The 21 Best Denim Jackets to Wear Year-Round
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The timeless piece will never, ever go out of style.
InStyle / David Hattan
When it comes to the perfect transitional piece of clothing, the jean jacket is the winner, no doubt. One of the most timeless pieces to ever exist, the chance that you already have one in your closet is high. “A denim jacket is an item that has been in my wardrobe through my adolescence and in my adulthood," says designer Steph Mendoza. "From the looks of it, it’s not going anywhere.” And while they can be worn with almost anything or during any season, the number of styles out there can be hard to parse through when deciding what type of jacket you want.
Think cropped, oversized, hooded, colorful, embroidered — the list could go on and on. The dream denim jacket is one that molds to your body, offers a decent amount of warmth, and is versatile enough to dress up or down. We spoke to fashion experts and looked into our own closets to find the best jean jackets in inclusive sizes, high quality materials, and designs you'll never get sick of.
Related: The 19 Best Jeans for Women That Are Actually Worth Buying in 2023
Best Overall: Levi's Women's Original Trucker Jacket
What We Love: You can't go wrong with this classic denim jacket.
What We Don’t Love: There's a limited amount of washes in the plus-sizes.
“When you think denim, you think Levi’s,” says model Alexis Ren. “New or old, this jacket is a classic.” Almost every stylist InStyle spoke with mentioned their Levi’s jacket, whether it was thrifted or new, and there is no better place to start than with the original. Not only is the price great for the quality but also, since it only gets better with time, you can (and should) hold onto it forever. The straight silhouette hits at the hips for a classic fit and features the quality denim Levi’s is known for, making this one you absolutely need to add to your closet. You can pick from a whopping 10 different washes, but we just wish the plus-sizes had just as many washes to pick from.
Price at time of publish: $90
Size: XS–4X | Washes: 10 | Fit: Standard
Best Budget: H&M Short Denim Jacket
What We Love: It comes in all our favorite denim jacket colors.
What We Don’t Love: It’s ever so slightly cropped, and may not offer the most warmth.
There’s really nothing not to love about this jacket. It’s got all the key components of a stellar denim jacket: a vintage wash, a trucker design, and the ideal sleeve and hem lengths. It also comes in some of the most popular denim colors, including black, white, and gray. Thanks to its ever-so-slightly oversized fit, you’ll be able to layer some shirts and sweaters underneath without feeling stuffed. Without any frills or patterns, it’s almost like the blueprint for a classic denim jacket. And that for less than $50? Not a bad deal, if you ask us.
H&M does call this a “short” jacket, cropping right at the hip. For everyday use, it’s ideal, but if you truly want to stay protected against cold or windy days, you may want to go with a long style, like Rails Mulholland Jacket.
Price at time of publish: $45
Size: XXS–XXL | Washes: 4 | Fit: Standard
Best Splurge: Sandro Paris Cropped Denim Coatigan
What We Love: It’s a fun alternative to the standard denim jacket.
What We Don’t Love: Cream is more difficult to keep clean.
Taking a bit of a turn from the standard denim jacket, this patterned option from Sandro Paris makes for a stylish statement. The cropped piece features the jean-detailings over the shoulders, on the collar, and on the cuffs, but the rest of the body has Sandro’s signature “S” printed across. The jacquard design feels freshly unique, and because it’s in a cream color, you can still match it with plenty of outfits without clashing. That being said, cream is also more difficult to keep clean. Luckily, you can machine wash it on delicate to get any stains out. Reminder that the hem is a bit cropped, so you may want to pair it with high-waisted bottoms and shirts that aren’t too long.
Price at time of publish: $395
Size: XS–XL | Washes: 1 | Fit: Cropped
Best Plus-Size: Universal Standard Kelsey Denim Jacket
What We Love: The contrast stitching make the darker washes pop.
What We Don’t Love: The brand uses its own sizing scale, so can be harder to navigate.
Made with a bit of elastane (and mostly cotton), this denim jacket from Universal Standard is the perfect lightweight option with plenty of stretch for maximum comfort. Like all Universal Standard pieces, the sizing is unique to the brand — meaning that a 14-16 is a size small, instead of the traditional size four — so pay close attention to the size guide as you go to purchase. But we deeply appreciate how vast the options are, extending all the way to a 4XL. Featuring a tailored fit in stretch denim, it’s a jacket that feels good on and moves with you. Plus, it features some contrast stitching, which is a detail Agana loves.
