How to Style Denim Jeans
Men’s Jeans Style Guide
Almost every man, woman, and child in the Western World and beyond owns a pair of jeans. In the past 100 years, denim jeans have taken the world by storm due to their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. Knowing how to style jeans, then, is fundamental to knowledge for any self-respecting man. For tips on how to look after your jeans, head to our handy Denim Care Guide, but stay right here for friendly (and gospel) advice on how to style your jeans like a pro.
Is Double Denim in Fashion?
Double denim never left, it just got smarter. Think less matching set, more controlled contrast. Dark indigo jacket with washed jeans, or black denim against mid-blue. Keep the fit relaxed or straight, nothing painted on. A white tee resets it, boots or loafers sharpen it.
What are the different types of jeans?
You’ve got your straight leg, your slim fit, your bootcut, your skinny fit, your baggy jeans, your regular fit… Pretty much any fit imaginable. Truly wouldn’t be surprised to see flares come back into fashion, but we draw the line at those daft elasticated cuffed things of a decade or so ago.
How should jeans fit?
How your jeans fit depends on the style you’re going for, and your build. If you’re a slender fellow with broom handle legs, a skinny fit might suit you just fine—otherwise maybe leave the skinnies to the punks and the 2005 indie bands. If you’ve got the thunderous thighs of Roberto Carlos propping up your torso, you’re probably better off going for a looser fit so as to flatter those mighty tree trunks.
Straight Leg Jeans
Straight leg jeans are the anchor. Clean from hip to hem, no drama, no taper fighting for attention. They sit comfortably between slim and loose, which is exactly why they work with everything. Raw indigo feels sharper, almost tailored. Washed versions lean casual, weekend ready. Think McQueen off-duty or 90s Arsenal tunnel fits. Wear with tees, shirts, or soft tailoring. They do not try hard, and that is the point.
What are Relaxed Leg Jeans?
Relaxed leg jeans give you room to breathe, literally. Wider through the thigh with an easy fall to the hem, they carry a bit of off-duty energy without looking lazy. Heavier denim holds its structure, lighter washes feel more lived-in. They work best with boxy tees, overshirts, or knitwear.
What Jeans are in Fashion?
Jeans right now have gone back to basics. No gimmicks, no overthinking it. Straight and relaxed fits are leading, giving you a bit more room and a cleaner line through the leg. Nothing tight, nothing forced. It is less trend, more getting it right without trying.
Why are Jeans a Styling Staple?
Denim is extra durable, it’s practical, and it’s made of cotton, meaning it can be produced more cheaply than many other fabrics. They’ve been adopted by labourers, cowboys, rockstars, and the general public for a hundred years.
The versatility of denim
The main reason that jeans became a men’s style staple, however, is that they go with just about everything. There is almost no outfit that won’t match well with a good pair of jeans. That sort of versatility means jeans are going nowhere anytime soon, barring a worldwide cotton crop failure or international unionised action at the jeans factories.
How to Wear Denim Jeans
Jeans are one of the few pieces you wear all year round and get away with it. Born in the late 1800s as workwear, now doing everything from pub to dinner without complaint. That is range.
Spring leans lighter, washed blues. Autumn and winter go darker, richer tones. Mix them up though. Percival has never been about playing it safe. Jeans can handle it.
Casual Outfits with Jeans
Let’s kick things off with a few casual fits to ease us in. These are looks for every day, for going to the shops, grabbing a coffee, taking the ferret to the vet etc. Non-special occasions.
Can you Wear a Hoodie with Jeans?
You simply cannot go wrong with Jeans and a Hoodie. If you rock up to any non-fancy occasion in jeans and a hoodie, nobody is questioning you, and, done right, it can look genuinely stylish. For a casual look, we recommend lighter jeans like these for a slightly more workmanlike, cowboyish look.
Pairing Jeans with a Fleece Jacket
Another classic casual fit, but one tailored more to cooler climes. A solid pair of denim Jeans and a stylish Anderson Tetris Fleece Jacket will go a long way to getting you through the cooler months looking class.
Smart Causal Outfits
If you’re going out for a meal with the family, a few cold hops & barley-infused waters with your pals, or a date with the hottie from your local coffee shop, a slightly smarter outfit is required. We got you.
Jeans with a Shirt and Loafers
For a look that says you’ve taken time on this and care about your appearance, but you’re aware it would be insane to turn up in a tux, a good pair of slightly darker Straight Leg Denim Jeans and a Shirt are a great combo. Match them with a pair of leather Solovair Loafers and you’re flying.
Dark Wash Jeans with a Knitted Polo
Another superb smart-casual look for going out out is the classic combo of Dark Wash Jeans and one of Percival’s many top-quality, best-on-the-market Knitted Polos. You’re in the safest of hands with this fit.
Casual work outfits for men
Many jobs are cool with you wearing jeans to work these days, as long as you look good. Here’s how to do that without getting pulled in for a disciplinary.
5 pocket jeans with a shirt
Nab yourself a pair of 5 Pocket Jeans and pair them with a smart Shirt. The 5 Pocket Jeans are a little more straightforward and sensible than standard jeans, and they’ve got plenty of storage space that may come in handy at work.
Seasonal styling with jeans
It’s still a bit nippy outside, so it may come in handy to know a few tricks regarding layering your outfits with jeans. Follow us:
Layering with coats and jumpers
If you’re layering with coats and jumpers, make sure your jumper isn’t too thick. Your coat is going to be the outer layer of your outfit, and if you go too chunky on the jumper, it’s going to look bulky and make you uncomfortable. This knitted Vertigo Jumper is a great example of what you’re looking for.
Layering with coats and polo
If you’re layering with coats and a polo, your Polo is going to be your inner layer, with one or two coats on top. As always the closer to your skin the layer, the thinner and lighter it should be. The exception to this rule is that anything waterproof—like a Sherlock—is your go-to outer layer if you’re going to keep the wind and rain at bay.
What to wear with light wash jeans men?
Light wash carries a bit of daylight with it, so keep everything else grounded. Chalky tees, soft shirting, maybe a loose knit when the weather turns. Navy and olive steady the ship. Footwear stays relaxed. Nothing too polished, nothing trying too hard.
How to style grey jeans for blokes?
Grey is the middle child done right. Cleaner than blue, less severe than black. Go tonal for a sharp look or break it with texture up top. Works with tailoring, works with tees. It adapts without fuss, which is exactly the appeal.
What is the difference between straight leg and relaxed fit jeans?
Straight leg holds a consistent line, neat, dependable, no surprises. Relaxed fit opens things up, more space through the upper leg, softer drape. One is precise, the other leans into ease. Both work, depending on how much structure you want.
What are the most flattering jeans for men?
Balance wins every time. A clean line through the leg, room where it counts, nothing clinging or collapsing. Mid rise keeps everything in proportion. Darker tones refine, but cut does the real work. If it frames the shoe properly, you are in good territory.
Are baggy jeans in style for men?
They are, but with discipline. Volume is back, excess is not. Wider legs with a clear shape, not fabric for the sake of it. Anchor it with something structured above. Otherwise you risk looking like you got dressed in the dark.
What shoes to wear with jeans?
The shoe is the casting director. Same jeans, different film. Minimal trainers keep it Ladbroke Grove on a Saturday. Suede loafers feel a bit Talented Mr Ripley, but you still know your way around Soho. Boots add weight, think something you would wear to a late one at The Old Blue Last. Jeans stay constant, the shoes write the plot.
