Grooming & Fragrance

18 Best Beard Oils For Men: Whisker Wisdom Guide

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So, you’ve grown a beard. Congrats — that’s step one. But if you think you can just let it run wild and unruly, think again. Just like the hair on your head (or what’s left of it), your beard deserves some proper TLC. That’s where beard oil comes in — the not-so-secret weapon behind a beard that looks sharp, smells great, and feels softer than your favourite hoodie. It’s not just for show either; beard oil hydrates the skin underneath, keeps beard dandruff (yes, that’s a thing) at bay, and makes your face fur look like it belongs in a Viking ad campaign — in the best way possible.

Whether you’re growing your first beard or you’ve had one long before it was trendy, the right oil can transform your look from patchy to impressive quickly. In this whisker wisdom guide, we’re looking at the best beard oils for men — from those that tame the wildest beards to formulas that add significant shine. Whether you’re dealing with a wiry mess, dry skin underneath, or just want to boost your grooming routine, we’ve got you covered. Let’s oil up, gents.

Best Beard Oils Overview:

1. Pura d’Or Beard Oil

  • Scent: Earthy with a fresh citrus twist
  • Ingredients: Argan oil, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil
  • Price: USD $17

There’s a moment in every man’s grooming journey when the beard begins acting up—itchy, patchy, dry. Enter Pura d’Or Beard Oil, the quiet hero your face didn’t know it needed. With a blend of nutrient-rich oils like argan and jojoba, this bottle offers serious conditioning power. The scent is subtle yet fresh—like nature had a good day—and the feel? Lightweight, never greasy. It blends into your routine as easily as it does into your beard, softening bristles and soothing the skin underneath. If you’re after that perfect balance between rugged and refined, this could be your go-to bottle of beard wisdom.

2. Horace Lemon & Mint Beard Oil

  • Scent: Zesty Lemon & Fresh Mint
  • Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil, Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil
  • Price: USD $15

If your beard’s been acting like a rebellious teenager—dry, unruly, and just not listening—Horace’s Lemon & Mint Beard Oil might be the refreshing wake-up call it needs. Bursting with a clean, citrusy-mint scent that feels like splashing cold water on your face after a long night, this oil hydrates, softens, and tames your facial hair without leaving it greasy. The natural blend of nourishing oils penetrates deeply to soothe the skin underneath, while the invigorating fragrance gives your grooming routine a fresh twist. It’s the kind of beard oil that says, “I take care of myself,” without trying too hard.

3. Blind Barber Beard Oil

  • Scent: Sweet-spicy Tonka Bean with hints of vanilla and almond
  • Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Avocado oil, & Botanical Extracts
  • Price: USD $20

Blind Barber’s Beard & Face Replenishment Oil brings the barbershop vibe home—moisturizing, softening, and fresh in a single drop. The lightweight formula hydrates both your beard and the skin underneath without leaving a greasy film, while that comforting Tonka Bean scent gives your routine a little swagger. Packed with nourishing oils like jojoba and shea butter, it calms beardruff, smooths flyaways, and leaves your facial fur feeling well-mannered—no barbershop appointment required.

4. Fulton & Roark Formula 5 Beard Oil

  • Scent: A refined blend of forest air, lavender, and bright lemon rind
  • Ingredients: Shea butter, argan oil, macadamia oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and a host of other hydrating and nourishing oils
  • Price: USD $55

Think of Ramble as a walk through an enchanted forest for your face—without accidentally stepping in anything gross. It’s a grooming powerhouse that works as hair oil, shave enhancer, scalp moisturiser, and dry skin saviour. The lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs easily, smoothing flyaways and softening both your beard and the skin underneath. Plus, it smells like a fresh breeze drifting through pine needles, citrus groves, and lavender fields—luxury in a bottle.

