Tag / best denim shirts for men

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt – A Timeless Classic Made Modern

As we so often talk about here on this Brooklyn style blog for men, it can be mighty hard to improve upon a classic, especially one with roots as rugged as one of the best denim shirts for men.

Once a Western wear staple worn by real-life ranchers and cowboys, the denim shirt has come a long way over the years, and can even be turned into a slightly luxe, elevated-yet-edgy piece of menswear — as you can perhaps see with the Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt shown above.

Find out more now at Nudie Jeans

With its rugged appeal, dashing good looks and sturdy construction, the best men’s denim shirts are a staple of my own rotation, particularly when paired with other hard-working pieces (like black denim or olive chinos, at least in the case of this mid-wash denim shirt from the good folks at Nudie Jeans).

The denim brand elevates the blue jean with designer quality in mind, using asymmetrical chest pockets and Western detailing, like a curved back yoke. Tobacco-hued thread and a subtle logo chest patch give this shirt and its snap buttons some character, while the pleasing vintage-style wash wears well with other shades of denim — even inky blue indigo jeans for a modern spin on the “Canadian tuxedo.”

The Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt also uses organic cotton, this time in a sturdy yet supple 6.5oz. rigid dry denim build, a fabric that Nudie Jeans says “has a wonderful density that gives the shirt a perfect denim drape.” That’s high praise indeed, but it’s exactly what the doctor ordered when it comes to the best shirts for men, especially one as wearable as the Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt.

The sturdy and strong Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt layers well right now atop a pocket tee or a cotton graphic tee, while it can also be accessorized accordingly in the cooler months ahead with a thermal henley and a shawl collar cardigan.

If you just so happen to be feeling daring in matters of style, you could even style the Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt with a lightweight navy or khaki cotton blazer for a dash of high-low style. Give it a whirl, feel the standout quality of Nudie Jeans’ denim and the stylish Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt, and revel in adding another sharp, hard-working shirt to your menswear rotation.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Flint and Tinder Washed Denim Shirt is a Modern Spin on an Icon

I don’t know about you, but as I scour the market high and low for the best gear for men, I tend to turn to retailers — and style silhouettes — I know and trust. It’s something we’ve talked a lot about here on this Brooklyn style blog, but it can pay big-time dividends to be able to shop the same retailers and brands consistently, and that’s why I find myself turning nearly on the daily to Huckberry.

They’re purveyors of everything from the stylish Flint and Tinder denim shirt shown above to staple pieces like the best waxed trucker jackets, dependable stretch jeans, rugged boots and much, much more (so much more!).

Learn more now at Huckberry

The Austin-based retailer has a near 15-year history of rugged, durable, stylish gear with an eye towards the classics, and for about 10 years, Flint and Tinder (starting with the famed Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie) has been a major part of that journey.

It makes absolutely perfect sense that the company updates the classics with each passing season, from one of the best new chore coats to a vintage-inspired denim shirt with military-grade detailing. Here just in time to start the transition (slowly but surely!) from late summer into early, early fall, the Flint and Tinder Washed Denim Shirt utterly delivers when it comes to top-notch design and construction, retro inspiration and hard-working appeal.

The specs on the Flint and Tinder Washed Denim Shirt are precisely what you might expect from Huckberry, in the best way possible. The denim shirt has a durable heritage, after all, from the Wild West to the factory floor, and this number uses military-grade Japanese Urea buttons for a dependable finish.

Best denim shirts for men.

Super-soft, broken-in cotton denim gives your new favorite denim shirt easy wearability right out of the box, while two flap front chest pockets deliver the workshirt utility you need to store your everyday carry. The handsome Light Wash fabrication of the Flint and Tinder Washed Denim Shirt is my personal favorite, with the ability to team with black jeans, grey stretch chinos, olive drawstring pants or tobacco corduroys come the colder months.

The Flint and Tinder Washed Denim Shirt also boasts standout layering potential — consider wearing it atop a thermal henley or a heavyweight pocket tee as temperatures start to drop in the weeks ahead. It’s also hard not to appreciate the use of contrast white stitching throughout the shirt.

Shop men’s shirting and more at Huckberry

As with other Flint and Tinder menswear from Huckberry, it should prove rugged and built to last (especially in its eye-catching Natural shade, a fashionable departure from the norm as far as the best denim shirts for men are concerned).

With durability, classic style and layering potential top of mind, the best men’s denim shirts are a must-buy for any casually cool fall menswear collection, and I couldn’t agree more with what Huckberry has dreamed up via the Flint and Tinder Washed Denim Shirt.

