Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Fashion & Style

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Slick Style: Waxed Denim

By
slick style waxed denim
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We’ve discussed dry denim and raw denim, now for something a little less traditional. Waxed denim – or in some cases, coated denim – is kind of the “wash” of the future. Denim brands are starting to feature this wacky, or waxy, idea. Some jeans have a subtle sheen while others look like they are made from a completely different material. J Brand’s version has a rubbery texture because of its resin coating while Naked & Famous’ approach is more leathery.

“The new waxed denim is quite simply a wax coated Japanese denim,” says Naked & Famous founder Brandon Svarc. “The paraffin wax is sprayed onto the denim and then baked in order to adhere it to the fabric. You’ll notice a bit of a shine from the coating, and the more you beat up your jeans, the more the natural creases and marks will develop and start to wear away at the coating.”

So if you’re looking for a way to shake up your denim game, this is definitely the way to go. Just make sure you have a reliable dry cleaner, don’t sit on any white couches and don’t get too close to any heat sources. Oh, and if you’re more of a do it yourself-er, you can always pick up some Otter Wax from Portland, Oregon.

J Brand – Tyler in Underground – Slim fit in a grey stretch jean with a matte black tar-like coating applied in the garment form with the slightest abrasion.

Paige Denim – Coated Slim Fit Jeans – Proportionately cut slim-fitting jeans are crafted in America from black coated denim, giving the style a tough-looking sheen when caught in the light.

Naked & Famous – Wax Coated Jeans – Exclusively at Barney’s, Skinny leg, five-pocket style; metal logo buttons and rivets.

7 For All Mankind – Slim Straight Leg in Black Coated Indigo – Coated denim that will gradually wear over time, giving your jeans some additional character.

Diesel Waxed Denim Jeans – Black cotton waxed denim jeans from Diesel featuring a concealed zip fastening, belt loops, side seam pockets, rear welt pockets, a leather brand patch to the rear and a slim fit.

Stefan Doyno
Stefan Doyno
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Stefan Doyno is a two-time Emmy-winning television producer who has worked for various shows at ABC News, including Good…
A day at the races: How to dress for the Kentucky Derby
Let your colors and patterns fly at the Kentucky Derby
Men's Derby Fashion with Bowties

Thanks in no small part to social media, The Kentucky Derby has become more than a horse race, becoming a major annual fashion event. Horse races have historically been social events that encouraged spectators to dawn their most spectacular finery going back to Victorian England. That tradition carried over to the States, and three races of the Triple Crown have been fashion events for America's upper class for well over a century. As a social engagement, the greatest of the three big races is The Kentucky Derby, and the greatest part of the race is the Kentucky Derby outfits. Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, becomes the fashion capital of the South for one weekend every May.

The rise of social media and "fit" culture have led to a boom in Kentucky Derby parties across the country over the past ten years. An event that used to be a niche interest to horse racing and gambling enthusiasts, along with the few people wealthy enough to attend the event, has become a national fashion event. People who have no interest in horse racing and will probably not even watch the race (there are a number of races happening all day, culminating in the actual headline race) gather together over their shared love of dressing up and partying. It has become an occasion to be seen, both #IRL and on every social media platform.

Read more
Get up to 50% off Oliver Cabell sneakers, loafers, and more today
oliver cabell sneaker sale april 2024 sneakers on feet

There are some fantastic sneaker deals at Oliver Cabell providing you’re fast enough to snap one up. There’s up to 50% off select styles with something for every taste and desire here. To get the discount, just use the promo code LASTCALL. With 150 products available right now, the best thing to do is take a look for yourself by tapping the button below. Otherwise, if you keep reading, we’ll take you through some highlights that we particularly love in the sale.

What to shop for in the Oliver Cabell sneaker sale
If you love to have the best sneakers in your wardrobe, you’ll love what Oliver Cabell has to offer. We instantly love the which is down to $150 from $199. A distressed twist on the brand’s iconic low-top silhouette, it’s handcrafted and coupled with buttery Italian calfskin leather and custom outsoles. No two pairs are alike and the combination of green and white looks great.

Read more
Go bold with yellow watches for men: Our top picks
Our top picks for yellow watches for men
Hublot Big Bang Unico Yellow Magic

Yellow watches for men are not for the faint-hearted, and you'll need some serious confidence if you're going to sport one of these eye-catchers on your wrist. With summer just around the corner, a yellow watch is the perfect accessory to brighten up your look, whether you're taking a stroll along the Italian Riviera or lounging at home with steaks on the grill. These citrus-hued watches, from the TAG Heuer Formula 1 to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver, stand out as a ray of sunshine amid the gloom of rainy spring days, making us dream of the warm breeze and blooming flowers in summer.

Yellow watches come in a hue that commands attention, that's for sure, which is why you see them on road signs and neon highlighters at school. With its inherent ability to captivate, either as a matte yellow or a more lustrous gold, the presence of a yellow dial on your watch will certainly draw attention.
Yellow watches for men: Our Top 5 picks

Read more