5. American Crew Beard Serum

  • Scent: Discreet, neutral aroma with a touch of classic barbershop freshness
  • Main Ingredients: Argan Oil, Cyperus Esculentus (Tiger Nut) Root Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane + Dimethiconol
  • Price: USD $13

Think of this as a sleek, straightforward upgrade for your beard grooming routine. American Crew’s Beard Serum is all about delivering that smoother, well-conditioned appearance without leaving a greasy residue. With argan oil offering deep hydration, tiger nut oil enhancing shine, and silicone-based agents ensuring a silky feel, it’s the perfect way to tame flyaways and make grooming effortless. Lightweight, quick-absorbing, and polished, this serum is designed for the guy who wants a great-looking beard—without the fuss.

6. Aesop Shine Hair & Beard Oil

  • Scent: Crisp green notes with a whisper of citrus and floral freshness
  • Ingredients: Borage seed oil, jojoba seed oil, petitgrain oil
  • Price: USD $37

If your grooming routine had an upgrade track record, this bottle would be at the top. Aesop’s Shine Hair & Beard Oil is the luxury choice for guys who want hydration and shine without the greasy aftermath. It’s a featherlight, silicone-free formula that absorbs quickly, leaving coarse or frizzy facial hair feeling softer and smoother — not weighed down. The scent is as understated and sophisticated as the brand itself, and by the time your day’s underway, you’ll barely notice it’s there. It’s the gold-standard stealth boost for your beard and hair.

7. Tobacco Vanille Conditioning Beard Oil

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Conditioning Beard Oil

  • Scent: mix of tobacco leaf, vanilla, ginger, and warm spice tones
  • Ingredients: Almond oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and Vitamin E
  • Price: USD $65

Treat yourself to Tom Ford’s Beard Oil, the kind of luxe item that feels less like grooming and more like a ritual. This lightweight blend absorbs effortlessly, softening coarse hairs while nourishing the skin beneath. And that scent? Think opulent, smoky elegance—like freshly curated privileges in a bottle—without overpowering. Whether you’re buttoning up for a big night or just want your beard to smell like success, this oil delivers subtle sophistication with zero greasy residue.

8. Marlowe No. 143 Beard Oil

  • Scent: Fragrance-free
  • Main Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil, corn oil, soybean oil
  • Price: USD $16

This unscented gem is the low-key hero for men who want to nurture their beard without any flash or fuss. Marlowe No. 143 keeps it simple—but effective—with a blend of plant-based oils that hydrate skin, soften coarse hairs, and banish beardruff. GQ even named it the Best Fragrance-Free Beard Oil — a rare honour in a sea of perfumed products. Ideal for sensitive or scent-averse skin, this product is all about effortless grooming without any drama.

9. BeardBrand Beard Oil – Temple Smoke

  • Scent: Smoky-sweet blend of Palo Santo, Vanilla, Frankincense, and Patchouli—earthy, resinous, and addictive
  • Ingredients: Abyssinian, Jojoba, Babassu, and Castor oils, plus a dash of fragrance, grapefruit seed extract, and glycerin
  • Price: USD $29

If your beard needs something more thoughtful than just “clean,” Temple Smoke is the right choice. This product features a lightweight, non-greasy blend of nourishing carrier oils that hydrate your hair and soothe the skin underneath. The scent is far from ordinary—imagine a walk through a temple filled with incense and smoke, with a richness you can’t help but enjoy. It softens, tames, and adds shine without looking oily, making it a standout in your grooming routine.

10. Caldera + Lab – The Beard Conditioning Oil

  • Scent: Subtle essence of lavender with citrus undertones—natural and refined
  • Ingredients: Apricot Kernel Oil, Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Babassu Seed Oil, Red Raspberry Extract, Moringa Seed Oil
  • Price: USD $59

This oil is like giving your beard a peaceful wilderness retreat without leaving your bathroom. It’s packed with rainforest-harvested botanicals and contains no harsh chemicals—earning praise from eco-conscious reviewers for its transparent and clean skincare approach. Lightweight but deeply nourishing, it smooths coarse hairs, calms the skin beneath your beard, and leaves only a gentle hint of freshness—like you’re on a casual forest walk whenever someone leans in close.

