I do not like double denim. I wish I did, though. I wish I loved Canadian tuxedos. It would make my life a lot easier. Being a part of the raw denim/heritage menswear community means that I am constantly surrounded by people wearing indigo suits. It very often feels weird to be such an odd man out here, but why do I feel this way? Why am I so different from most of the people in this community?
One of the major reasons that I don’t like it is that I am not that into denim. I have mentioned this several times on the blog, but denim is one of the least engrossing parts of this clothing style for me. Because of this, I am not into being completely bombarded by denim the way some people are. However, the biggest reason that I do not like double denim is that I simply think it does not look good. There is a reason why my name is Almost Vintage Style and not just Almost Vintage. Style is extremely important to me. In fact, I got into this subculture of clothing because of the style first and the quality, durability, and aging of the garments second.
One of my favorite looks… no denim at all
Of course, I am not the best dressed man in the world, but I do care very much about my overall look and not just about what individual items I am wearing. Indigo on indigo does not look great to me. The two pieces look too similar. There is no balance and not enough contrast, making the look rather boring and dull to my eyes. In my opinion, it looks lazy and not very well thought out. When I see someone wearing double denim, I think that they are doing so because they just like denim and want to fade as much denim as possible or they are just wearing their favorite jacket and jeans and don’t really care if they look good together as a full outfit or not.
There are exceptions, of course. If the two denim items are completely different color, I think it’s fine. I wear a blue denim jacket with red and black pairs of denim jeans and I think it looks pretty good. Also, if one piece of denim is heavily faded and the other is quite new, then I think it looks OK. At this point, it’s still not my favorite look, but I think that it definitely looks better than two items at the same point of aging.
Technically double denim, but with completely different colors
I have tried to wear double denim twice myself and both times I really did not like the look. To me, it feels like wearing more denim just for the sake of wearing more denim and I don’t like that. I like to use denim as just one element of an outfit that looks good to me overall and I personally don’t feel that double denim accomplishes this. Wearing indigo denim with an olive green wool mackinaw and pairing duck trousers with a denim jacket look better than double denim to me. Oftentimes, I like to forgo indigo altogether by wearing outfits such as tan or olive chinos with a leather jacket or red denim with a grey chambray shirt. To my eyes, these outfits all look more balanced and aesthetically pleasing than any form of double denim.
I prefer to wear leather jackets with denim jeans…
…and chinos with denim jackets
This may sound harsh, but it is only my opinion. In this indigo-dyed world, my voice is almost certainly in the minority and I understand that. This article is not meant to convince people that double denim looks awful and everyone should stop wearing it. Instead, it is meant to give both sides of the story. As one of the few who does not like the look, I feel that it is important for my opinion to be heard. However, I also feel that it is essential for those who disagree with me to have their chance to speak. I have explained why I don’t like double denim, and now, I will allow my friends on Instagram who do like it to explain why they do. Personally, I am hoping to learn as much as any reader from this because I have never really asked people why they like double denim so much. Who knows? Perhaps they’ll win me to their side.
All interviewees were asked the same five questions by me (AVS) and were allowed to say as much or as little as they wanted on the subject. I have also included some photos of them wearing double denim that they sent to show the differences between my non-double denim outfits and their Canadian tuxedos. These pictures, along with the different opinions should hopefully be informative while allowing anyone to draw their own conclusions.
Paul AKA Partial2Denim
AVS: Why do you like double denim?
P2D: For me, that’s a simple one. I love denim, so one piece in an outfit is good and two pieces is even better. Double denim is just super easy: all one needs is jeans, a tee, a denim jacket, and a good pair of boots and you are all set. IMO it’s a very versatile look.
AVS: Are there any times or situations when you feel that double denim does not look good?
P2D: I think it always looks good, but there are certain situations for where it’s inappropriate (particularly work settings, a wedding) or impractical (the beach).
AVS: Are there certain ways double denim looks better?
P2D: Personally, my preference is mixing pieces IE black and indigo or different shades of indigo or different ages of denim.
AVS: Are there any negative aspects to double denim?
P2D: Very few, but, if one is self-conscious it can be frustrating to have others constantly acknowledging it. Another issue is that one has to be clever to still achieve variability in ones look. Finally, the double d can be tough in summer… where I live, it is impossible.
AVS: How high does double denim rank in terms of your favorite styles?
P2D: I looked over my feed and it dominates so I guess it’s number one. But, really, I like it just as much to pair one denim item with a canvas piece or cotton shirt.
Isaac AKA Pigeon Tree Crafting
AVS: Why do you like double denim?
PTC: I like double denim for the same reasons I like single denim: I love denim! But I also love variety in my looks, so while you will definitely catch me wearing double denim, I hate looking like I’m just wearing a uniform, so I change it up all the time.
AVS: Are there any times or situations when you feel that double denim does not look good?
PTC: To expand on what I’ve already said; wearing double denim too often, in my opinion, doesn’t look good! Break it up a little and definitely mix-match denim textures, colors, and fade levels.
AVS: Are there certain ways double denim looks better?
AVS: Are there any negative aspects to double denim?
