Denim is a must-have in your closet. Whether it’s a classic jacket, a pair of jeans, or a skirt, there are so many different ways to style denim, proving that it’s one of the best items to keep handy.

Contrary to popular belief, denim can be both stylish and comfortable in the summer. The best options for warmer weather will give you breathing room, maintaining a light fit while you’re making a fashion statement. If you purchase the right item, denim can be your comfortable, versatile travel companion on busy travel days. Beyond busy airports, train stations, and car rides, denim is one of the best ways to make your outfit edgier at a festival or day party.

Don’t leave your denim behind this summer. From fanny packs and jean vests to sandals and a classic jean jacket, here are 21 of the best denim pieces to buy for the summer.

Our Top 21 Picks for the Best Denim Pieces for Summer Travel

Free People CRVY 2nd Ave One Piece

Free People 2nd Ave One Piece

Photo credit: Free People

$128.00

Buy Now

Free People’s 2^nd Ave One Piece is a sexy take on a classic jumpsuit. As a part of its CRVY Collection, the jumpsuit has a contoured waistband for a flattering look that highlights curves. The back is open, the front comes with a zip silhouette and flare legs. What’s also great about this option is that it comes in different denim variations ranging from light to dark, and it also comes in white.

Duer Performance Denim Slim For Men

Duer Performance Denim Slim For Men

Photo credit: Duer

$139.00

Buy Now

One of the most comfortable and stylish jeans for men is by Vancouver-based apparel brand DUER. Their performance denim for men is known to be more comfortable than sweatpants. The heritage rinse is a classic dark blue color that’s perfect for the evening. DUER also has lighter options available to purchase.

HTD Mini Denim Irregular Skirt with Pockets

HTD Mini Denim Irregular Skirt with Pockets

Photo credit: Amazon

$29.99

Buy Now

HTD Mini Denim Irregular Skirt with Pockets

HTD’s mini denim skirt is perfect for any occasion this summer. The skirt takes a summer classic with a twist of its own as it folds over into a geometrical stylish piece. The design features a unique cut with a pocket on the side.

Ryannology Men’s Denim Sleeveless Cowboy Jean Vest

Ryannology Men's Denim Sleeveless Cowboy Jean Vest

Photo credit: Amazon

$29.99

Buy Now

Ryannology Men's Denim Sleeveless Cowboy Jean Vest

A fantastic denim piece to add in rotation this summer is a denim vest. Dress them up or down, and style them in various ways, including with or without a shirt underneath. Ryannology’s sleeveless cowboy jean vest for men can help you easily transition from work to a date or the beach to an evening party and so much more.

Verdusa Women’s Fringe Raw Trim Sleeveless Denim Vest

Verdusa Women's Fringe Raw Trim Sleeveless Denim Vest

Photo credit: Amazon

$39.00

Buy Now

Verdusa Women's Fringe Raw Trim Sleeveless Denim Vest

This denim vest for women is perfect for festivals and summer concerts. It’s made with a soft material and is a shorter style making it breathable this summer as the temperatures warm up. The sparkly fringe on the back adds a little pizazz and fun to the vest. It comes in blue denim, white denim, and even black.

Levi’s 90s Trucker Jacket For Women

Levi’s Trucker Jacket For Women

Photo credit: Levi's

$98.00

Buy Now

If there’s one denim item everyone should have in their closet, it should be a denim jacket. For the summer, a light wash is a must. There’s no better classic denim jacket than Levi’s iconic trucker jacket. It’s known to make an outfit practical for the cooler summer nights. Levi’s take on this jacket is to pay homage to the ‘90s. It’s made with a relaxed fit and what the brand calls a “pitched silhouette” for a distinctly ‘90s feel.

Gap Classic Icon Denim Jacket For Men

Gap Classic Icon Denim Jacket For Men

Photo credit: Gap

$79.95

Buy Now

Gap’s version of a men’s denim jacket is exactly as the name entails: iconic. It’s made with good quality and a near-perfect fit. Another great reason to buy this jacket is because it’s a great crossover, meaning it can be worn in the next season. It’s perfect to pair with a T-shirt in the summer and a hoodie in the fall.

GuanGu Denim Bucket Hat

GuanGu Denim Bucket Hat

Photo credit: Amazon

$17.99

Buy Now

Don’t count a denim bucket hat out this summer. GuanGu’s unisex hat is not only stylish but designed to protect you from the sunshine and wind, making it perfect for the summer days you’re spending outdoors. Inside the hat is an inner sweatband to make you comfortable while wearing it.

Steve Madden Hadyn Denim Sandals For Women

Steve Madden Hadyn Denim Sandals For Women

Photo credit: Amazon

$59.00

Buy Now

Steve Madden Hadyn Denim Sandals For Women

A great take on denim this summer is wearing them on your feet. Steve Madden’s Hadyn sandal is a timeless sandal that’s designed with geometric cutouts on a single wide strap. These sandals are comfortable yet fashionable and are very versatile so you can dress them up or down this summer. Steve Madden created these in nearly every color, including denim.

COACH Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 with Quilting

COACH Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 with Quilting

Photo credit: COACH

$395.00

Buy Now

COACH Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 with Quilting

Coach remains a contender when it comes to quality. Starting in July, you can buy the modern take on the archival 1970s Coach design known as the Tabby shoulder bag. The quilted bag is finished with Coach’s signature hardware for an iconic touch on the classic and a leather-laced chain strap.

