As we so often talk about here on this Brooklyn style blog for men, it can be mighty hard to improve upon a classic, especially one with roots as rugged as one of the best denim shirts for men.

Once a Western wear staple worn by real-life ranchers and cowboys, the denim shirt has come a long way over the years, and can even be turned into a slightly luxe, elevated-yet-edgy piece of menswear — as you can perhaps see with the Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt shown above.

With its rugged appeal, dashing good looks and sturdy construction, the best men’s denim shirts are a staple of my own rotation, particularly when paired with other hard-working pieces (like black denim or olive chinos, at least in the case of this mid-wash denim shirt from the good folks at Nudie Jeans).

The denim brand elevates the blue jean with designer quality in mind, using asymmetrical chest pockets and Western detailing, like a curved back yoke. Tobacco-hued thread and a subtle logo chest patch give this shirt and its snap buttons some character, while the pleasing vintage-style wash wears well with other shades of denim — even inky blue indigo jeans for a modern spin on the “Canadian tuxedo.”

The Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt also uses organic cotton, this time in a sturdy yet supple 6.5oz. rigid dry denim build, a fabric that Nudie Jeans says “has a wonderful density that gives the shirt a perfect denim drape.” That’s high praise indeed, but it’s exactly what the doctor ordered when it comes to the best shirts for men, especially one as wearable as the Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt.

The sturdy and strong Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt layers well right now atop a pocket tee or a cotton graphic tee, while it can also be accessorized accordingly in the cooler months ahead with a thermal henley and a shawl collar cardigan.

If you just so happen to be feeling daring in matters of style, you could even style the Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt with a lightweight navy or khaki cotton blazer for a dash of high-low style. Give it a whirl, feel the standout quality of Nudie Jeans’ denim and the stylish Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt, and revel in adding another sharp, hard-working shirt to your menswear rotation.