Boat Shoes And Jeans: A Guide To Effortless Style

Boat shoes are a versatile footwear option, pairing well with jeans, chinos, or shorts, and can be dressed up or down. They are a great option for the summer months, but how do you wear them with jeans? The key is to achieve a contrast in colour between the two items. Avoid skinny jeans, as the wide-set boat shoe can look awkward when paired with tapered jeans. Instead, opt for wide-leg, straight-leg, or slim-fit jeans. Cuffing the hems of your jeans can also complement the look, drawing attention to the boat shoes. While boat shoes and jeans are a natural combination, it is important to note that they are best suited for casual and smart-casual settings.

Boat shoes and jeans: a natural combination

Boat shoes and jeans are a classic combination, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you're pulling off the look. The boat shoe is a versatile footwear option that can be dressed up or down, offering both comfort and style. When paired with jeans, this combination is best suited for casual and smart-casual settings, especially during the summer and early autumn months. Here are some tips to help you rock this effortless look:

Choose the Right Jeans

Not all jeans are created equal when it comes to pairing them with boat shoes. Avoid skinny jeans or excessively tapered styles as they can look awkward with the wide-set boat shoe. Instead, opt for jeans with a slightly wider leg, such as wide-leg, straight-leg, or slim-fit jeans. This will create a more balanced silhouette.

Cuff Your Jeans

Cuffing your jeans is a great way to showcase your boat shoes. Rolling up the hem of your pants adds a casual, summery vibe to your look. Just remember to avoid pinrolling, which creates a tapered appearance at the lower leg that can look out of balance with the wide-set boat shoe.

Colour Coordination

When it comes to colour, contrast is key. Boat shoes work best when they stand out from your jeans. Avoid choosing a pair of boat shoes that are similar in colour to your jeans. Instead, opt for a complementary but different colour. For example, pair dark blue jeans with light brown boat shoes. If you're going for a very casual look, feel free to experiment with brighter and bolder colours.

No Visible Socks

Visible socks are a big no-no when wearing boat shoes with jeans. To maintain the casual elegance of this combination, go for no-show socks. They will keep your feet comfortable and fresh without ruining the look.

Dress Code

While boat shoes and jeans can be dressed up or down, it's important to note that this combination is inherently casual. It's not suitable for formal or business-casual events. Instead, reserve this look for garden parties, beach days, casual dates, bars, and casual restaurants.

Final Touches

To elevate your outfit, pay attention to the details. Try to match your belt to your boat shoes in colour. Additionally, consider the upper garments. For very casual settings, a vest with an unbuttoned overshirt or a simple T-shirt would be perfect. For smart-casual occasions, a polo shirt or Henley shirt is a great choice.

Cuff your jeans, but don't pinroll

Cuffing your jeans is a great way to add a personal touch to your outfit and can be a fun way to change up your look. It's also practical, as it shortens your jeans without having to cut or sew them. When wearing boat shoes, cuffing your jeans can help draw attention to your footwear, which is ideal if you've invested in a new pair of boat shoes you want to show off.

There are many ways to cuff your jeans, but the single cuff is the simplest and works with most types of jeans. To do a single cuff, fold up the leg outwards once about 5 centimetres (2 inches) above the hem. You can make this cuff neat and even or purposely messy, depending on the look you're going for.

If you want to take off more length, you can try a double cuff by doing two single cuffs. Just remember that the cuff shouldn't sit higher than the top of your shoes. If your jeans are on the shorter side, you can try the "skinny" double cuff by folding down the hem to hide it after doing the first cuff.

When cuffing your jeans to wear with boat shoes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid pinrolling your jeans. Pinrolling is a type of cuff that involves pinching the edge of the hem and rolling it up to create a tapered appearance at the lower leg. While this can work well with slimmer footwear, it can look unbalanced with wide-set boat shoes. Secondly, remember that cuffed jeans work best in warmer weather. When the temperature drops, it's probably best to switch to a different type of shoe. Lastly, always avoid visible socks with boat shoes, so opt for no-show socks or go sockless if you're comfortable.