Price at time of publish: 138
Size: 00–40 | Colors: 4 | Wash: Light and dark | Details: Tailored
Best Petite: GAP '90s Icon Denim Jacket with Washwell
What We Love: It comes in a petite sizing option for the best fit.
What We Don’t Love: It has very limited sizes.
The hardest thing about finding a denim jacket when you’re petite is the sleeve length. Thankfully, the denim jacket from Gap, another maven for denim, comes in petite sizing and will feature a better arm's length for those on the shorter side. The wash is a classic medium, and even though it’s made from rigid denim, it still has the perfect lightweight feel to it. Unfortunately, the size range is rather limited, however, making this less inclusive than we would like.
Price at time of publish: $63
Size: XS–L | Washes: Medium | Fit: Regular
Related: The 15 Best Stores for Petite Shoppers
Best Oversized: Free People We The Free Opal Swing Denim Jacket
What We Love: The vintage style is reminiscent of the '80s.
What We Don’t Love: The wide opening around the hem will invite all the breeze.
Leave it to Free People to perfect the oversized denim jacket. The label, well known for its relaxed lifestyle and free-spirited fashion, crafted this old-school jacket reminiscent of the ‘80s. With dropped shoulders, generous sleeves, and a boxy body, the item checks off all that’s needed to be considered oversized. All the colors also offer a lower hemline in the back than in the front, which is a fun little touch to the look. Because of the wide opening at the bottom, however, any kind of breeze will seep right through.
Price at time of publish: $98
Size: XS-XL | Washes: 9 | Fit: Oversized
Best Cropped: Reformation Jori Cropped Denim Jacket
What We Love: Puffy sleeves bring the old school vibes to life.
What We Don’t Love: You can’t throw it into the dryer without shrinking.
This jacket might be the closest style you’ll find to resemble your dad’s old jacket from the ‘80s, but cut with a feminine silhouette in mind. The jacket crops around your waist so you can pair it with another ‘80s dad jean. Large puffy shoulders and sleeves bring the old-school vibes to life, and a classic vintage wash further adds to the appeal. If you wanted it in a more modern style, however, you’ll find a few more current colors on the roster as well, like espresso and marzipan. Since it’s already cropped, you have to line dry it to ensure the recycled cotton doesn’t shrink any more.
Price at time of publish: $168
Size: XS–XL | Washes: 4 | Fit: Cropped
Best Ultra-Cropped: Sidefeel Western Cropped Denim Jacket
What We Love: The smooth surface adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise casual look.
What We Don’t Love: There are no reviews yet.
Rather than a distressed vintage wash, this option offers a more sleek look. It comes in three classic denim colors, all of which have a smooth texture that’s a step up from the casual laid back appeal of a standard denim jacket. And while the hemline crops just below the belly, the sleeves are still long enough to cover your palms. With ample space in the boxy cut, you can layer some cropped shirts underneath for a cute fall outfit. Unfortunately, this item doesn’t have any reviews yet on Amazon. But the brand itself focuses on creating flattering denim pieces for women, all of which have impressive ratings, allowing us to feel confident in the quality and style of this item as well.
Price at time of publish: $42
Size: S–XL | Washes: 3 | Fit: Cropped
Best Black: Madewell Oversized Trucker Jean Jacket
What We Love: It has a large size range.
What We Don’t Love: It’s a bit rigid at first.
We’re quite big fans of Madewell and have voted their denim jackets as one of our editor favorites in the past. This black-washed piece is just as eternally stylish. It has a slightly oversized cut, but not an overwhelming amount — it’s just enough to comfortably fit your big cozy sweaters underneath. You’ll find pockets sewn into the interior of the jacket to keep your valuables safe and snug against you. The denim is a bit rigid, considering it’s 100 percent non-stretch cotton, so it may take some time to break in. Give it a few weeks, maybe a month or two, and it will feel like it has molded into your perfect fit.
Price at time of publish: $138
Size: XXS–XXL | Washes: 1 | Fit: Standard
Related: The 13 Best Madewell Pieces We Tried, Loved, And Now Wear on Repeat
Best White: 7 for All Mankind Classic Trucker Jacket
What We Love: It can be machine-washed.
