Three Ways To Way A Denim Shirt

Smart

Despite being a symbol of non-conformity, wearing a lightweight denim and chambray shirt under an unstructured blazer is a move straight out of the menswear playbook. Just remember if adding a tie to pick a texture knitted style over traditional silk. For the tailoring-adverse, there’s ways to look smart without suiting up. “A rinse wash or a dry denim, buttoned up to the top, also looks very formal,” says Kampe. “However, the top tier would be a selvedge shirt with a selvedge pair of jeans. That’s the sartorial equivalent of your best bottle of wine in the basement.” Well, they don’t call it the Canadian tuxedo for nothing.

Brooklyn Tailors

Smart-Casual

A denim shirt can be a go-to for all kinds of tricky-to-dress-for events, and can perfectly bridge the smart-casual divide, as long as it’s worn correctly. “[The most important thing to do in this case] is combine different casts and shades,” says Kampe. “If you have a light blue stonewashed denim shirt paired with dark rinse jeans, then you have a nice contrast – you’re talking double denim but it doesn’t look like an idiot’s uniform.”

Zara

Casual

Unsurprising considering its utilitarian roots, a denim shirt is an ideal layering piece for off-duty looks. “The biggest way that denim and flannel shirts differ from formal shirts is that you can get away with wearing them open” says Kampe, who recommends throwing a vintage-style or slightly oversized shirt over the top of a band tee. “That gives it more of an overshirt feeling and makes it super versatile.” That’s Friday night down the pub sorted, then.

Scotch & Soda

Best Denim Shirt Brands

Ralph Lauren

At the preppier end of the spectrum sits iconic American fashion brand Ralph Lauren. So sure is Mr Lauren of the excellence of his denim shirts, that he’s been known to close his own shows dressed in one as part of a double denim ensemble, featuring rodeo belt and all.