Borrowed from the boys; denim reaches new heights of timelessness with a masculine twist

Asked to name something that’ll never go out of fashion, you’d surely mention denim. The best denim items become a second skin and secure their place in your wardrobe for years on end, even in times of social distancing and self-quarantine. This season, there’re new, fresh takes on wearing denim, and these trends show that indigo has reached new heights of timelessness, with a masculine or unisex twist. Denim once again proves itself to be one of the most democratic of fashion items: in recent times, jeans and denim jackets demonstrated that they are still a great fit for everyone’s look, and flattering for all bodies. And good news: this season, there’s no need to compromise on comfort. 

Boyfriend and straight-fit jeans 

This year’s denim is all about a masculine style combined with ultimate comfort; from loose straight-fit jeans to 90s-inspired boyfriend jeans with an airy fit. True unisex looks with a ‘borrowed from the boys’ style that’s perfect for the ‘new normal’ – great for a comfortable working from home look, but equally well suited to a walk in the park. Brands including Petrol Industries and Pepe Jeans are offering the comfy boyfriend style in contrasting washes, and showing us flexible approaches to wearing the style. LA-born label 7 For All Mankind is revealing how to style classic straight jeans anno 2020 to create a timeless look. And Liverpool Jeans are also proving that straight jeans are the ideal choice for a dressy yet comfortable denim style, as are Jack & Jones, whose collection features a super-stretch offering. 

Canadian tuxedo and double denim 

There’s simply no denim limit to this season’s look. ‘Canadian tuxedos’ that reigned supreme in the 90s are being updated, allowing discerning denim lovers to give their own twist to the casual matching denim suit. ‘Canadian tuxedos’ lend themselves to countless interpretations, from a matching look to oversized manifestations. Amsterdenim, for example, are showcasing various styles of matching denim jackets and jeans. And timeless double denim looks are back (although it’s a trend that never really completely disappears). This autumn’s style is a blend of different shades and styles: think denim shirts combined with denim midi skirts or jeans matched with denim blazers. 

Amsterdam Denim Days 2020 

Amsterdam is without doubt the definitive denim capital of Europe. Its innovative denim industry has been making waves for years, and the city is home to jeans brands that are in the vanguard of the fashion world. The Dutch capital has flourished into a hotspot for denim brands and denim experts alike, and with an average of five pairs of jeans per person, Amsterdammers themselves top the denim ownership rankings. Amsterdam Denim Days returns on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October, for a fully online edition in light of the coronavirus measures. So it’s digit-all this time around, but just as inspirational! Expect a slew of fascinating denim presentations, including exclusive behind the scenes material, an inside view of the production processes that give rise to some of the most exceptional jeans, and sneak peeks of brand-new collections. And – sure to get every denim fan’s pulse racing – there’ll also be denim giveaways. Register for Amsterdam Denim Days for free here.

Written by Lara Oliveri