Jacket and jeans with casual waistcoat

  
If there is one question men ask more than any other, it is how to wear a jacket with jeans.

Behind this usually lies a desire to dress up an outfit without appearing too up-tight.

Friends in the creative or digital industries often have this problem. When your start-up company grows from two employees to 20, how do subtly indicate your authority, or seriousness, without wearing a suit?

A jacket is normally the answer, and usually the right one. But it cannot be just a suit jacket separated from its trousers. For the jacket to work, it must be similar in formality to the trousers – which normally means rougher or just more textured material than a smooth suit. 
  

caliendo tweed jacket and drakes handkerchief

  
This jacket was made by Neapolitan tailor Elia Caliendo in Permanent Style tweed – one of the first collaborations we ever did here on Permanent Style. Although it is fairly smooth for a tweed, it has easily enough texture to go with denim. 

The casual design of the jacket – minimal structure, shirt sleeve, patch pockets – also helps to lower that formality. It’s one reason I pretty much always wear Neapolitan tailors with jeans (the tailoring goes with other things, but jeans only go with them). 
  

a tweed and waistcoat with chambray shirt

  
The outfit is made a little more tricky by the addition of a waistcoat, which can be very hard to wear casually.

But as described on last week’s post on this waistcoat, it’s chunky weave and casual design make it a good match.

The handkerchief is silk, but in very muted greys and browns (from Drake’s) that mean it effectively sinks into the background.

Often when you wear a handkerchief in a casual outfit, this is its role: a relatively anonymous pocket filler. Cream or white linen works just as well, but if you wear silk, best to keep it as subtle as this. 
  

bespoke levi's denim and permanent style tweed copy

  
The bespoke jeans from Levi’s are wearing in nicely. This is the mid-rise pair of the two I had made; the other is high-waisted and would actually have been a better match for the waistcoat. 

Button-down chambray shirt from Luca Avitabile. Old Alfred Sargent suede monk straps on the feet. 

As ever, the links in the text above, and the suggested posts below this, provide more information and background on all the pieces and the artisans that made them. I highly recommend them all. 
  

bespoke waistcoat graham browne and bespoke tweed jacket copy

  
Photography: Jack Lawson

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Rob

Good piece Simon. More in the same vein welcome – many of your readers will not be wearing suits day to day these days but still want a smart / formal look.

Hristo

To be honest, this time I do not like the look you created.
I cannot explain why. Waistcoat without a tie and with jeans – it simply looks wrong and is reminiscent of a waiter look.

Matt S

The waistcoat is the only problem I have with this. Something knitted (a jumper, or maybe a cardigan) would work better.

Anonymous

Hi Simon, +1 regarding Rob’s comments. Regarding a casual coat to be worn over knitwear, what length would you say is best? Will this depend on the style? Also, regarding the back, would you have if plain? Or with a half belt? Thanks.

Matt

How do you wear a jacket with jeans?

I don’t. It’s a look which always conjures up images of Jeremy Clarkson and other archetypes of the badly dressed middle-aged man for me.

Jeans are just too casual to work with a jacket in my opinion. Although I freely admit that my view my be prejudiced by the abnormally large number of men that one frequently seems to see sporting baggy jeans, trainers and an odd suit jacket.

Anonymous

Simon, thanks for the response. The coat will be worn with jeans. My thinking is upper thigh length length , just covering the seat. Would this length work with jeans and chinos? I’ve always thought that longer coats look more formal. Also, would the half belt look work with jeans/chinos? Thanks in advance.

Adam

I know a few here have commented it doesn’t look right jacket and jeans. It does but I feel it is much much harder to get actually right than putting a suit on. The cut needs to be smart but not too formal; cloth needs to be a versatile colour, the shirts you wear with need to be less “business” like etc. etc. the list goes on. I have just actually bought a brown basket weave Thom Sweeney jacket. Slightly smart in cut, but patch pockets, open weave, versatile brown colour and I think it works great but I have been through so many jackets. I think it is so hard because you don’t want to look like Jeremy Clarkson as mentioned above.

Like your reader above I have been coat shopping as well recently. I tried the private white Pea coat that you have recommended before. I actually think great coat for when a jacket is too formal. It’s still a casual -ish coat but beautiful smooth wool.

Anonymous

Do you think a loose hanging half belt with buttons or sewn down half belt would look better? The latter would be non functional , more a design feature. I’m torn between a pea coat and a longer single breast coat. The coat will be worn only as a casual garment. What are your thoughts on terms of the style to go for?

Anonymous

Hi Adam, I’m slowly moving toward a peacoat but in a casentino cloth. I’m giving thought around the details. Cuff with buttons or plain cuff? Belt or no belt. Decisions , decisions.