What We Don’t Love: It can’t be machine-dried.
For those of you with a more monochrome closet, a white denim jacket will come in handy. This one has more of a fitted look, which matches the spiffy white hue. Thanks to the bit of elastane woven into the fabric, the jacket is also decently stretchy — at least enough to fit over long-sleeved tops. And yes, it may be tricky to keep an all-white piece such as this clean, but the good news is it can be machine-washed! Just make sure not to follow it up with the dryer, as it will shrink. Lay down flat to dry and it will keep its pristine condition.
Price at time of publish: $248
Size: XS–XL | Washes: 1 | Fit: Standard
Best Long: Anthropologie Closed Oversized Denim Jacket
What We Love: You basically get two jackets in one here.
What We Don’t Love: There aren’t many color or size options.
We wouldn’t forgive ourselves if we didn’t include this long denim jacket. Sitting in between a coat and a jacket, this piece is as unique as your beautiful self (will flattery get me somewhere here?). It’s got an oversized cut with dropped shoulders that lead into wide sleeves. The hem reaches the thighs and has a very light distressing around them. Chic lapel collars frame the face, and two gigantic pockets are found on the front. Lastly, you’ll find two slits on each side of your hip for easy movement. Yes, she’s a little pricey, but you are basically getting a two-in-one piece, so in a sense you’re saving money? Although we do wish the color and size options were more abundant.
Price at time of publish: $665
Size: XS–XL | Washes: 1 | Fit: Oversized
Best Sherpa: Hollister Sherpa Lined Crop Denim Biker Jacket
What We Love: You’ll stay cozy in the fully-sherpa lined interior.
What We Don’t Love: It’s cropped, so you’ll need some high-waisted pants to stay properly covered.
For when the temperatures drop even lower, this sherpa denim jacket comes in handy. Completely lined with faux fur, you’ll stay extra cozy snuggled up in the soft embrace of this jacket. You’ll find sherpa details in the collar, front pockets, and cuffs as well. The jacket is cropped and has a two-button closure, so you’ll definitely still need high-waisted pants and a turtleneck if you want to stay completely warm. Thanks to the generously long sleeves, you won’t have any trouble layering some thick sweaters underneath. And if you love the jacket as much as we know you will, then you can shop their black vegan leather, cream, and brown versions as well.
Price at time of publish: $90
Size: XXS–XXL | Washes: 4 | Fit: Cropped
Best Sustainable: Frame Slouchy Zip Up Jacket
What We Love: There are zippers on the shoulders you can open to create a different look.
What We Don’t Love: The cropped sleeves make it difficult to wear any long sleeves under.
Frame’s denim collection is nothing short of phenomenal. Everything from the stitching, the coloring, and the texture are clearly carefully handled to provide you with the best of the best. It’s no surprise, really, as the brand operates on a sustainable business, crafting its slow-fashion pieces in a way that causes minimal impact on our earth.
I tried this jacket on at the Soho store in Manhattan and instantly fell in love with the design made from recycled materials. More than just your standard denim jacket, this one has an undeniable style to it that sets it apart from the average. Gone are the collar and buttons that characterize most denim jackets. Instead, slouchy shoulders create a relaxed look, while a cinched-in waist adds a touch of sophistication back in. There are even zippers on the shoulders that you can open and play around with the look. While I love the cropped sleeves, it’s likely you won’t be able to wear any long-sleeved shirts underneath as they will show.
Price at time of publish: $398
Size: XXS–XL | Washes: 1 | Fit: Standard
Best Blue: Cos Cropped Denim Jacket
What We Love: The fit, color, and style will remain relevant for years to come.
What We Don’t Love: This piece needs to be dry-cleaned as it may lose some color in the wash.
If you think of jean jackets, you most certainly think of a rich blue hue. The style was popularized in the '80s and continues to be an iconic color. We picked this COS option because it checked off all the style points we’re looking for: two large front pockets, a loose shape, a metallic button-down, and a vintage-inspired wash. The boxy fit makes it easy to throw over just about any outfit, and the slightly cropped hem keeps things from looking too slouchy. It’s a fantastically designed piece that will remain cool for years to come. When it’s time to give it a good wash, however, make sure to bring it to the dry cleaners as it may lose its color in the machine.
