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Canadian tuxedo
DCHP-3 (May 2025)
Spelling variants:Canadian tux, Canadian Tuxedo, "Canadian tuxedo"
Despite many claims referring to the 1951 incident in Vancouver, BC, involving Bing Crosby, the first attention of Canadian tuxedo is only rom 2002 (see quotations).
n. — Clothing, informal, at times jocular
a combination of blue jeans and denim jacket (see Image 1).
Type: 1. Origin — Known also by other names, such as Denim Dan style or Texas Tuxedo, Canadian tuxedo has gained currency in the youthful crowd as of the mid-2000s (see the 2012 quotation) after appearing in the 2001 movie Super Troopers (dir. Jay Chandrasekhar). The term is most popular in Canada (see Chart 1).
The fashion style has much older roots. Since the 1970s, many celebrities have worn "denim on denim", e.g. John Lennon. In 1951 singer Bing Crosby tried to access the Hotel Vancouver in Vancouver, British Columbia, wearing a denim jacket alongside denim jeans (see Crosby 2012, 1951 in the references). Crosby was denied access as his attire did not match the hotel's dress code until someone recognized him and allowed him entrance (see fist note). When Levi Strauss heard of the event, the company created a custom-made denim suit for Crosby (see the 2016 and 2018 quotations).
The suit was presented to Crosby in June of 1951 at the Silver State Stampede in Elko, Nevada (see Image 2). The double breasted tuxedo was a traditional dark blue denim with light blue lapels. Inside the coat was a leather label signed by the president of the American Hotel Association, D.J. O'Brien, stating "Levi's Tuxedo. Notice: to hotel men everywhere this label entitles the wearer to be duly received and registered with cordial hospitality at any time and under any conditions" (see Image 3). Crosby later wore the suit to the premiere of his movie "Here Comes the Groom" in Elko, Nevada in 1951 (see the Crosby 1951 video).
While it is undisputed that Levi Strauss & Co. created a tuxedo for Crosby in 1951, coverage of the event at the time does not use the term Canadian tuxedo. Instead Levi's tuxedo or, in the Crosby video below, dungaree formals is used. Canadian tuxedo became associated with the style later much later (see quotations) and appears to be a post-hoc adoption of a Levi Strauss & Co. PR stunt that is tied to Vancouver, BC. The term seems to originate in Canada around the year 2000.
The fashion style has much older roots. Since the 1970s, many celebrities have worn "denim on denim", e.g. John Lennon. In 1951 singer Bing Crosby tried to access the Hotel Vancouver in Vancouver, British Columbia, wearing a denim jacket alongside denim jeans (see Crosby 2012, 1951 in the references). Crosby was denied access as his attire did not match the hotel's dress code until someone recognized him and allowed him entrance (see fist note). When Levi Strauss heard of the event, the company created a custom-made denim suit for Crosby (see the 2016 and 2018 quotations).
The suit was presented to Crosby in June of 1951 at the Silver State Stampede in Elko, Nevada (see Image 2). The double breasted tuxedo was a traditional dark blue denim with light blue lapels. Inside the coat was a leather label signed by the president of the American Hotel Association, D.J. O'Brien, stating "Levi's Tuxedo. Notice: to hotel men everywhere this label entitles the wearer to be duly received and registered with cordial hospitality at any time and under any conditions" (see Image 3). Crosby later wore the suit to the premiere of his movie "Here Comes the Groom" in Elko, Nevada in 1951 (see the Crosby 1951 video).
While it is undisputed that Levi Strauss & Co. created a tuxedo for Crosby in 1951, coverage of the event at the time does not use the term Canadian tuxedo. Instead Levi's tuxedo or, in the Crosby video below, dungaree formals is used. Canadian tuxedo became associated with the style later much later (see quotations) and appears to be a post-hoc adoption of a Levi Strauss & Co. PR stunt that is tied to Vancouver, BC. The term seems to originate in Canada around the year 2000.
See: toque
Sources differ as to who identified Crosby in the hotel. Levi Strauss & Co. denim historian Lynn Downey claims it was the bellhop of the hotel (who remains unnamed); Kirstin Fawcett of Mental Floss writes that management was the one who recognized Crosby; Charlie Newman of E.L.V. Denim declares it to be the hotel clerk, Art Cameron, which differs from Howard Hickson's assertion that the clerk was the one who denied Crosby entrance; the writer for "Groovy History" claims that Art Cameron was a concierge who denied Crosby entrance and an unnamed bellboy was the one who recognized him. Opposing narratives remain.
Quotations
2002
However, Canadian viewers will appreciate some of the border-savvy jokes. Farva is ridiculed for ordering a "litre of cola" at a fast-food restaurant. Later, when Farva sees O'Hagan in civilian wear - a denim jacket and blue jeans - he asks his boss, "Where'd you get the Canadian tuxedo?" Such moments may not be as exciting as the sight of Homer Simpson at the CN Tower, but they'll do.
2009
"Don't try to wear a denim jacket with your jeans. You'll look like a jerk."
[...]
The show is peppered with "rudiments," quick hits of fashion advice such as the aforementioned warning against wearing denim jackets with jeans, also known as the "Canadian tuxedo."
2010
This spring, go on and rock the Canadian tux, Tiyana Grulovic writes. Just don't wear matching tones.
There was a time when the Canadian tuxedo - the often dubious pairing of jeans with a denim jacket - was exclusively the domain of farmhands and Bruce Springsteen.
Recently, though, a funny thing happened on the way to the barn dance: The surfeit of chic denim working the runways has elevated the blue collar to haute status, making even the Canuck tux acceptable - within limits.
2012
For those of you who don’t already know, the Canadian tuxedo is a classic jean-on-jean combo that has the mysterious ability to simultaneously repel and attract the opposite sex. Do it right, and you’re giving off that sexy asshole lumberjack vibe. Do it wrong, and you end up looking like last season’s hipster. Just remember: if it’s good enough for Ryan Gosling, it’s good enough for you.
2015
The Canadian tuxedo wasn't an overnight trend but has had a slow and steady burn over the past few decades.
"The Canadian tuxedo came out of the western-wear phenomenon that is dear to Albertans," says Jason Trotzuk, founder and creative director of Fidelity, a denim brand. "When you dress up in the West, you put on your best pair of jeans and a denim shirt. The pieces could both stand out on their own, but when you put them together you have a solid outfit."
2016
That denim-on-denim look, colloquially known as the “Canadian tuxedo,” has been around for so long that it, like the mom jean, has come full circle. From being a go-to style to a fashion faux pas (see: Justin Timberlake at the 2001 AMAs) back to a time-tested trend—the all-denim getup has seen its share of sartorial ups and downs.The Canadian Tuxedo got its name in 1951 when singer Bing Crosby was denied access to a Canadian hotel, simply because he was decked out in denim—a formal dress code no-no that exists in certain establishments to this day.
2018
Made from the classic denim used for the brand’s iconic 501 jeans, the look consisted of a tuxedo-style jacket, equipped with a corsage of red tabs and shiny rivets, and an interior leather patch that read: “Notice to All Hotel Men.” Levi’s dubbed the look the Canadian Tuxedo.
References
Images
Image 1: Canadian tuxedo wearer on stone turtle (Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: rococohobo)
Image 2: Elko Mayor Dave Dotta, left, and Bing Crosby Wearing Canadian Tuxedos in 1951 (Source: Hickson)
Image 3: Badge Inside 1951 Lapel for Crosby (Source: Hickson)