Adam Jones

Anon, to throw a curve ball I have just ordered this to try. (Never seen it in the flesh)
https://www.jcrew.com/uk/mens_category/jacketsandcoats/cashmere/PRD~20802/20802.jsp?N=229+16+10010&Nbrd=J&Nloc=en_GB&Nrpp=48&Npge=1&Nsrt=3&isSaleItem=true&color_name=NAVY&isFromSale=true&isNewSearch=true&hash=row1

I saw it last year on the website and thought 1100 was bonkers money, I’d rather have it made bespoke from someone like graham browne but half price it’s worth a look. Especially as it is such a statement piece and rare to look like that in RTW. I maybe being a bit snobby being it J. Crew thinking it may not be that well made. But we will see when it arrives. I can always return.

Anonymous

When do you wear the mid-rise jeans rather than the higher rise jeans?

James

Hi Simon, on the subject of wearing a jacket with jeans – is it a major sin to have a little of the shirt visible between the waistband and the button of the jacket? It seems almost inevitable since I can’t imagine wearing jeans at the natural waist.

Jamie Berry

Is a blazer with jeans now considered beyond the pale? (Blame Top Gear I guess)

BespokeNYC

Great article Simon! As other commenters have implied, I think jacket and jeans is unfairly maligned among iGents because it is so often done badly. When put together like you’ve done here, it’s a great bridge between formal and casual, which can be incredibly useful for many settings.

I’ve never quite been able to make it work with a casual waistcoat as well though, despite owning a few. I’m wondering if the issue is because mine are generally patterned tweeds, and I need something more plain?

John

Meeting last week, ad-man (account side not creative) and marketing consultant; dress = jeans, smart navy blue textured jacket, toning shirts, no ties, light brown/taupe shoes – it’s becoming a uniform!

Sam

Hi Simon,
What’s the thinking behind picking suede shoes. Is it to keep the contrast low, of just because suede (and monks) are seen as more casual?
Ta
Sam

Anonymous

Hi Simon,
After months of deliberation I have finally put down a deposit for a pair of Cleverley bespoke in russian reindeer. Based on your experience of the leather do you think it would work as a wholecut? Thanks

Mac

…’More casual like a cap-toe Oxford’? Did I read that right, Simon!?

Mac

I’m no expert on shoes, Simon, but seeing as a polished cap-toe Oxford is standard for business or with Morning Dress at Royal Ascot, I’m not sure how a whole-cut sits above that. Why is a whole-cut more formal for you?

Richard

When wearing jeans and a jacket, there is a fine balance to strike between carelessness and a studied informality that looks contrived. Which is why this outfit is really great. Perhaps it’s the old shoes that are key here?

Colin

Well done Simon for the waistcoat pairing, nice to see a change from knitwear. I note you put a single turnup in your jeans, is that simply due to the length or preferencial to a double turn up, more typically used for small turn ups in denim.

Anonymous

Had something like this on over the weekend but your ensemble is better – the tone of the jacket contrasts beautifully with the indigo (beautiful cloth!), also I love your shoes, the last shape is very stylish. The waistcoat does work due to its texture and contrasting pattern, for some reason the five button design also reduces its formality – plus knitwear can be a bit predictable. Couple of questions; could you expand a bit more on what constitutes a ‘shirtsleeve’ design on a jacket. Additionally, with winter coming I’m considering a Covert coat – could you please advise on correct length – I’ve been told different things – thank you.

twitter_rebron

Tweed is too hot for the Bay Area/Silicon Valley. Some people are doing custom shirts to show formality or authority, some of it is mimicking Eddy Cue from Apple. Kind of funny to me. I know Jony Ive’s tailor but you almost always see him in a t-shirt. It’s just way too casual in tech/creative. A jacket is really hard to pull off sometimes, almost always overdressed. Unless, you’re in biz dev or legal in tech, just not going to work.

Jerrell

Hi Simon,
Speaking of blazers and texture – is there a difference between a hopsack blazer v. a basketweave? Are these the same thing, and are both, essentially, for lightweight, breathable jackets?

Michael

Just to add a positive comment I think this looks really good – the waistcoat adds a lot of interest/texture & is more interesting than just going for a knit & lifts it from that possibly clichéd jacket & jeans look that others have commented on.

Néstor

I like the outfit a lot. Very close to what I wear when I am not wearing a suit.

I find jeans are the most versatile trouser to be worn on the weekend, even more than the ubiquitous beige/cream/tan chinos and the always appropriate flannels.

Best,

JohnnyDeVore

I walk arround 90% of the time dressed like this, eventough I prefer chinos over Jeans. I work in an envirorement where most sales-people wear ill fitting suits whit a tie. As I got mostly tailormade jackets and wellfitted knitwear and never leave house without a pocketsquare, most clients consider me even dressed more professional than the others. I always feel like I’m way to overdessed in a plain tailormade suit with a tie and a pocketsquare,

Anon

this would work but the waistcoat destroys the look. as readers have suggested knitwear would be more appropriate. jacket is very good.

see the armoury for how this should be done; unfortunately this look is too thespian.

at least it avoids clarkson.

