When pondering what to wear, consider double denim. Once you’ve found the perfect pairing, it becomes an outfit you can reach for again and again, even on the busiest of days. What’s more, a co-ordinating ensemble transforms the traditionally casual fabric into something polished and considered – an outfit that can be worn to dinner, on the plane, or, depending on your office dress code and the crispness of the denim, to work.
We have Bing Crosby to thank for helping to establish double denim – formerly considered as blue-collar workwear – as a viable fashion choice. Allegedly, in 1951, the singer and actor was refused entry to a hotel in Vancouver on account of him wearing denim on denim. Levi’s subsequently designed a denim suit in his honour and the term ‘Canadian tuxedo’ was coined.
74 years later, it shows no sign of waning, featuring on the spring/summer 2025 catwalks of designers including Tolu Coker, Ahluwahlia, and Ralph Lauren. In place of the usual jacket, Rachel Comey teamed a pair of true-blue wide-legs with a slouchy tunic, while Marques’Almeida reimagined the Canadian tuxedo with exaggerated silhouettes and intricate embroidery.
From the perfect indigo-rinse co-ord to a sharply tailored skirt suit, there’s a double-denim option for almost every eventuality, as these excellently curated outfits prove.
Preppy polish
For a refined take, opt for a denim set in a deep indigo rinse. A saturated wash lends a crispness that feels suitable for smart-casual occasions, especially when you button up the shirt or jacket and add a sleek clutch and heels. Alternatively, style this look for the weekend with preppy loafers and a rugby shirt – as seen here.
The modern skirt suit
A loosely tailored skirt suit feels fresh when rendered in dark-blue denim. We love the calf-skimming length and volume of Alaïa’s pleated skirt. Layer a simple camisole beneath the blazer and opt for ultra-ladylike accessories to play up the vintage-tinged silhouettes; think kitten heels and an east-west bag.
Everyday denim, elevated
Play with proportions by throwing on an oversized denim shirt with a pair of cropped, straight or balloon-leg jeans, swapping out ballet flats for snake-print mules for a casual date-night outfit. Well-chosen jewellery pieces will really elevate things, so consider a chunky necklace, stacked bracelets, and/or statement earrings.
In the details
An otherwise classic Canadian tuxedo is elevated by subtle styling tricks and coordinating accessories. Specifically, tuck a pair of boyfriend jeans into brown suede boots – the slouchier, the better – and find a matching tote. On top, a half-tucked denim shirt looks effortlessly chic – bonus points if it has a kitten bow or neck tie.
Precise tailoring
Crisp spring days call for clever layering. Slip a camisole and zip-up jersey or sweatshirt beneath a relaxed-fit denim shirt for added warmth – and an interesting styling detail – and tuck it into classic, straight-leg jeans in a coordinating wash. Almond-toe ankle boots with a stacked heel make for a polished finishing touch.
City staples
A denim trench coat feels unexpected in the best way. We prefer one in a classic blue wash for throwing on over a white baby tee and bootcut jeans – with ballet flats, it makes for the ideal travel-day outfit. Plus, it looks just as good with a Y2K-inspired, knee-length skirt and kitten-heel slingbacks.
The indigo co-ord
If you thought double denim was too casual for eveningwear, think again. Comprising a longline, buttoned vest and wide-leg jeans in a matching indigo rinse, this is a refined take on a Canadian tuxedo – perfectly suitable for smarter occasions. Accent the saturated wash with burgundy accessories – ballet flats or pointed pumps and a shoulder bag work well.
