As the UK's sweltering heatwaves intensify, it's not just our homes and gardens that are feeling the strain – so too is our wardrobe. While most of us instinctively reach for lighter fabrics to keep cool, a growing number of men are bucking this trend by opting for jeans, even when temperatures soar above 30 degrees Celsius. Take Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who's been spotted sporting his signature dark jeans and T-shirt combo, despite the heat.
But Burnham is far from alone in his love for denim during the summer months. At Paris Men's Fashion Week, a significant number of attendees were also seen donning jeans, defying the conventional wisdom that lighter clothing is the key to beating the heat. Even high-end designers like Jonathan Anderson have been spotted wearing their signature vintage Levi's jeans during fashion shows in record-breaking temperatures.
But what's behind this sartorial shift? According to Henrik Lischke, fashion news and features director at Grazia, it may be down to a simple case of dressing ease. "Shorts have become such a tricky topic for men to get right," he explains. "Jeans with a T-shirt or shirt are just an easier way to crack summer dressing." Andrew Groves, professor of menswear systems at Westminster University, takes a more nuanced view, suggesting that it's a reflection of the ways in which menswear often trains men to dress within certain 'systems' – even when those systems no longer make practical sense.
So what do the numbers say? According to John Lewis, sales of Nudie indigo jeans are up by 3% this week alone, while searches for Carhartt jeans have surged by a whopping 100% compared to last week. Sales of straight-fit Edwin jeans have seen an even more dramatic rise – 200% in fact – suggesting that consumers are making a deliberate choice when it comes to their wardrobe.
But jean wearers are quick to point out the practical benefits of their choice. "Cotton jeans are naturally breathable," says Zak Maoui, style director at UK Esquire. "And let's not forget about sun protection – covered legs are a must in the heat." On the high street, popular styles include untucked shirts over jeans for ventilation and unbuttoned shirts worn over T-shirts.
So is this trend just a phase, or does it signal a more profound shift in menswear? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure – when it comes to beating the heat, some men are choosing to stick with what they know best: their trusty jeans.