Tested: The Best Men’s Denim Shirts for Every Occasion

Whether you’re looking to channel your inner cowboy or embrace the look of a Canadian tuxedo, you can never go wrong with a stylish denim shirt. There aren’t many other shirts as versatile as this one, as they typically tend to cooperate with any outfit you have in mind. However, certain takes on the style differ from one shirt to another, with an endless number of brands cutting and sewing non-stop to craft their own signature look. While a majority of these options blend in, there is a solid collection of standouts, too, which is where our list of the best denim shirts comes in. So without further ado, fancy up your getup with our hands-on guide to the best denim shirts.

How We Tested

We’re back with another entry to our Tested series, where we get hands-on with some of our favorite pieces from brands that we love at HICONSUMPTION. But this doesn’t mean we just grabbed a bunch of stuff we thought looked cool (although that does play a part); we did our research, surveying the landscape both on and offline, talking with peers, and making sure to only include picks from labels that we can confidently stand by. This time around, we’re taking a look at denim shirts, and we’ve only featured brands that know their way around the iconic fabric.

Testing begins with inspecting each shirt off the body, taking note of overall build quality, the quality of the denim, and the wash/color. Then, I put each shirt on and test out how it feels on the skin and how it fits my body (also making sure to take note of how easy it is to layer with). Considering the wide range of styles that denim shirts are offered in, I’ll only criticize a shirt if it misses the style it’s going for (something like a Western shirt needs to have pearl snaps to really be considered one, for example). Details like the placket, pockets, and whether or not the shirt uses buttons or snaps are also important to consider, and serve as the stylistic differences that make each pick unique.

Measurements: I’m 6’2″ and wear a size XL when it comes to shirts. Each shirt you see in this guide is an XL, and I personally like a more relaxed fit, so that’s what I went for if the label offered it.

What to Look for

Denim Quality/Material: You can safely assume most denim shirts will be made with a majority cotton construction, and you’re looking for high-quality cotton that feels sturdy but not too stiff. Like your favorite pair of jeans, quality denim will last you a while and should develop a nice fade as you wear it in. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of elastane if you want some stretch, either.

Fit: A well-fitting denim shirt should have sleeves that are true to size and a length that falls around the mid-point at your hips. You do want a little room, however, especially if you plan on layering something like a tee underneath. Going for a size up is a good idea if you want to layer one over something like a sweatshirt as well. 

Style: Perhaps the most recognizable denim shirt style is the Western shirt, characterized by its pointed yoke, pearl snaps, and (sometimes) unique embroidery. 

Wash/Color: Denim shirts come in a variety of washes and colors, from light to dark indigo, to distressed or faded styles. You really can’t go wrong with any of these choices, so you should go with something that matches your current style/wardrobe.

Wrangler Iconic Cowboy Wash Denim Shirt

Best Starter Shirt: Much like Levi’s, Wrangler is one of those heritage American denim brands that’s been quietly yet confidently perfecting its craft for a century, and no denim guide is complete without at least a Wrangler shoutout. Luckily, we were able to get hands-on with the Iconic Cowboy Wash Denim Shirt, a lowkey Western shirt made with super lightweight and versatile denim.

You’re getting those classic pearl snaps on the front, pockets, and sleeves, (which is super impressive for a Western shirt at this price point) and an authentic Western yoke to give you that instantly recognizable Western shirt look. The two chest pockets are embroidered with a Wrangler “W”, and finished with a Wrangler patch on the left pocket. Fit here is definitely true to size, with a noticeably longer length compared to other picks in the guide, which is nice if you plan on tucking this one in. It was also super easy to layer a tee underneath this, and it never felt too constricting. The sleeves are on the longer side as well, but they didn’t go past my wrists. A nice little detail that I really appreciated was the frayed edges on the bottom, which gives the piece a rustic/lived-in look that really complements the Western vibe.

I really liked the thinner build here (especially since it’s Spring now), but those who live in colder climates may want a thicker pick. That said, the shirt was still warm (bolstered by just wearing a tee underneath) and kept me insulated at around 63°F here in Los Angeles.

Verdict: Hailing from an absolute legend in the denim space, this Western shirt from Wrangler gives you a subtle old-school look complete with all of the Western shirt hallmarks like pearl snaps and a Western yoke.

Levi’s Barstow Western Denim Shirt

Best Western Shirt: It’s only right to kick off a denim-centric list with something from Levi’s. The American heritage brand has excelled at crafting quality garments since it first set up shop, and the Barstow Western Shirt serves as one of its quintessential pieces. Staying true to the standard silhouette, this collared top is crafted from 100% cotton and finished off with a pair of pointed snap-flap pockets.

