim pieces in the same outfit, making examples of superstar Robert Pattinson’s look in a light blue denim top with jeans in a darker wash, and model Jack Vanderhart rocking a blue sweater over a denim shirt with jeans. As long as the hues work together well, you should have no qualms about experimenting with looks that combine different pieces of denim.

Denim jackets are also back in style, and more versatile than ever. With the variety of different denim choices as outlined above, it’s easier than ever to find a denim jacket to experiment with fitting into your style. You can actually wear a denim jacket over a hoodie, or layered with other jackets and blazers. You might want to even try using a denim jacket as a stand-in for a blazer, and wear it over a tee shirt or over an oxford shirt with a knitted tie.

In closing, there aren’t many materials out there that can be considered tough, classic, elegant, and versatile all at once. This is only a small look at denim and how it’s currently trending in the fashion world. Check out what’s out there, and make it work for you.

Fraquoh and Franchomme

Further reading:

How to wear denim. A quick guide

P.S. How do you wear your denim? What type do you prefer? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, don’t forget to subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook or Twitter!