Cotton is typically the preferred choice of material for t-shirts. It’s soft, fluffy, readily available and able to withstand countless washing cycles without sustaining damage. For these reasons and others, most shirts you’ll find on the market are made of cotton. However, a popular alternative to 100% cotton is denim. To learn more about denim shirts and how to wear them, keep reading. In this blog post, we’re going to explore the growing trend of denim shirts in the world of fashion.
Denim Shirts: The Basics
Technically speaking, a denim shirt isn’t much different than a cotton shirt. This is because denim is actually a type of cotton that’s characterized by its production in which the the weft passes under at least two warp threads. The end result is twill weaving with a diagonal ribbing. Genuine denim is strong, durable, comfortable and looks great. Perhaps this is why so many people prefer wearing denim jeans over other pants. Regardless of your reason for wearing a denim shirt, though, chances are you’ll love this fabric.
Of course, there are several types of denim used in the construction of shirts, including dry and raw. Raw denim refers to denim fabric that has not been washed after it has been dyed. Consequently, dry denim refers to denim fabric that has been washed after it being dyed. Some companies wash their denim shirts before selling them, simply to create a natural fade. Like other fabrics and textiles, denim has a tendency to fade over time, especially the first time it’s washed. By washing denim after dyeing it but before selling it, companies can create a natural fade that’s less likely to change with subsequent washes.
Benefits of Wearing a Denim Shirt
So, why should you wear a denim shirt instead of a shirt made of traditional cotton or other materials? For starters, denim is stronger and more durable than its cotton counterpart. While both traditional cotton and denim are technically made of cotton, the latter offers a superior level of strength. With its unique design, denim shirts are able to withstand countless years of use without experiencing damage — something that cannot be said for most cotton shirts. If you’re looking for a shirt that’s not going to wear down after just a few months, you should consider denim for this reason.
Of course, there are other benefits of denim shirts worth noting. Denim, for instance, typically has a medium thickness. It’s not as thin as twill or traditional cotton, but it’s still thinner than wool. This moderate thickness makes it an excellent choice for the upcoming fall months. Once summer is over and the temperatures begin to cool, you’ll probably want clothes with the appropriate thickness to keep you warm. At the same time, however, clothes made of wool and similar thick materials may prove to be too warm. Denim is perfect in this respect, as it’s thicker than cotton but thinner than wool.
Choose Darker Jeans
A simple and effective way to enhance your appearance when wearing a denim shirt is to pair it with darker-colored jeans. While there are always exceptions, most denim shirts feature a light blue color. As shown in the photo above, this style offers a classic appearance that’s great for everyone. But you need to choose the right pants to ensure a positive and attractive outfit. Pairing a light blue denim shirt with similar light blue-colored jeans isn’t going to work. The light blue on light blue creates the appearance of a one-piece jumpsuit — and that’s exactly what you should try to avoid. Instead of light blue jeans, consider pairing your denim shirt with darker indigo-colored jeans.
If you don’t have any dark jeans, you can always dye a pair of your light-colored jeans. Dyeing jeans is actually easier than it sounds. Using indigo blue dye, simply submerge your jeans in water — either your washing machine or bathtub — and let them soak for at least 30 minutes with the dye as directed. Once you are finished, run them through the washing machine with cold water twice to remove any excess dye, at which point you’ll have a new pair of dark jeans!
Go Layered
Another fun way to rock a denim shirt is to wear it with layers. Just because you’re wearing a denim shirt doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t wear another shirt under it. Wearing a white shirt under your denim shirt, for instance, offers a more complex appearance while differentiating your outfit from the rest. White on blue is a great combination that works for nearly all outfits. Alternatively, you can wear other colors under your denim shirt, assuming it matches and flows cohesively with the rest of your outfit.
The great thing about wearing layers is the freedom it offers to control your level of comfort. When the weather gets hot, you can always remove your outermost layer. And if the weather gets cold, simply place the layer back on.
Check Your Shoes
You can’t expect to create the perfect look with your denim shirt unless you wear the right shoes. So, what shoes should you wear with a denim shirt? There’s no single “best” style of shoes, as it varies depending on your pants, shirt color, belt and personal style/preference. With that said, many women prefer the look of high-heeled shoes when wearing a denim shirt. High-heeled shoes are a fun way to enhance your style while still keeping the focus on your denim shirt. But there are other shoes from which to choose, including ballet flats, pumps, Mary Janes and cowgirl boots.
Accessorize
Finally, be sure to accessorize your outfit when wearing a denim shirt. The right accessories will compliment your denim shirt, creating a fuller and more complete appearance. Some accessory ideas to consider include a hat, necklace, matching handbag, sunglasses, scarves (for winter) and a watch.