We touched on Levi’s legacy a bit above, and they’re just as much of an authority in the denim space as Wrangler, with over a century of history crafting reliable pieces for working men and casual fans. Also similar to Wrangler, this denim shirt is going for that classic Western style, complete with pearl snaps for the closure, chest pockets, and sleeves, and a pointed Western yoke. Made entirely with cotton, you’re getting a thin build here, similar to Wrangler’s Western shirt for a lightweight feel, but the fit is definitely more true to size (leaning a little towards slim). I really like the lowkey Western style here, as it’s not quite as loud as other Western shirts with lots of intricate embroidery (although those definitely have their place and can be super cool).

I was a little surprised by the length of the sleeves (which ran a bit short) because Levi’s advertises them as long. I do have longer arms, though, so this may vary from person to person, and doesn’t detract from the style at all. The lightweight construction also makes this a great Spring pick and makes for easy layering underneath. However, given the slightly tighter fit here, you may want to go a size up if you plan on layering this over a hoodie or something similar. 

Verdict: Levi’s is such a staple in American culture that it’s hard to pass up such an iconic Western-style shirt from the label. Especially when you’re getting that Western shirt look in a super subtle way that makes it a lot more versatile. 

Taylor Stitch The Western Shirt

Best Organic Cotton Shirt: You can’t go wrong with anything Taylor Stitch puts forth, be it from a sustainability or style standpoint. Although based in the metropolitan cluster of San Francisco, the brand has a penchant for ranch-ready Western-inspired looks, and this particular shirt is a perfect example of that. It comes equipped with a pair of slanted snap pockets at the chest, and its authentic western snaps are rounded out with antique brass settings to give them that extra worn-in appeal. The tailored-fitting piece is finished off with the standard bar-tack reinforcement you’ll find on many of these pieces, with all of these elements coming together to craft a shirt we can trust.

You may have noticed that we’ve included a good handful of Western shirts in this guide (we also have a dedicated Western shirts guide), but it’s hard not to include them when brands like Taylor Stitch are offering such clean and modern takes on the style (especially when they’re made with selvedge denim like the pick here). Boasting a 100% organic cotton selvage denim construction, this shirt really shines when you start appreciating all the small details like the genuine YKK pearl snaps with antique brass settings and the antique brass concho top button (and the selvedge construction, of course). Since this is a Western shirt, too, you’re also getting those classic pointed yokes, and two slanted chest pockets inspired by vintage Western wear. The fit here is tailored, so it’s a bit more slim than other picks in the guide, but I had no problem layering a pretty thick white tee underneath. The denim also feels super soft yet still durable (bolstered by the garment washing process that really drives home that vintage look and feel), and the lightweight construction makes this a great Spring pick. 

Considering the tailored fit, I personally found this a bit too slim for my tastes, but others may prefer the look/feel. It also tapers toward the waist, which I thought enhanced the more flattering fit, but some may like a more straight cut.

Verdict: Made with organic cotton selvedge denim and finished with plenty of impressive details, this Western-inspired shirt from Taylor Stitch is a modern take on an absolutely classic style. 

Alex Mill Work Shirt

Best Work Shirt: Alex Mill’s denim-crafted work shirt separates itself a bit from the standard silhouette that appears throughout this guide, deeming it the perfect blue-collar choice — literally. It comes equipped with a set of hidden buttons beneath the collar for added security, so it’s a perfect top to wear when things start to get a bit chilly out. Nevertheless, this is another shirt that abides by tradition, sticking to the iconic work shirt’s look with its pair of chest pockets.

Alex Mill does such an incredible job of elevating classic silhouettes with modern touches, which is what makes them a personal favorite of ours here at HICONSUMPTION. This time around, we got hands-on with the label’s take on the classic work shirt, built with Japanese lightweight cotton indigo denim that just feels (and looks) incredible. Seriously, before we get into the details of this piece, I can’t say enough about how nice this denim feels and looks: it’s soft yet sturdy and has such a classic look that really goes with anything. You’re getting two buttoned chest pockets for storage, and corozo buttons on both the placket and pockets (along with the hidden buttons underneath the collar). Build quality here is fantastic as well, with triple needle topstitching for extra reinforcement, and you can really feel that Alex Mill built this to be as durable as possible, making this a great choice if you want a daily driver that can take a beating (while aging beautifully). 

