Photograph courtesy of 3x1 Denim
No Sweat: Summer Denim
Sweet | June 2016
It’s a year-round staple, but wearing it when temperatures rise can bring its own set of challenges. Here, we enlisted denim expert Scott Morrison for some much-needed denim advice.
“I think all denim is summer appropriate,” says Scott Morrison, the New York-based designer behind 3x1’s coveted WM3 crop fringe jeans. Given all the infinite possibilities in the denim world, it’s not a surprising statement from someone with more than 15 years in the business. Having launched Paper Denim, Earnest Sewn, and most recently, 3x1 in 2011, Morrison knows that there are no hard and fast rules to follow when it comes to wearing denim in the summer.
“What I will say is that basic denim is down,” continues Morrison, whose 3x1 label specializes in premium denim. This denim pro knows that what draws people most to denim is style. “It’s a sign of the times. Girls are looking for more of a fashion statement with their jeans, and guys are looking to find an amazing product,” he says.
When it all boils down to is that there are plenty of ways to make denim work for you this summer. Here, Morrison shows us how—with his expert-level tips on how to resolve one of summer’s biggest dilemmas.
Lose the Weight
Lightweight denim is a really simple solution. Any good denim store is going to have lots of it,” says Morrison. “To start, look for denim that’s 10 oz.—it’s terrific for summer.” If you want to go up in ounces, Morrison says that’s OK too. He adds that most people buy between 10-12 oz. denim, which is a mid- to all-year round weight.
Lighten Up
“It’s more obvious that a lighter wash is more appropriate for summer," says Morrison. “But it also goes hand-in-hand with the vintage denim trend, which has a well-worn feel.”
As for dark denim, it might be better to reserve those for special occasions. “A dark wash has a tendency to be dressier,” explains Morrison. “I’m not saying you can’t wear dark denim in the summer!”
Crop It Out
“Right now, anything above the ankle is in,” says Morrison. “That’s going to continue into fall and next spring.” In other words, now is the time to invest in an ankle-baring pair if you haven’t already. And guys, the same applies to you too. Morrison notes that cut-off hems are just as popular with men as with their female counterparts.
Keep It Professional
“There’s always a limit, right?” says Morrison. “I wouldn’t suggest wearing ripped and repaired jeans to work. And you probably don’t need to wear a pair of crisp raw denim either.” Instead, pick a simple jean that “looks appropriate for the environment you’re going into,” suggests Morrison.
Think Bigger Picture
“Jean jackets, cut-off shorts—these can be worn during the day and can be added on at night,” says Morrison. Versatility will save you in the long run. He also points out: “It makes a lot of sense.”