Denim

Let’s start here and address this significant question. So, what exactly is denim, and what are jeans? The answer is straightforward: denim is the fabric used to create a pair of jeans. Over time, people have also started referring to the fabric itself as jeans. But what is the history behind it all, and when did people first start wearing jeans? To answer that, we need to journey back to France in the 1600s, where we first see this durable fabric being worn as clothing. Can you guess the city? If you guessed Nîmes, you are correct! Denim is, in fact, an abbreviation of the French phrase “serge de Nîmes,” which still translates as “fabric from Nîmes.”

Let’s begin by addressing the most crucial point. Don’t hesitate to use your jeans and truly put them to the test. Jeans are meant to be enjoyed, and the fabric is very robust. So wear them for all sorts of occasions, such as when you play with your children in the park or meet a friend for lunch whom you haven’t seen in a while. Having said all that, be prepared for your jeans to get a bit dirty, and at some point, of course, you will want to wash them. That much is obvious. If you get a small stain on your jeans, we recommend applying a little dishwashing soap on a cloth and using it to rub out the stain. Afterwards, let your jeans air out thoroughly by hanging them on a rod. However, if you feel inclined to put your jeans in the washing machine, we recommend using low heat and the gentle cycle. This is to avoid subjecting your jeans to unnecessary wear and tear.

There are numerous ways to wear denim, which isn’t surprising given the broad range of styles. A denim jacket, shirt, a pair of denim trousers...you name it! Take any item of clothing, and you can be quite certain that it exists in denim. So, what do we think you should focus on? Well, at the top of the list is a blue denim shirt. But what kind? It should fit you nicely—not too big, not too small. Opt for a slightly snugger model, as denim tends to relax a bit after you wear it a few times. We also recommend taking your time to find a shirt that matches your shoulder width. Choose a shirt where the shoulder seam is positioned precisely where your shoulder transitions to your upper arm. If it is larger and doesn’t fit like that, it will end up looking rather baggy and sloppy. Once you’ve found it, pair it with a stylish knitted grenadine tie. As for the sleeve length, there is a bit more flexibility there. Just ensure that the sleeves aren’t too long. When you wear a shirt with sleeves that are too long, it looks like you’re wearing your grandad’s old shirt from the attic. That’s not the look you’re after, right? A great tip is to roll up the sleeves when wearing accessories, such as a wool tie or bow tie. Another go-to that deserves mention in the context of jeans or denim is a white t-shirt. Blue jeans paired with a white t-shirt is a classic combination that is never wrong. Whether you’re out grocery shopping in the evening or dropping off your car for service, this will always be a winning combination.

When it comes to jeans, the key is always going to be the fit. Don’t be afraid to let your jeans be an extension of your personality. You might prefer a loose fit, tailored fit, or slim. What’s most important is that the size is right, from top to toe. When your jeans fit right, you feel good...more confident even! It helps, for example, to have perfectly fitting jeans when you meet new colleagues for the first time.

Jeans are both stylish and casual, as well as incredibly versatile. But what do we mean by that, exactly? Versatile...how? Well, you can wear them for just about any occasion and in any situation you might find yourself in. If the circumstances call for a more casual look, you can easily slip on a green ribbed turtleneck in pima cotton. You’ll look great—dressed up, without being too dressy. Or, you can pair your jeans with a navy blue Oxford shirt under a matching cotton bomber jacket. It doesn’t get more elegant than that!

Or, are you interested in something more formal? Attending a christening, wedding, or birthday celebration, for example? Well, jeans can be suitable for that, too! They are also an excellent choice for a more formal dinner with your partner. For this, a blue twill shirt and brown knitted tie with a pair of well-fitting jeans is a sure bet. We suggest tucking the shirt into your jeans and wearing a brown leather belt. You can even top it off with a brown cardigan or a knitted cashmere blazer. The search for the perfect jeans is an endless adventure. We hope this article has sparked inspiration and encouraged you to broaden your horizons when it comes to this remarkable, versatile fabric. Denim is fantastic. It is a phenomenal fabric that we love as much today as we did centuries ago. It’s like a never-ending love story!