Also known as jean jackets, denim jackets are a classic form of outerwear that’s characterized by a denim construction. In other words, they are made of the same material as jeans. Denim is technically a type of cotton featuring a warp-faced weaving pattern. When compared to traditional cotton, though, denim is significantly stronger and more durable — characteristics that you’ll find in all denim garments, including jeans as well as jackets. Unfortunately, though, denim jackets are often misunderstood, with many people believing the seven following myths about them.
#1) You Shouldn’t Wear a Denim Jacket in the Rain
Some people believe that denim jackets shouldn’t be worn because water will damage them. While neither jeans nor denim jackets are waterproof, you don’t have to worry about rain damaging them. If your denim jacket gets wet, simply hang it on a line to dry. After hanging for a few hours, it should be dry. For faster drying, you can toss your denim jacket in a clothes dryer unless otherwise stated on the jacket’s care label. Regardless, water won’t damage or harm your denim jacket.
#2) Denim Jackets Are a Modern Form of Outerwear
Another common myth is that denim jackets are relatively new. While they didn’t become popular until the 1960s and 70s, denim jackets were actually around for many decades prior to this period. According to Wikipedia, the world’s first denim jacket was invented by Levi Strauss in the late 1800s. About 10 years after Strauss invented denim jeans, he invented a jacket made of the same material, thus leading to the development of the denim jacket. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that denim jackets have been around for over a century, making them a classic, not modern, form of outerwear.
#3) You Can’t Wear a Denim Jacket With Jeans
There’s no rule, written or unwritten, stating that you can’t wear a denim jacket with jeans. Because both of these garments are made of denim, some people assume that they shouldn’t be worn together. As a result, many people either a denim jacket or jeans, avoiding these two garments in the same outfit. But it’s perfectly fine to wear a denim jacket with jeans. In fact, it can help you create a stylish and cohesive outfit by ensuring your top matches your bottom. The key thing to remember is that you need to choose a denim jacket that matches your jeans. If your denim jacket clashes with your jeans, you’ll fail to create a stylish appearance.
#4) Denim Jackets Are Only Available in Blue
Blue, specifically light blue, is the most popular color in which denim jackets are made. Since their origins in the 1800s, denim jackets have been made using blue-colored denim. Even today, you’ll still find these same blue-colored denim jackets available for sale at retail clothing and apparel stores.
With that said, you can find denim jackets available in other colors besides blue. Other popular colors for denim jackets include black, white, red, brown and indigo. So, don’t limit yourself to choosing a blue-colored denim jacket. Explore all the different color options to find the one that best matches your personal style and preference. Who knows, you may discover a denim jacket in an entirely different color that becomes your new “go to” form of outerwear.
#5) There’s No Way to Dress Up a Denim Jacket
You can’t create a formal outfit with a denim jacket, but there are still ways to dress it up. First, choose a denim jacket in a darker color. As previously mentioned, denim jackets are available in a variety of colors, only one of which is light blue. By choosing a denim jacket in a darker color, such as indigo or black, you’ll create a dressier appearance.
Second, wear the right shirt or top with your denim jacket. For a dressier appearance, it’s recommended that you wear a formal shirt or top with your denim jacket. If you wear a standard t-shirt, you won’t look very dressy. But if you wear a button-up shirt — or a blouse if you’re a woman — you’ll create a dressier appearance.
Third, avoid wearing casual shoes with your denim jacket and, instead, wear formal shoes. By following these three tips, you can dress up your denim jacket. You won’t be able to create the same level of formality as you would with a two- or three-piece suit, but using these tips can still dress up your denim jacket nonetheless.
#6) Denim Jackets Are Difficult to Clean
Contrary to popular belief, denim jackets are neither difficult nor time consuming to clean. They generally require the same steps to clean and maintain as jeans. Therefore, you can typically clean your denim jacket in the washing machine using detergent and cold water (warm water is also possible, though cold water is recommended since it’s gentler).
In many cases, you won’t need to wash your denim jacket to clean it. If your denim jacket has a small stain or smudge on it, try spot cleaning it with a damp washcloth. Blotting the stained area should draw the stain to the surface, allowing you to quickly and easily clean your denim jacket.
#7) Denim Jackets Are Highly Susceptible to Fading
Finally, some people believe that denim jackets are highly susceptible to fading. They assume that wearing a denim jacket outdoors will expose the denim material to sunlight and, therefore, cause it to fade. While denim jackets aren’t immune to fading, you shouldn’t notice any significant change in the color of your denim jacket.
Denim jackets are typically made of washed denim, meaning the denim material was washed during production. As a result, it’s less likely to fade than other garments made of denim or other materials that’s not washed during production. You can further protect your denim jacket against fading by washing it with vinegar. Just add 1 cup of white vinegar to your washing machine to prevent it from fading. Vinegar acts as a safe, all-natural color protectant, thereby reducing the risk of fading. You can use it to protect most garments from fading, and denim jackets are no exception.
