Dsquared2: A Gift Guide to the Caten Twins' House

Dsquared2 was founded in the mid-1990s by Dean and Dan Caten, identical twins from Canada who built their label in Milan. The house sums up its own identity in a well-known line: born in Canada, living in London, made in Italy. That mix explains much of its character.

From Canada comes the outdoorsy, rugged streak: lumberjack checks, the maple leaf, a nod to ice hockey and the wilderness. From Italy comes the cut and the craft, particularly in denim and leather. The result sits somewhere between sportswear and runway, with a sense of humour that more formal houses rarely allow themselves.

For a gift, that personality matters. Dsquared2 suits someone who enjoys being noticed in a relaxed way, rather than someone who prefers quiet, logo-free classics.

Denim is the foundation of the house. Washes are often heavily worked, with fading, distressing, paint flecks and repairs applied by hand, so two pairs of the same style can look subtly different. Named fits such as the Cool Guy and the Skater are among the best known, and our guide to Dsquared2 jeans explains how the main fits differ.

Beyond denim, a few lines come up again and again:

• The Icon logo, a bold wordmark that appears on hoodies, T-shirts, caps and accessories
• The maple leaf, a direct reference to the twins' Canadian roots
• Sneakers that lean chunky and sporty, often with contrast panels and visible branding
• Slides and sandals, usually with a prominent logo strap, made for warm weather and easy wear

The footwear has become a popular entry point, and you can compare styles across our pages on Dsquared2 sneakers and the wider range of Dsquared2 shoes.

A good first piece from Dsquared2 is one the recipient can wear often without worrying too much about fit. With that in mind, here is how the main options compare:

1. Slides are the most forgiving. Sizing is simple, they suit a South African summer, and they work for the pool, the beach or a weekend braai. Browse Dsquared2 slides for the different strap designs.
2. Icon pieces such as a cap, T-shirt or hoodie are an easy way to give the house's look without committing to a precise fit.
3. Sneakers are a stronger statement and need a correct size, so check what the recipient already wears.
4. Jeans are the most personal choice and the most rewarding when they fit. They are best for a partner or someone whose size and preferred cut you know well.

For broader ideas around one person, our edit of gifts for him puts Dsquared2 alongside other options in the same spirit.

Dsquared2 typically uses Italian sizing for clothing, so a jeans label will show a number such as 46 or 50 rather than a waist measurement in inches. Many of its denim fits are slim through the leg and sit lower on the hip, so a recipient who usually wears a relaxed cut may need to size up or choose a different fit. If you can, check the label of a pair they already own, or measure a favourite pair laid flat.

Care is straightforward but worth passing on with the gift:

• Wash distressed denim inside out, cold and sparingly, to protect the hand-finished wash and repairs
• Air dry rather than tumble dry, which can shrink the fabric and weaken worn areas
• Wipe sneakers and slides with a soft damp cloth and keep them out of direct sun when not in use
• Store leather pieces in a dust bag so the colour does not fade

Because the house's logos and denim are widely recognised, it pays to be careful about where a piece comes from. A few signs of quality are worth checking: neat, even stitching, clean and consistent lettering on labels and the Icon wordmark, well-finished hardware, and care labels that are clearly printed and properly attached. A price that seems far below what similar pieces usually cost is a reason to look more closely.

If you have a particular fit, colourway or size in mind, tell us what you are looking for and the team will come back to you with options. You can also explore other fashion houses with a strong point of view on our brands page.