THE CANADIAN TUXEDO, and everything you need to know about it.

Denim on Denim. A bold yet casual fashion statement coming back to life, especially here in the south.

Not only are we seeing 70’s fashion trends recycle, but we are watching them become reconstructed in new ways. The Canadian Tuxedo, aka a full denim outfit, is a great example of a reconfigured trend from the past.

The classic Canadian-Tuxedo is considered to be a pair of blue jeans and a jean-jacket. However nowadays people are modernizing this classic look.

“This double-take of denim comes as no surprise given the recent rise of casual yet cool dressing where solid, everyday wardrobe essentials shine,” Vogue said, in an issue last-fall.

The once controversial outfit has recycled through the decades. Debuted in the 1950s by Bing Crosby, a famous American actor and singer, who was allegedly denied entrance from a Canadian hotel due to his full-denim outfit. The outfit was considered too casual, according to sources online (MonteCristo Magazine). After the controversy, Levi Strauss designed a full denim tuxedo, thus giving life to the name “Canadian Tuxedo.”

Soon after the media stunt pulled by Levi Strauss, the Canadian Tuxedo started appearing more often. The style of denim-on-denim started creeping its way into the fashion world, with a rise in popularity during the late 70s and early 80s.

The classic denim jacket with a pair of blue jeans was a go-to outfit for many during that time. Back in the 70s the look of a full denim outfit defined a stylish yet laid back look. However as time went on, these denim looks were quickly considered unfashionable.

During the 90s these blue jean ensembles couldn’t be further from stylish. But as trends recycle, the Canadian Tuxedo came back with a bang.

The early 2000s were full of denim. Celebrities were wearing jeans under their skirts and dresses, and it didn’t take long before head to toe denim was considered stylish again. As more celebrities continued to wear these jean tuxedos, Y2K fashion incorporated denim in creative and new ways (I think we all remember Brittany Spears and Justin Timberlake's iconic denim look).

Once again, they fizzled out of fashion and were not as popular in the 2010s. Although, over the past few years we have seen a resurgence in the Canadian Tuxedo.

Sweeping the South by storm and are redefining the all-denim look. One popular redesign that has been popular this year is the denim jumpsuit. Jeans with a denim vest have also become a go-to look this year.

Here in the south, the Canadian Tuxedo has become a go-to gameday staple. During the last Red River Rivalry, these denim outfits were seen all over the Cotton Bowl. Typically styled with a pair of cowgirl boots or platform sneakers, the denim looks are easy to match.

Is the Canadian Tuxedo here to stay or will this trend fizzle out like it did in the past? I think finding new ways of styling denim have helped the fashion industry stay creative while keeping elements of classic looks. With the rise of matching sweat sets, and monochrome outfits I think Canadian Tuxedos might be here to stay, at least for a few more years.

Written by

Analyse Jester