Denim is widely regarded as the number one wardrobe staple, as it works for all people of all ages and of all generations. Whatever the occasion or whatever the time of year, denim can and should be incorporated into your outfit. Whether it’s denim jeans, jackets, shorts, shirts, skirts, etc., denim can always look good.
Denim jeans, especially, are so synonymous with an air of coolness and a relaxed ease. What’s more, the degree of variety in style, shape and colour means that everyone can find their “perfect fit” pair of jeans that suits them.
We look at the five reasons why denim is the most important, most iconic and most essential material you could add to your sartorial repertoire this season.
- Denim is versatile
There is no limit to what you can achieve with denim. Over recent decades, all manner of clothing and accessories have been made out of denim, such as bags, purses, shoes, scarfs, headbands, etc. When it comes to sartorial history, denim has become more and more versatile with time.
Regarding denim jeans – the ultimate denim piece – there are a plethora of different styles and cuts to suit all body shapes, ages and styles. Different cuts of jeans include:
- Mom jeans
- Low-rise jeans
- Mid-rise jeans
- High waisted jeans
- Boot cut jeans
- Flared jeans
- Straight leg jeans
- Skinny jeans
- Slim jeans
- Relaxed cut jeans
- Skinny crop jeans
- Boyfriend jeans
- Girlfriend jeans
- Cigarette jeans
- Jeggings
The versatility of denim means that it can be worn for almost any occasion. You can wear a relaxed denim jacket or denim jeans when you’re out and about or just chilling at home. Or, you can wear structured denim with a neat hem as formal wear, paired with a blazer and smart shoes. It is also acceptable to wear denim jeans around most work offices, as long as they are smart.
Denim is also versatile in colour. Blue jeans are the most obvious choice, but denim can be dyed any colour under the sun. Veer away from 50 shades of blue and experiment with red, green, purple, pink and white denim.
- Denim is low-maintenance
Day-to-day wear has never been easier with denim because it’s incredibly low maintenance. It doesn’t need ironing and it hardly needs washing. In fact, the CEO of Levi’s once said that you should never wash your denim jeans, as it will ruin the shape and colour of them. Although this may seem extreme to a lot of denim wearers, and perhaps a little impractical and unrealistic, washing jeans after every wear is not advised. To get the most out of your denim and to ensure it lasts a long time, you should endeavour to wash your jeans every 4-5 years, and only wash them in cold water to preserve the style and colour.
Practicality aside, denim is also low-maintenance in terms of style. You can pair stylish denim with the simplest and most unremarkable items and your outfit will still sing. For example, you could wear a plain white t-shirt with a pair of well-fitting jeans, and you will achieve an effortlessly chic look.
Having a pair of denim jeans that you love can also take the stress out of getting ready in the morning, as it’s totally acceptable to re-wear your favourite pair of jeans again and again (and again). This is perfect for super busy people (i.e. new mums) for whom time isn’t a luxury, and therefore dressing in the morning needs to be as straightforward as possible.
- Denim will never go out of style
Denim first rose to popularity in 1950s America. Blue men’s jeans were designed with cowboys and miners in mind and were invented by Jacob W. Davis and Levi Strauss out of durable denim cloth. By the 1960s, jeans had become a popular clothing item worn by teenagers and punk youth subcultures as a sign of rebellion.
History aside, it cannot be denied that the popularity of denim has not wavered since the 1960’s, especially in Western culture. It is everywhere – practically ubiquitous – and everyone has a pair of jeans or something similar in their wardrobe.
- Good denim will last you a lifetime
Proper, high-quality denim is incredibly durable. It can withstand all manner of activities, climates, natural aggressors and wear-and-tear. In fact, the longer you have a pair of jeans the better they will look because over time denim will relax to fit your body perfectly. Additionally, a pair of distressed or ripped jeans is not only stylish but a map of your life and the places you have been.
You may recall your parents pulling out a pair of jeans that they’ve had for ten years, and gasped in horror at the sheer frugalness, but you shouldn’t have. If you invest in a good pair of jeans, they will become like a good friend to you: incredibly loyal and a companion every step of the way.
Conclusion
Denim does not discriminate; anyone can wear it. No matter your age, size, shape, height, background or culture, there is a denim piece for you this season (and every season).
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