Deciding what to wear on a first date can be tricky. You want to look nice and put your best foot forward, but you also don’t want to come across as trying too hard. For many people, jeans are a wardrobe staple that can work for a variety of occasions. But are they appropriate for a first date? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding if you should wear jeans on a first date.
The pros of wearing jeans on a first date
Here are some potential benefits to wearing jeans on a first date:
They’re comfortable and casual
Jeans are a comfortable, familiar clothing item for most people. Wearing jeans can help you feel relaxed and confident on a first date, when nerves are often running high. Their casual vibe can take some of the pressure off making a good first impression. You want your date to see the real you, not an overly formal or dressed up version.
They’re versatile and can be dressed up or down
While basic blue jeans and a t-shirt can give off more of a casual look, there are many ways to dress up jeans for a date. Pair dark wash jeans with heels and a blazer for a night out. Opt for black jeans with a silky camisole and jewelry for drinks. Distressed boyfriend jeans with a flowing blouse create an edgy but feminine vibe. The options are endless, so you can achieve the look you want.
They show you’re low maintenance
Wearing elaborate outfits and heavy makeup sends the message that you’ll expect a lot of effort from your date. Jeans and natural makeup show you’re laid back and low maintenance. This can take the pressure off your date to plan an over-the-top outing. It also indicates you’ll be just as happy grabbing a casual bite to eat as an expensive dinner.
They’re affordable
Many people have at least a few pairs of jeans in their closet already, so you likely won’t have to spend money on a new outfit. Even if you want to buy a new pair of jeans for the date, you can get a great pair for much less than a whole new dress or outfit. This makes jeans a budget-friendly option if money is tight.
The cons of wearing jeans on a first date
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider about wearing jeans on a first date:
They may look too casual
If you want to convey that you’re taking the date seriously, jeans and a casual top may send the wrong message. Dressing up a bit can show that you’re interested in making a good impression. Jeans, especially very casual distressed pairs, might make it look like you don’t care much about the date.
They don’t stand out
A first date is a time when you want to look your very best. Jeans likely won’t have quite the wow factor of a black dress or sharp blazer and slacks. Unless the jeans are part of an incredible outfit, they probably won’t make you stand out in your date’s mind. Looking back later, your date may have clearer memories of a more distinctive look.
They may not match the location
If your date includes plans for a fancy restaurant, cocktail lounge, play, or other formal setting, jeans are likely too casual. You don’t want to feel underdressed or stick out when everyone else is dressed up. The location of the date should factor into your outfit choice. Jeans are better suited to more laid-back plans.
You might give off the wrong first impression
Like it or not, clothing choices impact the way others perceive us. Wearing sloppy, torn jeans may lead your date to think you’re lazy or disinterested. Super tight or revealing jeans could create the impression you’re looking for a hookup rather than a relationship. Think about the vibe your jeans exude and if that aligns with the impression you want to make.
Tips for wearing jeans on a first date
If you opt to wear jeans on a first date, follow these tips:
Make sure they properly fit
Ill-fitting jeans never look great. Make sure your jeans properly fit your body, rather than being too baggy, tight, or long. Well-fitting jeans will be far more flattering.
Go dark instead of light
Darker jeans and washes tend to look dressier, while lighter washes appear more casual. Choose a dark wash like indigo as opposed to a pale blue or white wash. Black jeans can also look sharp for a date night.
Avoid excess distressing or embellishments
Jeans with large holes, fraying, bedazzled embellishments, or other extra details can look messy rather than stylish. Opt for a classic, unfussy dark wash jean with minimal distressing.
Pair them with dressier tops and shoes
Fancy up your jeans by pairing them with heels, dressy blouses, blazers, jewelry, and other elevated accessories. This prevents your outfit from looking overly casual.
Pay attention to fit and fabric
Look for jeans made of stretchy fabrics that hug your body in all the right places. Stiff, ill-fitting denim isn’t likely to be flattering. Seek out jeans made with some spandex or stretch cotton blend.
Should you wear jeans on a first date?
So should you wear jeans on a first date? Here are some final considerations:
Take cues from where you’re going
Jeans are likely fine for casual plans like meeting at a coffee shop or going bowling. But they might not align with the dress code for a Michelin star restaurant or orchestra seats at the symphony. Let your date plans guide your outfit choice.
Consider your personal style
If you live in jeans normally, wearing them on a date will let your date see your authentic personal style. But if you rarely wear jeans, choosing them for a date could seem off-brand or costume-y.
Think about the impression you want to make
Well-fitting dark jeans paired with a blazer and heels strike a balance between laid-back and polished. But shredded light wash jeans may make you appear overly casual and uninterested, even if that’s not the case.
Be attentive to your date’s outfit
You want to try to match your date’s level of formality so one of you doesn’t feel under or overdressed. If your date wears dress trousers and a button-down, jeans are likely too casual.
The bottom line
Jeans can work well for a first date, as long as you style them appropriately for the occasion. Dark, tailored jeans paired with dressier accents like blazers, jewelry, and heels give you a put together yet comfortable look. But ragged, light wash jeans may appear too sloppy and casual, giving the wrong impression. Consider the plans, location, your personal style, and the image you want to convey. With the right pair of jeans and added touches, you can look stylish and feel confident on your first date.
Conclusion
In summary, jeans can be perfectly appropriate for a first date in many situations. The key is choosing a dark, tailored pair and dressing them up with blazers, heels, and nice tops. This prevents you from looking overly casual. However, for very formal plans or locations, jeans may not align with the dress code. Evaluate the context of your date and what impression you hope to make. If chosen and styled properly, jeans can allow you to feel relaxed and like your authentic self on a first date while still looking polished and put together. With some thought given to the outfit as a whole, jeans can work on a first date.
