HOW TO STYLE DOUBLE DENIM | Off The Cuff (2024)

It’s the ultimate love story of all – denim on denim. A concept that while simple, may be daunting if you’re not sure how to get it right.

As the style chameleon whose power goes beyond place and time, denim is the crowning jewel of every wardrobe and a blank canvas for your self-expression. It’s there for you through thick and thin, gets better with wear and can last forever if taken care of the right way.

When incorporating your favourite pieces into one look, it doesn’t matter if it’s your mum’s favourite jeans or a brand new trucker jacket. There is an art in mixing old with new, and if you’re asking yourself “how can I wear double denim?” we’re here to share the styling tips and tricks that will have you building new looks with confidence.

Read on to find out more about the double denim look, including where it comes from, whether it’s in fashion (spoiler, it is!) and what ways you can wear double denim.

What is double denim and where does it come from?

Double denim is the art of pairing two denim pieces together to create a denim harmony. This can be any wardrobe piece-- so we’re talking jackets and jeans, shirts and shorts, and skirts and crop tops—in any colour, so you have the freedom to match or contrast your shades.

While it’s often credited to the 90s, it was actually the 70s and 80s which saw a rise in the double denim trend. This style period was known for its sequins and glamour, and the iconic 1980s double denim look was often seen on celebs such as Blondie front-woman Debbie Harry and the Charlie's Angels. Men’s double denim in the 80s was also taking off, with popstar George Michael showcasing the look during the late 80s while on tour.

Since then, double denim has been channelled in a more modern way by the likes of supermodel sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid, as well as footballer David Beckham. With some of the most photographed people in the world showcasing this look, it’s only right that we give it a go ourselves!

Is double denim in fashion?

Like many vintage trends, double denim has made a style comeback, so if you’re asking yourself “is double denim cool?” then the answer is simple: absolutely. Double denim is an iconic look, and with so many styling possibilities, it gives you the opportunity to have fun and get creative with your outfits.

If you’re not gonna match, then you’d better mismatch. With denim available in so many different shades, you can go wild with this one. The double denim game gets really fun once you start playing with the contrast between the tones.

Stick within a certain colour palette – blue or black – but go as far as you can in the shades. Play it safe with a light indigo shirt on top and dark men’s jeans on the bottom. If you’re more of a risk taker, take things the opposite way and contrast the brighter and lighter tones on the bottom against a darker western shirt and Trucker jacket.

If you’re slightly overwhelmed by the idea of going full out but you still want to test the waters of double denim, then we’ve got you. It’s easy to break up the matching denim pieces by introducing a pop of colour, which you can then combine with jeans and your choice of a men’s denim jacket or women’s denim jacket.

Whether it’s a top and a skirt combo or an easy mix of a trucker jacket and a pair of jeans, layering a neon hoodie or graphic tee underneath will offer visual relief and a bit of fun. Cotton and jersey pieces are perfect for adding a casual element to the story and making the final look cozy and cool.