The Denim Blazer: How to Wear Tailored Denim

The short answer: a denim blazer is a tailored jacket, with lapels and a blazer cut, made in denim instead of wool. It sits between a jean jacket and a suit jacket, so it works over a T-shirt and jeans, over a dress and as half of a denim suit. Choose a clean, even wash, wear it with smooth fabrics, and for double denim match the wash exactly.

The denim blazer takes the most casual fabric in fashion and gives it the structure of tailoring. Done well, it looks considered and modern; done badly, it looks like a costume. This is how to get it right.

Denim blazer versus jean jacket

The Blazé Milano Cory Jacket: a denim jacket rebuilt as a blazer

Blazé Milano, the Milan label known for its double-breasted blazers, describes the Cory Jacket in Nariida Ice as the classic denim jacket reinterpreted as a blazer, one of the brand’s signature wardrobe pillars. It is double-breasted and oversized, in 100% cotton denim with an ice-blue wash, and it carries the brand’s signature details: notched lapels, external Smiley pockets, antique gold-tone logo buttons, a centre back seam and visible contrast stitching. It is made in Italy. The brand cuts it for an oversized silhouette and recommends one size smaller than usual.

It has a matching jean: the Maline Jeans in Nariida Ice, high-rise and slightly flared, with a pressed front crease, in the same wash. Worn together they make a denim suit. To complete the look, the Berber Shirt in Clapotis Dark Blue is a cotton denim shirt with Smiley chest pockets. More on the brand’s denim in Blazé Milano jeans and denim.

For a denim look in wool, the Max Mara Neutro Denim-Look Wool Fitted-Waist Blazer has the appearance of denim with the drape of wool. Browse more denim jackets on Coveti.

How to wear a denim blazer

Double denim, done as a suit

The rule for double denim is to match. The same wash top and bottom reads as a suit; two different washes can look accidental. Add a white T-shirt and loafers, and keep accessories leather and minimal.

Over a T-shirt and trousers

A denim blazer with plain tailored trousers in cream, black, camel is a clever mix of casual and smart, and very easy to wear to work.

Over a dress

A denim blazer worn open over a slip dress, a knit dress, a printed midi adds structure and takes the dress into daytime.

With a skirt

A pleated wool skirt, a leather skirt, a silk slip skirt: smooth fabrics contrast beautifully with denim.

With a different jean

If you wear a denim blazer with jeans in another wash, make the contrast strong and deliberate: a light blazer with black jeans, a dark blazer with white jeans.

Why the denim blazer works

Denim is the most democratic fabric in a wardrobe, and the blazer is the most authoritative shape. Putting the two together creates a jacket that suits nearly every dress code between a picnic and a meeting. It also travels well, crushes less than linen and softens with every wear.

Choosing a denim blazer

Wash. Light and ice-blue washes feel fresh and summery; dark indigo is smarter and more versatile for work. Cut. An oversized double-breasted denim blazer, like the Cory, is the most fashion-led; a fitted single-breasted one is the most classic. Details. Lapels, proper blazer pockets and tailored shoulders are what separate a real denim blazer from a jean jacket with lapels. Weight. Mid-weight denim holds the tailored shape best.

Denim blazer by season

A denim blazer is one of the few tailored jackets that works all year. In spring, wear an ice-blue wash over a white T-shirt with cream trousers. In summer, throw it over a linen dress and sandals. In autumn, layer it over a fine knit with a leather skirt and boots. In winter, wear it under a long wool coat, with a roll neck and dark trousers.

Denim blazer for the office

A denim blazer can work in a smart casual office when it is tailored, clean and dark. Wear it with plain trousers, a crisp shirt, a fine knit and polished shoes, not with ripped jeans. A double-breasted denim blazer reads more formal than a single-breasted one, because the structure recalls a suit jacket. Keep double denim for the weekend, unless your office is relaxed.

Common double denim mistakes

Near-miss washes. Two blues that are almost the same look like an accident. Match exactly, alternatively contrast strongly. Too much distressing. Rips and fading make the tailoring look confused. Too many denim details. A denim blazer, denim jeans and a denim bag is one piece too many.

Shoes and accessories

Loafers and ballet flats keep a denim blazer polished. Ankle boots make it autumnal. A heeled mule takes it to evening. A leather belt and a structured bag finish the look; avoid too much hardware.

Caring for a denim blazer

Wash it rarely, inside out and cold, to protect the colour and the tailoring, and dry it flat. Hang it on a shaped hanger so the shoulders keep their line. Always follow the care label.

Frequently asked questions

What is a denim blazer?

A tailored jacket with lapels and a blazer cut, made in denim instead of wool. It is smarter than a jean jacket and more casual than a suit jacket.

How do you wear a denim blazer?

With matching jeans as a denim suit, over a T-shirt with tailored trousers, over a dress and with a smooth skirt.

Can you wear a denim blazer with jeans?

Yes. Match the wash exactly for a denim suit, alternatively choose a strong deliberate contrast such as a light blazer with black jeans.

Is a denim blazer smart casual?

Yes. A tailored denim blazer in a clean, dark wash with trousers and loafers is smart casual.

What is the difference between a denim blazer and a jean jacket?

A denim blazer has lapels, a tailored cut and blazer-style pockets. A jean jacket has a point collar, chest flap pockets and a boxy cut with a waistband.

Should a denim blazer be oversized?

It can be. Oversized denim blazers, such as the Blazé Milano Cory Jacket, are designed to be roomy, and the brand recommends one size smaller than usual.

Keep reading

How to wear a blazer with jeans. Blazé Milano jeans and denim. How to wear an oversized blazer. Browse designer denim.