Despite soaring temperatures across the UK and Europe, many men are refusing to swap their jeans for shorts. This week, as Britain sweltered under a heatwave, Andy Burnham, the newly sworn-in MP for Makerfield, was spotted wearing his signature dark jeans and a dark blue T-shirt, a look he defended against criticism from Kemi Badenoch. Meanwhile, at Paris men’s fashion week, where temperatures hit record highs, designers and attendees alike were seen in denim, with Jonathan Anderson bowing in vintage Levi’s and Salomon trainers on France’s hottest day on record.
Retail Data Shows Surge in Denim Sales
Retail figures confirm the trend: John Lewis reported a 3% increase in sales of Nudie indigo jeans, searches for Carhartt jeans rose 100% week on week, and straight-fit Edwin jeans saw a 200% increase compared to the previous week, when temperatures were cooler. According to Henrik Lischke, fashion news and features director at Grazia, “Men in shorts is the reason why men are wearing jeans. Shorts have become such a sticky topic fashion-wise that a lot of men haven’t quite figured them out. Jeans with a T-shirt or shirt is just an easier way to crack summer dressing.”
Masculinity and Utility: The Deeper Meaning
Andrew Groves, professor of menswear systems at Westminster University, sees the phenomenon as a statement on masculinity. “Wearing jeans in a heatwave is not really about comfort. It is about how menswear trains men to dress within systems of utility, restraint and masculine control, even when those systems stop making practical sense,” he said. However, many denim advocates argue that jeans are naturally breathable due to their cotton composition, preventing overheating. Zak Maoui, style director at UK Esquire, who wore Levi’s 501s throughout Paris fashion week, noted, “Wearing jeans also means your legs are covered, which stops them getting burned.”
Styling Tips for Summer Denim
For casual occasions, Lischke recommends 90s light-blue jeans, while dark indigo is better for office environments. “You definitely want to avoid stonewash or anything distressed,” he advises. Footwear is key: loafers for most places, smart leather sandals or flip-flops for weekends. Andy Burnham often pairs his jeans with Birkenstocks when not wearing Adidas trainers. The trend may signal a backlash to fashion’s obsession with short shorts. “Shorts can be incredibly chic at any age but maybe they are best kept for the garden or beach,” Lischke said. “Everyone loves to see Harry Styles in a pair of short shorts. But there is a time and place for them.”
