CLUB PRIVILÈGE
ICONIC DENIM: THE MUST-HAVE IN YOUR WARDROBE
In a November 1983 interview for The New Yorker, Yves Saint-Laurent said, "I have only one regret, that I didn't invent jeans (...) They have character, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - everything I want for my clothes.
If there's one material that can be found in every men's and women's wardrobe, it's denim. It's the name of the material used to make denim trousers, jackets and shirts. It can be as chic as it is casual, and has been adopted by all social classes, from the working class to the elite and celebrities.
A brief history of denim
The origins of denim go back to the 19th century. Denim was originally manufactured in Nîmes, hence its name, a contraction of "de Nîmes". It is a twill weave (a weave characterised by regular oblique sides) which gives an oblique design. The weave is very dense, which gives it great strength. It is used to make jeans, hence its English translation, 'toile de jean'.
Jeans as we know them today - indigo blue dyed with rivets and solid pockets - were patented in 1873 by tailor Jacob Davis and textile entrepreneur Levi Strauss.
In the 1960s, jeans became the symbol of the counterculture and young protesters. Over time, however, they were democratised and reached a wider section of the population. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, haute couture began to use denim to create new collections. The first designer to present denim on the catwalk was Calvin Klein in 1976. It was a huge commercial success, and other major fashion houses followed suit, including Dior, Versace, Dolce & Gabanna and many others.
Today, denim is seen everywhere, from the most luxurious designer windows to fast fashion brands. Denim garments range from trousers to shirts to T-shirts and even swimwear.
Café Coton and denim
As shirt experts, we wanted to revisit traditional denim in our own way, to create pieces that reflect our identity. Our wide range of denim colours is sure to delight you, from the most intense blue to the softest blue, not forgetting a grey colour that gives the shirt character and a trendy vintage look. Because details are what matter most to us, choose between a button-down collar or a Mao collar to finish off your style.
But at CAFÉ COTON, because we know how beautiful denim makes you look, we also offer shirts and overshirts. However, our team advises you to avoid the total denim look. So don't pair your denim overshirt with a shirt in the same material.
Women can also find denim models that will enhance their outfits and make them feel comfortable and elegant.
Denim, for what occasions?
Even though denim is very flattering, it's still a casual material that can't be worn in every situation. If you're having a wedding, opt for poplin instead, for example (see our article "Which shirt for a wedding?" for more details). Choose denim for daytime or casual events. You'll still look smart in a shirt, but with a casual edge.