11. Baxter Of California Beard Oil

  • Scent: Warm sandalwood with hints of jasmine and cedarwood
  • Ingredients: Squalane, avocado oil, vitamin E
  • Price: USD $29

If your beard’s been unmanaged, this oil offers the grooming equivalent of a spa day for your face. Baxter of California incorporates deeply hydrating ingredients—squalane and avocado oil—to tame coarse facial hair and soothe the skin beneath. The vitamin E team helps reduce irritation and encourages healthier growth, while that signature sandalwood-jasmine-cedar scent elevates your grooming routine without going overboard. Think of it as part ritual, part upgrade.

12. STMNT Grooming Goods Beard Oil

  • Scent: Bright citrus top notes with incense and woody undertones
  • Ingredients: A rich blend of natural oils—argan, sunflower, sweet almond, jojoba, apricot kernel, avocado, grapeseed, macadamia, hemp seed,
  • Price: USD $22

Flyaways ruining your beard game? STMNT Beard Oil comes with a thicker, conditioner-like texture that helps tame unruly strands without the mess. Packed with clean, nourishing ingredients like sweet almond and avocado oils, it hydrates while adding subtle shine. The citrus-meets-woody scent is fresh but not overpowering, and the mess-free pump bottle means zero spillage and every drop used right. It’s beard grooming, simplified and smart.

13. Zeus Natural Beard Oil — Italian Cypress

  • Scent: A crisp blend of spicy mint, sweet citrus, and earthy basil — like a breath of fresh forest air
  • Main Ingredients: Safflower Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Vitamin E
  • Price: USD $26

If your beard could use a summer refresh, this limited-edition scent from Zeus is just the thing. It features a cool mint complemented by citrus and basil, creating a scent that’s subtle yet impactful. The oil offers excellent hydration thanks to a blend of soothing, skin-friendly ingredients: safflower for itch relief, argan for added shine, and grape seed for their anti-inflammatory properties. Enhanced with vitamin E to improve circulation and reduce flakes, this bottle strikes a perfect balance between ruggedness and sophistication—ideal for daily grooming.

14. Bevel Beard Oil

  • Scent: Warm, Woodsy, Clean
  • Main Ingredients: Grapeseed Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Sweet Almond Oil
  • Price: USD $15

Smooth, nourished, and polished — that’s what you can expect when Bevel Beard Oil becomes part of your grooming routine. Designed with textured hair in mind, this lightweight blend aims to soften coarse beards without leaving a greasy residue. It absorbs quickly, addresses dryness at the roots, and helps prevent irritation using skin-friendly oils that work behind the scenes. Plus, its subtle scent won’t clash with your cologne, making it a quiet achiever that delivers impressive results.

15. Le Labo Beard Oil

  • Scent: A breezy blend of bergamot and lavender softened with violet and tonka bean
  • Ingredients: Sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil — the plant trio your beard needs for protection, softness, and nourishment
  • Price: USD $73

Le Labo’s Beard Oil is the subtle luxury upgrade your facial hair didn’t realise it needed. The lightweight, scent-rich formula softens coarse beard hairs and hydrates the skin underneath without appearing greasy. With protective sunflower oil, silky grapeseed, and nourishing jojoba, it’s all about understated elegance. The scent? Clean and refined — reminiscent of an upscale grooming ritual that elevates your bathroom into something more Barbershop than Brosman. For a beard that feels intentionally crafted (not just maintained), this bottle deserves a spot on your shelf.

16. Hawkins & Brimble Beard Oil

  • Scent: Gentle, warm notes of elemi and ginseng
  • Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, argan oil, olive oil, castor seed oil, and shea butter
  • Price: USD $15

If your beard needs that “just groomed” polish without seeming to try too hard, this is your go-to. The formula smooths coarse bristles and softens the skin underneath without feeling oily, while the harmonious blend of elemi and ginseng adds a subtle, sophisticated aroma. Made with 98% naturally derived ingredients and free from animal testing, it’s the kind of everyday luxury that speaks softly but leaves a strong impression.

