As tough as it might be to wrap your mind around, summer is drawing to its unofficial end (it ain’t over until the first day of fall!) this weekend, and as you can sense here on this style guide for men, it’s about time we started to consider the appropriate transitional gear in matters of rugged yet versatile style.

It’s not quite high time to break out your sherpa denim trucker jacket or your flannel shirt jacket, but a sense of durable, dependable texture goes a long way in your rotation of the best shirts for men — and that brings us to the American Trench Washed Denim Shirt shown above, a reliable go-between as we bridge the gap between seasons.

For those unfamiliar, or for those who need a stylish refresher on one of the best American-made menswear brands, well, American Trench lives up to its billing, as it’s well-known for its own take on the American-made trench coat and a host of other reliable style staples

I myself trust denim and chambray shirting throughout the year, and it seems that this handsome denim shirt fits the bill quite nicely, what with its American-made construction and a breezy, light wash design. The American Trench Washed Denim Shirt has proper and intriguing specs for the modern man, featuring a woven build using lightweight 6 oz. Spanish denim — there’s a pleasing retro feel to this shirt, which you can (and should) style with dark blue jeans for a sense of high-low contrast.

The company itself put it perfectly when it comes to your new favorite denim shirt, if you ask me: “Somewhere between a denim shirt and a chambray lies our favorite version of both.” The Philadelphia-based company also used a distinctive whole-garment stonewash, while the brand turned to production in Los Angeles — a place well-known for crafting and finishing apparel in America — to cut and sew your new favorite early fall shirt.

If I were you, I’d take the American Trench Washed Denim Shirt and layer it open over a pocket tee or buttoned up atop a classic henley this season. When temperatures start to drop, I’d take the American Trench Washed Denim Shirt and layer it beneath my go-to waxed trucker jacket or that flannel shirt jacket you’ve been waiting to wear.

For now though, the American Trench Washed Denim Shirt will do just fine on its own alongside tan stretch chinos or even lounge shorts — and you’re one step closer to being ready for the season ahead.