Photo Illustration by Chandler Bondurant
There’s a reason denim shirts have become an indispensable part of a stylish men’s wardrobe for fall and winter—and it’s not just that they look cool. Shirts cut from denim (not chambray, its lighter-weight summer counterpart) are naturally thicker than other cotton weaves, which means they help keep you warmer. They come in handy on days when you want to look more rugged than refined, and serve as a great alternative to flannels and thick oxford cloths. And luckily, lots of the most talented designers and beloved menswear brands are offering up their take on the staple this season. There’s a wide variety of styles available right now, which means you can find a denim shirt that plays well with tailoring during the week, as well as others that might make more sense when you’re not in the boardroom. A look at some of our favorites—from Brioni, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford and more—below.
Eton Denim Shirt


Image Credit: Eton Denim shirts are often thought of as rugged, but this one is a little more refined than other takes on the concept. Eton uses extra long-staple cotton woven in Italy for a soft yet durable denim, which is cut and sewn into a spread-collar model that pairs wonderfully with tailoring.
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Cotton-Linen Denim Western Shirt


Image Credit: Ralph Lauren Brunello Cucinelli Western Denim Shirt


Image Credit: Brunello Cucinelli If you’re not all-in on cowboy style, this shirt might be a good way to dip your toe into the trend. It’s as luxurious as you would expect from Brunello Cucinelli, and features pearlescent snap buttons that catch the light so nicely that you almost wouldn’t want to put a coat on over it.
Zegna Denim Shirt


Image Credit: Mr Porter With its one-piece collar, this denim shirt from Zegna is an ideal option for those days when you just can’t bear to wear a tie. Its construction means it’ll stand up all by itself—and shouldn’t all your collars be able to say that?
100Hands Japanese Denim Sport Shirt


Image Credit: Bergdorf Goodman 100Hands takes its name from the 50 talented individuals who contribute to the production of each of its fine shirts. This one, crafted from a Japanese denim, arrives with a sense of patina that makes it look like it’s already been in your closet for years.
Levi’s Vintage Clothing Shorthorn Sawtooth Western Shirt


Image Credit: Levi’s A line-for-line replica of a shirt Levi’s made in the 1950s, this denim shirt is a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll. It has all the halmarks of traditional Western shirts—pearl snap buttons, yoke details, two chest pockets—giving it a timeless feel. Plus, its Japanese-made fabric will accrue a great patina with wear.
Billy Reid Shoals Denim Shirt


Image Credit: Billy Reid Believe it or not, this perfectly faded denim shirt from Alabama-based designer Billy Reid hasn’t been washed, whiskered or sanded to achieve its weathered look. Instead, its worn-in aesthetic comes courtesy of a custom denim blend made for Reid’s eponymous brand.
Brioni Denim Shirt


Image Credit: Brioni Who says you can’t teach an old shirt new tricks? This cotton model from Brioni might not look like it, but it’s a button down—it’s just that its fasteners are cleverly concealed behind its collar points.
OrSlow Denim Western Shirt


Image Credit: OrSlow Denim Western Shirt This Japanese-made brand is named for the time-consuming production techniques it uses, which ensure made-to-last construction and quality you can feel. In this excellent dark denim shirt, that means contrast stitching and a razor sharp collar line.
Fortela Ntex Denim Shirt


Image Credit: Mr Porter Fortela is known for its distinctive blend of American workwear and Italian tailoring. Perhaps no garment represents that mix more than this denim shirt, which is made from a soft, stone-washed material and cut slim so you can tuck it neatly into a pair of trousers.