17. Jack Black Beard Oil

  • Scent: Light botanical freshness
  • Ingredients: Fast-absorbing Kalahari Melon Oil and Marula Oil, antioxidant-rich Brown Algae and Carrot Extract, Plum Oil for extra shine, and Vitamin E
  • Price: USD $28

Jack Black Beard Oil is the top choice for anyone dealing with dry, brittle, or flaky facial hair. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly, softening coarse bristles and smoothing the skin underneath—without leaving any greasy residue. Packed with powerful antioxidants and hydrating oils, it relieves itchiness and gives a healthy glow. Plus, its clean, subtle scent blends well if you have a signature cologne in rotation. Grooming has never been this easy.

18. SheaMoisture Beard Conditioning Oil

  • Scent: Maracuja & Shea Butter
  • Ingredients: Maracuja oil, shea butter, grape seed oil, castor oil, coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, olive fruit oil
  • Price: USD $11

When your beard feels like a desert and looks like it’s been through a sandstorm, this is your rescue in a bottle. The SheaMoisture Beard Conditioning Oil combines nature’s best—maracuja (passion fruit) oil and shea butter—with a selection of nourishing plant-based oils to keep your facial hair hydrated, soft, and looking fresh. It tames the rough patches, moisturizes dry skin underneath, and leaves a lightweight finish that won’t clog pores or feel greasy.

What Is Beard Oil?

To put it as briefly as possible, beard oil is a lightweight, nourishing formula designed to enhance the health and look of your beard — and the skin beneath it. Easy to absorb and usually packed with high-quality natural ingredients, a proper beard oil offers the following benefits:

  • It hydrates both facial hair and the skin beneath
  • It prevents dryness, itching, dandruff, coarseness, and breakage
  • It helps maintain your beard’s volume, shape, and overall texture
  • It supports healthy beard growth by keeping the follicles nourished
  • It often provides a subtle, masculine scent that doubles as a light cologne

As you’ll quickly find, beard oils come in a variety of blends, scents, and price ranges — and no two are identical. That said, the best ones absorb swiftly without leaving a greasy residue, making them perfect for daily use.

Here’s a quick tip: avoid anything marketed as “beard growth oil.” While it may seem appealing, there’s no magic formula that will grow a full beard overnight. Instead, good beard oil supports natural growth by fostering a healthy environment for your follicles to flourish.

And just because you’ve added beard oil to your routine doesn’t mean the job’s finished. Like the hair on your head, your beard still requires regular grooming — trimming, brushing, and styling — to look its best. Beard oil is just the starting point. The rest? That’s where your grooming routine really comes into play.

When Should You Oil Up?

The best time to apply beard oil is immediately after a warm shower, when your pores are open and your beard is clean and slightly damp. This allows the oil to absorb more effectively into both your facial hair and the skin underneath. If your beard feels dry, itchy, or a bit unruly during the day — a few drops won’t hurt. The key is to be consistent. A little daily TLC can go a long way in keeping your beard looking fresh, healthy, and sharp.

How to Apply Beard Oil

Applying beard oil isn’t complicated, but doing it correctly can make all the difference in how your beard looks and feels. Here’s how to get the most out of your bottle, one step at a time:

  • Start with a freshly washed, slightly damp beard — not dripping — to help oil absorb better into hair and skin.
  • Squeeze 2–3 drops for short beards, 4–6 for longer ones into your palm. Don’t overdo it — your beard should shine, not glisten.
  • Rub the oil between your hands and work it through your beard from root to tip, massaging into the skin to hydrate.
  • Finish by combing or brushing your beard to tame stray hairs and distribute oil evenly. Bonus: it trains your beard to grow correctly.

Done right, this takes less than a minute — but the reward is a softer, healthier, better‑looking beard all day long.

General FAQ’s

Can I use beard oil every day?

Yes — and you should. Daily use helps keep your beard soft, your skin hydrated, and the itchiness at bay. Just apply it once a day after your shower or whenever your beard feels dry. Consistency is key.

Will beard oil make my beard grow faster?

Not directly — beard oil won’t magically accelerate growth, but it helps your beard grow better. By maintaining healthy skin and soft, nourished hair, it prevents breakage, dryness, and patchiness, giving your beard a better chance to grow in fuller and more evenly.

Can I use beard oil if I only have stubble?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s a smart move. Beard oil helps soothe the itch and dryness that often comes with early growth. Plus, it keeps your skin moisturised and smelling great — even with short scruff.

