The basics of denim shirt coordination [ how to choose fabric, design and silhouette, examples of men’s outfits ].

Denim shirts are a staple of American casual wear, but they are also a versatile piece that can be worn with dress clothes or as a casual urban look, depending on how you choose it. However, since there are several types of denim shirts, including fabrics and designs, it is important to choose one that suits your style, not one that is just a random selection. In this article, we will discuss the basics of denim shirts, how to choose one that looks modern, and how to think about how to dress it up.

Key Points for Choosing a Denim Shirt 1

Denim shirts generally refer to all blue shirts with a denim-like appearance. To be precise, however, “denim,” “chambray,” and “dungaree” are different fabrics and have different looks and textures. Here, we will explain the characteristics of the three fabrics.

Denim Shirts: Fabric Types 1Denim

Denim is a twill fabric in which the warp threads are colored (mainly indigo) and the weft threads are white. It originated as a campus fabric used for tents and ship sails, and is the fabric used for common jeans and trucker jackets. Characterized by its diagonal twill weave, it is thick and durable, and the more it is used, the more the colors fade and bite. One of the characteristics of denim is that the indigo warp threads fade and the white threads hidden underneath become more noticeable. Incidentally, the direction of the twill weave also differs depending on the brand and item: the denim used by Levi’s and Edwin is right twill, while that used by Lee is left twill.

Of the three types of fabrics, this fabric has the strongest American casual color and is often seen in western shirts and work shirts. The appeal of this fabric is that the more it is worn, the more it changes its appearance. A dark blue close to rigid will give a clean and tight impression, while a faded light blue will give a light and rough look. However, a strong wash or damaged finish will increase the casual look at once. If you want to wear it in a more urban way, you should use a less faded color, or a lighter color that is not too uneven.

Denim Shirt Fabric Types 2Chambray

Chambray fabric is the opposite of denim, a plain weave with colored threads in the warp and white threads in the weft. It looks similar to denim, but the color and texture differ from denim because of the plain weave, which is a different weave from denim. Chambray is lighter, softer, and has a flatter surface impression. It does not have the same thickness or faded look as denim, but it is easier to get a clean look from it. Chambray is suitable for a jacket style, a suit style, or a casual wear in spring and summer.

Denim Shirts: Fabric Types 3Dungaree

Dungaree is a twill fabric with white threads in the warp and colored threads (indigo) in the weft. Because the use of warp and weft yarns is opposite to that of denim, the area where white yarns are visible increases compared to denim, giving this fabric a brighter blue look. While having an atmosphere similar to that of denim, the appearance is slightly lighter, making it easy to wear as a shirt. Compared to denim and chambray, there is less of this fabric in circulation, so it is recommended for making a unique shirt.

Points for choosing a denim shirt 2Be aware of shirt designs of different lineages

Denim shirts give a very different impression depending on the type of design as well as the fabric. The three most common types are work shirts, western shirts, and dress shirts. Even the same blue shirt can be worn with or without pockets, depending on the shape of the yoke, collar type, placket, and button specifications, even the pants and shoes that go with it will change. Next, let’s take a look at the characteristics of typical designs.

Denim Shirt Design Types 1Work Shirts

Work-type denim shirts are characterized by practical details derived from work clothes, such as a chest pocket, a slightly loose body width, and sturdy sewing. It goes well with chinos, baker pants, cargo pants, and wide-leg pants. On the other hand, if a work shirt is worn with work boots or thick chinos, it may look too earthy. For adults, it is recommended to add a classy element somewhere, such as loafers or leather sandals for the feet, slacks for the pants, or a plain inner layer to tighten the look.

Levi's

Levi’s WORKWEAR Worker Shirt

Denim Shirt Design Types 2Western Shirt

The Western type is characterized by yokes on the shoulders and back, snap buttons, and chest pockets with flaps. The western type features a yoke on the shoulders and back, snap buttons, and flap breast pockets. In recent years, luxury brands and designer brands are also reinterpreting the look. The key is to be careful not to overdo the western element when dressing up. Matching a western shirt with western boots, a western belt, and flared jeans can easily create a sense of costume rather than everyday wear. For a modern look for adults, pants should be organized in white, black, navy, or beige, and shoes should be tightened with loafers or leather shoes. Because the shirt is decorative, it is a good idea to keep the surrounding items quiet.

Levi's

Levi’s Classic Western Shirt

Denim Shirt Design Types 3Dress Shirts

Dress-type denim shirts may omit the breast pocket, have a neat collar shape, or have elegant fronts and cuffs. While using denim or chambray fabric, the look is similar to a dress shirt. They are easy to use as innerwear for jackets and suits, and provide a nice break from white shirts in situations where they are too formal. If you want to wear it without a tie, go for a cutaway or wide collar, or if you want to tie it up, go for a lightweight shirt with a narrower collar. If you want to wear a denim shirt with a mature look, you can choose a dressier model as your first piece.

Finamore Denim Shirt

Points to check before dressingThe silhouette and color fading of a denim shirt can make a complete difference

Once you have grasped the differences in fabric and design, the next thing to look at is the silhouette and color. Denim shirts can look very different depending on the size and color of the shirt, even if they are the same type. When referring to snaps, look at “how much room” and “how much the color has faded” more than what brand is being worn to better reproduce the look.

