Sport coat with Denim Jeans
While wearing denim with a blazer or a sports coat is a universal look for men, in many cases the execution lacks both style and credibility. Upgrading your smart casual look is sure to win extra style points in today’s world. Whether you have cultural plans on the weekend or going to root for your favorite sports team, you are bound to make a sophisticated entrance. With that being said, here is a sports coat + denim style guide to appear appropriate no matter the occasion.
When to wear it:
While wearing denim with a blazer or a sports coat is a universal look for men, in many cases the execution lacks both style and credibility. By upgrading your outfit to that much of an honorable degree there is no question you’ll be feeling yourself regardless of what life throws at you. Whether you’re planning on going to that longingly awaited golf tournament or your next Wimbledon event you are bound to make a sophisticated entrance. With that being said, here is our sports coat + denim style guide to wearing your style of jeans to it’s suitable purpose no matter the occasion.
When to wear it:
As our world became all the more casual, it allowed many men to wear denim even in offices with traditionally formal dress codes. In some respect, you can wear a pair of jeans with a sports coat basically any day, but to look right in various settings, you need to be able to employ different practices to gain that acceptance depending on the atmosphere you are currently in. To help you clarify any confusion, I’ll show you three looks meant to be worn for everyday purposes later in the article. This way you might just have that inkling to get out your favorite pair of denim and dress it up with your favorite sport coat.
Which sort of denim am I able to wear with a sportcoat:
A nice pair of dark, unwashed selvedge denim will always be appropriate. Match them with chukka boots or suede brogues and button-down shirts. This dark, untreated pair should be your go-to smart option. A friendly warning: please don’t pair it with your navy blazer. The lack of any contrast between the garments will make the impression of a badly mismatched suit. By reigniting that valuable contrast consider wearing a chocolate brown flannel for a subtle Italian vibe or sway to that green tweed look replicating English charm.
Washed denim can work as well, although you need to treat it with a bit of caution. Don’t think washed means distressed for once! While jeans with holes on them look cool on certain celebrities, you better be avoiding pairing them with tailored jackets. It can also look quite unprofessional in a business setting. If you are a fan of the rippled look, you can wear them when going to see your favorite band.
How should my jeans fit:
What you’ll want to achieve is a nice, clean leg line, slightly tapered below the knee. An alteration tailor will be a great help, to achieve the right silhouette, slimming down the hem of your denim. Comfort is key, as we clothing of any kind. Choose a pair with a higher, this will help in keeping your shirt tucked in, and will avoid the boxers from peeking out when sitting down. The struggle can be real but we’ve got you covered. While you want a slim look with denim, it is best to avoid being too tight. It looks and feels uncomfortable.
Which type of sports coat should I wear:
Look for a soft constructed jacket, without shoulder padding. Choose casual materials, cotton, linen, or woolen fabrics look best with denim as these correspond well with the casual nature of denim. As with any casual jacket combination, having contrast in/or color and texture between the sport coat and the jeans and trousers achieve the best results. Various patterns ranging from glen plaid, houndstooth, or herringbone will always serve you well. You might be initially thinking that a worsted navy blazer paired with a shade of dark denim may seem like an easier option, but it sincerely looks like you just had a wardrobe malfunction and accidentally mismatched your suit jacket with jeans. An exception, which is acceptable would have to be the double-breasted blazer, as it screams that you are looking really put together with the denim side not being lost by any means. Preferably edge towards the more washed variety as clear contrast always works well.
What type of shoes go well with the look:
Dark, raw denim is right at home with any suede shoes and brings out the absolute most of both items. For smarter appearances wear a chocolate brown oxford brogue, Otherwise, a pair of derbies or loafers will also do the trick nicely. For a contemporary look, invest in a pair of leather or suede trainers. A slim, tapered silhouette works best, please don’t get all too clunky wearing the oversize sneakers all too in trend these days. Trainers without highly visible branding make for the best alternative. Extreme branding can lead to a tacky look which is what we want to avoid. Unfortunately, rain and snow can get the better of us sometimes, in these instances opting for a pair of chukka boots with rubber soles provides a great solution for your smart-casual looks.
Three Denim looks from the archives of SARTORIALE
When thinking about tweed jackets with denim, the first impression that instantly came to our mind was Robert Redford in „Three Days of the Condor”. Tweed is great for everyday purposes, rugged but smart, hefty, and indestructible. When you don’t have that desire or time to think much about your outfit, having that “go-to” tweed jacket is a time and lifesaver in many aspects. A great look for a casual office day, if your co-workers like to look smart and properly put together, you will naturally blend in with the different personalities surrounding you. In retrospect, if they lack care, you can also quite simply avoid being treated as the „fashion guy”.
Certainly a bit more on the fashionable side, but nonetheless an intriguing combination that captures the eyes. The high/low contrast of the cashmere jacket and the washed denim is a trick perfected by none other than the father of American cool, Ralph Lauren. The soft and warm earth tones blend in beautifully with the washed blue of the denim. A look certainly not for everyone, best used with consideration before. Whether meeting up with friends at a bar or going shopping with your significant other, it is best to be left for casual occasions.
What to wear on a night out when you need something cooler, than business casual or cocktail attire? Double-breasted jackets with denim jeans are a great solution. This look can be styled in a more elegant or rock and roll way, depending on your personality. There are also many ways to accessorize it. If you are not a scarf or pocket square guy, go for the handsome and understated way, wear a navy wool turtleneck. Regarding shoes, go for Chelsea boots or tassel loafers, or as pictured a pair of double monk strap shoes.
The original article was commissioned by SARTORIALE in 2019, an online store for fine men’s tailoring. I happen to have worked with them for a number of years and learned a lot along the way. I briefly edited the article to be most suitable for the times we are living.