Price at time of publish: $175
Size: 2–14 | Washes: 1 | Fit: Boxy
Best Pink: Rails Mulholland Jacket
What We Love: They have a matching skirt.
What We Don’t Love: Size up if you wish for a more oversized cut.
We know Barbiecore may be coming to an end, but those die-hard pink fans will be pleased to know that this jacket is still offered in the rosy color (with a matching skirt!!). While the color may not be as evergreen as blue, the classic trucker style surely is. We’ve tried several denim jackets from Rails, and they’ve all become some of our favorites through the years. The dense stitching keeps any air from seeping through, making them reliably warm for the fall and spring. They can, however, feel a little fitted, making chunky sweaters impossible to wear underneath. If you wish for a more oversized cut, make sure to size up.
Price at time of publish: $218
Size: XXS–2XL | Washes: 9 | Fit: Standard
Best Bomber: Paige Denim Jacket
What We Love: It has a zip closure on the front if you're tired of buttons.
What We Don’t Love: It only comes in one color.
Bomber jackets never fail to look cool, and because you love your black or cargo one so much already, why not get one in denim? This option from our favorite denim brand Paige features a ribbed neck, hem, and cuffs. You get both a zip and a button closure down the front — why that is, I’m not sure, but at least it’ll properly enclose you from the harsh winds. Two pockets are sewn on as well, letting you rest your hands and phone. And with an extra oversized fit, you’ll have absolutely no trouble fitting your cozy knit sweater underneath. Unfortunately, it only comes in one color.
Price at time of publish: $90
Size: XS–XL | Washes: 1 | Fit: Oversized
Best Fitted: Helsa Denim Small Jacket
What We Love: While the bodice is fitted, long exaggerated sleeves keep the look interesting.
What We Don’t Love: The unique design may make it harder to style, especially with bulky tops.
For those of you who haven’t heard, Helsa is kind of the cool new girl on the block. Founded by supermodel Elsa Hosk, the brand merges edgy, classic, and current silhouettes to create designs that are simply drool-worthy. Take this fitted denim jacket, for example. It’s short and hugs the body, but the sleeves are extra long and somewhat loose. There’s contrast stitching on the dark denim, which adds yet another eye-catching detail. The stand-out piece will guarantee you individuality, sparing you from looking like everyone else on the street. Does that simultaneously make it harder to style? Possibly. But is it worth it? We definitely think so.
Price at time of publish: $298
Size: XXS–XL | Washes: 1 | Fit: Fitted
Best Distressed: Frame Le Vintage Jacket Raw Hem in Rossum Rips
What We Love: The distressed hem makes this piece stand out from the bunch.
What We Don’t Love: The loose strands on the hem might pull and tear easily.
Frame never fails to bring a high-end touch to relaxed pieces, and this denim jacket is a perfect example of it. At first glance, your eyes are immediately drawn to the distressed hem. While this detail sets this jacket apart from the rest, it should also be handled with a certain level of caution not to tear apart. The vintage-inspired, worn-in look awards you that effortless model-off-duty look, and when paired with a leather pants or white dress, you’ll feel the part too.
Price at time of publish: $358
Size: XXS-XXL | Washes: 1 | Fit: Short
Best Hooded: Levi’s Hybrid Original Trucker Jacket
What We Love: The soft sleeves make this more comfortable than traditional denim jackets.
What We Don’t Love: The two offered colors come in different designs.
Hoodies make jackets a little more laid-back, and this option from Levi’s helps bring that appeal to life. But rather than an oversized jacket with a large hood, we wanted to highlight a form-fitting piece that can be worn with a little more versatility. The jersey sleeves make this slightly more comfortable than classic denim pieces as well. Just note that while the blue version has contrasting gray sleeves, the black version is fully monochrome.
Price at time of publish: $90
Size: XXS–XL | Washes: 2 | Fit: Regular
Best Embroidered: Sofia Marino Zodiac Embroidered Denim Jacket
What We Love: The designs includes all 12 zodiac signs.
What We Don’t Love: The delicate beads might get caught on something and pulled out.
Sofia Marino focuses on creating embroidered denim jackets, giving you a variety of styles on their site. However, this zodiac piece stood out to us for including all 12 star signs, making this relevant to all shoppers. The piece is sewn with over forty four thousand stitches, while carefully placed beads mimic the sparkle of the stars. Just be careful not to get said beads caught on anything, as you don’t want to accidentally pull those out.
