The Wardrobe Workhorse
The 20 best denim (and denim-ish) shirts to wear right now
The denim shirt is an undisputed classic— a staple that has been in the sartorial rafters for decades and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Sure, it's got a masculine vibe, but it's also incredibly comfortable and adaptable too. One thing certainly remains true: Like high-quality jeans that get better with time, the same goes for shirts cut from the same cloth. Go ahead and wear it year-round—no need to stop just because it's warm out.
Of course, not all denim shirts are actually denim. Some are cut from lightweight, breathable chambray, making them even more versatile. And trust us when we say that they're everywhere these days. You can purchase one from your local vintage spot or buy new—get a couple, because we guarantee that these will be repeat offenders in your wardrobe. Also, styling this shirt is super easy: Roll up the sleeves, throw it on over a tank top and wear it with shorts or your lightweight chinos. Hell, it even looks sharp with a suit. Pull off a Canadian tuxedo with denim on denim and pack it on vacation to wear with your swim trunks. The key for summer is to look for lighter fabric weights (ideally 4.5 oz. to 7 oz. is the sweet spot). It just needs to be breathable enough so you're not drenched in the sun. To help you pick, we've selected a few from reliable brands in an assortment of different washes and price points that are built to last.
The Best Denim/
Chambray Shirts in 2022
Earl chambray shirt,imogene + willie
$195 byMedium wash denim western shirt,Buck Mason
$125 byAdvertisement
Indigo sunfaded workshirt,
$168 by Wythe New York
Denim work shirt,
$145 / $79.75 by Alex Mill
Relaxed mid-weightJ.Crew
denim workshirt, $89.50 byDistressed denim shirt,
$225 by Frame
A relaxed, boxy fit perfect for layering over a tank or tee
Oversized '90s denim shirt,
$69 / $32.99 by Abercrombie & Fitch
Stonewashed denim3Sixteen
crosscut western shirt, $285 byAdvertisement
How to wash
your denim shirt?
How to wash
your denim shirt?
Wash these like you would your jeans—inside out, on cold and hang to dry. Since it’s summertime, feel free to hang the shirt outside to get a genuine “sun-faded” look. The more you wear the better.