By JeanAnn Taylor
If you are looking for a lightweight, comfortable, timeless, versatile jacket that works season after season, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in a denim jean jacket.
In 1880, ten years after Levi Strauss created jeans for gold miners and cowboys, he designed a “triple-pleated blouse” for the rough and tough men who needed a garment that would withstand their hard, rugged work. Now referred to as a “jean jacket,” the “blouse” evolved into western wear and later became trendy in pop-culture. With it’s “bad-boy” vibe in the 1950s, it was popular with motorcyclists, movie stars, and rock idols. Though it was originally a man-only garment, women have adopted the jacket as an integral piece of their wardrobe. The primary difference between a man and woman’s jacket is found in the buttons. Men’s buttons are on the right, women’s are on the left.
There has been much debate about the “double denim” look. Some fashion experts advise to only combine light washes with dark washes; if the top is light, the bottom should be dark. Some say to keep the hues the same. Others say not to wear denim with denim at all. So, what is a fashionista to do? Wear what feels good to you! Denim with denim can work, I just think it’s flattering to break up the blues with a bright top, scarf, or bold necklace.
Jean jackets are currently available in just about every silhouette imaginable. From the original boxy design to form-fitting, from cropped to long lengths; and in colors from pastel pink to lipstick red. There are also floral and graphic prints available. Embellishments of embroidery, patches, ruffles, and flounces add to the flair of the basic jacket. While the indigo jacket works for nearly every outfit, white jackets imply a more polished, dressy look, and black gives an edgy vibe. You can continue to wear your summer frocks into autumn by slipping on a cropped jacket. Long jackets will break the chill and look best with pants. If the cotton, denim fabric isn’t enough to keep you cozy, add a scarf or lightweight sweater to wear underneath.
The jean jacket can tone down a bright color or busy print. It adds an air of casual chicness and relaxed personal style. The jean jacket’s functionality and innate coolness adds to its status as an iconic element of American fashion.
Style expert JeanAnn Taylor can be reached at [email protected]