A great pair of jeans is and will continue to be the number one staple in any man’s closet. The thing that makes denim perfect for literally any occasion is versatility. And guarantees that a good pair of jeans can withstand the test of time. Just look at the 80s fashion revival we’ve gone through in the last few years alone. And still, the fact remains: in terms of men’s fashion, denim jeans is the one thing (aside from fine wine) that just gets better with age.
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When it comes to your own wardrobe, it’s highly unlikely that you don’t already own a great pair of jeans. But still there’s absolutely nothing wrong with upping your denim game. So, here are the men’s denim trends to watch for in 2020:
Real Men Wear Bootcuts
Anyone would agree that the bootcut is timeless. You can thank Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood for reviving this 70s classic back into the spotlight. After all, Brad Pitt (top image) made wearing a nice pair of bootcut jeans just so damn effortless and cool (below image).
They feature a comfortable, regular fit over the thigh and a slightly wider cut through the foot. Bootcuts sit low on the waist and generally fit a wide range of figures. And if you really want to make a fashion statement, just add a vintage tee and dig up that pair of Western boots (we know) still sitting in the back of your closet.
90s Light Wash Revival
Over the past few years, we’ve been seeing an 80s style revival. High waisted and acid wash denim jeans continue to rule the runways. But this year, things have taken a bit of a turn, and 90s styles are making a strong comeback. More denim brands embrace the looser fit and pale finish. The best way to work it? Try pairing your jean with a solid coloured tee or hoodie, and adding a dark shoe for a nice visual balance.
White for the Win
White isn’t always the first thing most men are drawn to when it comes to denim, but if you can pull it off, it can make for a memorable fashion statement. This is surprisingly versatile with many other pieces and similar to black, it’s easy to either dress up for a more upscale look – think adding a classic black v-neck tee – or going more casual with a sweatshirt.
The secret to a perfectly fitting white pair of jeans is choosing a cut that’s not too skinny or too wide and keeping the rest of your outfit as simple as possible.
Leave the Stress out of Distressed
Another trend that may seem tricky to pull off, a great pair of distressed jeans can also take you from morning to night if you’re able to wear it well. The trick here is to look for balance. Go for denim that’s slightly torn, bleached, and features elements of raw edging. Your goal is to go for that vintage look without looking too scruffy. And whatever you do, stay away from having more holes than denim!
Mavi’s Zach Straight Leg Jeans
The Straight-Leg is Here to Stay
This style is just what it sounds like: denim jeans that are straight from the thigh all the way down to the leg opening. And the reason this trend is not going anywhere is because it’s the perfect style for men who prefer a classic silhouette. Roomy in the seat and thigh, straight-leg jeans are typical for everyday wear and the most likely style of jeans you can pull off. Unlike a skinny jean, straight-leg styles of denim jeans allow for more movement but aren’t as hard to work with as the bootcut. And there’s an added bonus: the straight-leg usually comes in a countless array of colours.
Men in Black
When it comes to black denim, you just can’t go wrong. Similar to a basic white tee, a black pair of jeans is the foundation of any man’s wardrobe. Not only do they go with practically anything, but black denim also guarantees you can look cool even when you want to be your most casual self. And admit it, how many of you have worn the same pair of black jeans for a full week without anyone (fingers crossed) noticing?
(Where do you go in Canada to shop Mavi, if you like what you see here? Head here.)
A freelance writer and idea generator based in Toronto, Irina currently works for an ad agency focused on innovating health and wellness.
Before this, she made her mark on the publishing world in a series of roles as a writer and editor. Her expertise centre around social media management, feature and blog writing, campaign activation, and creative direction.
Since receiving her Journalism Diploma, Irina has been a contributor for STRUT, Sun News Network, sweetspot.ca, Regarding Luxury, Post City, and Chatelaine.
Her interests include impromptu weekend road trips, petting dogs, the Lagree Fitness Method, and aspiring to be a dessert critic.