When it comes to cool, casual style, it doesn't get much better than a denim shirt. Comfortable and hardwearing, denim fabric projects an effortlessly stylish appearance, and can be worn in a range of different ways – whether you opt for long sleeves, short sleeves, a frill collar, or even a denim shirt dress.
We've scoured the internet to find the top ten best women's denim shirts, along with a guide full of tips and advice on how to choose the right one. Looking for a plus-size fit, a classic western-style shirt, or something sustainably made? We've ranked the UK's most fabulous finds on Amazon, John Lewis and ASOS.
Quick List - Top Women's Denim Shirts
Melissa Melles is a Wardrobe Concierge based in Manchester, helping both women and men find their style and have confidence in what they wear by organising their wardrobes. With 10 years industry experience, Melissa's clients trust her expert opinion when it comes to style advice. Her experience spans from TV, music and editorial styling, to working in Paris showrooms, to personal shopping in luxury department stores and more.
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Melissa Melles is a Wardrobe Concierge based in Manchester, helping both women and men find their style and have confidence in what they wear by organising their wardrobes.
With 10 years of industry experience, Melissa's clients trust her expert opinion when it comes to style advice. Her experience spans from TV, music and editorial styling, to working in Paris showrooms, to personal shopping in luxury department stores and more. Find out more about Melissa via her Instagram or head over to her website.
First things first, there are a few things to consider before buying a new denim shirt. In this section, we'll touch upon key points, such as fit, style, material, size range and care instructions, to help you find the perfect new addition to your wardrobe!
Finding the right fit and style are two of the most important aspects of shopping for a women's denim shirt. Here, we'll delve a little deeper into the most popular fits from regular to oversized, as well as design features, such as balloon sleeves and western-style detailing.
When picturing a classic women's denim shirt, a western-style garment is probably what first comes to mind. Featuring long sleeves, a curved statement seam along the shoulder and back, we associate this shirt with one that might be worn by a Texas cowgirl or some other cool chick.
However, this isn't the only option available! If a long-sleeved shirt is what you're after, the fit can make a big difference to the overall effect. For example, a regular fit will look smarter, and possibly a little more chic, whereas a relaxed style is better for a comfortable, laid-back look.
If you're seeking a denim shirt for the warmer months, or like the idea of layering over a long-sleeved jersey top, consider going for a short-sleeved denim bowling shirt. This provides a slightly different way to wear denim, with a nod to 90s grunge aesthetics.
A relaxed long sleeve denim shirt can be a great staple piece for autumn and spring, worn open over a t-shirt can be a really cool and easy look. If you've got any city breaks coming up, you don't need to pack much, just the shirt and a few different tees for underneath.
Oversized tops, hoodies and jackets are increasingly popular these days, which could be partly to do with more fluid ideas around gender and fashion. Oversized denim shirts truly look great when embracing a unisex style, and the clean, straight lines will work well on any body shape.
Whether you opt for a preppy "boyfriend" style denim shirt, or an oversized shirt dress, there's an emphasis on comfort and freedom. These denim shirts can be layered with pretty much anything in your wardrobe. So when it comes to current style trends, it's time to go big or go home!
I love an oversized shirt look. For those bloated days or times in your life when you're not feeling your absolute best, it can be so comforting just to wear something loose-fitting. If you pick light denim, worn oversized like a dress can be nice for the summer months with a pair of cowboy boots for a true western look.
The most exciting thing about denim is that you can do almost anything with it. So if you're not a fan of the classic western-style shirt, and the oversized look isn't for you, there are more sophisticated ways to wear it too.
A regular fitting denim shirt with a frill collar is a big look right now, and there are many different iterations of it, from a subtle ruffle to a large statement collar. For a chic office outfit, a bell-shaped cut with balloon sleeves in a sturdy, thick denim looks seriously cool!
The shade you opt for has a big impact too. Light and mid-wash denim gives off casual vibes, whilst washed black has great overall appeal. Denim in cream, sand, or even sage will elevate the look of a denim shirt, and indigo has a depth of tone that can take you from day to night.
Denim shirts with a sizeable Ganni-Esque peter pan collar can be adorable for layering under dresses such as a pinafore style dress. This style of shirt is everywhere at the moment. I love denim and leather combinations too. A nice indigo denim shirt worn under a biker jacket can be a cool look for an evening.
There's no doubt about it, denim is one of the most commonly worn, well-known fabrics there is. In fact, this sturdy cotton twill fabric has been a symbol of classic Americana for over 150 years. Authentic denim is made from 100% cotton, which is durable, breathable, and moulds to your body over time for that perfect fit.
Choosing cotton denim made in partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) can help support cotton communities and protect the environment from the effects of clothing production. However, Lyocell is also gaining popularity as another sustainable fabric choice.
Lyocell is made from wood pulp, which is woven into a fabric, such as TENCEL™. It's smooth, strong and breathable, and is typically derived from eucalyptus, oak, or birch trees, which grow quickly and often without pesticides, making it a more eco-friendly alternative to synthetics like viscose.