Avoid skinny jeans

While boat shoes and jeans are a natural combination, it is best to avoid skinny jeans. The wide-set boat shoe with its low-cut ankle and bright, contrasting colours can look awkward when paired with skinny jeans. The jeans taper and wrap tightly around the lower leg, which can make the boat shoe appear even wider in comparison. This can create an unbalanced silhouette, making the top half of your body look heavy.

That being said, some people do wear skinny jeans with boat shoes and make it work. If you want to try this combination, opt for a slim-fit jean instead of skinny jeans. A wider leg will balance the proportions of your outfit, creating a more harmonious look. Wide-leg, straight-leg, or slim-fit jeans are the most appropriate styles to wear with boat shoes.

When wearing boat shoes with jeans, it is important to achieve contrast in colour between the two items. Boat shoes typically feature bright, contrasting colours and decorative lacing, so they will stand out from your pants. Avoid choosing a pair of boat shoes that is similar in colour to your jeans. For example, dark blue jeans with dark blue boat shoes would not create enough contrast. Instead, try dark blue jeans with light brown boat shoes to create a stylish look.

In addition to colour, you should also consider the fit of your jeans. Avoid excessively tapered jeans, as they can look awkward with the wide-set boat shoe. A slight taper at the ankle is fine, but too much tapering will make the boat shoe appear even wider. Cuffing your jeans can also complement this look, adding a casual, summery vibe to your outfit. However, avoid pinrolling your jeans, as this will create a more tapered appearance at the lower leg that may look unbalanced with the wide-set boat shoe.

No visible socks

Boat shoes are a popular choice for a smart-casual look, but it's important to wear them with the right trousers and socks. While some people choose to wear boat shoes without socks, this can be uncomfortable and unhealthy, and it may also damage your shoes. A better option is to wear no-show socks, which will be invisible but will help to eliminate blisters and irritation, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.

No-show socks are a low-cut style of sock designed to be worn with boat shoes, loafers, sneakers, and other casual footwear. They are soft and breathable, ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable. This is important because boat shoes are typically made of leather or canvas, with a low, below-the-ankle profile, making them ideal for warmer weather.

When wearing boat shoes with jeans, it's best to choose a pair of a similar tone to your jeans and use the colour of the laces as a focal point. You can also try cuffing the hems of your jeans to complement the look and draw attention to your shoes.

In addition to no-show socks, dress socks can also be worn with boat shoes, providing a slightly more formal look while still remaining relaxed and casual. However, it is generally recommended to avoid wearing socks with boat shoes, as this can ruin the look. If you do choose to wear socks, avoid athletic socks, as these are considered a major style faux pas.

Keep it casual

Boat shoes are a great addition to your wardrobe, offering both comfort and style. They are a versatile shoe that can be dressed up or down, and are perfect for the warmer months. Here are some tips for keeping it casual when wearing boat shoes with jeans:

Firstly, it's important to note that boat shoes and jeans are best suited for casual and smart-casual settings. They are not appropriate for formal events or business-casual environments. With that in mind, you can start to build your outfit. For a very casual look, you have more freedom to experiment with colours. Opt for brighter, bolder colours with more contrast between your jeans and shoes. For example, try a pair of light blue jeans with bright red or yellow boat shoes. You could also go for distressed jeans with rips and tears, or acid-washed denim. On top, a simple T-shirt or vest with an unbuttoned overshirt will complete the look.

If you're going for a smart-casual vibe, it's best to choose more neutral colours. Dark blue or grey jeans paired with brown or navy blue boat shoes will create a sophisticated look. Avoid distressed jeans with rips and tears, as these may make the outfit too casual. On top, a polo shirt or Henley shirt is a good choice. If you want to dress it up a little more, an Oxford shirt with a blazer or sports coat is a great option.

Regardless of the level of casualness, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid skinny jeans or excessively tapered jeans, as these can look awkward with the wide-set boat shoe. Instead, go for wide-leg, straight-leg, or slim-fit jeans. Cuffing your jeans can also work well with boat shoes, adding a summery feel to your outfit. Just remember to avoid visible socks! No-show socks are a great option to maintain comfort and hygiene without ruining the look. Finally, try to match your belt to your boat shoes if you can – it will make your outfit seem well-thought-out and intentional.

Frequently asked questions