These 15 Denim Shirts Get Better With Age, According to Stylists (2024)

• Our Picks

• Where We Stand

• How We Researched

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust Byrdie

This denim shirt provides a comfortable, relaxed fit with its pre-washed construction. With a curved shirttail hem, this denim shirt can be worn partially or fully tucked into a pair of pants depending on the look. The button flap pockets can hold important cards while on the go and its cuffed sleeves can be rolled up for styling purposes whether layered or on its own. We love that L.L. Bean makes this shirt in four different silhouettes (regular, plus, petite, and tall) so no matter your proportions, it will hit just right.

Material: 100% cotton| Size Range: XS–3X (petite, plus, and tall available) | Colors: Light Indigo, Medium Indigo and Barley (camel)

Looking for an affordable pick? This budget-friendly button-down is made of 100 percent cotton, so you can bet it's soft and breathable. The curved hem makes it easy to tuck into pants or skirt. We also like that it comes in seven sizes and over 20 colors ranging from classic denim washes to crisp white to distressed black.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XS–3XL | Colors: 23, including Brilliant White, Classic Blue and Candy Pink

We'll admit it, sometimes we have no idea what to do with our sleeves. Do we cuff them, roll them up, or wear them loose? Well you don't have to have that dilemma with this shirt. Rather than fidgeting, you can rock the cropped bell sleeves that elegantly show off your watch and bracelets. Besides the cool sleeve, this denim shirt has darts and curved seams along the shoulders to highlight your figure. The shorter length also makes it easy to wear with all kinds of bottoms.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Iceberg (medium wash)

This western-inspired shirt features long sleeves with snap cuffs plus a classic spread collar and pointed flap pockets and western seams in the front. Pearl snap buttons make it easier to take it on and off while looking authentic. Made from non-stretch denim, it has that hardy, better-with-age feel yet it's machine washable for effortless care.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XXS–XXL (tall and petite available) | Colors: Black, Medium Wash, Light Wash, Dark Wash

Can’t decide between a shirt and a jacket? There’s no need to with this versatile shacket. This oversized option features long sleeves, a pointed collar, and a button down closure. Undo the buttons for a fashion-forward yet laid-back look that’s ideal for layering. Also nice: the super soft denim is partly made from recycled cotton. Best of all? It has functional side pockets!

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XS–XXL | Colors: Medium Wash

Think all denim shirts are the same? Think again. This one has a touch of elastane for extra stretch and recovery so you can move freely without worrying about the shirt losing its shape. There are also hidden snaps in between the tortoise buttons to prevent anything popping open without your permission. Like all Universal Standard pieces, this one comes in an extensive size range from 4XS to 4XL.

Material: Cotton, elastane | Size Range: 4XS-4XL | Colors: Vintage Indigo, Dark Indigo

An oversized button-down shirt is among the most versatile articles of clothing you'll ever own. We like this one from Reformation, which boasts a relaxed fit and a shirttail hem that will sit somewhere below the hip, depending on how tall you are. The strategic fading gives this shirt a lovely vintage feel. Made from organic and recycled cotton, you can feel good about this purchase, too.

Material: Organic and recycled cotton | Size Range: XS–XL | Colors: Light Wash

While oversized denim is all the rage, some occasions call for a slim-fitting shirt that you can easily tuck into bottoms and layer under other jackets. And who better to design a classic denim shirt than American heritage brand Ralph Lauren? This no-frills shirt nixes the pockets and bulk and hits at the hip for a universally flattering length. The buttons are also simple and the subtle logo blends into the background.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: City Blue Wash

Chambray is similar to denim, but its plain weave gives it a softer, less rigid look and feel compared to thicker, twill-woven denim. This chambray shirt is not only soft but also breathable with an effortless, easy-to-wear silhouette. It can easily double as a button down thanks to its light blue shade and thinner weight. The best shirt fits your proportions correctly, and this one comes in regular, tall, and petite sizing to ensure a tailored fit.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XXS–XXL, tall and petite | Colors: Light Indigo

