Are you missing Primark’s £16 denim shirt? 5 editor-approved picks under £20 shoppers rave about

Shoppers are talking about denim again, and one high-street giant has quietly dropped cuts and colours built for busy lives.

Primark has rolled out a fresh denim range with wallet-friendly prices and a push towards fit, comfort and easy styling. From wide legs to waistcoats, the line-up spans 10 silhouettes and a spectrum of washes, with double denim not just allowed but encouraged. Here are five stand-out pieces, why they matter this season, and how to wear them without fuss.

What’s new in Primark denim

The high-street favourite has put versatility front and centre. Oversized shirts layer as shackets. Barrel, straight and wide legs flatter a range of body shapes. Brown denim steps in as a timely autumn shade, while crisp ecru and classic blues carry through the year. Prices start low, with some hero items landing under the £20 mark.

Jeans from £12 and a relaxed shirt at £16 anchor a 10-style drop aimed at comfort, fit and everyday wear.

At a London preview, buyers emphasised consistent sizing, softer fabrics and finishes that feel lived-in from day one. The collection encourages mix-and-match dressing: a peplum top over jeans, an oversized shirt over joggers, or a waistcoat buttoned up for structure. The idea is simple—pieces you actually reach for on a hectic weekday morning.

Five pieces worth your basket

1. The relaxed denim shirt, £16

An oversized cut with a shirttail hem and popper closures makes this shirt a true throw-on. The single chest pocket keeps lines clean. Wear it loose over leggings, cinch it with a slim belt over a slip skirt, or double up with jeans for a 90s nod. It’s light enough to pass as a jacket in late September and easy to layer under a coat by November.

A year-round workhorse at £16: throw it over dresses now, treat it as a mid-layer when the temperature dips.

2. Mid-rise wide-leg jeans, under £20

The soft hand-feel and five-pocket design give these a polished look without stiffness. A mid-rise keeps tops neatly tucked, while the wider leg streamlines with trainers or boots. If you’re tall, the length runs generous; if you’re petite, a slight stack at the ankle looks intentional with chunky soles.

Colour options range widely—ecru, white, black, indigo, mid blue and light blue—so you can choose according to season or shoe colour. Ecru in particular freshens knits and pairs well with tan or chocolate accessories.

3. Brown denim waistcoat, structured and sleeveless

This fitted waistcoat taps two shifts at once: tailored layers and brown denim as the shade of the season. A pointed hem, high neckline and button fastening sharpen the silhouette. Wear it alone for a clean line, layer over a ribbed top for warmth, or team with wide-leg jeans for a tonal look that reads smart-casual.

4. Drawstring waist jeans in brown

Think comfort-first without the slouch. The drawstring waist allows for micro-adjustments after lunch or on a school run. Brown denim feels autumnal, yet neutral enough to sit with cream knitwear or a charcoal blazer. Choose low-profile trainers to keep the line relaxed, or add a heeled boot to balance the volume.

5. “Major Find” palazzo jeans, from £12

Loose, fluid and surprisingly leg-lengthening, the palazzo style sits among the range’s headline bargains. A longer rise and drapey leg work with slim-fit tops and cropped cardigans. For work, tuck in a crisp shirt and add loafers; for weekends, try a fitted vest and a denim overshirt for a twin-texture look.

From £12 to under £20: five denim building blocks that flex from nursery drop-off to dinner plans.

At-a-glance guide to the picks

Fit, fabric and feel

Primark’s push this season revolves around cut and comfort. The shirts and jackets land slightly oversized to accommodate knits beneath, while trousers and jeans offer room through the thigh without losing shape. Expect softer denim blends that move with you rather than stand rigid. If you sit between sizes, try your usual and one down; the drapey styles often look sharper with less excess fabric at the waist.

How to style the new tones

• Brown on brown: pair the waistcoat with matching jeans for a tonal take that flatters autumn knits.
• Ecru balance: use off-white wide legs to lift navy, forest green or burgundy layers.
• Double denim: mix textures—an oversized shirt in a light wash over darker palazzos stops the look feeling flat.
• Work-smart switch: swap trainers for a block-heel ankle boot and add a belt to frame the waist.

Care, colourfastness and longevity

Dark indigo and brown denim can transfer dye when fresh. Wash pieces inside-out on a cool cycle before first wear, and avoid pairing brand-new dark denim with pale upholstery. Skip heavy tumble drying to preserve fibre recovery. A brief steam revives drape in palazzos and relaxed shirts without adding creases.

Cold wash, inside-out, and skip harsh drying: small steps that keep budget denim looking polished for longer.

Availability, sizing and buy-smart tips

Stock varies by store and popular sizes go quickly when new cuts land. If you’re aiming for a particular wash, check rails across womenswear and trending tables—denim capsules often sit in more than one spot. Take two sizes to the fitting room; wide-leg and palazzo cuts can look best when they skim the hip rather than grip it.

Think about footwear height before you choose a hem. With flats, aim for a break that just kisses the shoe. With heeled boots, a longer line that nearly touches the top of the heel elongates the leg. If you plan to alternate, pick the longer length and get a quick pin-hem so you can fold up for trainers and drop down for boots.

Why this drop resonates now

Unpredictable autumn weather calls for pieces that layer cleanly and feel comfortable all day. By anchoring the range with shirts that double as light jackets and jeans that move easily, Primark targets real-world wear. The pricing also nudges experimentation: a £16 shirt unlocks double-denim looks without the risk, while sub-£20 wide legs let you trial new silhouettes.

If you’re building a capsule on a budget, start with two anchors—the relaxed shirt and the wide-leg jeans—then add personality with colour: ecru for lift, brown for warmth. Round things off with the waistcoat for structure. With those three steps, you can rotate at least eight outfits by swapping shoes, belts and base layers, all while keeping spend closer to the £50 mark than the £150 many rivals charge for a single denim piece.