The Do’s and Don’ts of Styling a Denim Jacket
Everyone loves a good denim jacket. It’s a staple in closets everywhere because it works for almost any season. You might think it’s easy to throw on and go, but you can accidentally ruin a great outfit with the wrong fit or wash. We want you to look your best, so we put together the do’s and don’ts of styling a denim jacket to help you out.
Do: Play with Layers
A denim jacket shines when you treat it as a layering piece. You can wear it over a hoodie for a relaxed vibe or place it under a heavier coat when the temperature drops. This adds texture and depth to your outfit.
Don’t: Ignore the Fit
Even the most expensive jacket won’t look good if it doesn’t fit right. Start by checking the shoulders—too tight, and it’ll feel uncomfortable, too loose, and it’ll look sloppy. Make sure you can button it without feeling restricted, even if you usually wear it open. Pay attention to the sleeves and hem too; sleeves should stop at your wrists, and the hem shouldn’t hang so low that it swallows your frame.
Do: Embrace the Canadian Tuxedo
Wait, did we just say you should wear denim on denim? Yes, we did. “But that’s a fashion faux pas,” you gasp! While denim-on-denim is a controversial topic, it usually gets a bad rap because of people who don’t know how to style it correctly. The trick is contrast. Pair a light-wash jacket with dark-wash jeans. This breaks up the blue and creates a modern, cohesive look.
Don’t: Mix Too Many Distressed Items
Rips and tears have a time and place. But you don’t want to look like you just wrestled a bear. If your jacket has heavy distressing, keep your pants clean and simple. Wearing a shredded jacket with shredded jeans makes the outfit look messy and unpolished. Pick one distressed item and let it be the star of the show.
Do: Accessorize Wisely
You can totally change the vibe of your jacket just by playing around with accessories. For instance, adding pins and patches is an easy way to pack on some personality and flare. If you’re heading out on a crisp autumn day, throwing on a chunky scarf or a beanie instantly makes the whole look feel cozy. You can even try rolling up the sleeves to show off your favorite watch or bracelets. These small details make a huge difference in how the final outfit comes together.
Don’t: Wash It Too Often
Denim is tough fabric. It doesn’t need a trip to the washing machine after every wear. In fact, washing it too much breaks down the fibers and fades the color prematurely. Spot clean stains when you can. If it needs a refresh, hang it outside to air out or put it in the freezer overnight to kill bacteria. This keeps the denim stiff and structured for longer.
Mastering the do’s and don’ts of styling a denim jacket is pretty simple once you know the basics. Keep these tips in mind next time you head out, and you’ll turn heads for all the right reasons.