I really can’t think of anything to criticize this shirt for, and it was honestly a personal favorite of mine among the selection here for this guide. I will say that the sleeves may run a bit long on anyone with shorter arms, as I have longer arms and found that they fell just a tad past my wrist. 

Verdict: Inspired by classic work shirts, this piece from Alex Mill is built to last a lifetime, boasting a lightweight Japanese cotton indigo denim construction that looks just as good as it feels. 

Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt

Best American-Made Shirt: Huckberry’s house brand is adept at crafting anything of quality — and we mean anything. Whether it’s a fuzzy blanket or a stylish piece of clothing, Flint and Tinder show off what it’s all about with the effortlessly cool Bone Button Western Shirt. It encapsulates the Western style to a tee, boasting a pair of pointed chest pockets with burnt cow bone snap button closures for a look that simply never gets old.

Hailing from our pals over at Flint and Tinder (Huckberry’s no-nonsense, American-inspired house label perhaps best known for the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket famously worn by Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us), we have another Western shirt here, but it’s not just any Western shirt, as Flint and Tinder have gone the extra mile to make sure you’re only getting the best American-made build quality. Cut from an entirely cotton fabric, you’re getting all those classic Western shirt details like the pointed yokes and pointed shirt pockets, but the real star of the show here is the burnt cow buttons used for the snap hardware. Each snap has its own unique burn marks that add a lot of personality to the shirt and really drive home the old-school Western look. The fit is true to size for sure (leaning a bit towards slim; more on that below), offering enough room to layer tees underneath, and you get a versatile length that falls just past the hip if you want to layer or let it fly. 

I do have to comment on the sleeve length here, as they fell past my wrists and were pretty long in general. Also, I found it was a bit tight in the chest, and the fit felt slightly more slim than true to size, so I recommend sizing up if you want a bit more room.

Verdict: Made in the States, this is a true-blue Western shirt that’s been elevated with super unique burnt cow button snaps, and has a style that’s both classic and modern. 

Billy Reid Shoals Denim Shirt

Best Shirt Overall: As one of our favorite boutique labels, Billy Reid makes use of its Southern-bred know-how to deliver a rootin’, tootin’ denim top that’s worth writing home about. And while the Alabama brand prides itself on its classic American styles, this overdyed shirt gets an elevated assist from Europe by way of its imported Italian denim construction. The Shoals shirt comes available in a handful of colors to coincide with your wardrobe, all of which are finished with antique brass snaps and Billy Reid’s trademark ribbon stitching.

Billy Reid has perfected its signature blend of modern and classic Southern style, and the label’s Shoals Denim Shirt we’ve featured here has been a staple in the label’s collection for over two decades now. It’s made with cotton denim that feels super sturdy yet soft on the skin, and has the look and feel of a denim shirt you’ve owned for years. You’re getting antique brass snaps on the placket and the label’s signature spade pockets that just look incredible, with a straight collar and a bias yoke up top for a super clean look. It’s finished with denim-inspired, fully felled seams, and we went with the black color here, which looks fantastic in person. As for the fit, Billy Reid advertises it as slim, and I can confirm that it felt pretty form-fitting (especially in the chest), with a length that falls just at the hip, which is perfect for rocking untucked. 

Considering the slim fit here, Billy Reid recommends going for a size up if you want a roomier fit, and I do, too, after testing this shirt out. It didn’t feel constricting at all, and I actually liked the slimmer look this time around, but others may want a more relaxed fit.

Verdict: There’s a reason that this shirt is such a staple in Billy Reid’s catalog; it’s clean, modern, and flattering, elevated with antique brass hardware and a lived-in look and feel right out of the box.

imogene + willie earl selvage denim

Best Selvedge Denim Shirt: It may be one of the more lowkey names to appear on this guide, but don’t mistake imogene + willie’s lower name recognition for a lack of quality. As one of several work shirt-driven silhouettes to appear here, the humble label’s take on the matter is one of subtleness. The cut-and-sewn top is incredibly lightweight for easy wearability, as well as garment-washed for easy styling. Whether you’re having a fun night out or a strenuous day getting some work done, the Earl Selvage denim shirt is sure to have your back. Oh, and did we mention that it’s patterned, cut, and sewn in the USA?

imogene + willie is one of our favorite boutique denim labels, and we were super excited to get hands-on with this work shirt. Immediately after putting this on, it felt and looked like a denim shirt that’s been passed down for generations in the best way possible. Patterned, cut, and sewn in the States (like all of imogene + willie’s apparel), this shirt is made with beautiful selvedge denim that’s been garment-washed and pre-shrunk. You’re getting a lightweight 7.75oz construction with a 2×1 right-hand twill, with buttons on the placket and two chest pockets. As for the fit, it felt true to size with a longer length that’s great for tucking, and sleeves that fall just past the wrist. It’s finished with the label’s Tennessee patch on the bottom of the placket, celebrating imogene + willie’s dedication to hand-made American garments. 

