Building a memorable wardrobe means stocking your closet with staples that outlast trends. Think white T-shirts, perfect work flats, and, of course, denim shirts. “A denim shirt is one of the most timeless and versatile pieces in any wardrobe,” says style expert and creative director Pam Arias. It’s the kind of staple that always adds texture and character to a look, no matter the season.”

As a fashion editor, I know all too well how important this piece is to a well-rounded spring wardrobe, so I scoured New York City for the must-have options of the season. From sleek vests to oversized staples, there’s no shortage of picks that’ll either serve as basics, statement makers, or a little bit of both. Below, I’ve selected the styles that stand out in terms of material, construction, sizing, fit, and wash.

Best Overall

Aritzia 80’s Comfy Denim Shirt

View on Aritzia.com

Material: 87% cotton, 13% hemp  | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 13

Ok, so I may have run all over the city to find the best denim top, but my absolute favorite is one that I own, and let me just say, I know this shirt hates to see me coming. I wear this oversized button-down all of the time, mainly because it lives up to its name and is just so comfy. Plus, it’s really oversized and shapeless, so it easily morphs into pretty much whatever you need. This is one that I’d buy in pretty much any of the 13 washes it offers, and it’ll never go out of style. I paired it with my Abercrombie black barrel jeans and Everlane fisherman sandals for a cool, effortless look.

Best Jacket-Turned-Shirt

& Other Stories Boxy Denim Jacket

View on Stories.com

Material: 80% cotton, 20% organic cotton  | Sizes: XS-L | Colors: 2

Your jean jacket is just waiting to double as a shirt, and this boxy piece is proof. I paired it with the brand’s supersoft, buttery yellow satin midi dress (which I’m now obsessed with) and my Dolce Vita cowboy boots, and was instantly impressed. You can easily wear it with jeans of a similar wash, a satin skirt, or really whatever you can dream up; the options are endless.

Best Vest

Madewell Denim High Crewneck Vest

$98

$42 at AmazonView on Madewell.com

$98

$59 at Shopbop.com

Material: 100% cotton  | Sizes: 00-16 | Colors: 2

As the days get warmer and longer, it makes sense to think about statement pieces that will easily fit into your wardrobe. This vest from Madewell is such a sleek and flattering way to rock a denim top without breaking a sweat. I paired it with the brand’s super wide-leg jeans for a sleek, uniform look. I’d go up one size because it was a bit snug, but it was so well made and gorgeous that I just had to include it.

Best T-Shirt

Zara TRF Crop Denim Shirt

View on Zara.com

Material: 100% cotton  | Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 1

Zara is always a good destination for wardrobe basics, and this denim T-shirt is the perfect example. It’s super lightweight and comes in a versatile wash that pairs easily with many looks. I tried it with white cuffed pants to lean into the season, but this would look great with Bermuda shorts or a bright, printed skirt.

Best Pullover

H&M Pullover Twill Blouse

$35 at Hm.com

Material: 100% cotton  | Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 3

I’ll admit it, H&M surprised me with their variety of denim tops. They had the basic button-downs, of course, but their take on the denim pullover was refreshing. I tossed this one on with a linen maxi skirt, but I also tried it with flowy pinstriped linen–blend pants, and it delivered such a nautical vibe. This is a piece I’d throw in my bag for a trip to any seaside destination. Martha’s Vineyard, anyone?

Best Tank

Banana Republic Denim Trapeze Tank

View on Banana Republic

Banana Republic is one of those no-brainer stops for elevated classics, and although they had so many really cool options (like this strapless top), my favorite look was this easy, breezy tank. It’s a piece that’s just so easy to throw on in the summer. I paired it with the brand’s white poplin skirt, but this would also be adorable with black capri pants (which are back, by the way).

Other Options We Love

Reformation Top

This strapless number is great for those nights when you need to make a major statement.

View on Reformation

Polo Ralph Lauren Denim Shirt

If bulky or oversized isn’t your speed, this classic slim fit is ideal for you.

View on Ralphlauren.com

COS Blouse

Another gorgeous pullover option for those no-fuss days; this time with an ultra-cool zipper detail.

View on Cos.com

Good American Denim Shirt

Looking to spice up your life? This asymmetrical top is perfect for special occasions and is sure to turn heads.

$169 at Shopbop.com

What to Look for When Buying a Denim Shirt

• Material: For a sturdy, jean-like feel, we recommend 100% cotton denim shirts. However, if you prefer a bit of stretch, look for one blended with a small amount of spandex or elastane. Chambray can also be a good option for those who want something lighter and more breathable.
• Fit and Cut: Denim shirts range from boxy, oversized, and longline boyfriend styles to cropped and tailored fits. When choosing a cut, consider how you plan on wearing the shirt. A more relaxed style is best for layering over leggings and fitted tops, but you’ll want a more fitted shirt for tucking into pants.
• Wash: You also have the option of various denim washes. As with jeans, it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference and what other pieces you’ll wear with the shirt. Dark indigo can be a little dressier, whereas light, distressed, and bleached washes lend an easy-breezy, summery appeal. Then there are alternatives to blue, like black, white, gray, and even some bolder hues.

Meet Our Expert

For this article, Byrdie consulted with the following expert:

• Pam Arias is a style expert and creative director based in Miami, Florida.

Why Trust Byrdie

Dominique Hobdy is a senior editor with over 10 years of experience writing and editing for major media brands. She holds a B.A. in Print/Online Journalism from Howard University. Her area of expertise is fashion, and she’s covered season after season of spring transitional trends. For this story, she considered current trends, tried-and-true tricks for this time of year, and sustainable brands that are delivering next-level style with an ethical ethos.