The Surge of Denim: Menswear trends for 2019

The Surge of Denim: Menswear trends for 2019

November 28th, 2018

Man wearing blue FRAME jeans cuffed at bottom with brown Magnanni bootsWe’re witnessing the beginning of a new era of fashion, and a lot of it revolves around denim.

It was the 1950s when Marlon Brando and James Dean brought denim to the silver screen, creating an entirely new fashion trajectory for menswear. But the trends ebb and flow. When denim is en vogue, it can define an era, but when it’s out of style, it’s REALLY out of style. 

From the bell bottoms of the 1970s to the distressed grunge jeans of the ‘90s, we’ve certainly seen how influential denim can be on an era’s fashion. It has shifted back into the forefront of menswear, taking on a central role in a broader range of styles than we’ve seen in the recent past. 

From weekend wear to office attire to high fashion and everything in between, we’re expecting denim to have a major influence on style in the very near future.

Denim for the masses

No longer strictly a workhorse pant or the illogical skinny jean, denim is transcending boundaries like never before. Whether you wear your jeans with a merino wool polo or a Thrasher t-shirt, denim is becoming a look that everyone can get behind.

And it’s here to stay. Denim is going to influence fashion as THE pant for the next few years, taking references from all styles and all eras. From light and distressed to dark and polished, jeans will be featured in multiple applications.

It will be a slow and steady start to the movement, moving from classic silhouettes to more daring styles over the next year or two.

Here are our top denim trend predictions for the upcoming season and how to wear the looks.

1. Denim Displaces Athleisure  

Denim has never really gone away, but when it comes to casual weekend wear, athleisure has pushed its way into fashion’s mainstream, leading the way over the past five years.
We’re happy to report that denim is pushing back, and it’s winning. We’re reaching for jeans over joggers for our casual looks, and we can confidently suggest you do the same.
With the new casual denim movement, footwear is changing, too. We are starting to see a strong presence of boots, suedes, and retro-inspired sneakers, rather than the heavy-handed athletic looks that we have seen recently.

2. Grey and Stonewash

Grey FRAME jeans, check sport shirt, and navy Pal Zileri sport jacket

Don’t call it a comeback. Stonewash and grey jeans have a bit of a vintage feel to them, but with an updated fit, these tones take on a refreshed and relaxed feel. The lighter washes have a more casual preppy look, though you can easily dress up a nice pair of grey jeans with a navy sport jacket.

3. Washed and Soft

We don’t anticipate raw denim to have the stronghold over the fashion industry like it once did, especially since the dawn of the athleisure era. Raw denim is stiff, and people won't be willing to forego their comfortable joggers for crunchy jeans. There are high quality denim options out there now, like FRAME, that are washed to be softer and that incorporate some stretch.

4. Tasteful Layers

Man wearing portuguese flannel grey shirt, Ralph Lauren denim shirt jacket with a brown Ralph Lauren vest over top

Denim, no longer stiff and rigid, is becoming a more appropriate layering piece than it has been in the past. Wear a soft jean jacket under a long overcoat or a vest for a stylish casual look.

5. Relaxed Fit

Long gone are the days of the super skinny jean. While the slim jean is still relevant, we’re seeing a more relaxed fit trending across the menswear industry in general. Not only is the relaxed fit a better look for all body types, it’s also more comfortable. Win/win.

In addition to the looser fit, you will start to see cropped and cuffed jeans coming into the forefront this spring.

6. Double Denim

Light blue APC jeans, dark blue FRAME denim jacket, and rust Luigi Bianchi sport jacket

While we love a good Canadian tuxedo on the right guy, you can wear double denim without looking like a grade-A cowboy. To pull off the look, avoid matching denim and add some other colours into the outfit to break it up. Wear your light jeans with a dark denim jacket under a bold sport jacket, or wear a denim shirt layered over a t-shirt and under a trucker jacket.

7. Black Denim

Black FRAME jeans, black Hugo leather jacket, and black Hugo sport jacket

Just like a classic leather jacket, black denim will become a new staple, both for casual looks and for dressier outfits. We love a monochrome streetwear look: black jeans, black sport shirta black leather moto jacket, and a black leather sneaker or boot. You can also dress your black jeans up with a sport jacket, roll neck sweater, and black loafers.
___
Thinking of refreshing your denim looks? Shop the items in this blog! 
Easy Returns

We understand that things don't always work out. We offer easy returns in-store or by mail.

See it in-store

Come see the product up close at our Flagship Store.

Pickup in store

For local orders, in-store pickup is available for no cost.

Lifetime Service

Your clothing should always represent you well, whether you bought it yesterday or 5 years ago.

The Helm Clothing

The Flagship

Our brand new flagship store in Edmonton, Alberta is now open to serve you! In our mission to provide Edmonton with an elevated experience, our vision for this store was something spanning multiple floors with a unique experience on every level.