There are probably few tasks more daunting to the fashionable man than denim shopping. With respect to the fabric’s status as a perpetual staple, the result can be an overwhelming selection of cuts, washes, and levels of ornamentation. Fortunately, denim’s development this season is very much a natural progression from where it was in previous seasons. Here we will note a few of the key characteristics of men’s denim trends as we move into autumn / winter 2012.

Coloured denim for men: evolving from carefree to cool

This summer saw colored denim reach a new level of street wear with brightly colored offerings from vivid greens to brilliant yellows. While tinted denim will definitely be very applicable in the upcoming months, the color palette itself is evolving out of lackadaisical summer shades into darker, richer hues.

Coloured denim at Yigal Azrouel, F/W ’12

Think of the Big Chill color trend or, alternatively, muted versions of summers yellows, greens, and blues.

Coloured jeans at Ted Baker, F/W ’12

Also expect black washes to splash across the streets, which can be a particularly useful addition to a wardrobe for the ease with which it complements both formal and informal attire.

For a more vintage look, as well as possible investment that will carry over into spring/summer 2013, consider investing in a pair of quality, medium wash, basic blue jeans. It may seem somewhat contradictory based upon the above discussion, but the chic simplicity of Versace’s traditional jeans is quite profound.

This is something of a counterintuitive, dark horse look this autumn, but it’s key to find a pair with rudimentary stitching that adheres to the “back to basics” intention of the color.

Vintage look jeans at Versace, F/W ’12

Luxe textures

Although the clear focus of summer’s denim was on colors, autumn and winter will explore different variables of the fabric in addition to continuing to develop colors. Primarily, there is a trend toward more luxurious blends that have something of a reflective sheen to them. The courser, matte finishes are making way for the sharper visuals of more refined blends, like those shown by Agnes B and Vivienne Westwood. Conveniently, this visual texture also pairs well with wool outerwear, making for an easy winter getup.

Denim textures at Agnes B and Vivienne Westwood, F/W ’12

Men’s denim: the new “worn in”

Another variable of denim is the “worn in” factor – the little details that make a pair of jeans your own from nicking to colossal holes. This season, paint flecks will demonstrate a new exploration of distressed denim. For a particularly timely look, constrain paint colors to the Big Chill palette once more. Another break from typical distressing is light, asymmetrical destruction. Both of these looks are explored by DSquared2, executed by an ensemble that is equal parts Marlon Brando rebellious (check out that cig) and preppy schoolboy.

Subtly distressed mens jeans at DSquared2, F/W ’12

Trim is in

Last, but certainly not least, we gents should be asking ourselves what cuts are key this fall. The main rule for form in autumn and winter will be slim through the thigh. Below the knee, cuts for the latter half of the year are negotiable anywhere between a slight bootcut to slim around the ankle (although take note that straight fits are definitely making a comeback). It isn’t necessary for the fit to be skinny above the knee, but it should at least be slim. In short, the main focus is that the cut flatters the upper leg.


Slim cuts at John Richmond and Dolce & Gabbana, F/W ’12