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10 Ways Serge Gainsbourg Still Inspires the Way Men Dress Today

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Our team of editors and experts thoughtfully chooses each product. If you decide to buy through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Want to know how we test products? Click here for more details.

There are style icons, and then there is Serge Gainsbourg — a man who never followed fashion but somehow shaped it for generations. His influence wasn’t from perfect tailoring or carefully chosen outfits, but from the way he wore his clothes with a kind of effortless confidence that couldn’t be taught. Everything he wore felt lived-in, unapologetic, and unmistakably his. At a time when pop culture was loud and polished, Gainsbourg made imperfection look irresistible.

The striped sailor sweaters, worn denim, louche suits, trench coats, jazz shoes, and military shirts — none of it has aged. Instead, these pieces have become foundational elements in modern menswear, reappearing on runways and in everyday closets as a new generation relearns what he mastered decades ago: personality matters more than perfection. Gainsbourg didn’t just wear clothes; he used them as an extension of his mood, his music, and his refusal to conform.

This is why, even long after his era, men continue to look up to him for inspiration. Gainsbourg showed us that great style isn’t about following trends but about adopting a look so natural that it becomes part of your identity. His wardrobe was simple, but the way he wore it was extraordinary — a reminder that true elegance comes from attitude, not price tags.

Here are 10 style lessons from Serge Gainsbourg that still inspire the way men dress today, and why his signature moves remain iconic classics.

Unbutton Your Shirt – Serge Gainsbourg | Image: Getty Images – Keystone-France

Style Lesson #1

Unbutton Your Shirt

If there’s one rule Serge Gainsbourg lived by, it’s that a shirt should never feel stiff or over-structured. He treated buttons like suggestions, not obligations. Leaving the top two — sometimes three — undone became part of his signature style. It wasn’t about showing skin; it was about signaling ease, confidence, and a refusal to dress for anyone but himself. The result was a look that felt relaxed, sensual, and quietly rebellious all at once.

Most men hesitate to unbutton beyond the first clasp, worried it might look too casual. Gainsbourg proved the opposite — that a slightly undone shirt can make you look more comfortable in your own skin. It softens tailored outfits, adds personality to simple ones, and instantly shifts your style from “try-hard” to “effortlessly cool.” His lesson still holds today: don’t be afraid to open things up a little. A few undone buttons can do more for your style than a perfectly pressed collar ever will.

Style Lesson #2

The British Trench Coat Move

The British Trench Coat Move – Serge Gainsbourg | Image: Getty Images – INA

Gainsbourg had a way of wearing a trench coat that felt unmistakably his — a mix of British tailoring and Parisian nonchalance. While most men see the trench as a polished, nearly formal outer layer, he approached it with relaxed confidence. The coat wasn’t meant to look perfect; it was meant to move with him. He’d throw it on over a wrinkled shirt, let the belt hang loose, the collar slightly lifted, the fabric catching in the breeze as if it were part of his stride.

The lesson isn’t about choosing the most expensive trench but about wearing it with personality rather than perfection. Let it hang naturally, avoid tightening the belt too much, and don’t mind a little rumpling. A trench looks best when it feels lived-in, not shiny. Gainsbourg knew that outerwear reflects attitude — and when you wear a trench with relaxed confidence, it transforms from just a coat into a statement piece.

What makes this move so timeless is its versatility. A trench coat worn the Gainsbourg way works in spring, autumn, day or night, dressed up or down. It adds a cinematic touch to a simple outfit and gives even the cleanest tailoring a hint of rebellion. It’s a small style shift — but once you try it, you’ll see why it’s one of his most enduring signatures.

Invest in a Strong Paletot Coat – Serge Gainsbourg | Image: Getty Images – Yves LE ROUX

Style Lesson #3

Invest in a Strong Paletot Coat

Of all the outerwear Serge Gainsbourg wore, the paletot coat was one of his subtle power moves. Double-breasted, slightly oversized, and beautifully structured, it conveyed an elegance that never felt forced. Gainsbourg leaned toward pieces with soft shoulders and a relaxed drape — coats that moved with him rather than sitting stiffly on his frame. It allowed him to find that perfect balance between polished and casual, looking sharp without ever seeming to try too hard.

