The 21 Best Denim Jackets of All Time, Starting at Just $35
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When you really think about it, the best denim jacket has year-round appeal. It's a staple for the breezy days of spring and fall, the perfect layering piece for winter (it looks fab under a puffer) and the only thing you want to toss on in the summer when the air conditioner is on high. You can use a light wash one to dress up a sundress or don an embellished pick to add some edgy cool to a night-out look. After all, jean jackets come in every shade and style imaginable, so the options are endless when it comes to styling. We love them, you love them and we can all probably use a new one. Lucky for you, we scoured the internet to bring you the 21 best denim jackets to wear this spring, summer and way beyond.
The Best Denim Jackets at a Glance
How We Chose the Best Denim Jackets
To narrow down this list of the 21 best denim jackets for women in 2024, we first looked at offerings from some of our go-to jean brands and retailers, including Agolde, Abercrombie & Fitch and Madewell. We then made sure to pull options in a range of styles and silhouettes, from cropped to oversized to embellished, to give you plenty of choices when it comes to finding the best denim jacket to suit your style. We also considered items at varying price points. Finally, we perused reviews for each jean jacket (where available) to make sure that buyers were happy with the quality and value of the piece. Ahead, shop our editor-vetted (and reviewer-approved) picks.
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1. Agolde Albie Slice Denim Jacket
This versatile number from one of our favorite denim brands is our pick for the best denim jacket overall. It has a vintage-inspired cut, with a dropped shoulder and slouchy silhouette for a perfectly relaxed look that won't swallow you whole. Other details, like its split hem, bold stitching and button-flap pockets at the chest, give it a more elevated appearance that really speaks to its quality. Throw in the timeless indigo hue, and you've got yourself a piece you can wear for seasons (and years) to come.
2. Abercrombie & Fitch Oversized Trucker Jacket
There’s no denying that baggy silhouettes are all the rage nowadays, so if you wanna get with the times, check out this pick from Abercrombie & Fitch. Buyers call it the "perfect oversized jacket," and rave about the soft denim fabric, which is made with a blend of 78 percent cotton and 22 percent Lyocell. It has both slanted side pockets and chest pockets, so you can keep all your essentials close by, and comes in five different washes to best suit your style. Better yet, it's currently on sale!
$100; $85 at abercrombie & Fitch
3. Rails Mulholland Jacket
This ecru-colored jacket from Rails is a fresh take on the classic white denim jacket we all love during the warmer months. It has a wear-with-anything appeal that's easier to keep clean than pure white and, thankfully, it's machine-washable to combat any inevitable spills. The brand recommends ordering your usual size for a classic fit and going up a size for a boyfriend fit.
4. Lee Railroad Chore Coat
Equal parts chic and practical, the chore coat is a French-girl wardrobe staple, and one that's stood the test of time for a reason. This denim version from Lee is as functional as can be, boasting a longer length, back vent and relaxed fit that makes it great for throwing on over any look. It's also made from a blend of cotton and Lyocell for a softer feel. Of course, the main draw of any good chore coat, this one included, is its smattering of pockets. This guy has four relatively roomy patch pockets at the chest and hands—ideal for carrying your phone, wallet and AirPods while on-the-go, or, you know, doing chores.
5. AllSaints Milena Jacket
Can't decide between a hoodie and a jean jacket? Why not combine both? Made with 100 percent cotton, this hybrid garment has a handy hood (complete with a drawstring) for when you get caught in the rain. We’re also big fans of the causal sweatshirt-style sleeves and distressed details like the raw-edge hem. Most reviewers have nothing but good things to say about it, but they do warn that it runs large. One buyer writes, "Just get it. It's so gooood and practical. I'm usually a M/L and sized down to the S/M." Another writes, "So happy with this jacket, love the jersey sleeves. [I] got my usual size XS, and [I'm] glad I didn't size up since it's already oversized."
6. Wrangler Authentics Denim Jacket
Sometimes, the best denim jacket is one that's affordable enough not to be too precious about. Thankfully, this budget-friendly style, which has racked up over 15,000 5-star ratings, is equipped with everything a jean jacket could possibly need. Soft cotton? Check. Button closure? Check. Front pockets? Double check. And it can even be machine washed, making a case for it to become your go-to for everyday. But does it actually look good? All signs point to absolutely. Just take it from this buyer who writes, "It's fitted, but the waist curves in...so it fits a little more snug against the body making it the most flattering. The material [also] has a little stretch to it...I love it!"
