A quality denim shirt is a wardrobe staple for any man. The problem though is how to find one that’s suitable for both casual and smart casual dress occasions. We personally prefer blue-washed denim shirts for men as they’re softer and are better paired with chinos and (if you must double denim) jeans.
Whilst acceptable, double denim (or the Canadian tuxedo) is bloody hard to get right. If you want to give the daring look a go, try dark, almost black, jeans and a washed denim shirt on top and trial the contrasting tones from there. If your tops and bottoms match then you’ve taken it too far.
However, denim shirts also look good with just a pair of chinos or trousers (if you think the whole double denim look is too Britney and Justin at the 2001 AMAs) and should be an item of clothing owned by every man; as it can be quite stylish and rugged.
Therefore, we’ve rounded up the best denim shirts for men. In this selection of denim shirts you’ll find them ranging from cheap to insanely expensive, casual to smart-casual; so no matter your tastes, you’ll find the perfect denim shirt for you.
J. Crew
Price: From $70
Sizes: XS-XXL
So often the clothing brand of choice for Ivy League yuppies, J. Crew has built a reputation for well-styled and well-made menswear essentials. Its range of chinos and polo shirts may demand the spotlight, but its extensive range of casual and denim shirts is well worth a look too.
J. Crew has a great range of denim shirts for men. Available in a wide range of rinse colours and styles, J. Crew’s versatile denim shirts for men are well-made and reasonably priced.
ASOS Design
Price: From $29
Sizes: XXS-XXXL
ASOS, the British online retailer was founded in 2000, but since then they have launched their own range of clothing and accessories called ASOS Design. Committed to creating clothing that allows people to have total freedom, to experiment, and to feel confident with their fashion choices, ASOS Design has an extensive range of denim shirts in a wide variety of styles and colours.
If you’re after cheap contemporary denim shirts for men that are surprisingly well-made, you can’t go wrong with ASOS Design.
Suitsupply
Price: From $129
Sizes: XS-XXL
Yep, Suitsupply isn’t just a one-trick pony that specialises in suits, oh no. The Dutch company has a full range of other essentials too, and that includes denim shirts for men.
This denim shirt is made from a breathable 100% Egyptian cotton sourced directly from Italy, and has been expertly tailored to provide a slim, but not quite figure-hugging fit. If you’re after a dressier denim shirt for smart-casual affairs, this is the perfect denim shirt for you.
G-Star
Price: From $110
Sizes: XXS-XXL
It’s not a list of denim clothing if it doesn’t feature G-Star, right? The Dutch designer denim brand is literally known for its quality denim pieces and has amassed a strong following because of it. While it does cater for those who favour clothes made from other materials, it’s G-Star’s denim you’re going to want.
G-Star’s 3301 Slim Shirt range takes its design inspiration from shirts of the Wild West and comes in multiple colours and sizes. Available in both long sleeve and short sleeve options, if you’re after denim shirts for men that’ll make you the king of cool, G-Star is the brand for you.
Todd Snyder
Price: From $168
Sizes: XS-XXL
Iowa native Todd Snyder makes effortless everyday luxuries for the modern gentleman. Blending Savile Row’s craftsmanship with a downtown New York aesthetic, his clothing is relaxed, refined, and always impeccably tailored.
Todd Snyder has a great range of denim shirts for men, some traditional and others more contemporary-looking & daring. All made with premium cotton denim, and available in different rinse colours, any one of Todd Snyder’s denim shirts will make a perfect addition to any wardrobe.
A.P.C.
Price: From $255
Sizes: XS-XXL
French high-end fashion brand A.P.C. was founded in 1987, initially as a menswear only brand, but after attracting female attention in its first year, began catering for women too. The brand is a huge fan of minimalist designs and rarely displays its logo.
That’s certainly true of the Victor denim overshirt, which as its product name implies, is a heavyweight shirt that can act as a top layer even when the temperature begins to drop. A classic blue denim colouring makes it easy to pair with dark or even beige or stone-coloured bottoms, and tortoiseshell buttons provide a subtle but effective stylistic touch.
Levi's
Price: From $70
Sizes: S-XL
Levi’s, founded in 1852, is a leading pioneer in the denim fashion industry and is renowned for their classic blue jeans. Over the years, Levi’s has expanded into producing high-quality garments and accessories with a classic yet cool style for men, women, and kids.
Of course, Levi’s has a great selection of denim shirts for men, perfect for casualwear but versatile enough to be dressed up. Made with premium cotton denim, and available in multiple rinse colours, if you want a traditional well-made denim shirt, Levi’s is the brand for you.