Denim. The working man’s fabric – or at least it used to be the working man’s fabric, pretty much everyone indulges in a bit of the hugely popular cotton twill product nowadays. Originally created to withstand the trials and tribulations of mining, denim has gone on to become one of the most worn fabrics in the world, and for good reason – it looks good and lasts a long time.
With denim jeans being the most naturally occurring product in the wild, inevitably they receive the most praise and attention, but we don’t think that’s fair…
Pulling off a pair of jeans is child’s play – everyone can do it. But what takes a bit more skill and pazaz is wearing a denim garment that’s situated on the top half of your body, you know shirts and jackets and that. So in celebration of cowboys, miners, farmers and other stylish denim-donning groups, we’re having a look at Six of the Best – Denim for above the waist.
Post Overalls – ARMY Shirt
Booting off our list is an army shirt from Japanese brand Post Overalls. The gang over at Post Overalls have taken inspiration from popover vintage U.S. army shirts for this one, and they’ve executed it to perfection. There’s something very endearing about this garment and it’s not a word we use often, but we’d even call it cute. Probably not a word you typically hear in association with the U.S. military.
Universal Works – Dockside Jacket
We could hardly talk about one of the most iconic fabrics in the world without mentioning it in conjunction with iconic fabric connoisseurs, Universal Works. Surprisingly, we haven’t gone for the obvious Bakers Jacket choice here, but instead a Dockside Jacket. Which if we’re completely honest, is a more lightweight Bakers Jacket with an extra pocket. It’s worth mentioning that of all the items on this list, this is the most likely to make people think you also own an Italian Greyhound.
Anatomica – USN Gunners Parka Indigo Denim
This thing is a bit mental. In a good way though. The inspiration for this jacket has been taken from old smocks worn by the U.S. Navy, and there’s a really cool photo of them wearing almost identical garments here. Hats off to Anatomica for getting their design so close to the original.
KAPITAL – Cactus Coverall
A very very solid piece of denim shirting from KAPITAL, as you’d expect really. We’re huge fans of the corduroy collar – seeing denim and corduroy together in a garment is a bit of a rarity, and probably for good reason, but it’s been done expertly well here. It’s also got a funky lining, but you’ll have to click on the link to see that, won’t you?
Sugar Cane – ‘Denim Collectibles ‘SC19007’ 1946 Denim Jacket
The most cowboy of the bunch this one, but don’t get too obsessed with it before looking at the price tag, like we’ve done. The reason for the hefty cost of this cut of denim is the attention to detail that has gone into replicating an original 1947 Levi’s denim jacket – Sugar Cane has even created a new loom which provides the same imperfections and roughness of the original fabric. If you’re after a piece of denim history, this is the one.
Pop Trading Company – Full Button Denim Jacket
Pop Trading Company are always leaving us pleasantly surprised with what they’ve got in their locker – there’s not much the Amsterdam-based skate brand can’t do it seems. This denim jacket is relatively affordable and in our view, probably the best wash on this list, also those pockets are a bit nice, aren’t they?
