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THREE
DEGREES
OF DENIM

So you aren’t already a denim aficionado? Menswear editor Ian Wright shows you how to introduce fashion’s favourite fabric into your wardrobe in stages

 

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Start with the classics

If you’re new to denim, jeans are pretty interchangeable with chinos. Wear them with essential men’s pieces such as a crisp white button-down collar shirt and brown leather brogues to keep everything smart, or roll the shirt sleeves for a more casual look. A classic mid-to-pale wash gives jeans a great worn-in feel like they’ve lived a little.

If you’re buying for him: he’ll appreciate details such as reinforced stitching on belt loops, pockets and other seam stress-points as it means his jeans are built to last.

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Learn your lines

How jeans are cut is critical to their look. Straight-fit jeans are the perfect balance between smartness and comfort, making them versatile and practical. Combine with a casual shirt for an easy-to-wear weekend look. Details such as this shirt’s round grandad collar, micro-print and contrast reinforced stitching all highlight its hard-working heritage. Layer over a plain white T-shirt to lift the all-blue look.

If you’re buying for him: look for whiskering, the faded lines around the crotch that come from wear over time. Handily, with these indigo jeans, we’ve already done the hard work for you.

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Double denim

If you’re feeling more confident, take this look to the next level by combining your jeans with a denim shirt for an effortless homage to this great fabric. Avoid going too ‘matchy-matchy’ by picking a shirt in a contrasting blue. A slim fit cut is the most modern – ours has stretch so is comfortably slender on the leg but far from spray-on – and is the smartest way to get into denim, especially in this unblemished dark indigo shade.

If you’re buying for him: choose a pair you can turn the hems up on and reveal a selvedge edge (the thin red and white tape that runs along the edge of the fabric). It’s a sign of real quality.

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Photographer: Cameron McNee / Stylist: Lee Holden
Groomer: Jody Taylor / Model: Lawrence at Select

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