Silhouette 1Justified fit is king, but too thin makes you look old

If you want to wear American casual or Western shirts in a royal way, justified fit will always be the most right-wing. A piece that fits the shoulder width, has no excess width, and is not too long will bring out the true masculinity of the denim shirt. However, avoid slim-fitting shirts that stick to the body too tightly. Especially when worn with slim jeans or tight chinos, it tends to give a 2010s impression. For today’s adults, a jacket that fits the shoulders but has a little room in the body and sleeves that are naturally roomy is just right.

Silhouette 2Relaxed silhouettes are more modern and easy to look urban

If you want to wear a denim shirt in a modern way, a relaxed silhouette is the way to go. The shoulders are slightly sloped and there is room in the body width, making it a size that can also be used as outerwear. The ruggedness of the American casual style is softened, and it is easy to match with slacks, wide pants, and leather shoes. The point is not to make the whole body too loose. If the denim shirt is loose, choose pants made of a material with a sense of fall, tighten the shoes with leather shoes, and limit the number of colors. By doing so, a rough piece of clothing will not look sloppy, and will land on a relaxed, adult casual look.

fadingDark blue is clean, light blue is light, and strong fading is more American casual

Fading is the most important factor that affects the impression of a denim shirt. A dark blue or near one-wash piece looks clean and can easily be used as a jacket innerwear. Pale blues give a light, spring-summery look and go well with white or beige pants. A strong wash or damaged finish can bring a vintage or American casual look to the forefront. Adults are unlikely to go wrong with dark blue to neutral blues. When choosing a light color, it is easy to use one that is not too unevenly colored. If you want to use something that has a statement, such as damage, paintwork, or patchwork, keep the pants and shoes simple to achieve balance.

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Q&A about denim shirts

Q1. What is the difference between a denim shirt and a chambray shirt?Denim is twill weave, Chambray is basically plain weave. The way it looks and the comfort of the shirt also changes.

Denim is based on a twill weave and chambray is based on a plain weave. Denim is thicker and more durable, and tends to develop a rugged look due to fading and bite. Chambray, on the other hand, is light, soft, and has a flat surface. Chambray is best for jacket innerwear and summer wear, while denim is best suited for American casual and western wear.

Q2. What is the difference between a dungaree shirt and a denim shirt?A light, work-derived fabric that easily falls between denim and chambray

Dungaree is a fabric that has a work feel similar to denim, but is somewhat lighter in appearance. It is not as heavy as denim and not as elegant as chambray, so it is easy to aim for a middle ground between casual and beautiful. If you use it as an inner layer for navy suits or jackets, you can add a masculine and masculine touch that cannot be achieved with a white shirt.

Q3. Can I use a denim shirt as an innerwear for a jacket?Useful. A dressy denim shirt or chambray shirt will work well with it.

It can be used. However, a dress-faced denim shirt or chambray shirt without breast pockets or with modest detailing will blend better than a western yoke or flap pockets that stand out. It goes especially well with navy jackets, beige jackets, and brown suits. It is more relaxed than a white shirt and more elegant than a T-shirt.

Q4. Can denim shirts be used for business casual?Suitable for casual workplaces. It should be lightweight, modestly faded, and dressy.

It depends on the dress code of the workplace, but it can be used for a more casual business style. The best choice is a lightweight, moderately faded chambray shirt or a dress shirt-type denim shirt. Avoid strong washes, snap buttons, fancy stitching, or damage. Wear with a jacket and slacks as pants for a more mature look.

Q5. What should adults pay attention to when wearing denim-on-denim?Pay attention to the color difference and silhouette. Avoid wearing jeans that are too slim.

You want to pay attention to the balance between the color and silhouette of the top and bottom. If the top and bottoms are the same color, use white in the innerwear and shoes to create a break. If you want to create a difference in color, make the shirt lighter and the pants darker to stabilize the look. Jeans that are too slim tend to look old-fashioned, so the current trend is to use straight, wide, or tapered jeans to create a margin of space.

Q6. What pants go with the denim shirt?Slacks for a clean look, white pants for a light look, chinos for a royal look

Slacks for a clean look, white pants for a light look, and chinos for a royal look. Baker pants and cargo pants are also options for a work look, but you should adjust them with shoes and innerwear so that they do not look too earthy. For an adult look, the silhouette of the pants should not be too narrow, but should have just the right amount of space for a more modern look.

Q7. What shoes go with the denim shirt?For an urban look, loafers, leather shoes, or clean sneakers

For an urban look, loafers, leather shoes, and clean sneakers are the most popular options. Western shirts and work shirts with boots will give you a royal look, but they tend to be more rugged. If you want a lightweight look for adults, it is effective to use elegant footwear. White sneakers go well with light-colored denim shirts, and black loafers or brown leather shoes go well with dark blue denim shirts.

Q8. Can short-sleeved denim shirts be worn by adults?Of course you can wear it. The conditions are to choose a calm color and a roomy silhouette.

Of course they can be worn by adults, but it is important to choose the right size and color, as short-sleeved denim shirts tend to have a strong casual look. Strongly faded blue types tend to look rough, so choosing subdued colors such as navy, black, gray, and white is more mature. Pants should be slacks or clean wide-leg pants, and shoes should be leather sandals or loafers for an easy summer town style.

Q9. How to avoid making a denim shirt look old?Avoid too narrow silhouettes, strong damage, and tight jeans

Avoid too narrow silhouettes, strong damage, and tight, slim jeans. For a more modern look, choose a shirt with a little extra room in the body and pants that are straight or wide. In addition, use fewer colors and add some refinement with shoes and accessories to create a modern casual look rather than the old American casual look.