PTC: Wear it with confidence and you’ve already won half the battle. Most people’s problem with double denim is their own insecurity in thinking they can’t pull off the look and of course on the flip side, it can get stale if it’s all you wear!
AVS: How high does double denim rank in terms of your favorite styles?
As I’ve said before, I’m a big fan of variety and jackets happen to be one of my favorite accessories. I currently have four denim jackets, one of which is double indigo and one of which is black. In addition to those, I have several non-denim options to really expand my looks. So that said, it ranks as high as anything in my closet.
Suzie AKA Denimbitch
AVS: Why do you like double denim?
DB: I like double denim sometimes to show off the variation of denim. Most people don’t know denim can look so different.
AVS: Are there any times or situations when you feel that double denim does not look good?
DB: Not really. I know a lot of people don’t like matching their double denim, but I think it can look really good if done right.
AVS: Are there certain ways double denim looks better?
DB: I think it can look especially good you, the wearer likes the way it looks. I think it’s all in self-confidence. If you feel proud and comfortable, then it looks good.
AVS: Are there any negative aspects to double denim?
DB: Hmmmmm, not really.
AVS: How high does double denim rank in terms of your favorite styles?
DB: It ranks pretty high! I try to vary up the types of denim I wear together, like one lighter, one more neppy, one overdyed, but not always. I think it’s cool to wear the same denim as a suit, like my MF Okinawa suit (ranch blouse with lot 64.) I know it’s not for everyone, but if you like it, wear it, don’t be scared.
Dave AKA Ruggedworkwear
AVS: Why do you like double denim?
RWW: If I am working outside in colder weather, I like it as the clothing is durable. If the top and bottom denim are not exactly the same color, it’s also cool to show either different warp colors or different states of aging or both.
AVS: Are there any times or situations when you feel that double denim does not look good?
RWW: In formal business or business casual settings.
AVS: Are there certain ways double denim looks better?
RWW: With denim color variation between the two. It can work if the denim is a really interesting characteristic denim (slubby, neppy, heavy, textured, sashiko, et cetera).
AVS: Are there any negative aspects to double denim?
RWW: I wouldn’t wear it for formal or business casual. I also think in some crowds, you just really stick out. If you don’t want to be noticed, those are not good situations to wear double denim.
AVS: How high does double denim rank in terms of your favorite styles?
RWW: It’s OK. I like it for physical work, for that it is one of my favorites. Differing color denim is totally fine too and I like that a lot. For casual wear with top and bottom denim being the exact same color, it’s just so so unless there are some really good aging characteristics at least on the top or bottom.
Edwin AKA Shredwin_206
AVS: Why do you like double denim?
Shred: Double denim is a timeless look, but people are scared to rock it.
AVS: Are there any times or situations when you feel that double denim does not look good?
Shred: Formal events wouldn’t work well for double denim.
AVS: Are there certain ways double denim looks better?
Shred: I think contrast is key for making double denim work. If they’re too similar in color then it doesn’t look good in my opinion.
AVS: How high does double denim rank in terms of your favorite styles?
Shred: Double denim is probably spot 1 or 2 followed closely by a flannel and denim as an outfit choice.
Mike AKA Wild Frontier Goods
AVS: Why do you like double denim?
WFG: I love denim and you can’t have too much of a good thing. Maybe double denim is like the pineapple pizza of the fashion world. Some people despise it and others love it. There are many times when I have enjoyed pineapple pizza while wearing jeans and a killer denim jacket!
AVS: Are there any times or situations when you feel that double denim does not look good?
WFG: I think if you have the exact same denim with the same color it could be a little boring perhaps… though I think there are times when people have pulled it off. But I think it’s best to keep a contrast in the color. Also, no denim at all for formal occasions.
AVS: Are there certain ways double denim looks better?
WFG: Aged denim looks best. If you have a pair of dark indigo jeans on with a white t shirt and a vintage denim jacket you are all set! That’s a classic look that any denim aficionado should be able to get behind.
AVS: Are there any negative aspects to double denim?
WFG: There aren’t any negative aspects to double denim in my opinion. Perhaps it could be a little boring to wear double denim every day, but if that’s what you like, I say go for it!
AVS: How high does double denim rank in terms of your favorite styles?
WFG: Hmmm, perhaps my all-time favorite look is jeans, a t shirt, and a leather jacket. Let’s call that a perfect 10. Deouble denim is not too far behind that. Maybe a 7.5-8 if I were to give it a numerical value.
AVS: Why do you like double denim?
WE: I like double denim because it’s like wearing two epic pieces of clothing. I appreciate the construction of both denim tops and pants and the fabrics are what make them the most exciting like neps or slubs etc… and I view each piece individually so more often than not, I forget that double denim isn’t a common “thing.”
AVS: Are there any times or situations when you feel that double denim does not look good?
WE: I would say that double denim never doesn’t look good. I do however think it’s more fun when the denims are more contrasted whether that be with texture or wash etc… Situations maybe. Maybe don’t wear it to formal events, but it can easily be pulled off for office and nice dinners as much as it can be for casual nights out.
