Jeans aren’t the only garments made of denim. You can also find jackets made of this soft yet durable textile. But if you’re thinking about buying a denim jacket, you’ll want to avoid making the following mistakes when wearing it. While denim jackets are versatile and can be worn in dozens of different ways, many people take the wrong approach when wearing one. As a result, they aren’t able to take full advantage of this stylish choice of outerwear. So, what are some of the most common mistakes made when wearing a denim jacket?
#1) Wearing a Wrinkled Denim Jacket
If you’re going to wear a denim jacket, make sure it’s not wrinkled. Denim is prized for its ability to resist and discourage wrinkles. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s wrinkle-proof. Denim jackets can still develop creases and wrinkles just like any other textile. When you see wrinkles forming on your jacket, hang it on a clothes hanger for a day or so. This is a safe and effective way to remove wrinkles from a denim jacket.
#2) Accidentally Shrinking It
The secret to creating an attractive appearance with a denim jacket is to ensure that it fits your body. Unfortunately, some people accidentally shrink their denim jacket when washing and drying it. Rather than following the manufacturer’s instructions listed on the jacket’s care label, they simply toss it in the washing machine with the rest of their clothes. Although you can typically wash denim jackets, some have specific requirements that you must follow to protect against shrinkage.
#3) Choosing the Wrong Color
In addition to getting the right size, you should also choose a denim jacket in the right color. You might be wondering what the best color is for a denim jacket. Well, it depends on your personal style as well as how you intend to wear it. With that said, it’s recommended that you choose a basic, versatile color that allows you to wear it with many other garments and accessories. You can find denim jackets available in a near-limitless number of colors, but basic colors like light blue or indigo blue typically work best. You can wear them with just about anything, thereby providing you with a greater range of freedom when putting together your outfits.
#4) Not Checking the Label
It’s a good idea to check the label when shopping for a denim jacket. Even if it looks and feels like denim, it may contain other textiles. Some manufacturers use a combination of denim and cotton, polyester or other textiles to create their jackets. The problem with these blended textiles is that they lack the attractive qualities of pure denim. If you want to experience the true beauty and comfort of denim, choose a jacket that’s made only of denim and no other textiles.
#5) The One-Piece Look
You should avoid creating the “one-piece look” when wearing a denim jacket. Basically, this means that you need to include other colors in your outfit. If you’re wearing a light blue denim jacket, try including dark blue, black, white or other appropriate colors in your outfit. If your outfit only consists of light blue, it will create the one-piece look — and that’s exactly what you want to avoid.
#6) Keeping It Buttoned Up All Time
You can button up your denim jacket, but you shouldn’t keep it buttoned up all the time. Leaving the front buttons of your denim unfastened will reveal your shirt or top, thereby introducing new colors to your outfit. When the weather is cool, feel free to button up your jacket. When it’s warm and sunny, though, consider leaving it unbuttoned.
#7) Wearing a Stained Denim Jacket
Just like you shouldn’t wear a denim jacket if it’s wrinkled, you also shouldn’t wear one if it’s stained. But preventing stains on any garment is nearly impossible, so what you should do when a stain occurs? If you spot a stain on your denim jacket, try blotting the area with a damp washcloth. If the stain is minor and hasn’t set, this should remove it. For deeper cleaning, try spot treating the stain with laundry detergent.
#8) Not Caring for the Collar
You’ll need to give your denim jacket’s collar a little care and attention. Otherwise, it will deform to create a messy appearance. You can preserve the shape of your jacket’s collar by hanging your jacket on a heavy-duty clothes hanger when you aren’t wearing it. Just button up the jacket and pop the collar upright. Storing your denim jacket in this manner will reduce the risk of the collar deforming.
#9) Overlooking the Lining Color
Some denim jackets are designed with an interior lining. For example, you may find that your leather jacket has a fur-lined interior for added warmth and protection from the elements. Lined denim jackets such as this are ideal for the cold winter months. The added layer of textile inside them reduces the rate at which your body loses heat. Technical jargon aside, this means it will keep you warmer than a traditional denim jacket. But if you’re thinking about wearing a lined denim jacket, make sure the color of the lining flows cohesively with the rest of your outfit.
#10) Wearing the Wrong Shoes
Finally, it’s important that you wear the right shoes with a denim jacket. One of the great things about denim jackets is that they are versatile and can be worn with just about shoes or footwear. However, you’ll want to choose shoes or footwear that match your jacket as well as your other garments. If you’re wearing a black denim jacket, avoid wearing brown shoes. Instead, consider shoes or footwear in a color that flows cohesively with black. Some popular choices include black, blue, white or even red. Because these colors flow cohesively with black, you can wear shoes featuring them with a denim jacket.
