There’s no room for slip-ups where wardrobe staples are concerned. When something’s simple – like a button-down shirt, tee or jeans – every element has to be perfect. So you’d be forgiven for thinking the high street isn’t the smartest choice for serious, takes-a-beating denim. If you’re put off by the idea of rails of neon skinnies and piles of jeggings, think again: big-name retailers have upped their game and their purchasing power means it’s easy to score premium fabrics and detailing on the cheap. Following our previous high street hit lists – on where to buy the best tees and leather jackets – here are the best stops for affordable, well-built denim.

Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer and selvedge denim aren’t necessarily two terms you’d put together. But the shop better known for posh lunchtime options has thrown a curveball with its value-for-money selvedge collection for AW16. Selvedge means the edge of the denim has been constructed to prevent fraying, usually with a red and white fabric border. It’s expensive stuff as the material has to be woven in slimmer rolls and is usually crafted on older looms. But for a product that usually starts in the £100s, M&S’ range is a snip, with pairs from just £60. If that doesn’t grab you, the collection includes jeans with fabric from three of the world’s best mills: America’s 125 year-old Cone Denim; Italy’s family-run, sustainable Candiani Denim mill; and Japan’s Kurabo, one of the longest-running producers in the game. So now you can pick up a menswear staple as well as a meal deal. Best for: High-end fabrics. How much? From £15; Japanese selvedge styles from £60.

Marks & Spencer AW16

Key Styles

Uniqlo

Like most wardrobe basics it turns its hand to, Uniqlo aces denim. Since 2009, the brand has made jeans using its homeland’s Kaihara denim – the Japanese mill famed for its rope-dyeing technique. What does that mean for your wardrobe? Sturdy jeans in a spectrum of blues and all for the price of a round of drinks. The brand’s marketing is confusing though, and you’ll have to look out for the Kaihara label inside to check exactly where yours came from. Other designs show off Uniqlo’s fabric innovation, like a two-way stretch option and ‘Miracle Air’, a summer-friendly pair that’s 20 per cent lighter than your average pair of jeans. And of course, the retailer’s Heattech technology even extends to its denim line. Not to be forgotten is a free same-day alterations service in every store, so no more scouring through piles searching for exactly the right size. Best for: High-tech innovation. How much? From £29.90.