A look for summer - indigo, denim, chambray and the patina of wear

There is a certain blue, whether indigo, azure or cornflower, faded and worn by use, the sun and washing, that is summer. The wear is uneven, on the high points of the seams and creases of the garment. Jeans do this best, but chambray and denim shirts are close behind in the desirability stakes. 

Images all from The Sartorialist showing how his subjects wear denim

This patina is usually seen with cotton and linen, or mixes of these. It takes a while to develop and is best when it happens naturally. It's very satisfying to see a favourite garment soften and wear with age. I wouldn't ever buy anything artificially distressed: allow it to happen unaided.

Image above: Shirts: Eton, Brunello Cucinelli, Hentsch Man, Gap. Jackets: Jigsaw, Realm & Empire. Images Grey Fox

Denim and chambray are sometimes confused, but differ in construction. They look similar because both are woven with coloured yarn in the warp and white in the weft, giving the white/coloured shot effect. To distinguish them look at the reverse of the fabric; denim will be lighter on the back than the front, chambray is the same both sides. Both improve with age, weathering, washing and wear (exactly like the readers of this blog, of course). 

Their robustness explains their origins in workwear and, in general, they're used only for casual wear. This characteristic can be used to dress down a formal look. Try a denim/chambray shirt with a suit or jacket and tie; smart casual with a twist. Worn with crisp cream cotton or crushed white linen, a faded denim or chambray looks perfect in its simplicity.

Here are a few favourite products you can buy to develop this look:

Top left clockwise: Albam, M&S, Universal Works, Uniqlo denim, London Undercover, Jigsaw double indigo blazer

And finally, a few other items with a denim finish to add variety to your choice:

Image above: Denim teddy: Dawson Denim, braces: British Belt Co, watch strap: Page & Cooper

NOTE: I want to clarify a few points in response to a recent tweet. I was paid nothing by any brand for this post. I've included items here because I like them.

The blog describes an individual's search for style and therefore includes clothes I see and wear which like. It's quite impossible to curate a blog of this sort without mentioning brand names. 

If I'm paid, I make that clear. Some clothes are given to me - again I make that clear in my product reviews - but please note that gifted clothes do not pay my bills.  I do not make a living from this blog. I comply with ASA Guidelines on this blog. I hope that's very clear, but please get in touch with any thoughts or concerns.