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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Hopefully, reading our buying guide has got you in the mood to shop for a denim shirt. With chic and stylish items from the likes of Maison Scotch, Levi's and ASOS – our top 10 has got you covered!
£26.32
Fit | Regular, western-style |
---|---|
Fabric | 100 % cotton |
Size Range | 12 - 16 |
Care Instructions | Machine washable |
£29.98
Fit | Regular |
---|---|
Fabric | 95 % cotton, 5 % polyester |
Size Range | 24 - 32 plus |
Care Instructions | Machine washable at 30°C, not suitable for tumble drying |
£34.00
Fit | Oversized, western-style |
---|---|
Fabric | 100 % cotton |
Size Range | XS - L |
Care Instructions | Machine washable |
£25.00
Fit | Relaxed, short sleeved bowling shirt |
---|---|
Fabric | 100 % lyocell |
Size Range | 4 - 18 |
Care Instructions | Machine washable |
£50.00
Fit | Oversized, shirt dress |
---|---|
Fabric | 66 % lyocell, 18 % polyester, 14 % viscose, 2 % elastane |
Size Range | S - XL |
Care Instructions | Machine washable |
£150.00
Fit | Relaxed, balloon sleeves |
---|---|
Fabric | 100 % cotton |
Size Range | XS - L |
Care Instructions | Machine washable |
£28.00
Fit | Relaxed |
---|---|
Fabric | BCI cotton |
Size Range | 4 - 18 |
Care Instructions | Machine washable |
£35.00
Fit | Relaxed, unisex style |
---|---|
Fabric | 100 % cotton |
Size Range | XS - XL |
Care Instructions | Machine washable |
£70.00
Fit | Regular, statement frill collar |
---|---|
Fabric | 100 % cotton |
Size Range | 6 - 16 |
Care Instructions | Machine washable |
£50.00
Fit | Oversized, check pattern |
---|---|
Fabric | 100 % cotton |
Size Range | 6 - 14 |
Care Instructions | Machine washable |
Image | 1 ![]() The Ragged Priest | 2 ![]() Levi's | 3 ![]() Reclaimed Vintage | 4 ![]() ASOS DESIGN | 5 ![]() Maison Scotch | 6 ![]() Damson Madder | 7 ![]() ASOS DESIGN | 8 ![]() Noisy May | 9 ![]() Yours | 10 ![]() find. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Oversized Denim Shirt in Denim Check | Frill Collar Denim Shirt | Unisex Denim Shirt | Denim ‘Original’ Shirt | Balloon Sleeve Denim Shirt | Recycled Oversized Denim Shirt Dress | Denim Bowling Shirt | Oversized Denim Shirt in Pale Purple | Plus Size Women's Denim Shirt | Women's Long Sleeve Denim Shirt |
Features | Designed and Made in the UK From 100% Cotton | Non-Stretch, Washed Black Denim Brings Rustic Flair | Keep It Neutral in This Understated Shirt | Responsibly Made With 100 % BCI Cotton | A Contemporary Silhouette for Work and Play | Made With Eco-Friendly, Recycled Materials | A Sustainable Fit In Autumnal Sage | Relaxed Fit In a Heavenly Lilac Wash | Classic Denim Shirt With Horn Button Fastenings | A Western Style Denim Shirt With Classic Detailing |
Price | £50.00 | £70.00 | £35.00 | £28.00 | £150.00 | £50.00 | £25.00 | £34.00 | £29.98 | £26.32 |
Fit | Oversized, check pattern | Regular, statement frill collar | Relaxed, unisex style | Relaxed | Relaxed, balloon sleeves | Oversized, shirt dress | Relaxed, short sleeved bowling shirt | Oversized, western-style | Regular | Regular, western-style |
Fabric | 100 % cotton | 100 % cotton | 100 % cotton | BCI cotton | 100 % cotton | 66 % lyocell, 18 % polyester, 14 % viscose, 2 % elastane | 100 % lyocell | 100 % cotton | 95 % cotton, 5 % polyester | 100 % cotton |
Size Range | 6 - 14 | 6 - 16 | XS - XL | 4 - 18 | XS - L | S - XL | 4 - 18 | XS - L | 24 - 32 plus | 12 - 16 |
Care Instructions | Machine washable | Machine washable | Machine washable | Machine washable | Machine washable | Machine washable | Machine washable | Machine washable | Machine washable at 30°C, not suitable for tumble drying | Machine washable |
Link |
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
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications