Double denim: Your guide to the quintessential Y2K fashion trend

Double denim. 

Whether you love or hate the notion, one thing’s for sure: it’s a memorable fashion trend.

With images of Britney and Justin’s iconic 2001 denim-on-denim red carpet moment still fresh in our minds 22 years later — is it any wonder the ‘Canadian tuxedo’ remains a popular fashion fixture? 

But how do you actually look good in double denim? 

And is it really okay to wear two different shades of denim?

These are questions that plague many fashion-conscious shoppers — and we’ve got the answers. 

Read on for the juicy details on everything related to denim style and how to embrace this controversial trend.  

Our favourite denim fashion styles

A classic denim shirtCasual denim shorts

How to look cool whilst rocking the style 

Looking chic in a double denim outfit is easier than you think.

The hardest bit is actually mustering the confidence to rock your favourite denim pieces at once — and finding enough individual garments to have the option to begin with. 

But that’s where we can lend a hand.

ALL items in this wrap-up have been hand-selected to be easily mixed and matched. 

Our advice?

Don’t shy away from the difference in colour, fit or (even) gendered pieces. 

Today’s fashion trends embrace androgynous aesthetics, clashing colour palettes and bold, nonchalant confidence in your chosen ‘fit. Pulling off the denim trend is more about your attitude than the items themselves. 

If you feel confident, you’ll look confident. 

And cool. 

So, go forth and snap up your new double denim set. 

A classic denim shirt

Photo: Levi's

Women’s: Levi’s Essentials Western Shirt

Forever a classic in the world of denim and with a history steeped in Western style, it’s hardly surprising that this classic shirt from Levi’s sits at the top of our must-have list.

Available in a number of different shades and featuring poppers, this denim button-up looks great worn open or closed, baggy or more fitting and will literally pair perfectly with any additional denim style you choose.

Photo: John Lewis

Men’s: Polo Ralph Lauren Long Sleeve Slim Fit Denim Shirt

You save £26 (19.26%)£135

Where Levi’s is known for its Western influence, Ralph Lauren is celebrated for its preppy aesthetic — and this remains the case even in the form of a denim shirt.

Ideal for pairing with casual jeans, chino shorts or trousers, this style is best worn in a slim fit and, let's be frank, adds a certain sexy element to every guy’s get-up.   

Casual denim shorts

Photo: ASOS

Women’s: Levi's 501 Original Mid Short

A staple of every woman’s wardrobe? High-waist denim cut-off shorts.

Versatile, chic and sexy these shorts will take you from brunch dates to bike rides, festivals to beaches. Featuring a comfortable high waist that ensures no awkward love-handle pinching, a length that’s short without being inappropriate and a funky raw-cut hem, these shorts will be a guaranteed favourite for countless seasons ahead. 

Photo: G-Star

Men’s: G-Star Raw 3301 Slim Shorts

You save £27 (30%)£90

With their worn wash, mid-rise fit and knee-length cut, these shorts are ideal for weekend days and al fresco evenings. Offering five pockets and crafted from soft, high-stretch denim they’re as convenient and comfortable as they are cool. 

Pair with a denim jacket or wear your favourite denim shirt open over a white tee, for the ultimate laidback aesthetic.

The perfect denim jeans

Photo: ASOS

Women’s: Tommy Jeans Ultra High Rise Mom Jean

You save £40 (50%)£80

There are two ways you can go when choosing the right jeans for your Canadian tuxedo look: either sticking with straight-leg, Mom or skinny jeans or opting for the full street-style baggy jeans look.

We personally find Mom jeans to be the ideal compromise between the styles. 

Offering a flattering ultra-high waist and available in both dark and blue washes, these Tommy Hilfiger jeans feature the iconic Tommy logo on the rear of the waistband — providing an instant retro-chic vibe to your look.  

Photo: Wrangler

Men’s: River in Cool Twist Jean

A classic work man’s style jean, these light wash denim trousers from Wrangler are sure to be an instant hit. 

Designed to sit just below the waist, with a regular fit around the thighs and slightly tapered lower leg, these jeans are flattering in a casually-cool way and feature Coolmax Ecofibres to help wick away moisture, keeping you cool and dry all year around. 

Available in nine different colours, and a variety of sizes and lengths, there’s a perfect fit just waiting for you.

An ever-handy denim jacket

Photo: John Lewis

Calvin Klein 90s Denim Jacket, Blue

You save £60 (48%)£125

One of the best things about this Calvin Klein jacket? While technically part of its men’s collection — it’s most definitely a unisex garment.

These days denim jackets are most commonly worn in a slouchy, oversized style. And this jacket is perfect for exactly that.

