Let me tell you why I love denim shirts. Not only are they timeless, they’re also hardwearing, easy to style, and boast the kind of rugged appeal even Tom Hardy can’t compete with.
It also helps that they’ve been championed by some of the world’s best-dressed men, from Paul Newman and Ralph Lauren to David Beckham and Eddie Redmayne.
The ultimate foundational piece and a true American classic, the best men’s denim shirts should be on every guy’s sartorial radar. You can layer them over a white tee, team them with a blazer, or do the double with your favorite pair of jeans.
Keep reading as I curate a collection of eight wardrobe workhorses that’ll take you from rodeos to restaurants and everything in between.
Key Takeaways
Before you check out the best men’s denim shirts, first you should understand how I found them. After poring over hundreds of customer reviews, rifling through my own closet, and speaking to several trusted voices in the menswear sphere, I created a shortlist of 30 standout styles.
Following much deliberation and a few impulsive purchases (oops), this was narrowed down to eight options, including designs from Billy Reid and Closed, that are as tough as nails, adaptable, and cooler than Frank Bullitt driving his 1968 Mustang.
Why it’s great: Western style is having a moment. Or should I say another moment. And no piece is more popular right now than the men’s denim shirt.
This version from Billy Reid is hard to beat. Soft yet sturdy, it has that beautiful ‘lived-in’ feel that avoids any stiffness and comes with fantastic antique brass snaps instead of buttons (great news for fumbling fingers).
Who is this for? A denim shirt is an investment, so you’ll be wearing this one for a while. As durable as it is stylish, it’s a brilliant layering piece that can be shown off year-round. It’s one of the best men’s denim shirts you’ll find.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I wouldn’t call it an athletic fit, but it does run on the slim side. If you’re worried, or simply want it looser, then I’d suggest opting for one size larger than you’d normally take.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS–XXLT | Colors: 4 | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: The vintage wash of this Closed men’s denim shirt makes sure you can style it multiple ways, whether you opt for a workwear-inspired fit or something smarter.
Classic in every aspect, it comes in a medium weight denim fabric with double chest pockets and horn-look buttons. A fine choice for every day, if you ask me.
Who is this for? This is one of the best men’s denim shirts. There’s no better way to add some quality to your collection of basics. It’s slightly pricier than some of its counterparts but well worth the investment.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: If you’ve not got particularly long arms, you may find the sleeves a bit long.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: Ivy League meets outlaw with this timeless button-down. Sustainably made from regenerative cotton, it strikes the perfect balance between tailored and tough—not quite a dress shirt but slightly smarter than your average denim design.
You can wear it with everything from chinos and sneakers to jeans and boots.
Who is this for? This is one of the best men’s denim shirts. It’s the type that you can wear with tailoring as well as your smart-casual favorites. It still has that badass edge but feels a little more respectable.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: It’s a fairly basic design, but that’s part of its charm.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS–XXXL | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: When I set out to find the best men’s denim shirts, I wanted to make sure that I had options for every style and occasion. This one is for those who want to introduce denim to their top-half collection but still want to dress smartly—whether that’s for work or a social event.
As tough as it is classy, it’ll layer perfectly underneath a dark brown suit.
Who is this for? It’s more of a dress shirt than a casual one, so you’ll want to style it with smarter pieces such as blazers and tailored pants.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: There’s no denying it’s on the pricey side, but I have no doubt that it’s worth it.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS–XXXXL | Colors: 6 | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: You don’t have to know how to throw a lasso or ride a horse to nail cowboy style—investing in a proper Western shirt will do. My favorite is this one from Levi’s, which would definitely get the seal of approval from John Dutton.
Complete with chest pockets and snap-buttons, it’ll look the part with a cotton-canvas jacket, jeans, and boots. It’s one of the best men’s denim shirts out there.
Who is this for? If it’s the Western look you’re after, this is your fast-track ticket to Ranch-approved style. Suitable for work or the weekend, it’ll become a dependable addition to your everyday rotation.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Sizes sell fast in this particular style, so you’ll need to be quicker than a John Wesley Hardin draw.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: S–XXXL | Colors: 10+ | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: My mom would often tell me, you can’t have your cake and eat it, too. Well, mom, actually, you can. Tough, timeless, and ruggedly handsome, this Amazon shirt is all yours without breaking the bank.
This is one of the best men’s denim shirts. Made from a lightweight yet durable, cotton with traditional Western-style detailing, it’ll pair perfectly with your choice of casual pants.