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Get Throwback Style with the Best Men’s Denim Shirts

If there’s one thing that’s clear to those of you who read The Style Guide, it’s got to be the fact that your editorial team of one absolutely loves rugged men’s style essentials. Case in point: Today’s list of the best men’s denim shirts.  Originating from real-life, rugged Western workwear and done first by companies like Levi’s, today’s denim shirts are a prime fall and winter style essential for guys who gravitate toward classic yet slightly edgy off-duty style. Made from cotton denim fabric, you can wear ’em across all four seasons — believe me. Some classic men’s denim shirts go full-on Western, with details like authentic stitching and front-button chest pockets. Other shirts, like the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Sea Washed Denim — sitting near the top of this list — feature a modern fit and fewer authentic style details, yet plenty of versatility either way. Rest assured, your new favorite denim shirt is wearable with everything from black denim to burgundy corduroys this fall and winter. Just add stylish leather boots, and you’re set. Read on to see the full list below, and leave your feedback in the comments section or on Twitter.

#1. Levi’s Barstow Western Shirt — $69.50

An utterly classic denim shirt — the original workwear staple.

Perhaps you think of something like the Levi’s Barstow Western Shirt when you think of the classic denim shirt. After all, Levi’s brought the style into vogue for tough, hard-working fellas long before the slim denim shirt was a style staple the world over. With multiple washes available — the Red Cast Rinse wash just might be the most classic — the Barstow Western Shirt features Western flap pockets & stitching. Wear it with black denim for rock concert-ready style, or team the Barstow Western Shirt  with your favorite fall blazer for a bit of edgy style on the daily grind.

#2. Taylor Stitch The Jack Shirt in Sea Washed Denim — $98

A more modern take on the denim shirt, done right by Taylor Stitch.

Want a denim shirt that’s a little bit more modern than a Western-style denim shirt? Well … you want the Jack Shirt in Sea Washed Denim from Taylor Stitch, my friend. Featuring the tailored fit and quality construction for which the brand is known, the Jack Shirt is easily wearable with other staples already hanging in your closet, from grey selvedge denim to olive chinos and a rugged crewneck sweatshirt.  Made from long staple cotton that gets better with every wear, the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt is the denim shirt you didn’t know you needed.

#3. BANKS West Long-Sleeve Woven Shirt in Dirty Denim — $70

A slim, modern denim shirt that’s well-crafted and easy to wear.

If you want a denim shirt that’s easygoing and laidback, then you want the BANKS West Long Sleeve Shirt. Done up in a pleasing shade of light blue, the BANKS West Shirt is a four-season staple, wearable with slim black denim and a shawl-collar cardigan in the fall, or able to pair up with slim chinos and classic leather sneakers in the spring and summer. Perhaps the best part of all? The BANKS West Shirt is an exceptional deal — get it while it lasts.

#4. Taylor Stitch The Utility Shirt in Heavy Slub Denim — $148

A rugged utility shirt made for layering — yet another type of denim shirt to add to your rotation.

When it comes to rugged men’s shirting, Taylor Stitch — and by extension, the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt — simply fill that void in terms of the perfect denim shirt. Made with, well, utility and functionality in mind, this 11oz. cotton-silk shirt is at once heavyweight and yet easy to wear. Simply layer the Utility Shirt over a Taylor Stitch striped henley, then add olive chinos and classic suede chukkas for unbeatable weekend style. Ultimately, the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt is made for work — real, live work — or play (an evening at your favorite brewpub).

#5. Roark Revival Murman Woven Shirt in Heather Indigo — $84.98

Is this a shirt? Is it a jacket? It’s both! And that’s good enough for this list of the best men’s denim shirts.

Well, well, well … what do we have here? A quilted shirt jacket that’s actually … made out of cotton? Easy to layer with one of the best men’s T-shirts or with a rugged men’s henley? Yes my friends, the Roark Revival Murman Woven Shirt captures the best of both worlds, featuring a cool deep blue fabric and the type of design you know and love. In the case of the Murman Shirt, that means chest flap pockets and again, that crucial layering potential. It’s different than your typical denim shirt, and that’s good enough for a spot in your closet.

Alright, folks — which of the above stylish men’s denim shirts will you be buying? As you can see, there’s versatility aplenty when it comes to the right denim shirt for you, from a classic Western denim shirt from Levi’s to a durable shirt jacket from Roark Revival. And as for me? I love a casual-yet-classic denim shirt like the Jack Shirt in Sea Washed Denim from Taylor Stitch. In fact, the right denim shirt can work with everything from slim black denim — yes, denim-on-denim flies — or grey chinos … or burgundy corduroys. You get the idea, right? With durable fabric and easygoing style potential, the BANKS West Long Sleeve Shirt is a similarly versatile denim shirt for fall and winter. And before we forget, the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt is another winner from the brand, crafted from a unique and long-lasting denim blend. If you ask me, that quality, top-notch design approach is what you need in your new favorite denim shirt. Feel free to chime in on the below picks or ask questions in the comments. With that being said, let’s grab a denim shirt, layer up and get out there for fall and winter!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Denim Shirts to Buy Now

Editor’s note: Get more menswear shopping picks for the season at that link.