It's so important to me to be sustainable now more than ever, and it's also really easy and affordable to do so more and more! Many high street brands are changing the way they produce garments now to help make the world a greener one. So remember to look at the composition of your garments before you purchase them!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The Ragged Priest Oversized Denim Shirt in Denim Check | ![]() | Designed and Made in the UK From 100% Cotton | |
2 | Levi's Frill Collar Denim Shirt | ![]() | Non-Stretch, Washed Black Denim Brings Rustic Flair | |
3 | Reclaimed Vintage Unisex Denim Shirt | ![]() | Keep It Neutral in This Understated Shirt | |
4 | ASOS DESIGN Denim ‘Original’ Shirt | ![]() | Responsibly Made With 100 % BCI Cotton | |
5 | Maison Scotch Balloon Sleeve Denim Shirt | ![]() | A Contemporary Silhouette for Work and Play | |
6 | Damson Madder Recycled Oversized Denim Shirt Dress | ![]() | Made With Eco-Friendly, Recycled Materials | |
7 | ASOS DESIGN Denim Bowling Shirt | ![]() | A Sustainable Fit In Autumnal Sage | |
8 | Noisy May Oversized Denim Shirt in Pale Purple | ![]() | Relaxed Fit In a Heavenly Lilac Wash | |
9 | Yours Plus Size Women's Denim Shirt | ![]() | Classic Denim Shirt With Horn Button Fastenings | |
10 | find. Women's Long Sleeve Denim Shirt | ![]() | A Western Style Denim Shirt With Classic Detailing |
With so many delightful denim shirts out there, it was difficult to choose our number one. In the end, it simply had to be this oversized shirt in denim check by The Ragged Priest. Designed and made in the UK, the brand has partnered with The Better Cotton Initiative and is committed to more sustainable production.
The shirt itself has major 90s vibes, combining an understated check pattern in a light blue wash, and an oversized, roomy fit. Get ready for it to become your new favourite item, with serious throw-on appeal all year round.
Statement collars are big this season, but this one is our favourite by far! Featuring a large frill collar and subtle balloon sleeves in non-stretch denim, this shirt is extremely cute and can be accessorised with a ribbon tie, beret, or patterned fabrics for an iconic outfit.
Denim shirts often have a unisex style, but this one has a much more feminine appeal. It has a rustic feel, which will work just as well with a casual pair of cords, as it would tucked into a tailored skirt. Levi's has long been the go-to brand for denim, and it's not hard to see why.
Neutrals have been on-trend for quite a while now, and it doesn't look like that will change anytime soon. That's why we had to recommend this unisex denim shirt from Reclaimed Vintage. It comes in a muted, washed-sand tone, that goes beautifully with blacks, bolds, and bright colours.
Part of a co-ord set, you can pick up their relaxed jeans to match. The looser shape not only feels super comfy, but looks chic too. Wear with other neutral shades and gold jewellery for a vintage-inspired outfit.
Washed black denim has always been cool, and this 'Original' shirt by ASOS DESIGN hits all the right notes. Made from non-stretch BCI cotton, it's responsibly produced to a high quality that should last longer than its fast fashion counterparts.
The preppy, boyfriend style combined with a regular to relaxed fit, make for a top-notch denim shirt. The spread collar, chest pocket, button cuffs, and slightly longer length, also mean it'll be comfortable and easy to wear.
For a sophisticated, contemporary style, that's both suitable for the office and after-work drinks, this balloon sleeve denim shirt by Maison Scotch is a good fit. With a gorgeous bell-shaped silhouette, it creates a flattering look for any body shape.
The deep indigo shade is timelessly chic, for a shirt that is at once smart, whilst still being a little laidback. A great seasonal investment that's easy to dress up or down for work, brunch, or evening cocktails.
Damson Madder put sustainability at the core of everything they do, their ethos being that "you shouldn't have to choose between your wardrobe and the environment". As far as we're concerned, it was about time a brand came through with super-sustainable yet stylish pieces, and DM has hit the mark!
This oversized shirt dress is created from a blend of recycled fabrics, including soft TENCEL™ lyocell, which is made using wood pulp from responsibly managed forests. Eco-credentials aside, the light wash and oversized fit make it a cool choice you're sure to throw on again and again.
This Denim Bowling Shirt by ASOS DESIGN is perfect if you're looking for an interesting variation on the usual denim shirt. With a revere collar, short sleeves and relaxed fit, it offers something a little different.
We love the soft sage shade contrasted against tortoiseshell buttons, and there's the option to buy this shirt as part of a matching co-ord set too! Made from 100% lyocell, it has a lighter, more uniform quality than cotton denim, which may not appeal to everyone.
Bored of the usual shades of blue when it comes to denim? This oversized shirt in pale purple by Noisy May creates a serene, relaxed look that's great when paired with neutral shades.
The non-stretch denim has a clean and structured shape, paired with a fashion-forward, contemporary design to keep you looking fresh. We're into the spread collar, press studs and roomy fit. However, this shirt isn't available in as wide a size range as some other options.
Next, we have another classic women's denim shirt from Yours. Available in sizes 24 up to 32, it features functional front pockets and horn button fastenings, bringing a laidback, casual look to any outfit.
The seams across the shoulders and back create a western feel, for a shirt that can be worn either by itself, or layered as outerwear. Just be aware that the straight cut may not be as flattering on all body types.
There's no doubt about it, the classic western-style denim shirt is a really cool look! This long sleeve denim shirt by find. has retro cowgirl aesthetics, and is practical and adaptable enough to go with most things in your wardrobe.
Made from 100% cotton, it's machine washable and super-easy to care for. It's also very affordable compared to many others but, unfortunately, it's only available in sizes 12 to 16.
Denim is one of those fabrics that you can never really have too much of, and its cross-seasonal, multifunctional appeal makes it a great value choice. Check out our articles below for the best denim skirts, dresses and jackets, for more wonderful ways to wear it!
Alas, we've reached the end of our guide to the best denim shirts for women. We hope you've found lots of style inspiration amongst our on-trend recommendations. There really is a denim shirt out there to suit every style!
Author: Melanie McPhail
No. 1: The Ragged Priest|Oversized Denim Shirt in Denim Check
No. 2: Levi's|Frill Collar Denim Shirt
No. 3: Reclaimed Vintage|Unisex Denim Shirt
No. 4: ASOS DESIGN|Denim ‘Original’ Shirt
No. 5: Maison Scotch|Balloon Sleeve Denim Shirt
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