Amazon is a treasure trove for basic fashion selects, and the denim shirt is no exception. We love this classic top-rated and bestselling denim shirt; its 100 percent cotton makeup makes it form-fitting enough for it to work as a button up. The shirt features genuine pearl snap buttons so it can be worn open or closed depending on preference. The hem hits at the hips, and the tailoring is pretty impeccable.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XS–3X | Colors: Medium Wash, Dark Wash

Lucky Brand's take on the denim shirt is this 100 percent cotton number. It's not as stretchy as those containing spandex or elastane, but it'll wear in and soften over time like your favorite pair of jeans. We love the little details like the raw edge hem and wavy flap pockets with two button accents. Can't decide between an oversized or slim fitting shirt? The relaxed fit on this one is the perfect compromise.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XS–XXL | Colors: American Dream (medium wash)

For the warmer weather, opt for a cropped denim shirt. With a front button closure, this denim crop top is ideal for those trips to the beach or Sunday brunches. This selection features a lapel collar, long sleeves, and oversized flap pockets which add a stylistic flair. The pre-washed effect gives the fabric that fuzzy feel that's as cozy as a warm breeze on a summer day.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XS - XL| Colors: Light Blue

Whether you want to show some skin or enjoy a breeze, snag a short sleeve denim shirt. Intentionally oversized, this shirt grazes the hips for a longline look, which can be easily paired with leggings. Pearl finished buttons and western stitching adds some rugged accents. With seven different colors, you can stick to classic light or medium blue washes or experiment with green or purple tones.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XS–XL | Colors: 7, including Light Blue, Chocolate and Orchid

We love this cotton-linen blend in denim blue for its relaxed fit. This blouse has a flowy silhouette without being boxy or tent-like. A longer back allows you to wear it with leggings for a comfortable getup while running errands. Reviewers note the cotton-linen blend adds breathability and some sweat absorption, though it does wrinkle easily. Washing with softener can help manage some of the wrinkling, while adding softness to the linen blend.

Material: Cotton, linen | Size Range: S–XXL | Colors: Denim Blue, Coffee (brown), Light blue +more

Ideal for warmer weather, this button-up is an elevated tank that can be worn on its own or layered. We love the clean stitching and lightweight chambray material that makes this pick an investment piece. Consider styling it with a tennis skirt and flats, or layering on top of a ribbed long-sleeve when the temperatures dip.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XXS–3X| Colors: Lovers Lane Wash (light wash)

FAQ

• How can you wear a denim shirt?

  There are so many ways to wear a denim shirt whether it’s for an everyday look or a more sophisticated occasion. “My personal favorite is to pair a white tank tucked into your pants, or shorts and wear it open almost as a jacket which gives it a more casual feel,” Miranda says.

  Miranda adds that the Canadian Tuxedo is back in style, so don't be afraid to embrace a denim on denim look. “You can wear your denim shirt tucked right into your favorite jeans, throw on a pair of western boots, some chunky jewelry and you’re styled, and ready to go from day to night,” she says.

• How do you dress up a denim shirt?

  Like most closet staples, a denim shirt can be dressed up or down. “To dress a denim shirt up, you will look at accessories and what you pair it with,” Alsulaiman says. “For example, if you pair it with pants, you will want them more tailored and fitted, and if you pair it with a skirt, look for a more elevated fabric, design, or color.”

  Miranda suggests adding a belt for a more dressed-up look. “I love a brown leather belt with a chunky western style buckle," she says. "You could also do a thick white belt and white shoes to tie it all together.”

• How do you soften a denim shirt?

  The most tried and tested way to soften a denim shirt is to soak it in white vinegar. “White vinegar is a natural fabric softener that will help break down the fibers in the denim and make them softer,” Alsulaiman says. “You can soak the shirt in vinegar and water solution for about an hour, then wash it as usual.”

  Aside from white vinegar, she adds that another way to get that cozy broken in feel is to wash the shirt with fabric softener.

  Don’t want to wash your new denim shirt just yet? “Try putting it in the dryer with a damp towel,” Alsulaiman says. “The towel will help to absorb some of the stiffness out of the fabric, and the heat will also help to soften the material.”

  Put your shirt in the dryer on low heat for about 15 minutes, then check to see if it's as soft as you want it to be. If not, you can put it in for another 10 to 15 minutes.