It’s timeless, masculine, and capable of elevating almost everything beneath it, from casual denim to tailored suits. Its structure commands presence, while the gentle drape adds attitude — a combination that feels effortlessly cinematic. The key lesson is to own at least one coat that makes you feel like the star of your own film, and that’s how Gainsbourg understood that some pieces don’t just finish an outfit; they change how you move through the world.

Style Lesson #4

Let White Jazz Shoes Do the Talking

Let White Jazz Shoes Do the Talking – Serge Gainsbourg | Image: Getty Images – Sergio Gaudenti

Gainsbourg did something few men would even try — he made white jazz shoes look effortlessly cool. Slim, bright, and a bit quirky, they shouldn’t have worked, yet on him they became a quiet trademark. He paired them with denim, soft tailoring, rumpled shirts, and even the occasional suit, allowing the shoes to add a subtle flash of personality without overwhelming the outfit. You don’t need bold pieces to stand out; you need one unexpected detail that feels unique for you. Whether it’s a jazz shoe, vintage boot, or an offbeat accessory, just make sure it gives you that look of character and confidence. His footwear calls on rebellion instead of shouting for attention, and sometimes the smallest choices speak the loudest.

Suit Up With Real Elegance – Serge Gainsbourg | Image: Getty Images – INA

Style Lesson #5

Suit Up With Real Elegance

Many men still struggle to suit up properly, but Gainsbourg took a straightforward approach to his suit style. He wore suits the way most men wear T-shirts — naturally, comfortably, and with no stiffness. His jackets had soft shoulders, his trousers fell effortlessly, and nothing ever looked overly structured or carefully planned. He preferred pinstripes, navy wool, and muted tones, letting the cut and drape speak more than the fabric itself. While he wasn’t afraid of double-breasted jackets, he wore them with the same relaxed attitude — a slightly undone shirt, a casual slouch, a cigarette hanging lazily from his fingers — should I say more than this?

That’s the real elegance men can learn from today. A suit shouldn’t feel like a costume or something reserved for special occasions, but more of an extension of you—easy, fluid, and expressive. The real talk happens when tailoring becomes your second nature, rather than focusing on perfection and instead embracing comfort, movement, and personality. Gainsbourg proved that crisp lines or strict rules don’t create elegance; it’s created by the man inside the suit. Wear yours with that same quiet confidence, and suddenly the outfit transforms.

One of Gainsbourg’s greatest tricks was knowing how to let a suit breathe. He’d loosen a button, skip the tie, or pair formal tailoring with shoes that weren’t traditionally “proper.” That contrast — refined clothing worn with rebellious ease — is what made his style unforgettable, which showed how elegance doesn’t have to be rigid, but can move and breathe without overthinking it.

This brings us to this lesson: a suit isn’t meant to be intimidating but to empower. That’s why the majority of Gainsbourg’s tailoring never really shouted for attention, yet it always commanded presence. He understood that a well-cut suit gives a man quiet authority, even when everything else about him looks deliberately relaxed. That blend of softness and strength is what makes his elegance so timeless — and so worth borrowing today.

Build Your Knitwear Wardrobe Around a Classic Sailor Sweater – Serge Gainsbourg | Image: Getty Images – INA

Style Lesson #6

Build Your Knitwear Wardrobe Around a Classic Sailor Sweater

Long before “quiet luxury” became a thing, Gainsbourg was already embodying it with one of his most iconic staples — the classic Breton sailor sweater. Striped, slightly loose, and worn with the confident ease that defined him, it became one of his most recognizable uniforms. He paired it effortlessly with denim, soft tailoring, trench coats, or simply a cigarette and a mischievous attitude. The beauty of the sailor sweater lies in its simplicity: clean, confident, and a true classic of French fashion.

You don’t see this often nowadays, but build your knitwear around a single timeless piece that instantly elevates everything you wear. A good sailor sweater adds personality to casual outfits, provides structure to more tailored looks, and introduces a touch of European cool to whatever you layer it over. It’s versatile, seasonless, and quietly stylish, and could become your signature without you even realizing it — exactly why it became Gainsbourg’s.

