Double denim was a defining style of fashion of the 80’s and was not only a symbol of rebellion, but grew into an edgy form of casual wear.
The 80s was a decade that was defined by over-the-top fashion trends, and of course, denim. The double denim style, which was also known as a Canadian tuxedo , featured a pairing of jeans with either a denim shirt or jacket. It became an iconic look for both men and women and reflected on the decade’s love for individuality. The casual yet edgy fashion of the 80’s was a form of self-expression that still resonates with today’s fashion trends.
The Origins of Double Denim Double denim really became popular for the first time back in the 1980s. But the fashion trend actually started back in the 70s. People of the early 80s were eager to embrace a fashion style that allowed them to express their own personality and taste. Denim was historically associated with laborers and workwear, but by the end of the 1970s, it had transitioned into more of a mainstream fashion style. By the early 1980s, denim was more than just practical, had become a way of symbolizing youthful rebellion.
Of course, the popularity of double denim was also the result of influence from pop culture icons like movie stars and musicians. Double denim was featured in movies like Top Gun and The Outsiders, to name a few. The films glamorize the rugged, all-American look that double denim presented. It was a sign of economic prosperity that allowed people to experiment with fashion. And in the process, there was a rise in the layered fashion of the 80’s.
Double Denim – From Casual to Rebellious Without question, double denim was a fashion movement that not only represented everyday casual wear but also was the quintessential style of youth rebellion during the 80s.
Rebellious Fashion of the 80’s Long before the 1980s, denim had already been established as a style associated with rebellion. But it was the double denim look that really gained popularity during the 1980s. It was often worn by various subcultures that embraced the concept of nonconformity such as punk rockers. By pairing together 2 pieces of denim, one could channel an edgy, tougher attitude that rebelled against the preppy styles of the decade.
Popular musicians of the time also portrayed this ruggedness and pushed the narrative into popular culture. Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi both wore double denim and their music videos as well as during live performances. This only added to the association of double denim with the rock ‘n’ roll counterculture.
As Casual Wear But it’s important to remember that double denim was not just about being rebellious, as it was also a form of casual wear during the decade. High fashion designers like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren began to incorporate denim into various pieces of their collections. They elevated the fabric from its working-class roots into something that was more extravagant. This, of course, helped denim to become acceptable in a wide array of social settings.
Celebrities like Brooke Shields made jeans and double denim a symbol of casual elegance. It was no longer just something to be worn on the weekends, rather denim became an essential for any night out on the town. Soon, people all over the country had at least one gene jacket in their wardrobe, bedazzled with patches and rhinestones.
Personalizing Fashion of the 80’s Let’s face it, the 80s were all about self-expression, and denim allowed people to experiment with personalization. The pairing of denim clothes was often customized in order to reflect one’s individuality. Some people added patches to their jackets, while others attached pins or rhinestones. During the 80s, high-waisted jeans also grew in popularity. Women often coupled them with off-the-shoulder tops and an oversized denim jacket.
The People Who Made Double Denim Fashion of the 80’s If we were to identify a single icon of the 80s that was instrumental to the popularization of double denim, it would be none other than Madonna. Her fearless fashion choices often included denim. But, it’s important to remember that the double denim style was not just for women. Tom Cruise and Ralph Maccho also heavily influenced the style during the mid-1980s. It became the go-to look for any rebellious, all-American male.
The Continuing Appeal of Double Denim The trend had a significant impact on culture during the 1980s and still heavily influences fashions today. In its heyday, double denim was a way of breaking down fashion barriers, allowing it to be worn as a form of streetwear and casual wear. Although double denim received backlash during the late 90s and early 2000’s, it has long since made a very strong comeback. Today many celebrities, designers, and influencers have re-embraced the rebellious look. The style can be seen in streetwear and on runways around the globe, demonstrating that denim truly is a timeless fashion style.
Conclusion Double denim was more than just fashion in the 80’. Many today, assert that it was a cultural phenomenon that reflected the individualism of the decade. It allowed people to achieve a rugged look, that was still perfect for a night out on the town.