AVS: Are there certain ways double denim looks better?
WE: Kind of going off my previous answer, but it’s much less noticeable when you wear an indigo denim top and black denim bottom or vice versa, but personal,y I have no problem with a lovely pure indigo suit.
AVS: Are there any negative aspects to double denim?
WE: Double denim does feel a little stiff literally and figuratively. I’d say that my movement does feel restricted both on top and bottom, but getting to create character in my whole outfit gets me excited.
AVS: How high does double denim rank in terms of your favorite styles?
WE: I would say that it’s one of my favorite looks. At this point, it’s gotten to where my co-workers are shocked when I don’t wear any denim.
Ben AKA Clobber Calm
AVS: Why do you like double denim?
CC: On a personal level, double denim represents living life in the edge and a no regrets attitude to life!! It’s a uniform/armour for the unconventional. A layer of protection against the formality and normality of the everyday. It represents the risk takers, but also the respectful.
AVS: Are there any times or situations when you feel that double denim does not look good?
CC: Yeah… if it’s 80’s stone washed/bleached denim with blonde hair and gold earrings. In all seriousness, I wouldn’t wear double denim to a funeral! I also think you need a little contrast in the shades of denim. A double indigo piece paired with a standard indigo rarely looks out of place!
AVS: Are there certain ways double denim looks better?
CC: Ah… like I said! I love the way a double indigo or black denim goes with a standard indigo!
AVS: Are there any negative aspects to double denim?
CC: If I’m honest, I think everybody should have the pleasure of being able to sport whatever they want. Clothing is our closest habitat and even though someone’s get up may not always be to my personal preference, I would never feel an individual’s style is negative!
AVS: How high does double denim rank in terms of your favorite styles?
CC: Top of the crop! I love the stuff!
Jonathan AKA Yonagrinberg
AVS: Why do you like double denim?
YG: I love double denim because it’s the best way to compare all the beautiful details that make the love of denim a fetish. Color, texture, fades all the production and craft is suddenly compared easily. Different styles suddenly become easy to understand. It’s so cool to see and so easy to explain. It’s like tasting wine or whiskey. You have to compare to understand.
Double denim layers perfectly and opens you to put on cool colors underneath. It just makes everything look better.
Besides that as a fetish, one more clothing piece to wear and fade. I mean the jacket was used by cowboys too wasn’t it?* So why not by those who love the style.
With all that said, every time I double denim, I get the most amount of responses. I don’t mean community which is scarce, but just every one.
AVS: Are there any times or situations when you feel that double denim does not look good?
YG: I’d try not to wear the same brand or tone of denim, other than that it’s a no brainer.
AVS: Are there certain ways double denim looks better?
YG: Double denim looks great when you play with tones and textures. It’s amazing when one of the items is faded well. All so if the jeans are wider I would go with the shorter more fit jacket and the opposite, a more boxy old style jacket with slimmer jeans. It gives you liberty to put on items that you might not feel totally comfortable with.
AVS: Are there any negative aspects to double denim?
YG: I like all the heritage workwear styles, so limiting yourself to just blur denim could be a handicap. I wouldn’t say go full Canadian tux every day.
AVS: How high does double denim rank in terms of your favorite styles?
YG: I love the fabric so much. Also the color. Man I feel full on cowboy in his denim armor. It’s my best defense system. It actually makes me feel cool and that means everything.
Ruedi AKA swissjeansfreak
AVS: Why do you like double denim?
SJF: I love raw denim jeans and denim jackets since my childhood and I love the strong ongoing natural raw denim evolution over the years like hell! I always wanted to be a little rebel and I love the denim evo on a jacket as much as on a pair of jeans.
AVS: Are there any times or situations when you feel that double denim does not look good?
SJF: No bad reason. I wear double denim on weddings or funerals or office meetings as well.
AVS: Are there certain ways double denim looks better?
SJF: Double denim always looks great to me!!!
AVS: Are there any negative aspects to double denim?
SJF: No negative aspects to me.
AVS: How high does double denim rank in terms of your favorite styles?
SJF: It always at the top for me. Stay raw.
While I am still overall in the anti-double denim camp, I certainly learned a lot more about why people like it thanks to all of these answers and I hope they provide a good contrast to my own opinions. I do not wish to respond or analyze these answers because the others do not have a chance to counter my own counterpoints. However, I would like to say that my favorite answer came from Mike aka Wild Frontier Goods when he likened double denim to pineapple on pizza given just how polarizing it is.
I personally enjoy pineapple and pizza while also liking denim jeans and denim jackets, but while many people love Hawaiian pizza and double denim I dislike both personally. This insight from Mike is fantastic because it shows just how much personal taste plays into preferences such as pizza toppings and double denim. If you love the Canadian tux, that’s great, but if you are in the denim community and don’t like it, hopefully you feel better that there is a pedantic guy who dresses like a “sophisticated Japanese biker” who agrees with you.*
*This assessment of my style was originally made by Cold Summer on Superdenim and slightly paraphrased by me. I consider it a great compliment and will forever classify this as my personal style.
