Jeans from head to toe: what might initially seem ironic or “too much” has its roots in the 1950s. According to legend, Bing Crosby was once denied entry to a Canadian hotel because he was dressed entirely in denim. Levi’s quickly responded by tailoring him a special denim tuxedo – and the term “Canadian Tuxedo” was born. Decades later, Britney Spears & Justin Timberlake made the look world-famous at the 2001 American Music Awards. Other icons, like James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause or Ralph Lauren runway shows, contributed to its popularity. Since denim has always been (and likely always will be) a timeless staple, the style has evolved in recent years into a global fashion statement through street style and beyond.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Denim Pieces

As the name “Double Denim Look” suggests, the idea is to be dressed head-to-toe in denim. How “complete” you go is up to you. Typically, the look includes both a denim bottom and a denim top. Whether you go for jeans, shorts, or a skirt is a matter of preference. For tops, the choice is just as wide – from denim tops and vests to denim jackets and shirts. A denim dress also makes a strong statement. The all-time classic? Jeans paired with a denim jacket. At SANVT, we are big advocates of this combo.

Step 2: Vintage or New?

Once you’ve decided which type of denim pieces you want to combine, the next step is finding the right ones. You can either score cool vintage pieces from your trusted second-hand store or invest in new denim that will last for years. If you go for new, we recommend buying from brands that focus on resource-friendly and sustainable denim production. Conventional denim manufacturing uses excessive amounts of water and often relies on chemicals in the dyeing process, so a new purchase should be considered carefully.

Step 3: Create a Cohesive Look – Matching Washes

Since your look consists of at least two pieces, it’s important that they go well together – especially in terms of colour and wash.

Denim pieces come in many different washes: dark blue, light blue, black, or even white bleached. For the all-denim look, make sure both top and bottom are in the same colour tone or wash. For instance, pair a light blue jean with a light blue jacket. If you’re feeling more fashion-forward, you can try soft contrasts – like black jeans with a dark blue denim shirt – but keep the contrast subtle.

Step 4: Play with Fits

When it comes to fit, variety is actually encouraged. Start with the bottom and choose a cut that suits your style – straight, slim, skinny, or oversized. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and authentic, so the outfit doesn’t look like a costume. Then pick your top. If you opt for an oversized jacket worn open, you might balance it with slim jeans for a nice, subtle contrast. Conversely, a baggy jean with a fitted denim shirt also creates a cool look.

Step 5: Complete the Outfit

The "Double Denim Look" is a statement in itself, so you don’t want other pieces stealing the spotlight. If your top isn’t already a statement piece like a dress or bustier, stick to timeless, minimal base layers in light colours – like a white T-shirt in summer or an off-white long sleeve in cooler months. For shoes, minimalists can go with classic white sneakers. For a bolder vibe, pair with black biker boots. Accessories like a belt or beanie can add a subtle finishing touch.

Conventional denim production is highly problematic. Since we at SANVT are committed to creating sustainable, long-lasting essentials, an ethically produced denim collection was a must. Originally consisting of just The Perfect Jeans, the collection has been expanded with a Denim Jacket and Denim Shirt. The Perfect Jeans and the Denim Jacket are both made from a 13 oz premium denim composed of 76% regeneratively grown Blue Seed organic cotton and 24% recycled cotton. Blue Seed cotton offers up to 30% higher tear resistance compared to conventional cotton, making the fabric exceptionally robust and long-lasting while remaining naturally breathable. Our Denim Shirt is slighty lighter and is made of 100% organic cotton. Handmade in Portugal, all denim essentials are dyed and washed using natural plant- or mineral-based colours. The washing process is performed in a resource-saving way with enzyme agents and circular water use. The result: a high-quality denim collection made with the lowest possible impact on the planet.

Surely, the ‘double denim look’ is easy to achieve with the SANVT denim collection. All our denim essentials are manufactured in the same factory and finished with a stonewash effect. The Perfect Jeans and Denim Jacket are a particularly perfect match – the tone and texture complement each other perfectly. Thanks to our innovative sizing system, you can choose between an oversized fit or a tailored fit true-to-size fit, making it effortless to combine the Perfect Jeans with our Denim Jacket or Denim Shirt for a seamless all-denim style.

A full outfit (almost) entirely in denim – once considered a fashion faux pas – is now a true style statement. And it’s easy to put together. With the right pieces, colours, and materials, the look goes far beyond being just a trend and can be reinvented again and again.