8 denim shirts to embrace the double denim look

From influencers to celebrities, double denim is the underground hit of fashion girlies the world over. Skipping ages and trends, there's nothing cooler than wearing double denim for a laidback yet luxe look. We're not talking a denim suit here, but jeans and a denim shirt in matching washes or clashing denim. 

Colloquially known as the Canadian tuxedo, it's a look that, let's be clear, is pretty cool. Forget your fears of accidently emulating an early 00s Justin and Britney, and instead look at is a cooler co-ord than prints or brights. I for one wear double denim more these days than ever, with a trench coat thrown over the top and a pair of Mary Janes on my feet and the key part of this duo? A trusty denim shirt.

And since we're all a bit cowgirl crazy, is there anything cuter than a denim shirt and denim shorts? Heck, you could even go for a denim shirt with fringing, embellishment or rhinestones to really hone in on the Western trend.

Royals wearing denim shirts

A denim shirt isn't a royal staple for most, but Meghan Markle is an exception to that rule - she has been spotted wearing a J Crew Chambray Shirt to cheer on Prince Harry at the polo, during lockdown to read Archie a story (Is Your Mama A Llama, for those wanting to know) and pre-royal days, she often wore a denim shirt off-duty from playing her character Rachel in Suits.

Another royal loving a denim shirt? Princess Kate, who's light denim frill collar shirt from Really Wild sold out within hours after she wore it to a Scouts event last year. 

How I chose the best denim shirts

• Price: I've considered a range of price points, from affordable high street denim shirts for £15 to the designer denim shirt, retailing for over £400. If you want to splash out, there's plenty of pricier denim shirts, or it's a pre payday pick me up, check out some of the more affordable shirts.
• Inclusivity:  I've found plenty of denim shirts available in sizes 6-22.
• Colour: A classic blue denim shirt is what we've focused on. You'll find the high street has other wash versions, including black, white and pastel hues. We've found blue denim shirts in a variety of blue washes, including stonewash, acid wash and true blue, plus a few with a twist like embellishment scalloped collars and puff sleeves.

Shop the best denim shirts for women

How to style a denim shirt now

Since Y2K fever is still high, double denim is the easiest look to emulate. It’s OTT denim shirts with cargo jeans, it's slim fit denim shirts with jeans in a matching wash and it's layering one over a slim fit polo neck teamed with flared jeans.

Take one look at street style snaps, and they're everywhere. This time around, your denim washes don’t have to match either. Try a mid-wash jean with a darker denim shirt or go stonewashed top, white jeans for a fresh take. Patchwork or laser-detailed denim shirts work well too. Or, go for a boxy shape and wear over a classic slub tee with jeans in similar shades; keep accessories in neutral shades, like black, white or cream.

If you’re really feeling the denim, layer it up times three – jeans, denim shirt and denim jacket or swap jeans for a denim mini, maxi skirt or denim shorts.

I'm all for the dark, indigo denim look, a slightly smarter take that looks crisp, grown-up and achingly cool.

Celebrities wearing denim shirts

On or off-duty, celebrities rely on a denim shirt to see them from restaurants to the red carpet.

Actress Jodie Turner-Smith turned to a denim shirt for a Netflix premiere, paired with a denim jacket and jeans for the ultimate cool-girl look.

Emily Rajatowski chose an oversized denim shirt and baggy jeans for Paris Fashion Week, proving the look can be as sexy as it can stylish.