Cut from a classic lighter wash denim, it features the renowned CK logo on the front pocket. And, of course, it pairs perfectly with everything from denim jeans to shorts, skirts, dresses and shirts. In other words, you’ll have this jacket for years to come, and will wear again and again and again. 

An on-trend denim midi skirt

Photo: New Look

Mid Blue Denim Split Hem Maxi Skirt

An iconic style from the 1990s, recently we’ve seen the return of the denim midi skirt — and we’re here for it.

Featuring a high waist, sleek fit and mid-shin hem length this skirt from New Look offers a front slit for ease of movement (and who doesn’t love a little leg on display?). 

With over 160 five-star reviews, our favourite (and most versatile double denim option) is this mid-blue colour but, if you’d like to change it up, this style also comes in another shade of blue as well as a black denim.  

A versatile denim dress

Photo: ASOS

Tommy Jeans Slim Button-Through Denim Dress

An easy way to embrace the double denim ‘90s trend? By investing in a pinafore-style button-down dress. 

Cute when worn as a standalone piece during warm weather, with a roll neck beneath it during cooler months, with a denim shirt cast over top or paired with an oversized denim jacket, this is one easy piece to mix and match with your favourite denim pieces. 

A funky denim jumpsuit

Photo: Free People

We The Free Jayde Flare Jumpsuit

All it takes is one glance at this jumpsuit to know you’d look and feel like a million bucks in it. 

Part of the We The Free collection, this short-sleeved, figure-hugging, zip-up jumpsuit with flared hems exudes sensual yet funky femininity and, whilst it might be on the pricier side, is definitely one of our favourite denim outfits for women. 

Oh, and it’s available in chic white denim and retro brown denim options, too. 

Chic denim accessories

A double denim coord doesn’t just stop at clothing — your accessories can play a key component in your all-denim aesthetic. 

So, why not add one of our favourite finds to your outfit? 

Denim from the ground up 

Photo: ASOS

Women’s: Bronx Jukeson Western Knee Boots

Crafted from denim blue suede, could there be a more Justin and Britney-inspired shoe? 

Wear with jeans, your denim midi skirt, a dress, cut-off shorts… the choice is yours. These cowboy boots will go with any outfit, any time of the year. 

All you need is the confidence to step out in them — and we believe in you.

Photo: ASOS

Men’s: ASOS DESIGN Boat Shoes in Blue Denim

Complete your ensemble with a pair of comfy denim boat shoes. 

With padded cuffs and thick rubber soles, these shoes will keep you comfy (and cool) all day long. Pair with denim shorts and your denim jacket to complete the aesthetic. 

Denim from the top down 

Photo: ASOS

Pieces Denim Exclusive Headband

You save £3 (25%)£12

Slide this padded rope-print denim headband in place and kill two birds with one stone: not only will your hair remain out of the way, but you’ll earn serious denim style points whilst you’re at it. 

Photo: Ego Shoes

Frayed Detail Western Cowboy Hat

Ready to get a little OTT with your denim outfit? Well then, why not add a frayed denim cowboy hat to the mix? 

Fun, flamboyant and flirty we love this eccentric accessory. Top off your favourite ‘fit or add it to your costume box — whichever option, you’re sure to turn heads with this baby. 

FAQs

Is double denim ever OK?

YES. It’s okay in pretty much every situation — it’s just about finding the right styles for you, and (usually) not opting for colours of denim that are too similar. You want it to be obvious that you haven’t tried to get an exact match when wearing multiple styles of denim, as that’s where it can start looking garish.

Who wears double denim?

This is a trick question. EVERYONE can wear double denim and look like a fashion icon. It’s all about the confidence in which you do so.

Take Justin Timberlake for example. The guys wore a denim cowboy hat to a red carpet event and pulled it off. And it’s not because the hat was a standout accessory. His confidence in his look made it work.

What pairs with denim?

One of the beautiful things about denim in general is that it goes with everything — including more denim.

• Pair denim shirts with chinos, shorts, jeans or worn open over dresses.

• Pair denim shorts, trousers or skirts with your favourite blouse, flannel, tank, cami, blazer or windbreaker.

• Pair denim accessories with everything and anything.

• Even denim shoes can be mixed and matched with most garments.

Available in light washes, dark washes, stone washes, black, white and every colour of the rainbow, denim is a hardwearing, long-lasting fabric that truly opens up a world of fashion opportunities — no matter your personal style or preference.

Prep for your double denim date now

Previously, people may have considered the ‘90s and early millennium to be the double denim era, however, today’s fashion trends make it perfectly clear that this iconic coord is back with a bang. 

Ready to join the fun?

Don’t waste any time adding a denim shirt, dress, jacket and jeans to your wardrobe. And invest in some funky denim-style boat shoes and boots whilst you’re at it.