COACH Charter Belt Bag 7 (Fanny Pack)

COACH Charter Belt Bag 7 (Fanny Pack)

Photo credit: COACH

$195.00

Buy Now

Another fun way to accessorize this summer is with a denim fanny pack. This is perfect for people who want to transform a casual look into a statement. A denim fanny pack is one of the easiest ways to do it. COACH’s Charter Belt Bag is designed to make every journey, commute, errand, or activity feel like a first-class experience. The belt bag isn’t just for the waist. It can be worn as a crossbody or over the shoulder.

Neitivet Thick-Heeled Denim Boots

Neitivet Thick-Heeled Denim Boots

Photo credit: Amazon

$62.99

Buy Now

If you’re looking for a way to style your oversized shirts and shorts, these denim boots by Neitivet are an excellent find. The boots have a 3.7-inch heel, making it an easy way to add height to your style this summer. They are also designed with practicality in mind so they won’t hurt your feet while walking or standing at an event this summer.

Gingtto Men’s Slim Fit Denim Shorts

Gingtto Men's Slim Fit Denim Shorts

Photo credit: Amazon

$31.99

Buy Now

These shorts are a favorite for men because they fit great and have just enough stretch, making them comfortable to wear all day long. They’re casual yet classy and are a top buy for men looking for denim shorts without the holes. The best part about this option is that it, too, comes in various colors and styles. You can purchase black, medium, or light, as well as a pair with rips and holes.

Pinsv Women’s High-Waisted Crossover Denim Shorts

Pinsv Women's High-Waisted Crossover Denim Shorts

Photo credit: Amazon

$28.99

Buy Now

Pinsv Women's High-Waisted Crossover Denim Shorts

Pinsv’s high-waisted crossover denim shorts are a top pair for women with curves and who want great coverage in the back. The shorts are made with a thin material, making it easy to move around while making a fashion statement.

Kwoki Women’s Cropped Denim Shirt

Kwoki Women’s Cropped Denim Shirt

Photo credit: Amazon

$35.99

Buy Now

What women love the most about Kwoki’s cropped denim shirt is that it provides the look of wearing a tucked shirt, except the designer gets it and you can wear the tucked look without the bulk. It’s simple and stylish and can be paired with shorts, pants, and more.

Wrangler Authentics Men’s Short Sleeve Classic Woven Shirt

Wrangler Authentics Men's Short Sleeve Classic Woven Shirt

Photo credit: Amazon

$27.10

Buy Now

Wrangler Authentics Men's Short Sleeve Classic Woven Shirt

Men should add this shirt to their casual denim rotation this summer. The Wrangler shirt has an excellent fit, is comfortable, and can be worn outdoors for an extended period. This is also a great option as it comes in various sizes to fit slim men or men who have an athletic build with broad shoulders and chest, and a narrow waist.

QJBMEI Women’s Baggy Vintage Distressed Short Sleeve Jumpsuit

QJB Women's Baggy Vintage Distressed Short Sleeve Jumpsuit

Photo credit: Amazon

$40.39

Buy Now

QJB Women's Baggy Vintage Distressed Short Sleeve Jumpsuit

This baggy denim short-sleeve jumpsuit is a fun outfit that can be dressed up, or worn with cowboy boots or tennis shoes for a sporty and comfortable look. It’s designed with stretch and breathable fabric.

Verdusa Women’s Scoop Neck Denim Crop Tank Top

Verdusa Women's Scoop Neck Denim Crop Tank Top

Photo credit: Amazon

$36.99

Buy Now

Verdusa Women's Scoop Neck Denim Crop Tank Top

For a sexy denim top this summer, Verdusa’s zip-up denim crop tank is the perfect option. It’s a great top for going on a date or a day party and you can pair it with a skirt, joggers, shorts, and even jeans for a denim-on denim look.

CurlCap Satin-Lined Denim Backless Cap

CurlCap Satin-Lined Denim Backless Cap

Photo credit: Amazon

$23.50

Buy Now

Curly girls who want to wear denim hats during the summer can do so without breaking off or matting down their natural hair. CurlCap has a denim baseball cap that’s made to fit comfortably around your curls with its signature scrunchie-style opening in the back. Each cap also features a satin lining inside to protect your hair from friction.

Giegxin Jean Denim Headband Knot Headband Set

Giegxin Jean Denim Headband Knot Headband Set

Photo credit: Amazon

$11.99

Buy Now

Giegxin Jean Denim Headband Knot Headband Set

Another way to add denim creatively to your wardrobe this summer is with a headband. Not only do these fit well on top of the head, but they’re comfortable, and a three-pack means you can match them to your favorite skirt, shorts, or jeans.

Luvamia High-Waisted Jean Skort

Luvamia High-Waisted Jean Skort

Photo credit: Amazon

$29.99

Buy Now

Luvamia’s high-waist skort is a fashionable piece that allows people to enjoy the best of both worlds: style and comfort. The skort has two back pockets and an elastic waist, in addition to its stretchy, wrap design.

Our editors love finding you the best products and offers! If you purchase something by clicking on one of the affiliate links on our website, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

OTS: At The Cookout