The denim jacket has been a bona fide staple in the wardrobes of both the fashion elite, and the tragically fashion-clueless. However, this humble garment, despite its association with double-denim disasters and country singers, the denim jacket is hot hot hot. So much so, I cannot remember a time when it wasn’t in style with either rising urban scenes or mainstream style lovers. Therefore, I decided to look a little more into the history of our denim friend and find out what - or who - keeps it on trend year upon year.
The great thing about the denim jacket as it isn’t relegated to the label of seasonal item, it can be worn come rain or shine. They can be layered up when winter comes and paired with light shirts and vests during the summer. You can also find denim jackets in the most subtle blues or outrageous prints, I have to say, there is something appealing about this Versace number.
The denim story begins in Europe with Italian sailors who wore the Genoa created cotton. However, it wasn’t Europe that kicked-off the jeans and jacket trend - that was America. Entering the commercial arena in 1872, denim became the practical fashion choice for hard working men in gold mines, ranches and Hollywood film sets. Suddenly, denim was everywhere and Levis became a household name.
Jump forward a few decades and advertisers would immortalise the denim jackets utility roots in the Marlboro Man. A denim sporting everyman character. In the second half of the 20th century, the denim jacket became associated with popular culture and it was the chosen fabric of artists, intellectuals and musicians. These days, denim innovators such as Diesel, pictured below, and G-Star Raw, both available at Diffusion , produce jackets that remain true to their roots and whilst we might overlook the durable quality and working-class heritage – this is essentially what has kept the denim jacket on-trend year upon year.
The great thing about the denim jacket as it isn’t relegated to the label of seasonal item, it can be worn come rain or shine. They can be layered up when winter comes and paired with light shirts and vests during the summer. You can also find denim jackets in the most subtle blues or outrageous prints, I have to say, there is something appealing about this Versace number.
