When Kendrick Lamar won the 2025 Grammy Award for Record of the Year for his song “Not Like Us,“ the world got talking. Many praised his win, while others commented on his feud with Drake. An X user even pointed out that his outfit—a Canadian tuxedo—was most likely a petty jab at Drizzy, who’s from Canada.
While we can’t say for sure if Kendrick wore the outfit deliberately to spite his opps, Drake, we’re sure of one thing: it was a standout look. Denim on denim is a Y2K trend that is still making an impact today. In this guide, we take you through how it came to be with style tips to help you pull off the look whenever you’re ready.
A Peek into the Canadian Tuxedo Trend
A Canadian tuxedo is an all-denim coordinated ensemble that incorporates a denim shirt or jacket paired with jeans or a denim jacket on a denim shirt.
Contrary to its name, this look is in no way related to Canadian style. Instead, the name came about due to an incident in Canada back in 1951. American singer and actor Bing Crosby was denied entry to a hotel in Vancouver because he donned double denim. Art Cameron, the concierge who denied him entry, did so because he thought Bing “looked like a bum.” You wouldn’t blame him, though—prior to the Crosby incident, the denim fabric was originally perceived as workwear for rail workers, cowboys, and miners.
However, upon learning about the incident, Levi’s designed a custom denim tuxedo for Crosby as a PR stunt, so no establishment would describe him as too dressed down anymore. In no time, the double denim look became a movement. And now, what was once considered a faux pas has become a viral fashion staple.
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Celebrities Who Have Rocked the Canadian Tuxedo
Many 20th and 21st-century celebrities donned double denim. For example, Ralph Lauren made it his signature style. Music legends Marvin Gaye, Elvis Presley, and Bruce Springsteen donned it across global stages.
Similarly, Princess Diana rocked it tucked-in as one of her off-duty looks. Tupac gave us immortalized double denim outfits. Rihanna, all through the years, showed us multiple ways to pull off the trend. Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake donned the his-n-hers denim look at the America Music Awards in 2001 and at the VMA’s in 2014. Kanye West and Julia Fox gave it a shot during their brief fling. Beyonce fed us with enough denim-on-denim looks to commemorate her Cowboy Carter album. Steve Harvey, Ryan Reynolds, and now, Kendrick Lamar have made history with it too.
The Canadian Tuxedo in Designer Collections
Top designers are incorporating the Canadian tuxedo aesthetic into their collections. For instance, Maria Grazia Chiuri often includes the all-denim look in her collections for Dior. Similarly, Alexandre Vauthier, Schiaparelli, Alaia, Balenciaga, and other luxury houses have explored the beauty of denim ensembles on the runway.
How to Rock a Canadian Tuxedo
The trick to pulling off denim on denim is to not make it look like a blue-collar cosplay but a statement attire. Below, we explore how to do that:
Draw Inspiration from Celebrities
Look for old and recent photos of all-denim icons like Steve Harvey, Rihanna, Ralph Lauren, and Britney Spears. Study how they rocked and accessorized their looks, and then replicate them in your own way.
Pair with Any Style of Jeans
The all-denim look pairs great with any style of jeans whether boyfriend jeans, bootcut, skinny, straight-cut, bell-bottoms, or even denim skirts. Pick the one you want and go for it.
Pair Different Shades of Denim
For contrast, mix light and dark denim together. For example, wear a pair of worn-in jeans with a new jacket or a lighter-colored denim shirt with a darker-colored jean.
Wear a Tee or Shirt Underneath
Before wearing your jean jacket, wear a solid-colored tee or shirt underneath. It’ll add some extra contrast to your look, especially if the shirt isn’t the same color as your Canadian tux.
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Try Same Denim Shades
For a monochromatic look, wear the same denim shade and wash. For instance, try black or light jeans with a black or light denim shirt.
Accessorize for a Pop of Color
Dressing up is never complete without accessories, from jewelry to sunglasses and headwear. So, add a denim cowboy hat for that Texas vibe. Next, tie a bright-colored handkerchief around your neck for some contrast. Then, complete the look with sneakers, boots, or cute heels and a bright-colored handbage.
Freestyle Your Denim
Pop a few buttons to flaunt your necklace or the neckline of your tee. Roll the sleeve cuffs for a faded contrast between the inner and outer parts of your denim shirt. If you’re wearing a tee or shirt underneath, unbutton your jacket totally so it shows.
Pay Attention to Fit
When you’re pairing denim on denim, ensure they both have appropriate proportions. While some style experts believe skinny jeans should be paired with only a slim-fitted shirt, it doesn’t always have to be so. These days, you can rock a pair of baggy jeans with a fitted jacket. So whether you’re wearing loose on loose, fitted on fitted, or a cropped denim jacket with a high-rise jean, ensure the proportions align to create balance with your outfit.
Layer Your Canadian Tuxedo
If you’re living in cold climates, throw on a long coat, puffer jacket, or any outerwear that can give you extra warmth. Layering adds more textures and colors to your look, demonstrating the limitless style of an all-denim ensemble.
Bend the Rules with Your Canadian Tuxedo
As the aughts revival continues, expect more denim-on-denim looks from your favorite celebrities and influencers. Don’t be left out— hop on the Canadian tuxedo train for a timeless style. But while at it, bend the rules to suit your personal style and aesthetic.
If you’d rather not rock baggy jeans, try mini skirts or baggy shorts. Experiment with deconstructed or inside-out looks as your creativity permits. The important thing to remember is that while denim generally may be rigid, your look shouldn’t be. So, explore, experiment, and embrace different elements, hacks, and tips as you’re inspired.
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