Who is this for? Suitable for all seasons thanks to its light handle, this budget-friendly pick is a no-brainer if you’re looking to save a little cash.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: There’s mixed reviews on the snap-buttons. Some customers say they’re difficult to fasten.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: 3 | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: According to Amazon, this is one of the best men’s denim shirts, and I fully agree.
Just like the styles you see in the Western movies, it has almost 8,000 five-star ratings, with plenty of praise for its fit, quality, and comfort. The classic shape gives you plenty of room to move, and the heavy-duty fabric makes it tougher than Billy the Kid.
Who is this for? For guys going for the whole cowboy aesthetic, this durable design is a must-have. It’s a super versatile option that can be worn for work or play.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: You might find it a little stiff at first, but it’ll soften over time (just like a pair of selvedge jeans).
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: S–XXL | Colors: 10+ | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: There’s no rules saying the best men’s denim shirts have to be blue. In fact, I often find darker styles like this one can give your look a slightly more refined appearance. Designed for a loose fit with slouchy sleeves that fall below your wrists, it’s a proper premium piece that’ll only get better with age.
Who is this for? Agolde is a forward-thinking denim label that takes inspiration from the everyday classics. Its luxury pieces are fairly priced but generally more expensive than your regular off-the-rack designs.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The relaxed silhouette with elongated sleeves isn’t exactly ideal for short, stocky builds.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine wash
Buying Considerations for The Best Men’s Denim Shirts
Fit
As with all shirts, denim styles are available in a variety of fits. Choose the one that best suits your build and remember that each type of shirt will convey a different level of formality. Generally speaking, slimmer silhouettes are smarter while the baggier they are, the more casual they tend to feel.
Style
There are several styles of men’s denim shirts to choose from, including western, button-down, and work. It’s important to think about which one is best for your personal style and the occasions you plan to wear it.
For example, Western denim shirts will add a rugged, cowboy-inspired charm to your look, whereas button-down versions are slightly more polished.
Color
Take some time to think about the color of your new shirt. Although classic indigo is a versatile option that pairs well with a variety of outfits, there are many alternative variations in lighter washes as well as darker hues like black or charcoal.
How We Chose
To find the best men’s denim shirts—as well as rummaging through my own wardrobe—I consulted my best-dressed friends, family members, and colleagues who have personally tried and tested various styles.
From there, I evaluated each design and judged them on the following criteria:
Price: Is the shirt fairly priced? When considering quality and craftsmanship, does it offer value for money?
Quality: I examined the materials and the overall construction of each shirt to ensure it’s up to standards. Only those that really impressed me made the cut.
Durability: To test the resilience of men’s denim shirts, I analyzed the stitching, fabric strength, and resistance to fading or shrinking.
Versatility: To ensure that the best men’s denim shirts featured were a welcome addition to your everyday wardrobe, I chose only those that offered a wealth of styling options.
Customer Reviews: Looking at feedback and reviews from customers who have purchased and worn the denim shirts, I gained further insights into fit, comfort, and overall product satisfaction.
Why Trust Us?
Billy Webb is an experienced writer who reports on all things menswear. He’s been in the industry for more than a decade and loves nothing more than helping guys improve their wardrobes.
When he’s not suggesting dress shirts for big guys or uncovering the best T-shirt brands, he’s spending time with his family and likely ordering a new pair of sneakers (don’t tell his wife).
His expertise, particularly in grooming and apparel, positions him as a trusted authority in selecting the best men’s denim shirts. Billy’s rigorous approach involves extensive research, personal testing, and staying updated with the latest trends to ensure that every recommendation is trustworthy and stylish.
Every product here has been carefully curated, and comes from years of trial and error, so you can rest assured that Billy’s hand-selected styles really are the best men’s denim shirts around.
Final Verdict
If you’re serious about improving your daily uniform, investing in several denim shirts is a smart sartorial move, starting with Billy Reid’s version. With its lived-in appearance, tough guy exterior, and Western-style features, it’s the perfect design to get you started.
FAQ
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Denim shirts are excellent wardrobe staples. The top men’s denim shirts offer versatility, durability, and timeless style. Whether dressed up or down, their rugged charm adds a touch of masculinity to any ensemble, while the sturdy denim fabric ensures longevity and wearability.
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Though this largely depends on personal style preferences, classic indigo denim shirts are widely regarded as the most versatile option. Not only does indigo complement most other colors, it has a timeless appeal that never goes out of style.
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Denim shirts are one of those menswear classics that have remained a fashion constant. They transcend trends and will always be a timeless addition to any well-rounded wardrobe.
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