The home of maple syrup, hockey, brown bears and moose is also the home of a very particular vestimentary tradition. Throughout much of the expansive land, most Canadians will own two very particular items of clothing if nothing else. A denim shirt, and a pair of denim jeans.
But why Canada? And how did this tradition come to be? It all started in at the Hotel Vancouver back in 1951 with a, surprisingly, American singer. In the earlier stages of his career, Hollywood superstar Bing Crosby was on a hunting trip with some pals in Canada. According to Lynn Downey, a Levi Strauss & Co. historian and author of A Short History of Denim, the group attempted to check into a room at the Hotel Vancouver, but upon seeing Cosby’s Levi-clad frame, the clerk refused their entry.
The idea that denim was only a suitable clothing material for farmhands and manual labourers alone hadn’t quite dissipated from public consciousness just yet. According to Downey, Levi’s heard about the incident and were not best pleased.
To rectify the situation, the iconic denimwear brand presented Crosby with his very own custom-made denim tuxedo jacket, which he was given at a ceremony in Elko, Nevada – where Bing had been made an honorary mayor. What was officially dubbed the ‘Canadian Tuxedo’ even featured a small leather note atop its lining – “Notice to All Hotel Men.”
Since its inception back in the Fifties, variations of the Canadian Tux have had their moments in the pop culture spotlight. Britney Spears’ and Justin Timberlake’s infamous appearance at the 2001 AMAs for one, Bella Hadid’s casual street-style or even Julia Fox and Kanye West stepping out in matching all-denim ensembles – it’s a style that has become zeitgeist within the fashion world time and time again.
Back and trending more than ever, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best denim options for you to create your very own Canadian Tux-inspired look. Keep scrolling for denim-on-denim goodness.
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Denim Jackets
GANT Denim Jacket
This ultra-boxy and relaxed fit denim jacket is technically menswear, but we think it works perfectly as a unisex garment for a borrowed-from-your-boyfriend-style silhouette. It features an adjustable tab at the hem, meaning you can tighten it to your desired fit if you’re looking for an 80s-inspired look rather than the oversized 90s vibe.
The mid-blue wash is extremely versatile, so this jacket a wonderful companion to any ensemble – Canadian Tuxedo or not. It is accented with denim shank buttons, twin needle stitching, chest and side seam pockets and an embroidered locker loop at the back.
Buy now £195.00, GANT
Pangaia Nettle Denim Jacket
Cut to perfection, this Pangaia denim jacket is a chic, sleek and stylish piece. It is made with regenerative wild Himalayan nettle and organic cotton that make it a wonderfully sustainable option for the eco-conscious among us. This is because, according to the brand, organic cotton is a less-polluting bio-based virgin fibre that is entirely renewable.
This climate positive garment also features a custom purple selvedge on the inside and has been treated with PPRMINT, Pangaia’s own durable odour-repellent finish which smells like peppermint to keep them fresher for longer. Designed to be recycled when you’re finished with it, the jacket also has non-galvanised, recyclable stainless-steel buttons.
Buy now £235.00, Pangaia
Loewe workwear jacket in denim
This slouchy workwear-style jacket from Loewe provides a show-stopping base to work your Canadian Tuxedo look around. With contrasting denim panels on the front and back, you can mix and match your favourite denim wash jeans alongside the piece, depending on whether you’re feeling a darker or lighter look on any given day.
With a luxurious anagram embossed calfskin chest pocket, two patch pockets and side ties – we simply can’t get enough of this perennially chic denim jacket.
Buy now £1000.00, Harrods
Denim 100 Anniversary Chore Jacket
Fabricated with Dickies’ signature raw, 100 per cent cotton and authentic denim, this workwear jacket was created to celebrate Dickies being around for a whole century. A heritage staple designed to combine modern aesthetics with tried and true historical design, you can’t go wrong with this boxy chore coat. With pockets on the outside and inside, as well as reinforced elbows – this denim jacket is as practical as it is stylish.
Buy now £38.00, Dickies
Levi’s Made & Crafted Tucked Type II Trucker Jacket
We couldn’t do a round-up of jacket options for a Canadian Tux without including an option from the very creators of the garment. A twist on both the classic denim shacket, this dark wash design has been crafted with extra soft cotton for the most comfortable wear. The Tucked Type II Trucker Jacket also features a flap pocket design, archival touches re-imagined, and a ruched detail at the wrists as well as pleated effect at the buttons.
