The real reason why Donald Trump never wears jeans and prefers full business attire
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: When it comes to fashion, Donald Trump has always played by his own rules.
Unlike many other public figures, it seems the president-elect's wardrobe never made room for America's denim obsession—even when casual, rugged looks were all the rage. Here's why you’ll never spot Trump in jeans and what that says about his style choices.
Donald Trump has no love for denim
While '90s denim trends have made quite a comeback in recent years, Donald Trump’s campaign clearly did not get the memo. Unlike the baggy jeans, mom jeans, and even ripped styles we’re seeing everywhere, Trump has always stuck to his tailored suits—whether he’s at a rally or on stage at Mar-a-Lago.
Sure, he dresses down for the golf course, but even then, it’s a polo shirt and slacks—nothing that screams "casual Friday" (maybe it does for him).
It’s an undeniable contrast to some of his fellow former presidents. We’ve seen Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and even Barack Obama sporting jeans while in office. They’ve rocked denim at various public events, possibly trying to give that relatable "one of us" vibe.
But Trump? Not a chance. Even at traditionally casual events like the White House Easter Egg Roll, he stuck with his signature look: a full suit and tie.
It’s clear that Trump’s aversion to jeans isn’t so much about ignoring fashion trends as much as it is about maintaining a specific image. As Trump’s longtime butler, Anthony Senecal once spilled to Buzzfeed (via The Independent), "You’ll never just see him in a T-shirt and jeans—he’s going to be in a suit."
Senecal even recalled that Trump used to own a pair of jeans for ski trips, but "when the skiing stopped, the jeans disappeared." They simply vanished from his wardrobe.
The polished and formal approach to dressing appears to be a family trait as well. Trump’s youngest son Barron Trump seems to have inherited his father’s preference for sharp attire. Melania Trump shared in a 2013 interview with ABC News that even as a little boy, Barron loved dressing up like his father. "He likes to dress up in a tie sometimes like Daddy," she said.
While she didn’t specifically mention jeans, she made it clear that her "Mini-Donald" was definitely "not a sweatpants child."
Strategy behind Donald Trump’s signature look
While Donald Trump’s aversion to casual wear might be rooted in his desire to keep things professional, there’s more to it. Some of his fashion choices seem to be about strategically shaping his appearance. Over the years, the former president’s style has often been the subject of online chatter — particularly his choice of excessively long ties.
In Chris Christie’s memoir 'Let Me Finish', he revealed that Trump once admitted to wearing his ties long because he thought it was “slenderizing,” reported The Guardian.
Trump’s obsession with projecting a certain image doesn’t stop there. In August this year, social media had a field day when a photo of Trump’s interview with Elon Musk started circulating online. The photo showed Trump’s suit jacket bulging awkwardly at the shoulders, sparking mockery online.
Menswear expert Derek Guy chimed in on the situation, breaking down why Trump might be opting for this outdated accessory. Guy explained that Trump’s tailoring is done with the intention of concealing his weight. "Trump’s shoulders are relatively narrow compared to his waist, which gives his body a somewhat rectangular shape," Guy noted.
Lots of people asking me to comment on this photo, so I will explain why Trump wears these shoulder pads. 🧵 https://t.co/Q7lBrPejEx
— derek guy (@dieworkwear) August 13, 2024
By adding heavy padding to his suits, Trump hopes to create a more balanced and powerful silhouette. According to Guy, padded shoulders can make his "silhouette look more powerful, authoritative, and formal."
Even though Trump’s style might seem a bit outdated or overly formal to some, it’s undeniably consistent. And while many of us might embrace a good pair of jeans or a casual weekend look, Trump isn't one to budge; It’s a suit-and-tie life for him, and he seems perfectly happy keeping it that way.