Anonymous

Simon, I’m guessing you’re quite thick skinned! You certainly take your fair share of bashing. For what it’s worth, I think the outfit works. However, I’ll agree with some of the others. Perhaps knitwear in place of the waistcoat.

Mac

Simon, I do wish the whiners would get a sense of perspective. I’m always grateful when someone makes an effort to look tidy.

I like this very much. It’s a smarter way to wear jeans. I only wish more guys around London would look like they made an effort when not dressed in a suit. Being elegant means being elegant even when casual. I don’t do scruffy.

It raises my spirits when I see this type of ensemble at the weekend. The depressing number of forty-something men I see in the West End getting out of an expensive car in jeans, old trainers and crumpled t-shirt…..

Anonymous

Simon,
To those who reject the idea of a jacket and jeans, I would recommend visiting your posting of May 4th, 2014 with the picture of Robert Redford from the movie Three Days of the Condor. Looks pretty good to me.

Anonymous

Mac, spot on comment. I always wonder when seeing scruffy men, whether their work is also of a poor standard. If you don’t take pride in yourself, how can you take pride in your work?!

BespokeNYC

There are plenty of us who are extremely grateful for your insights and willingness to engage with readers, so please don’t let the negative comments bother you (not that I think they do!) I completely agree it’s much more interesting to see unusual or experimental combinations (that can often spark ideas about new ways to wear items) than the tried and true classics that can be found all over the Internet. Thanks again for such a great blog!

John

Hi Simon,
This is a nice outfit. However, in order the make the best effect out the two key items jacket and denim, I would have gone for a dark brown westcoat and well polished chestnut or burgundy oxfords.
As you have already noticed, PS’ readers love this kind of exercise in style!
John

John

Oops! Waistcoat!!!

Anonymous

Thanks for answering the shirtsleeve query Simon and I’m with Mac on the feedback. It sounds simple I know but different tailors have advised differently re. the Covert coat length – I think above the knee but I would welcome your thoughts.

BespokeNYC

@rebron, don’t give up on the jacket so easily! My last company was based in Palo Alto and I was out there almost every month, most of the time wearing a tweed jacket and jeans. A looser weave like a donegal tweed, half-lined in a Neapolitan cut actually wears pretty cool and only became too hot in late summer (and was always fine indoors.) You might feel a little self-conscious at first, but it’s amazing how quickly people get used to it and, suddenly, you become known as the smartly dressed guy. (I only got into dressing properly about 5 years ago and already people seem to have forgotten about the schlubby clothes I used to wear…)

Eric

I enjoy pieces like this one–very relevant for my workplace. If you’re even looking for new topics, I would appreciate an in-depth discussion of appropriate shoes for casual outfits like this.

Shannon w Hill

Another consideration for this look is that the jacket should be on the short side…a bit above the bottom of ones bum. I have tried this look with my bespoke tweed jackets and found they are a bit too long. My legs look like two sticks protruding from a bell. Just with a suit, there should be conformity between the jacket and trousers. So if one leans more traditional, one has to ask himself is it worth the cost to have a jacket made on the short side just to pair with jeans? I may have found a happy medium…I commissioned a 4 button navy DB hopsack with open patch pockets and shaved an inch off the length. It works great with jeans and still balances well with dress trousers.

sid

Well in Si. Think you got confused dude. It is the bottom button on a waist coat that should be left undone. Not the top. Easy mistake to make I guess…

Anonymous

Jacket with open-necked shirt is bad enough. The two together with jeans – ugh! I cannot see how jeans make one look less “uptight” (and indeed I cannot understand why people are afraid of looking “uptight” – I’d rather be seen as one who takes serious things seriously)>

James

Simon, can I ask how you feel about doing the inverse of this look, i.e wearing tailored trousers with knitwear and casual non-tailored jackets/coats?

I do not particularly like jeans as I find the heavy material and thick seams uncomfortable at the best of times, cold in winter and too warm in summer.

Could a casual outfit with woolen trousers on the casual side of things, say a pair of grey flannel or brown tweed trousers with a lightweight merino or cashmere v neck in navy or bottle green with a white or light blue oxford underneath work as a sort of elegant casual look where a tailored jacket would be perhaps too ‘dressy’?

Outerwear for this kind of rig I guess I would go with a light raincoat in the autumn/spring and a peacoat or topcoat in the winter.

James

Thanks Simon.

Love the blog by the way – it’s a consistently wonderful exercise in sartorial elegance and good taste. A joy to read.