Style Lesson #7

How to Modernize the Denim-and-Black-Suit Mix

How to Modernize the Denim-and-Black-Suit Mix – Serge Gainsbourg | Image: Getty Images – Jean Paul Guilloteau

Gainsbourg had a talent for breaking rules in ways that somehow looked better than the rules themselves. One of his most underrated moves was pairing crisp black tailoring with relaxed, worn-in denim — a combination that shouldn’t work on paper but absolutely does in practice. The secret lies in the contrast: a structured jacket with soft jeans; sharp colours with a lived-in texture, and Gainsbourg created a balance between refinement and rebellion that feels more natural than being polished.

Modernizing this mix is a lot easier than it seems. Start with a black blazer that isn’t too stiff — something with soft shoulders and a bit of movement, a jacket that looks just as good open as it does buttoned. The key is to pair it with clean, mid-wash denim that’s slightly worn-in. No rips, and don’t overthink it. Let the contrast breathe. The black suit jacket adds sophistication; the jeans bring attitude, and together you get a look that feels relaxed, confident, and quietly intentional.

The Revival of the Pinstripe – Serge Gainsbourg | Image: Getty Images – KeyStone

Style Lesson #8

The Revival of the Pinstripe

Before pinstripes became a runway staple again, Serge Gainsbourg was already reimagining them in his own rebellious way. He loved a pinstripe suit — not the power-dressing, boardroom type, but the softer, slightly disheveled version that felt more like a second skin than a formal uniform. His pinstripes slouched, moved, and breathed with him. He’d wear them with open collars, undone ties, unpolished boots — taking something traditionally strict and giving it personality. Gainsbourg showed that pinstripes don’t have to look corporate; they can look poetic, rebellious, even intimate.

Today, the pinstripe is back, but wearing it well still relies on that lesson. Choose a suit with a relaxed drape, softer shoulders, and a stripe that appears refined rather than loud. Skip the rigid styling and let the suit breathe — unbutton a few buttons, loosen the structure, or pair it with knitwear or denim to push the look. The aim isn’t to resemble a banker; it’s to appear as a man who knows that elegance doesn’t have to be uptight. That’s why the look continues to feel so modern.

Style Lesson #9

Own Unconventional Shades

Own Unconventional Shades – Serge Gainsbourg | Image: Getty Images – Jean-Louis URLI

Shades can be among the most expressive pieces a man wears, especially when the frames aren’t the typical, understated kind. Serge Gainsbourg was drawn to lenses that had character—slightly oversized shapes, soft tints, and styles that added mood rather than just blocking the sun. The goal isn’t to look eccentric; it’s to pick a pair that subtly changes your entire presence, something that feels personal and quietly distinctive. A rounded frame, a smoky tint, or a silhouette just different enough from the mainstream can give your outfit a sense of individuality without trying too hard. The right unconventional shades become part of your identity, not just an accessory, and that’s what makes them worth having.

Turn a Classic US Army Shirt Into a Fashion Statement – Serge Gainsbourg | Image: Getty Images – Bertrand LAFORET

Style Lesson #10

Turn a Classic US Army Shirt Into a Fashion Statement

Before the military-inspired style became a fixture in modern menswear, the US Army shirt was already quietly iconic, thanks to the way Serge Gainsbourg wore it. What might have seemed utilitarian or rugged became unexpectedly chic when he incorporated it into his wardrobe with that soft, Parisian nonchalance. He regarded the piece as a versatile layer — sometimes buttoned, sometimes open, always relaxed — pairing it with tailored trousers, washed denim, or a sharp jacket to create a balance of masculinity and ease that felt entirely his own.

One of his most memorable looks was the Army shirt left generously unbuttoned, paired with high-waisted white trousers, a style that radiated the kind of louche confidence only he could exude. It echoed the spirit of ‘60s cinema — perhaps a nod to David Hemmings in Blow-Up — but Gainsbourg’s take was much more carefree, complete with a Gitanes cigarette as the final touch.

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