I truly can’t think of a single gripe here; this shirt is the perfect example of high-quality American-made apparel, and you can tell imogene + willie pores every detail, no matter how small. 

Verdict: Hand-made in the States with care, this denim work shirt from imogene + willie looks and feels like it’s made for the long haul, boasting a selvedge denim construction for extra durability (and style).

Denim Shirts Comparison Chart

THE HISTORY OF DENIM SHIRTS

Denim itself originated in France during the 17th century, and in the 1920s, the Denver-based company Miller & Co made the first commercially available denim shirt. Shortly after, in the ’30s, Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss (the creators of the blue jean) started crafting their own denim shirts. And in the 1940s, the company Rockmount Ranch Wear opted to use snap fasteners instead of buttons, and the Western shirt was born. The floodgates were open, and denim shirts were on everyone from Rosie the Riveter to John Wayne, cementing themselves as certifiable Americana. Denim shirts (and denim Western shirts) have played a key role in the history of American style, between blue-collar everymen and illustrious personalities, and they’re just as durable and stylish as they were back in the day.

WESTERN SHIRTS VS. DENIM SHIRTS

Western shirts can be made with various fabrics, but they should always have snap fasteners (and usually have a unique yoke). Denim shirts, however, are always denim, but the style can vary with each option, and sometimes it’s a Western shirt. Some may argue that the denim Western shirt is the most iconic, and it’ll likely be the most common fabric you’ll find for the style.

WHEN SHOULD YOU WEAR A DENIM SHIRT?

Whether you’re in the heart of the South, hitting the town, or headed to the office, there are few places we can think of where a good denim shirt isn’t warranted. Made cool by countless celebrities, cowboys, and, most of all, celebrities that doubled as cowboys, there is simply no room for error with one of these classic button-up tops. There are lightweight options out there that are great for breezy summer days, and the durability of the fabric lends itself to outdoor work and activities. You can also go for lighter shades if you want a denim shirt for the summer, and look for something heavier/darker if you want something for the colder months.

ARE DENIM SHIRTS IN STYLE?

While it may not be the ’80s anymore, and there aren’t as many big dudes rocking Canadian tuxedos, Western wear is certainly swaying back into the fashion world. The style is never truly gone, thanks to iconic American celebrities past and present (Brando and Post Malone, for example), but in the last few years, we’ve seen more Western-inspired pieces on the runways and in the wild.

Honorable Mentions

As one of the most prominent menswear brands in the country, Todd Snyder’s claim to fame comes courtesy of reimagining and perfecting iconic pieces, á la the denim shirt. The New York-based label’s Italian Denim Overshirt is crafted with the utmost care, like all of its products. It is cut and sewn from cotton fabric that was provided by Abiate Mill, an Italian textile manufacturer that has been crafting quality material for years. If there’s anyone you should trust with what it takes to craft an American classic, it’s Todd Snyder.

RRL is Ralph Lauren’s sublabel that’s dedicated to rustic Western wear that celebrates both the roots of the label and the USA. So what better company is there to craft a rugged western work shirt? RRL’s Denim Buffalo Western Workshirt is made with Japanese denim that’s dyed with deep blue indigo, and finished with Japanese-made snap buttons on the chest pockets (which feature boot-stiched embroidery for some more Western flare).

Our friends over at Buck Mason offer a super clean and classic work shirt that will look good with just about anything. The label’s Denim Work Shirt is made with indigo yarn-dyed denim and boasts troca shell buttons on the placket and the two chest pockets. It’s also medium-washed with natural enzymes for that lived-in look and feel that complements the classic look perfectly.

If you’re looking for a simple denim shirt with a bit of stretch for some added comfort, then Bonobos has you covered with the Everyday Denim Shirt. Made with 98% cotton and 2% elastane, it comes in a medium blue wash that just looks great.

Brunello Cucinelli’s Denim Shirt is a great luxury pick that really takes that classic Western shirt style and elevates it with lightly faded blue denim that looks incredible. It’s finished with mother-of-pearl buttons, Western front and back yokes, and traditional flap pockets on the chest.

Tested: The Best White Tees for Any Occasion

Take a look at our hands-on guide to the best white tees for a reliable layer to match your denim shirt.