Next to a great pair of straight-leg medium-blue jeans, denim shirts are an essential denim piece to own. The shirt style is a building-block wardrobe item that returns year after year and will simply never go out of style. Lately, I've been seeing the tops everywhere from the street style scene at Paris Fashion Week to recent collections from Gucci, Chanel, and Kallmeyer to seasonal vacation looks, which have been providing some fresh inspiration for how to wear them.
To uncover the very best denim shirts on the market, I consulted Who What Wear's team of fashion editors to narrow them down to the five best. Here, we're breaking them down by style, ranging from classic button-downs to dark washes to oversize versions and more. Ahead, see our picks for the best denim shirts to add to your shopping cart, beginning with this editor's top selects.
The Classic Denim Shirt
Levi's is synonymous with great denim. While designs ranging from the 501s to the 505s are iconic when it comes to jeans, the denim shirts are equally great. The Odessa shirt is executed in a classic button-down silhouette that is pared back—simplicity at its best.
The Denim Tunic Shirt
Button-downs are the most common denim shirt styles, but we are seeing the rise of tunic styles that lend more polish to a look. Rag & Bone has a version on the market that perfectly echos the lines of a recent look from the Chanel runway.
The Oversize Denim Shirt
"I think denim shirts are best when oversize and lightweight, and this Polo Ralph Lauren one checks all the boxes. The iconic horse logo on the pocket is also a chic touch. I'd probably wear it unbuttoned over T-shirts and tanks. I'll be ordering it as soon as my size restocks." — Allyson Payer, senior editor
The Dark Denim Shirt
"I love the darker wash of this denim shirt, and it would look great with darker and lighter-wash jeans. It also happens to be included in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!" — Bobby Schuessler, shopping director
The Western Denim Shirt
"I always reach for a denim shirt when I want to achieve a polished look with minimal effort. It combines sophistication and casual style effortlessly, making it suitable for the workplace and leisurely brunches with friends. My top choice is the Wren shirt from J.Crew. Crafted from incredibly soft cotton, it offers a comfortable feel against the skin and a laid-back appearance. The snap closures add practicality by making it easy to put on and take off. The dark denim wash also exudes a vintage charm, a defining characteristic I seek when shopping for denim garments." — Nikki Chwatt, associate editor
The Denim Bodysuit
"If you told me a few years ago I'd be wearing a denim bodysuit during the daytime, I might not have believed you, but as soon as I tried on this one from Citizens of Humanity, my mind was changed. Almost every time I wear a denim shirt, I end up tucking it in, and this purchase makes things a lot easier. It's the perfect loose fit, and I love wearing it with anything else I own that's denim." — Sierra Mayhew, associate editor