Michael

Great article Simon! One questions regarding pockets on sport jackets. I was thinking about purchasing an allround navy mtm sports jacket (half lined, soft shoulder, hopsack). I like the clean look of jetted pockets on sport jackets (liverano), but would this work for a jacket which is going to be worn on denim as well? Or are jetted pocket too formal for such an casual outfit?

Michael

Much appreciated Simon. Patch it is

Brandon Smith

Hi Simon,
Should the Neapolitan jacket/ shirt/ no-tie/ jean combo be worn with suede oxfords (Edward Green Asquith or Inverness) or suede derbies (Edward Green Cardiff or Sandringham)?
Best,
B.

Peter

Hi Simon,
Do you think that a blue Melange brushed cotton jacket, with flap pockets would look ok with jeans? I’m unsure as to whether or not the material would have sufficient texture, or if the flap pockets would appear too formal. Supposing neither of the above factors were an issue do you think it would look ok over a (grey) loopback sweat? or alternatively over a navy blue polo shirt (would this be too much blue)?

Peter

Thanks for your reply Simon – helpful and much appreciated.

Hazwan

no belt Simon? Is it because you’re wearing a waistcoat here?

Ian guiver

You perfectly describe my situation as MD of a digital agency – considerably older (late 40s) than my employees. Jackets all the way now and I have been reading your numerous articles about chambray shirts which I do see cross the line between casual dress and formality. I can’t find one that I like for under £100 online. Would I achieve a similar effect with an end on end say from Harvie and Hudson or similar? Or is the chambray bringing something entirely different? Thanks in advance.

Stan

Love the look! Are the pockets on the grey jackets slightly narrower on the top than at the bottom, almost like a cognac glass shape?

Paulie

Hi Simon!

I have a navy tweed jacket and I’m wondering which color should my jeans have? Navy and navy isn’t maybe the best match but what about black, grey or lighter blue? I understand black isn’t the color choice for trousers in a smarter look but what about in a casual look for jeans?

Anonymous

Hi Simon

When wearing a jacket with jeans, should the jacket be slightly shorter? I’m guessing a typical suit jacket that covers the seat would be a tad too long. Are the Neopolitan jackets shorter than “standard” jackets?

Anonymous

Thanks for the speedy response. Any guidelines on how much shorter? A couple of inches? Or a bit more/less?

Anonymous

Sorry, one final question. Do the normal sleeve length rules still apply? I.e. A bit of shirt cuff showing.

Shem

Hey Simon, I’ve seen individuals (e.g. Jake from Anglo-italian) wear light coloured jeans with navy jackets (https://www.instagram.com/p/BW9lnWTHno4/?taken-by=cadeandco) with great success.

I’m wondering would such a palette work in winter? Navy Flannel/tweed top and light coloured jeans or is this only summer appropriate?

Shem

Thanks Simon. Is there a reason why jeans would’t work with a flannel jacket?

Paddy

Hi Simon,

Do you happen to know what your high waisted Levi’s measure in the front rise?

I’m on the lookup for a high-waisted denim and I saw one that measures 12.75 inches for the front rise. I’m not familiar with high waisted denim- is 12.75 high waisted enough or is this too much……sadly I cannot try them on.

Thanks

Bernie

Hi Simon,

For this Caliendo jacket, I know you wrote that it has shirt shoulders/spalla camicia but they seem almost like a natural shoulder compared to the flashier shirt shoulders (no roping, but just very pronounced shirring) Elia has on his instagram page. Could I get your thoughts on this? Thank you.

Bernie

Hi Simon,

I see – lightweight linen will show more prominent wrinkles than medium weight cashmere and wool., that makes sense.

C.

very informative – and timely (for me). Thank you.

Would you go for smaller or bigger armholes for these kind of more casual jackets Simon?

S

Hi Simon, What material would you recommend for a Napolitain blazer to be worn with light or mid wash jeans (and maybe white/off-white) ? Thank you very much for all your work and time !

S

Thank you Simon good call! And in navy to also be worn with light jeans would you also recommend something in cashmere ? Or maybe something like hopsack ? Thank you so much !

Anonymous

Which jacket do you find better with jeans, this pale grey one or your charcoal grey tweed one (regarding colour not construction)?

Kallis

Hi Simon.
I have been reading a lot of your articles on the topic of denim and come to notice that you don’t usually wear belts with your jeans.
1) Could you share you point of view on not wearing belts with jeans?
2) I do not wear jackets so much.Just a shirt tucked in along with jeans most of the days and so wanted to know that would it look odd to go beltless when there are beltloops in jeans?

Kallis

Thank you for the suggestions.
One more thing I noticed was that your jeans are always cuffed up.
Do you do it with all of your denim?

Sam

In your opinion, does that French linen jacket look great with jeans?

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