A subtle design with plenty of hidden examples of expert craftsmanship, this seasonal staple is a must-have for your double denim look.
Buy now £160.00, Levi’s
SAINT LAURENT Denim blazer
We couldn’t not include an actual suit option for those of you who are hoping to recreate the Britney and Justin look. You’ll look straight off the runway with this impeccably tailored two piece by Saint Laurent. Highlights includes the structured and face-framing shoulder pads, as well as the dramatic peak lapels. For the matching jeans, keep scrolling.
Buy now £1935.00, Net-A-Porter
H&M Denim Jacket
She’s your standard mid-wash denim jacket that will never go out of style, reasonably priced and oh-so stylish. Short and fitted for a more shirt-like look, this online exclusive is sure to sell-out fast this summer – so you best grab yours before they’re all gone.
Buy now £29.99, H&M
Axel Arigato Beam Denim Jacket
Another option that is technically part of Axel’s menswear collection, we couldn’t help but include it in this edit. With its classic trucker-style silhouette, zip closure and adorable embroidered daisies, this summer-ready denim jacket will elevate any Canadian Tuxedo in an instant.
Buy now £235.00, Axel Arigato
Jeans
Levi’s 501 Original Jeans
We don’t think there’s really a more perfect pairing for a true Canadian Tuxedo than a pair of classic, straight-leg Levi 501s. As the brand explains, “They’re literally the blueprint for every pair of jeans in existence,” thanks to Mr Strauss first inventing them way back in 1873.
This medium-indigo wash is incredibly flattering and goes with just about everything. They are made from 100 per cent cotton with no stretch and feature the classic button-fly. Your wardrobe isn’t complete without a pair of these.
Buy now £100.00, Levi’s
Axel Arigato Ryder Flared Jeans
These funky two-tone jeans by Axel Arigato are another versatile pick for those who aren’t quite sure what kind of denim wash they’re feeling. Though they match wonderfully with the above featured denim jacket, they’ll work with pretty much any design and wash. Cut to a slim, flared fit – they’re a highly flattering pair of jeans that’ll compliment your Canadian Tux.
Buy now £150.00, Axel Arigato
Good American Good Curve Straight Cashmere Jeans
If you find classic denim unbearably uncomfortable, but love the look of a Canadian Tux, Good American has got you covered. These ultra-high rise denim jeans are made with a comfort stretch fabric which holds its shape like the fabric’s traditional stiff construction, but without cutting off your circulation. The five-pocket style also features reinforced belt loops, so if you’re a big fan of a statement belt but fear your regular jeans can’t handle the friction, you’re all set with this style.
Buy now £155.00, Good American
Everlane The Way-High Jean
Everlane’s highest rise jean yet, the waist-to-hip straight leg design is both comfortable and flattering while giving the illusion of longer legs. These jeans are fabricated from 98 per cent organic cotton and 2 per cent elastane, giving them that extra bit of stretch where needed.
Buy now £95.00, Everlane
SAINT LAURENT High-rise bootcut jeans
As promised, the jaw-dropping matching bootcut jeans for the featured denim blazer by Saint Laurent. Made from 100 per cent cotton, these jeans feature a concealed button with a hook and zip fastening at the front to really give you that suit-like feel.
Buy now £600.00, Net-A-Porter
Sezane The 70s Trousers
With all things 70s making a comeback thanks to Amazon Prime’s Daisy Jones and the Six, these straight-leg, flared jeans by Sezane are a must-have. Style yourself like a true rockstar of the era and pair these dark wash trousers with a mismatching, oversized denim jacket. Pretend it’s Mick Jagger’s, or something.
Buy now £125.00, Sezane
Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Make like a true cowboy and elevate your Canadian Tux with these slouchy, studded jeans from Reformation. All that’s missing is a western-style hat, cowboy boots and a bolo tie. Sustainably made in Turkey, you’ll feel better about splashing some cash once you realise that you’ll be saving 13lbs of CO2 and 9,870 gallons of water in choosing these planet-friendly jeans.
Buy now £235.00, Reformation
Pangaia Nettle Jeans
The final matching option to pair with the above Nettle Jacket from Pangaia, you’ll be nailing the utilitarian workwear trend with these straight legged jeans. Made from the same regenerative wild Himalayan nettle, complete the set and enjoy your sustainable, quality purchase all season.
Buy now £195.00, Pangaia
