The 7 Best Denim Shirts Are Rugged Yet Refined

Wrangler’s denim shirt is a classic, whether you’re into Westernwear or not. It has all the bells and whistles that a good denim shirt should have—a snap placket, two chest pockets, western yokes—and the softness, sturdiness, and comfort that makes the mark of a great denim shirt. Our editors love this one for everything from work to play.

J.Crew takes a classic workwear piece, and makes it chic enough for you to actually wear to work, even if that just entails sitting in front of your computer all day, beneath the glare of fluorescent office lights. This denim shirt is for those of you who want to lose the Western style of it all; essentially, this is a classic button-down, but denim. It’s got a relaxed vibe, a soft, breathable fabric, and a chest pocket for your convenience. Plus, it’s dyed with indigo, so the more you wear and wash it, the better it’ll look (and personally, I think it already looks pretty damn good).

Maybe you don’t want a classic blue denim shirt. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with black denim! Tecovas crafts our favorite style, if you’re going to the dark side. It has glossy faux horn pearl snaps accented with antique brass, which adds a touch of sophistication while staying to the all-black color scheme. Plus, these guys know how to go Westernwear like few other brands do; this shirt is thick and sturdy, tough enough for the sun but still breathable, with a Western yoke and reinforced collar and cuffs.

Personally, I hate when something looks too new—especially when it’d be so much better with a bit of wear to it. One of those things is a denim shirt, but PRL crafts its own with the perfect solution—a pre-worn, pre-loved look. This style is soft as hell, with a lightweight fabric that makes layering a piece of cake. The weathered look offers Western authenticity, as do the pointed yoke and snap placket.

Another great not-too-cowboy-core option for you to keep on your radar is this one Billy Reid. It’s still ruggedly handsome, of course, with a material that’s a bit more structured, sturdier, and thicker than the one from J.Crew, with double chest pockets, a bias yoke, and a snap placket accented by antique brass snaps. This one has a slim fit, so size up if you want to do some serious layering, but honestly, wearing it sans undershirt with some matching denim jeans is never a bad idea.