Are you considering sporting the denim on denim look? Here are some ways to optimize this trending but evergreen combination.
Denim has come a long way from its working-class roots. It’s even managed to sneak into non-casual dress codes on occasion. When it comes to menswear, though, most garments with practical origins end up becoming staples.
That’s why most clothes and accessories that came from the army, like field watches (we prefer small field watches), are menswear classics.
Still, you might think rocking a Canadian tuxedo is a bold choice. It can be, but there are so many ways to approach it. You’d be surprised at just how easily it can fit into a range of personal styles.
We’ll be exploring that today. But first, exactly what is a Canadian tuxedo? And how’d it get that name? Let’s start there.
What Is a Canadian Tuxedo?
A Canadian tuxedo is just a denim-on-denim outfit. This means wearing a pair of jeans with a denim jacket. How it got its name is quite a funny story.
It was coined in 1951. Classic crooner Bing Crosby was actually almost turned away from the ritzy Vancouver Hotel because he was wearing blue jeans and a denim jacket.
Art Cameron, the hotel clerk, thought he may have been a homeless person. Fortunately, a bellhop (someone who owned a television because clearly Cameron didn’t) recognized the celebrity.
Crosby was promptly let in. After learning of this story, Levi’s built a custom denim tuxedo for Crosby, which included their classic 501 jeans. It also featured a red corsage and a leather patch that read, “Notice to All Hotel Men.”
Prior to being fashionable though, the sturdy jeans were mostly worn by working men. Miners, cowboys, and railroad workers were the initial clientele for Levi’s. As such, denim would go on to become a major element of Americana style.
Even preppy clothing brand Ralph Lauren employed the Canadian tuxedo to distinguish itself. Lauren positioned his clothing as preppy but not as stuffy as the more traditional Brooks Brothers.
So even you madras-loving traditional guys can use old Ralph Lauren catalogs as inspiration for how to wear a Canadian tux. Now, onto how to wear denim on denim on different occasions.
How To Wear Denim-on-Denim
The Canadian tuxedo really only has two requirements, the jean jacket and the denim pants. So, you’d be surprised at how much remixing is possible. Sure, those two garments take up a lot of real estate on your body. But, past them, anything goes.
Here are some considerations to make double denim your own.
Consider the Fits of the Pants and Jacket
The fit and cut you go for can absolutely change the whole look of the outfit. For example, a slimmer chore coat and slim jeans would look more formal than boot-cut jeans and an aviator jacket. You can also opt for contrasting fits to achieve a dynamic silhouette.
For example, you can partake in the oversized trend by wearing an oversized jacket but slim pants. It’s definitely fashion-forward, but the different fits rein each other in. It looks more intentional instead of looking like you shopped the wrong size.
Consider Different Jacket Styles
There are many different ways to wear a denim jacket, partly because there are so many styles of denim jackets out there. The more details on the jacket, the more workwear-looking it is, and the more casual it is. Classic jean jackets, military-style jackets, and aviator jackets are all good examples.
Of course, the looser the fit, the more casual it is as well. Aviator jackets often have accents or fleece collars that add texture and character.
A slim Harrington or chore coat with few or no pockets would provide a silhouette similar to a suit. So if you paired, say, a simple navy chore coat with white jeans, you’d almost give the same effect as a casual, broken suit. Meanwhile, a denim varsity jacket has a youthful quality to it, perfect for nostalgic or preppy styles.
Consider the Denim Wash and Weight
There’s a whole world of different denims. Of course, on warmer days, you want lighter weaves and lighter colors. You might even go for chambray over actual denim. Sure, it wouldn’t technically be a Canadian tuxedo, but you’d still achieve the same look without overheating.
If you want to go for the full three-piece Canadian tux, I’d recommend a chambray shirt over a true denim shirt anyway. Either that or go for an extra light weave on the shirt. This way, you aren’t bulking up the silhouette too much.
White jeans are perfect for spring and summer. Darker washes are more formal than lighter washes. This is why dark jeans are more advisable during business casual situations over light ones. You can also go for a cool streetwear approach and pair black jeans with a black jacket.
Change the Vibe With Your Shirt and Shoes
Of course, the shirt, shoes, and accessories you choose can really transform the overall effect of the outfit. Imagine blue jeans, a classic blue denim jacket, a T-shirt, and
Now imagine that same outfit with a button-down and Oxfords. Of course, the latter looks dressier than the former, and all you did was swap two items. Now imagine the Oxfords swapped out for work boots. Now, it has more of an Americana workwear vibe.
You can even close your denim jacket, effectively making it serve as the shirt, and wear a thicker jacket over it, adding dynamism and diversity to your look. You might even experiment with unlikely garments.
I once wore a red sweater vest, button-down, light wash denim jacket, with dark wash slim denim pants. It looked structured but not stuffy. In fact, I’ve included it in the collection of outfit inspirations below!
Go Western: Make It a Texan Tuxedo
If you like a Western style, you can also give your Canadian tuxedo a Texan remix. Add cowboy boots, a Western shirt, and a bolo tie to your double denim, and you’ve got yourself a Texas tuxedo.
In this iteration, you can fairly say that this Texas tux is also a Canadian tux. After all, the latter’s only requirements are met: The double denim. However, a Texas tuxedo can also include a blazer. So, a jean jacket, jean pants, bolo tie, and cowboy boots are both Texan and Canadian.
A blazer, cowboy hat, jeans, cowboy boots, and a bolo tie are just Texan. For more inspiration on how to dress Western, check out our Western clothing for men guide.
Denim-on-Denim Outfits
Here are some examples of denim outfits you can emulate!
Did you find one that inspires you? Let me know which in the comments!
FAQs
Still have questions? Here are answers to some common ones.
What is the difference between a Canadian tuxedo and Texas tuxedo?
A Canadian tuxedo includes a jean jacket and jeans. A Texas tuxedo may also include double denim, but it would also have Western wear like cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. A blazer with jeans and cowboy accessories can also be considered a Texas tuxedo.
Who made the Canadian tuxedo famous?
Bing Crosby was almost turned away from an upscale Vancouver hotel for wearing denim-on-denim. Levi’s caught wind of this and made him a denim tuxedo.
Can anyone wear a Canadian tuxedo?
Yes, there are many ways to wear a Canadian tuxedo that accommodates a wide range of personal styles.
Conclusion: Not Always Trending, Always Relevant
The Canadian tuxedo goes in and out of style but never looks totally out of place in one era or another. The hip-hop community adopted it from its onset, though fits were baggier in the ‘90s than in the 2010s.
An infamous example of the Canadian tuxedo is Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears’ his-and-hers moment in the aughts, which has been recreated on several red carpets.
Make sure to be intentional about the details, including the silhouette, to avoid looking dated. Keep in mind that denim-on-denim is an advanced style move. It’s easy to look bad wearing denim up top and on the bottom. Now you know that there’s a lot more you can do with it to accommodate your own style!
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