Journal

The Timeless Allure of Denim & Leather

We’ve previously explored the connection between military wear and classic menswear, but what about jeans and leather jackets? Surely they’re just as timeless as many of the garments that define a classic wardrobe. And aren’t these pieces perfect for complementing the more casual side of tailored clothing?

Denim: From Workwear to Wardrobe Staple

Most of us know that denim has its roots in workwear. Its sturdy and long-lasting qualities made it ideal for hard manual labour. Alongside other rugged fabrics like heavy twill and canvas, denim was once a staple for factory workers, miners, and farmers.

The word denim is believed to come from the French city of Nîmes, de Nîmes, suggesting that, like many iconic workwear pieces, it has origins in France.

No conversation about denim is complete without Levi Strauss & Co., a brand whose popularity has stood the test of time. The oldest known pair of Levi’s jeans, dating back to 1873, was found in an abandoned mine in Nevada, older than the black tie dress code itself. Those jeans later sold at auction for $100,000, a testament to denim’s journey from utility to luxury.

Japan, renowned for both collecting and crafting denim, has fully embraced this rugged classic. Combined with traditional sashiko fabrics, Japanese denim holds a timeless appeal for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Without diving too deep into the history of all the other classic rugged wear that has found its way into the halls of menswear fame, let’s take a look at their current status and versatility:

The Leather Jacket: Enduring Edge

The leather jacket has remained iconic for good reason. It’s durable, effortlessly cool, and steeped in a sense of masculinity. Popularised by bikers and rockers in the 1950s, it still holds a firm place in modern wardrobes. Its aesthetic suggests confidence and independence and it only gets better with age.

The Field Jacket: From Battlefield to Fashion Runway

Originally worn by soldiers, the field jacket transitioned into civilian wardrobes as returning veterans brought it into everyday life. Known for its practicality and versatility, it’s now a regular feature in luxury fashion collections. Today’s versions are often made from premium materials like wool and cashmere, reimagining its rugged roots with refined appeal.

Canvas: The Utility Fabric

Canvas isn’t a material – it’s a weave. But what it represents is durability. From jackets and trousers to bags and shoes, canvas is everywhere. Its toughness has made it a go-to fabric across both workwear and high fashion.

Boots: Built to Last

Many iconic boots have workwear or military origins. Think steel-toe Dr. Martens, embraced by countless subcultures, or Timberlands, brought into the spotlight by hip-hop culture. Even many classic derby boots began as military-issue footwear. Rugged yet refined, these styles are now staples in the well-dressed man’s wardrobe.

Why Rugged Fashion Endures

Simply put: it ages beautifully.

Fades in denim and patina on leather tell stories. They aren’t flaws – they’re features. This worn-in look gives garments authenticity and character, recalling a time when these pieces were worn by the manliest of men. Today, you’re just as likely to spot them on a Fortune 500 CEO as on a craftsman in his workshop.

Rugged pieces also play well with other menswear classics. Picture:

• Jeans with a blazer or sport coat
• A field jacket layered over a suit
• Tough boots paired with chinos and an Oxford shirt

The combinations are endless, and always timeless.

The rugged aesthetic of denim, leather, canvas, and boots is more than just a passing trend. It’s a foundation of menswear that continues to evolve, blend, and inspire. Whether worn casually or paired with tailoring, these garments carry a legacy of strength, style, and staying power.