Price at time of publish: $208
Size: XS–XL | Washes: 2 | Fit: Oversized
Best Printed: The Kit Olivia Jean Jacket
What We Love: There are so many prints to choose from.
What We Don’t Love: It’s mimicked after a men’s jacket, so it might run large.
When you’re ready to stray away from the simple and dive into the striking, we invite you to check out the denim jackets offered by the Kit. There are not one, not two, but nine whimsical patterns and color-blocked denim jackets here. With these pieces, you’re guaranteed to stand out from the crowd and win some words of admiration. And if you’re worried about how to wash such a piece, fear not, as the brand confirms you can throw it in the washer like the rest of your clothes. It’s modeled after their successful men’s denim jacket, so we suspect it might run large. Keep that in mind as you go to pick your size (which is super inclusive, by the way).
Price at time of publish: $128
Size: XS–4XL | Washes: 9 | Fit: Oversized
What To Keep In Mind
Wash
Denim gets its faded look through a special washing process, hence the different types of denim – light wash, dark wash, and more. Depending on preference, there are benefits for all different types of washes, but there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing between washes. Dark wash, or “raw denim,” is untreated and often stiffer, giving it a true workwear feel. Medium and light wash have been treated more, and in turn, give off a lighter color. Black denim is dyed to varying tones, meaning it’s liable to fade if over-laundered. Similar to black denim, resist the urge to over-wash your white denim as it will dull the color.
Fit
A fitted jacket versus an oversized one can be paired in different ways, and sometimes having both gives you more styling options. A cropped jacket, like Reformation's Jori Cropped Denim Jacket, can also be another version that is worth adding and may pair better with some outfits over an oversized one. It is all about playing around and seeing what styles you like best – and are the most comfortable. "I always buy denim jackets in their largest size," says Mendoza. "Wearing the sleeves pushed up always gives me an elevated silhouette.”
Distressing
While a raw hem can be popular, it may be less likely to hold up over time. When choosing between a distressed and hemmed option, consider the longevity of the piece. And remember, professional distressing is different than doing it yourself, so keep that in mind if you want a distressed piece to hold up over time, it might be worth investing in a pre-distressed jacket, like Frame's Raw Hem Jacket, rather than distressing yourself.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you style a denim jacket?
There is no wrong way to style a denim jacket, which is why it is beloved by so many people. “I love it styled with denim jeans and a button-down shirt, for a little denim suit moment," says NYC-based Stylist Shayna Arnold. "Also, I love the pairing of a denim jacket with a beautiful silk dress, for an interesting combination of structure and silhouette." Curve model Melonee Rembert's best styling advice: “Trial and error. Throw it over your look and see how it feels. Most times it’s the perfect layering piece.”
How can you source a vintage one?
Sometimes buying a denim jacket new is the best option, especially if you’re looking for a very specific style and wash, but because the quality of these pieces is normally made to last, it means there are abundant out there to thrift as well. Arnold said her favorite place to source any vintage denim is Stellas Dallas in Williamsburg. “They always have such a special variety, and it is very organized,” says Arnold. If you’re plus size, model Nika Gamble says, “I rarely see jackets that fit my arms in the women's section,” and suggests browsing through the men’s section instead.
What bottoms should you pair with a denim jacket?
One of the best things about a jean jacket is how versatile it is, both as a layering piece and as a piece to pair over specific bottoms. Agara prefers to balance out the volume of the bottoms to the volume of the jean jacket. “If it’s an oversized cropped jacket I would probably go with a bottom that has an equal amount of volume, so I would pair it with flowy or baggy trousers or even a pair of wide-leg jeans,” says Agara. While it’s a topic of debate, plenty of people like denim on denim — just look at Dua Lipa — so feel free to play around with pairing a denim top and denim bottoms.
Why Shop With Us
Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer at InStyle with over two years of experience in the fashion and beauty space. She researched the best denim jackets on the market and tapped experts Nika Gamble, Melonee Rembert, Steph Mendoza, and Alexis Ren for styling tips and things to consider.
Related: 17 of The Best Oversized Denim Jackets For That Effortlessly Put Together Look
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