The Canadian Tuxedo

By Olivia Jaber and Chase

The versatility of the Canadian Tuxedo is the understatement of the year. There are so many different kinds of Canadian Tuxedos— from a denim jacket and jeans to a denim jumpsuit— there really is an option out there for everyone. There are a variety of events you can wear them to and the only accessory required is confidence. This iconic and underappreciated ensemble deserves and has earned acclaim in the fashion world with good reason. 

After all, it could be fall, or it could be summer— you could find yourself headed to one of this upcoming season’s house parties you’ve been invited to, or on a casual day out with your closest girlfriends— and the Canadian Tuxedo would be there, in the back of your mind, saving you from that last-minute, “I don’t have anything to wear!” panic. Opting for denim on denim is bold and gives off the impression that you know what you’re doing, and you’re not afraid to show it. Beyond that, there’s an effortless “cool” appeal to the Canadian tux that makes it seem like it was always your first choice. The Canadian Tuxedo exudes conviction— nothing says I am comfortable with my style like mixing and matching America’s favorite material. 

The history of the Canadian Tuxedo makes us love the idea of rocking one all the more. More or less, everyone important has been caught debuting the iconic look with their own twist. We think of the Britney and Justin moment when the denim on denim conversation just started gaining traction. Going back in time a little bit before Brustin made it fashionable, the Canadian tux is said to have originated in the 1950s, when Bing Crosby was nearly rejected from an upscale hotel in Vancouver, BC, because of his all-denim outfit. When Levis caught wind of this catastrophe, they sent him a custom-made all-denim tuxedo, hence the namesake “Canadian Tuxedo.”

Keeping it simple

Nothing says All-American girl like pairing your favorite vintage jeans with a denim jacket. It just so happens that the simplest of outfits tend to have such a guise to them. This combo can be worn to any event where the dress code permits denim. To start, pair a denim jacket or chambray shirt with some jeans or jean shorts of a similar wash. Throw on a simple tank or band tee for an effortlessly chic look. From there, experiment and mix and match your washes— have fun with it. City girls and country girls alike can rock this uniform with pride. 

Ready to party

Whether it’s a house party or an after-party, the Canadian Tuxedo is ready to make an appearance. Start with your classic denim jacket and jeans, or opt for a denim jumpsuit, add a pair of statement boots, and you’ve got a look that could take you from a Fraternity pregame to a night on the town. Sleek and sexy meets classic Americana with this number that you can likely assemble with what you already have in your closet. 

Casual made elegant 

Denim, while inherently casual, can hold its own in the formal wear game thanks to some beautiful silhouettes and genius designers. The Canadian Tuxedo can be made elegant by merely having an eye for darker washes and clean lines. A well-tailored double denim outfit can be just as refined as a tweed blazer set— the secret is simply some clean lines and a saturated wash. There is something utterly impressive about turning something as casual as denim into evening wear. Ralph Lauren mastered this feat well. Pulling this off might seem daunting— but if you can, it will surely be the talk of the party. 

Photo via Pinterest, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, WhoWhatWear