There are some staples that never really, truly go out of style. From a rugged chambray shirt to a classic blue Oxford, these are the sort of pieces that a well-dressed guy should feasibly have in his wardrobe. And although there are a few other items you should readily have in your closet, it’s tough to dispute the timeless, rugged style of a denim shirt — yes, that’s right. Like the chambray shirt, the denim shirt is a hearty take on men’s shirting, originally worn by rough-and-tumble cowboys, ranchers and guys who needed a shirt that could take a beating. Well, modern iterations are a bit different — cut slimmer and trimmer, with more style-forward washes and detailing, for one. Yet, it’s the type of shirt that can make any guy look good — if you know which one to buy, that is. Its rugged appeal and durability makes it timeless and … you guessed it … essential. Today, we talk five great denim shirts to buy RIGHT NOW. Get more menswear at The Style Guide Facebook page and via Twitter, folks.

#1. Levi’s Barstow Western Shirt — $69.50

Made the same way as it was decades ago -- and updated with a modern fit and neat style details.

Made the same way as it was decades ago — and updated with a modern fit and neat style details.

If there’s a brand that makes a better denim shirt — or has more longevity doing it — they’ve got a tough act to follow in Levi’s. The brand still abides by the rugged ethos and construction that made its denim the pants of choice for gold miners out West, and the Barstow Western Shirt carries on that same tradition through to the 21st century. Wear this one with the Levi’s 505C to your next concert, and hang onto it the next you want a shirt to wear to the bar with friends.

#2. Scotch and Soda Denim Shirt (Available via East Dane) — $125

A minimal take on the denim shirt -- just as essential for the season.

A minimal take on the denim shirt — just as essential for the season.

While a denim shirt with a bit of a faded wash  is a reliably safe bet, you can never go wrong with a deep, dark blue denim shirt. Scotch and Soda makes pieces that are eclectic and unique in their construction and design, but this denim shirt is a winner — as with the Levi’s option above, it’s the type of shirt to wear to a rock concert, perhaps with a rugged waxed trucker jacket. And for $125, you should give it a go with a grey wool knit tie and burgundy corduroys this coming winter, too.

#3. Buck Mason Bleached Indigo Pearl Snap Shirt — $145

Made in America with classic style details -- doesn't get any better!

Made in America with classic style details — doesn’t get any better!

$145 for a shirt? Oh, yes. And here’s why — the team at Buck Mason knows a thing or two about making premium menswear in America, and this bleached indigo shirt is a fine example. Made from an 8oz. chambray fabric, it features custom-built pearl snaps and a fit that should team nicely with your favorite rugged henley this fall  and winter. The color and construction mean it also works for  layering under a suede bomber jacket on breezy days.

#4.  J. Crew Slim Midweight Denim Shirt — $88

It's tough to go wrong with J. Crew -- this denim shirt is a surefire winner.

It’s tough to go wrong with J. Crew — this denim shirt is a surefire winner.

J. Crew was (and is?) quite possibly the reason behind the surge in popularity of the classic chambray shirt over this past half-decade in menswear, and it’s no surprise that they make a heck of a denim shirt, too. This piece is slim and features a dark wash that should look just right this fall and winter with grey denim — and just as great come springtime with slim stone chinos and classic navy sneakers.

#5. Bridge and Burn Flint Overshirt — $182

A deep indigo dye and sturdy construction make this a fall and winter layering favorite.

A deep indigo dye and sturdy construction make this a fall and winter layering favorite.

So, is this overshirt your typical denim shirt? Not quite. It’s thicker, lined with cotton flannel and done up in a deep indigo wash, for one. And it doesn’t feature the  typical pearl snaps seen on most denim shirts. However,  it gets the nod here because of its versatility, durability and quality construction. The great team at Bridge & Burn puts their own touches on classic staples  (including fall’s  must-have bomber), and the Flint Overshirt is yet another example of those efforts. It’s easy to layer over a slim pocket tee, and it’ll pair up quite nicely with a stylish henley and your favorite pair of selvedge denim.
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No matter how you wear it — atop a tee, under a slim cardigan or on its own with the sleeves rolled up — a tough denim shirt is your answer to rugged fall and winter style. In the right cut and with a bit of visual interest, a denim shirt can act as another casual shirting option — think of it as an alternative to your favorite chambray shirt. And it’ll work in the fall and winter, plus the spring — when worn with other seasonal style essentials, of course. Did I miss any picks? Shoot me a note on Twitter, or drop us a line in the comments below.

Happy shopping!

-Beau