Here’s an unpopular opinion we hope to make more popular. Light-wash jeans are better than dark-wash jeans. Okay, they aren’t better — not objectively. But subjectively, we very much prefer them. Light-colored pants and jeans are just more charming, and they pair effortlessly in the spring and summer when lighter and brighter hues reign supreme. You can do much more with light jeans than you realize. Let’s show you what you can do with them.
What Are Light Wash Jeans?
There’s a lot more to light-wash jeans than just the dye. The name also indicates that the jeans have been washed and possibly bleached. That means lighter-wash jeans are also typically softer when compared to raw denim and darker options. This also means that even within the family of light-wash jeans, some are lighter than others. For it to be a light wash, you want a lighter stone wash, an acid wash, or a bleached pair.
Are Light Wash Jeans As Popular as Dark Wash Jeans?
Light-wash jeans aren’t as popular as dark or medium ones. Admittedly, the latter are the most versatile. You can wear them in casual and the most formal business casual situations. Meanwhile, medium-wash blue jeans are incredibly classic despite their origins in workwear and Americana. Still, light-washed jeans are more versatile than people credit them for. You aren’t always able to wear them in business casual dress codes, but there are exceptions.
Are Light Wash Jeans Less Formal Than Dark Wash Jeans
The immediate answer is yes; light-wash jeans are less formal than dark-wash jeans. Most of the time, darker clothes generally look more formal than lighter ones. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t wear light jeans in a dressier setting. Remember that summer and spring suits are often lighter in color. But all things considered, light-wash jeans are indeed less formal.
When Can You Wear Light Wash Jeans?
Truthfully, you can wear light-wash jeans all year, especially the super light ones. Remember that there’s such a thing as winter white. However, they are most natural in warm weather seasons. Plus, don’t forget that they’re often lighter and softer, too, which makes them more comfortable when it’s hot out. Also, the lighter you go, the less blue they’ll look and the more you get into white jeans territory. For your first pair of light-wash denim, stay somewhere in the middle to give yourself more versatility.
How To Wear Light Wash Jeans
Fortunately, there’s no wrong way to wear light-wash jeans. Unless you pair them with a tuxedo jacket, you’ll likely be fine. However, there are ways to maximize them. It’s just a matter of ensuring you’re being appropriate and staying within the dress code. Even more, you’ll see that sometimes they really do look better than dark-wash denim.
Smart Casual
Since light-wash jeans are inherently more casual than dark ones, you can pair them with more formal suit separates. You might think that doesn’t make sense. However, imagine a black or dark navy blazer and a button-down, finished with dark loafers. If you wore that combo with black jeans, it would look more business casual. However, with light jeans, it’s just a more together-looking smart casual.
Cool Smart Casual
Regular-fit or even loose-fitting light-wash jeans sit naturally in a fashion-forward smart casual combo. Consider a T-shirt and a structured or unstructured blazer. Go for the former for a more off-duty sports agent look and the latter for something workwear-adjacent. Finish it off with fun accessories like a pocket square, sunglasses, a watch, or even rings and a bracelet.
Layer It Up
Light wash jeans, particularly acid wash jeans, have an ‘80s vibe to them. In the days of everything-goes, retro is never a bad idea, especially if you’re intentional about it. And there’s nothing wrong with mixing eras. You might consider light jeans, high-tops or some other retro-cool sneaker, and a t-shirt with an open outer layer, like a bowling shirt or button-up knit polo. It’s the sartorial equivalent of Marty McFly meets James Dean.
Top It With a Henley
If you’re a T-shirt and jeans kind of guy, consider going for a henley instead of a crewneck. The added structure levels up the handsome factor while maintaining the unstuffy casualness. And just as a henley is a level-up, so are light-wash jeans over blue jeans. I’m not saying that light-wash jeans are objectively better. However, they aren’t as common as blue jeans, giving you a level of uniqueness.
With a Pop of Color or Pattern
Light-wash jeans can really highlight a patterned garment, especially if you go for bright, vivid shapes and textures. I recommend going for an outer layer with a fun motif. You can also wear a solid shirt with a patterned vest or jacket. This creates dimension; dark wash jeans would anchor them down, while light wash jeans allow them to pop. Especially in warmer seasons, opt for that pop!
Denim on Denim
If you’re hesitant about trying the Canadian tuxedo, try mixing different washes. Going for a dark-wash denim shirt and light-wash pants gives you the necessary contrast that ensures you aren’t in jumpsuit territory. If you go for simple brown leather Chelsea boots, they’re cowboy-adjacent enough that the pairing works with the denim-on-denim. However, they’re sleeker, more every day, and more versatile. If it’s your thing, though, go on and sport those work boots or cowboy boots.
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The Right Wash for You
Though not quite as popular as dark wash jeans, light wash jeans are becoming more of a wardrobe staple. That means it might be time to invest in your first pair or bring some variety to your light wash selection. You might be comfortable styling your dark-wash jeans, but hopefully, these suggestions inspired you to style your light-colored jeans.
Hey cool look. but where is that brown leather jacket from ?
Hi Brock,
Although I’m not a big jean enthusiast, it comes from my high school days mid 60’s we weren’t allowed to wear jeans to school except on Fridays, I have a few pair from the mid-light wash to the dark blue. I wear my mid-light wash with my button-up baseball jersey and my dark blue with a casual sport jacket.