THE HARDEST WORKING ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE IS A DENIM SHIRT.
Trust is a quality that must be earned in life, and experience has taught me that if something has my back it is the denim shirt. Many men exclude the denim shirt from their rotation as it may be a little too britpop for sartorial tastes, but I believe its reliability should not exclude it from a little imagination in the stylish mans repertoire.
There are undeniable virtues of the denim shirt, which make it an essential piece in every man's wardrobe. It’s casual charm, anchored in workwear of Bible Belt America make it an ideal option for dressing down, however I am a huge fan of placing a denim shirt square at the centre of tailored looks, leveraging its elevated versatility.
While I expect you to trust me, allow me to indulge in a little case for your next purchase.
For the casual denim look:
The denim shirt gives you a sense of effortlessness:
The denim shirt effortlessly exudes a sense of relaxed style. Its rugged appeal, reminiscent of Ralph Lauren's ranch-inspired looks, pairs perfectly with worn-in jeans and sturdy boots. This combination creates an ensemble that embodies a carefree attitude while maintaining a timeless aesthetic. For reference peer into any one of Ralph Lauren’s immaculate window displays and I guarantee you will find yourself wondering if a stetson is a reasonable item for a cigar on Mount Street… To each their own I say.
The ideal dressed down look:
When you seek to infuse a touch of informality into your attire, the casual denim shirt is your go-to solution. With a dark grey pair of flannel trousers, tucked in with a vest and a baseball cap, you have yourself a considered, but masculine look perfect for a midday date. The shirt's inherent laid-back nature enables you to strike the perfect balance between comfort and style, ideal for taking you between champagne at lunch with friends straight to a long active walk through the countryside.
Hardest worker in your wardrobe:
The beauty of the casual denim shirt lies in its adaptability. Layer it under a suede bomber for a night out, or wear it open over a basic tee for a relaxed, layered look. Its versatility allows you to experiment with different textures, patterns, and colours while maintaining a cohesive and effortless ensemble.
Denim & tailoring:
Give elevated outfits a grounding:
The denim shirt serves as an incredible way of grounding tailored outfits. Whether you're sporting a suit or a blazer, this shirt adds an intriguing element of contrast, hinting at a refined sensibility without sacrificing a relaxed attitude. While a standard western stud press denim shirt works perfectly to add a casualness to suiting, you can pull a true sartorial finishing move by adding a tailored denim shirt with a spread collar to your wardrobe, the traditional cut in a relaxed fabric brings a brilliant contrast.
Add textural depth:
The denim shirt's distinct texture breathes life into formal attire. Its tactile nature provides a rich depth that contrasts beautifully with the drape of tailored fabrics. Key to standing apart is the ability to mix and match textures and patterns which make sense together. This interplay of textures elevates your ensemble, adding visual interest and highlighting your attention to detail, which is one of life’s most vital avenues to joy.
High Low Luxury:
Layering denim shirts under tailored pieces introduces a luxurious high-low aesthetic. Adding a touch of nonchalance to a formality, be that experience of object always makes it more engaging. The juxtaposition of rugged denim texture against the sleek lines of suiting creates a visually captivating ensemble, embodying effortless style and a tasteful blend of casual and formal elements. It's the epitome of sartorial sophistication with a modern twist.
The denim shirt reigns supreme as a versatile essential in any man's wardrobe. Its casual charm effortlessly captures a relaxed aesthetic, while its elevated variations confidently ground tailored outfits. With a denim shirt in your repertoire, you possess a reliable garment that seamlessly adds a little casual yee the the finesse of your haw.
