You see the denim-on-denim look but are afraid to try it. You worry about looking outdated or getting the combination wrong, so you stick to safer, less interesting outfits.
Yes, denim on denim is very fashionable. The key is to create contrast1 by pairing different shades, like a light jacket with dark jeans, and ensuring the fit of each piece is modern and suits your body type.
As someone who has run a denim factory2, DiZNEW, for over two decades, I have seen the "denim on denim" look cycle through fashion countless times.
It never truly disappears; it just changes. When a designer like Dean from New York sends me a new collection concept, the discussion around a double denim look is always about the details: the wash contrast, the fabric weight, and the silhouette.
It's not about if you should wear it, but how you should wear it. Getting it right is simple once you understand the basic principles.
Is denim on denim out of fashion?
You worry that wearing double denim is a fashion mistake from another decade. This hesitation stops you from trying a classic look that could expand your wardrobe and express your personal style.
No, denim on denim is not out of fashion. It is a timeless style staple that simply evolves. The specific fits and washes that are popular may change, but the concept of pairing two denim pieces remains constantly relevant.
In my factory, we produce denim for brands that will sell their products for years to come. Double denim is one of the most consistent styles we work on. What makes it look modern is the execution.
Think of it less as a trend and more as a foundational style, like wearing a leather jacket. The way to keep it from looking dated is to focus on a few key elements.
The Power of Contrast
This is the most important rule. Avoid wearing a jacket and jeans that are the exact same wash and weight. This is what creates the dreaded "denim uniform" look. Instead, create a clear separation.
A light-wash chambray shirt with heavy, dark raw denim jeans is a perfect example. The difference in color and texture makes the outfit intentional and visually interesting. A white t-shirt or a black leather belt can act as a "buffer" to break up the denim even more.
The Importance of Fit
The silhouette is everything. A 1990s double denim look was often baggy on top and baggy on the bottom. Today's look is more considered. If you wear an oversized denim jacket, pair it with slim or straight-leg jeans to balance the proportions.
If you wear a fitted denim shirt, you have more freedom with the bottom piece, from skinny fits to wide-leg styles. It's about creating a balanced shape that works for your body.
Is denim on denim3 in style in 2025?
You want to make sure your style choices are forward-thinking. Investing time and money into a look that might be outdated next year feels like a waste.
Yes, denim on denim will absolutely be in style for 2025. The trend is moving toward more relaxed silhouettes, a wider color palette beyond blue, and cleaner, less distressed finishes. Comfort and authenticity are key.

I'm constantly in conversation with designers about future collections, so I have a good idea of where the market is headed. For 2025, double denim is not only staying, it's getting more creative.
The old rules are being bent. The "don't match your denim" rule, for example, is being challenged by designers creating intentional, matching denim sets, or "co-ords." However, for everyday wear, the core trends are clear. Comfort is driving everything.
People are moving away from restrictive styles and embracing fits that are easier to live in. Here is what I see becoming most popular.
Trend for 2025 | Description | How to Wear It |
---|---|---|
Relaxed Fits | Ditching super-skinny jeans for straight, athletic, and wide-leg cuts. | Pair straight-leg dark jeans with a standard-fit light wash jacket. |
Expanded Colors | Moving beyond blue to include grey, black, ecru, and even brown denim. | Try a black denim jacket with medium-wash blue jeans for a sharp look. |
Clean Finishes | Decreased focus on heavy distressing4, rips, and artificial fading. | Opt for raw denim or classic one-wash finishes for a crisp, timeless feel. |
What's it called when you wear denim on denim?
You've heard different names for the double denim look but aren't sure which is correct. You want to understand the language of style to feel more confident.
The most common name for wearing denim on denim is the "Canadian Tuxedo." It is also widely known as "double denim." These terms are often used interchangeably to describe pairing a denim jacket or shirt with denim jeans.
The story behind the name "Canadian Tuxedo5" is a fun piece of denim history. In 1951, the singer Bing Crosby was reportedly denied entry into a high-end hotel in Vancouver, Canada, because he was wearing head-to-toe denim. The management thought his look was too casual.
When Levi's heard about this, they designed a custom-made denim tuxedo jacket for him as a publicity stunt, and the name "Canadian Tuxedo" was born.
Historically, the term often had a slightly negative, comical feel to it, implying a fashion mistake. However, this has completely changed. Today, stylists and designers have reclaimed the term.
- Canadian Tuxedo: While it's the most famous name, it can sometimes refer to a look where the denim shades are very similar, just like a real tuxedo.
- Double Denim: This is a more neutral, descriptive industry term. When I talk with other manufacturers or designers, this is the phrase we typically use. It simply means any outfit that combines two or more denim items. It doesn't matter if they match or contrast.
What jeans are not in fashion?
Your closet is full of jeans from different years. You're worried that wearing an outdated style is making you look old-fashioned without you even realizing it.
Currently, the jean styles that are not in fashion include ultra-low-rise waists and jeans with excessive, artificial-looking distressing. For men, super-skinny fits have also fallen out of favor, replaced by more relaxed silhouettes.
From my perspective at the factory, fashion trends are very clear. I see what brands are ordering in massive quantities and which styles they've stopped producing entirely.
The overall market has shifted dramatically toward comfort and authenticity. This means that certain styles that were hugely popular just a few years ago are now sitting on clearance racks.
The biggest changes are in three areas: the rise, the fit, and the finish. If you want to keep your look current, it's best to avoid jeans with these specific characteristics. This table breaks down what is phasing out versus what is taking over.
Style Aspect | OUT of Fashion | IN Fashion |
---|---|---|
The Rise | Ultra-low-rise jeans that sit on the hips. | Mid-rise and high-rise jeans that sit at or above the navel. |
The Fit | Super-skinny, restrictive fits (especially for men). | Straight, relaxed, athletic, and wide-leg fits. |
The Finish | Heavy, artificial distressing, large holes, and faux vintage fades. | Clean raw denim, simple one-wash, and authentic, natural-looking wear patterns. |
Conclusion
Wearing denim on denim is a timeless style. Master it by focusing on contrasting washes, modern fits, and choosing the right look for the occasion. You can't go wrong.
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Learn how to effectively create contrast in your denim outfits for a more stylish and intentional look. ↩
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Get an insider's view of the denim industry and how trends are shaped at the factory level. ↩
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Explore this link to understand why denim on denim is a timeless and stylish choice that never goes out of fashion. ↩
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Explore the decline of heavy distressing in jeans and what finishes are now considered stylish. ↩
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Uncover the history and evolution of the Canadian Tuxedo, a classic denim look that has stood the test of time. ↩