Suit Jacket with Jeans – Fashion Faux Pas?

Should you wear a suit jacket with jeans? The answer to this question is yes, but there are some general rules of thumb to follow, which we will set out in this post.

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Wearing A Suit Jacket With Jeans

A suit jacket and jeans can be such a congenial look – a splendid combination of a man displaying relaxed masculinity comfortable in his own skin with satisfyingly sharp tailoring.  Any occasion for which a suit is too formal, but where something just a touch more authoritative than a shirt and jeans is wanted is the perfect context for this outfit.  Witness the most rugged Bond of all pull it off with panache to spare. Typically though, getting it right is key; and here are some observations on how you can do so. 

Suit Jacket & Jeans
Image Source: gq.com

The first thing to be aware of is to avoid wearing an more formal looking jacket such as a pinstripe with jeans. The solid black or black and white pinstripes which appear so well-defined when featured in a full suit can dilute the essential nonchalance of this style. Much more complementary when worn with jeans would be a suit jacket in solid navy blue or true blue, light or medium greys.  Textured fabrics like flannels and tweeds also work beautifully, as do suit jackets in minute patterns.  A patch pocket adds a casual touch, and buttons in a quality material such as metal, horn or mother of pearl will bring extra dash.

 

Tweed Jacket & Jeans
Image Source: Chadsdrygoods.co.uk

Wearing A Suit Jacket And Jeans With Style

The other imperative element is the jeans. We recommend a dark pair free of evidence of wear or tear; hemmed and slightly tapered to fit well. For a stylish look you definitely want to stay away from over distressed jeans. As a rough rule of thumb, your jeans should fit in the same way that your suit pants fit. To complete the look add a nice part of semi formal shoes as evidenced by Dave Gandy below.

Tailored Jacket and Jeans
Image Source: Tumblr.com

The Shirt

Also keep in mind that the shirt also should perhaps be less formal than the ones you wear with your full suits.  We hanker towards looser weaves, perhaps in chambray or linen. If you regularly wear other types of shirts with your jeans than you do with your suits, these shirts would be a good starting point.

Another thing to keep in mind, is to resist wearing your suit jacket with jeans too often. Practically, if the jacket shows the effects of weathering whereas the trousers of your suit do not, it is a waste of a suit, and you would be much better placed by investing in a blazer or sports coat. Which leads us onto our next point... 

Blazer Or Sports Jacket With Jeans

More romantically, there are certain details that make a blazer or sports coat, rather than a suit jacket, the more elegant choice for wear with jeans. However, if money is a consideration, a suit jacket can be worn with spirit or else altered, with buttons replaced and accent stitches added, for wear with jeans. 

 

Blazer and Jeans
Image Source: Lookastic.co.uk

Shoes should of course not be neglected, brogues or a cap-toe Oxford shoe, perhaps in a lower key suede rather than in leather, are the safer choice.  As with all styles, once you perfect it and as dressing becomes more effortless and gratifyingly enjoyable, rules can be bent as you stake out your personal territory with brio and verve.

Further to the above are accents to the sports jacket with jeans look. A waistcoat can be added to dress the look up. Again we would recommend that you wear dark, well fitted jeans with this look.

Waist Coat & Jeans
Image Source: Slaters.co.uk

Adding a waist coat is a great way to add a stylish edge when wearing a suit jacket with jeans casually. The layering and pocket square add interest, but the casual shirt and jeans make it perfect for a relaxed social occasion.

What Makes Our Jackets So Special?

Now that you know the rules of wearing a blazer with your jeans, you are free to explore our collection of made to order tailored jackets. As well as being constructed from fabric supplied by the world-renowned Scabal of Savile Row, what makes our jackets genuinely exceptional is the ability to select your choice of the lining (included in the total price). Your lining is not about being extravagant but ensuring you have something personal to you that lasts a lifetime. We have a large selection of jacket linings and offer a bespoke service should you want an authentic one-of-a-kind jacket.

Fit is also incredibly important to us, and so our tailored jackets are designed to look good across all body shapes, ensuring you always look and feel your best. We offer two fits, slim and regular, as well as allowing you to choose the perfect length to suit your torso and arms. We recommend you look at our comprehensive size guide, which gives a complete overview of the sizing should you wish to check against another jacket here: Jacket Size Guide.

Once you have purchased your jacket, one of our team will follow up with you instantly to double-check the details and answer any further questions. Your satisfaction is absolutely guaranteed, so you can be sure that you will be delivered a jacket that exceeds your expectations. 

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