As the zeitgeist in men’s style continues to move away from throwaway fast-fashion – thanks for that, global warming – men are learning to either recycle or repair their clothes. So, returning to sartorial staples, which will last a lifetime rather than being disposed of after just one season, makes a lot of sense.

Enter, the denim shirt. With a history that traces through railroad engineers to rockstars, and as one of the few pieces of clothing that’s genuinely wearable year-round, it’s about as perennial as you can get.

“A denim shirt screams, in a very subtle way, authenticity, it breathes the personality of its wearer,” says Michael Kampe, raw denim enthusiast and creative director of heritage workwear brand Lee Jeans. “At the same time, it reflects a history that’s over 100 years old, yet is so timeless that it will only get better each day.”

Invented as a hard-wearing shirt to ride and work in, its adoption by Hollywood stars mean that it’s inexorably linked to the images of countless style icons, with possibly the coolest denim shirt wearer being reggae legend Bob Marley, who was rarely seen out of one.

Bob Marley, 1975

“Steve McQueen and James Dean are always good references but they’re very historical,” says Kampe. “What is interesting is seeing how denim shirts are being picked up by new bands. The way that it’s styled can give it a completely different twist, which goes to show just how versatile it is. Because of its accessibility, price point and wearability, it’s not bound to a particular occasion either.”

And because there’s a good chance that your relationship with your denim shirt will outlive most marriages, it’s important that you commit to the right one and know how to get the most out of it.

Things To Consider When Buying A Denim Shirt

Affordability notwithstanding, there are still certain things to consider before putting your hand in your pocket. From the softer chambray to the more traditional Western shirt, there’s a lot of thought that goes into this seemingly simple garment.