First things first - don’t call them “jeans shirts.” Trust me, it’s not a good look. It’s all about the material: when crafted into pants, it’s called jeans; when stitched into a top, it becomes a denim shirt. Easy, right? Like jeans, denim shirts are iconic pieces that date back to the 19th century. Initially born as rugged workwear, they’ve transitioned into fashion mainstays - gracing runways, dominating streetwear, and even finding a home in polished workplace wardrobes.
Don’t own a denim shirt yet? What’s the holdup? Let’s dive into what makes this timeless piece so essential.
Fit/Form – Where It All Begins
When it comes to denim shirts - or any clothing, really - the fit is non-negotiable. But it’s also deeply personal. Prefer a baggy, oversized look? Totally valid - it’s your call.
Personally, I lean toward the classics. A proper denim shirt should:
Sit perfectly on the shoulders.
Offer a snug fit without feeling restrictive.
Be long enough to cover the waistline but adaptable depending on whether you tuck it in or not.
Remember, the length matters: tucked or untucked, it should always fall just right.
Designs That Work
With countless variations available, narrowing down your options can be tricky. Stick to these three timeless styles:
Western Denim Shirts.
These are the quintessential denim shirts, inspired by cowboy culture in the American West. Look for defining details like pointed yoke stitching, snap buttons, and twin chest pockets.
Button-Down Denim Shirts.
Take the classic button-down design and swap in denim fabric. The result? A blend of casual and sharp that works almost anywhere.
Plain Denim Shirts.
For those seeking a polished vibe, plain denim shirts with pointed, spread, or cut-away collars are your go-to. They bring a touch of elegance to this rugged fabric.
Choosing the Right Color
Denim shirts don’t overwhelm you with color choices. Black, shades of gray, and various blues dominate the scene. To style them right:
Light tones pair well with darker pants.
Darker shirts complement lighter trousers.
Keep it simple, and you’ll always look sharp.
How to Style Denim Shirts Like a Pro
Smart Casual
While denim shirts often scream casual, they can easily bridge the gap to smart casual. Pair a denim shirt with a suit for a relaxed yet stylish edge. Just make sure the shirt contrasts with the suit - lighter shades work best here.
For a more laid-back smart casual vibe, team it with a blazer, contrasting trousers (like chinos), and finish with sneakers or suede shoes.
Casual
Denim shirts naturally excel in casual settings. For that classic workwear aesthetic, pair your shirt with jeans - but stick to contrasting colors to avoid the dreaded “Canadian tuxedo” look.
Or, wear it as a lightweight jacket over a t-shirt for an effortlessly cool vibe. Beyond jeans, denim shirts look equally great with chinos, where contrast is, once again, key. For footwear, you’ve got plenty of options: rugged boots, clean sneakers, or even dressier leather or suede derbies.
Brands That Nail Denim Shirts
Some legendary denim brands to consider include Levi’s, Lee, and Wrangler. For budget-friendly, high-quality options, Uniqlo is a reliable pick. If you’re into minimalist designs, check out modern brands like A.P.C., Asket, Buck Mason, Norse Projects, or Luca Faloni.
Whether you’re chasing casual vibes or stepping up your smart casual game, a denim shirt is an unbeatable wardrobe essential. Versatile, rugged, and undeniably stylish - it’s time to make one yours.
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