Three new season pieces taking denim to new frontiers.

Ah, denim. This nifty, versatile fabric that only seems to get better with age is having somewhat of a moment, as if it hadn’t had enough of them already. We’ve already seen the denim jacket updated in the AW16 collections, via patches, embroidery and other such appealing embellishments, and if you haven’t swatted up on how to find the perfect pair of jeans this season, we suggest you get on it sharpish. But what of the trusty denim shirt? An understated essential in the wardrobe of any sartorially conscious man, this piece has become a signifier of laidback, I-just-threw-this-on cool – as likely to be seen on the back of a rugged Wild West cowboy as on a slick professional on a day off-duty in the city.

Here at MR PORTER, however – ever looking ahead of the curve – we have noticed a number of denim shirts arriving on site that are a little more bold than basic, suggesting a shake-up is perhaps in order. Your battered Levi’s number – no doubt picked up in that oh-so-edgy vintage store many moons ago – may have gained “wingman” status for all the storms it has weathered with you, but in our opinion it’s time to consider a fresh perspective. Scroll down for three of our favourite new pieces, and how to style them for best effect.

As we may have mentioned already on The Daily, there has been a full-blown stampede of Western-influenced pieces coming off the runways this season. Acne Studios is one brand to have jumped on the (band)wagon, a prime example being this sky-blue denim shirt. All the signature cowboy trappings are there in the stylised yokes, snap fastenings, and, of course, the denim – a traditional workwear fabric on account of its exceptional durability. But the even, pale-indigo wash and clean lines of this particular piece help maintain the chic minimalism the Scandinavian brand is renowned for. Embrace the Western style by pairing it with these brown Givenchy boots, which, in case you were wondering, happily tick off two more key trends: distressed materials and suede. Yee-haw.

As with every other ubiquitous menswear staple, the denim shirt has become a familiar trope among street-style aficionados. And no piece is more fitting or more likely to get you noticed than this above example from Japanese streetwear label Cav Empt, featuring its trademark monochromatic patches on a pleasingly faded washed denim. Button the shirt up to the very top, or wear open over a plain white tee, and play up the nostalgic feel with a pair of super-soft tapered sweatpants from vintage-inspired label Battenwear and a pair of Vans sneakers.

The utilitarian qualities of a proper denim shirt (they’re hard-wearing, flexible and surprisingly warm, if you get a heavier weight) are well-documented, and play a large part in the piece’s timeless appeal. NYC brand Battenwear has taken these concepts and run for the hills with them, combining style and substance to create this practical deep-blue shirt designed for the adventurer. The classic button-down style is updated with a handy zip-fastening and deep-buttoned chest pockets add to the functional feel. Throw it on over Blue Blue Japan’s graphic cotton-jersey T-shirt, which shows off the Toyko brand’s mastery of traditional dying techniques, and hit the road.