7. Jessica Simpson Pixie Jacket
We know all too well how hard it could be to shop as a shorter gal, especially when it comes to finding a jacket that hits at the right spot and doesn't swallow you up. Well, look no further than this jean jacket from Jessica Simpson's clothing line, which is made with a blend of cotton, polyester, viscose and spandex to provide perfectly comfy—and form-flattering—stretch. Thanks to its shorter silhouette, it has "just the right proportions for a petite, curvy frame," according to one reviewer. You can choose between seven different hues, but we're partial to this Western-style dark wash with contrast stitching.
8. Madewell The Oversized Trucker Jacket
A black jean jacket is guaranteed to wear well with everything, so why wouldn't you keep one as cool as this Madewell style in your wardrobe rotation? It has a lived-in black wash and is made from sturdy non-stretch denim that truly speaks to its quality, at least according to the multiple buyers who've been singing its praises. "This is the perfect oversized black denim jacket. I reach for this one time and time again," writes one reviewer. "I have had it for about a year and it transcends any season as it is not too heavy. It's held up very well over the past year and is such an underrated classic." Oh, and did we mention that it has extra deep interior pockets? Add. To. Cart.
9. Superdown Raya Jacket
This is exactly what we mean when we say business in the front, party in the back. The rhinestone fringe accents on this chic denim jacket are just extra enough, without being so over-the-top that you can only ever wear it during a bachelorette weekend in Nashville (although this would be perfect for the occasion). Just think of all the fun Instagram boomerangs you can snap with it. Adorable aesthetics aside, reviewers say the quality is great, too. "Love this!! High quality, fits [true to size], such a good low-key statement [piece]." Just note that this jacket should only be dry cleaned to keep the fringe intact.
10. Abercrombie & Fitch Cropped Trucker Jacket
If you prefer the shrunken look, turn to this cropped piece that will keep you covered without covering up your outfit. It's made of cotton and Lyocell for soft comfort and can be machine washed—in fact, the brand suggests washing it before wearing to avoid any color transfer. One buyer says, "This is a great jean jacket and is pretty comfortable," although they do suggest sizing down.
$90; $77 at abercrombie & fitch
11. Warp + Weft LBC Plus Jacket
Available in sizes ranging from 1X to 3X, the LBC plus jacket is guaranteed to reel in the compliments. It's designed to provide the perfect '90s vibe, boasting a light wash, boxy cut and trucker seams that give it a vintage look. According to the brand, it's made of a mid-weight denim that has slightly firm feel, but is still comfortably breathable. Although the jacket also touts a touch of stretch, the brand recommends sizing up if you're in-between sizes or if you're looking for a more oversized fit.
12. Anine Bing Rory Jacket
If you're looking to invest in a high-quality denim jacket with designer street cred, it's worth splurging on this piece from Anine Bing. With an oversized fit that falls right below the hip and subtly distressed details throughout, the Rory jacket screams effortless cool. No wonder so many shoppers have given it a 5-star rating on Anine Bing's website. "The color and quality is so good in person," raves one reviewer. "I wear a lot of workout clothes in the morning lately and this looks so cute with high waist leggings and a crop top! Perfect for the season change." The brand notes that it's made from heavyweight denim without stretch, so it should hold its shape (and maintain its quality) for ages.
13. Pilcro Boyfriend Jacket
We love stealing our partners' jackets to get that roomy and relaxed look, but it might be time we snag a "boyfriend" jean jacket of our own. If you can relate, this layerable piece from Pilcro is the one for you. It has a versatile medium wash and reviewers love the not-too-oversized fit, with one happy buyer writing, "I am obsessed. It's oversized but sits so nicely." Since it's also available in petite and plus sizes, there's a pretty high chance that you can nab one that perfectly fits your figure.
14. The Kooples Moto Denim Zip Jacket
It's surprisingly rare to find a jean jacket with a zipper, which is why we're drooling over this moto-inspired number from The Kooples. It's got an edgier look than your typical jean layer, donning stitched elbow and shoulder patches and a high, rounded neck sans collar. In addition to the zip closure, it also has a snap at the hem, which hits at the perfect spot just at the waist. You can close it all the way up for a slim, sleek look on chilly days, or wear it open as the finishing touch on your outfit. The fact that it's on sale for nearly $140 off? Even better.
15. Hixiahoe Pearls Jacket
If you want a denim jacket with a little extra oomph, then you won’t want to scroll past this embellished coat. It comes with a plethora of pearl beading at the shoulders to seriously shake things up. Thanks to its whimsical design, it’ll let you add some pizazz to any traditional outfit. Head's up—this jacket is hand-wash only, but reviewers say it's definitely worth the buy, "If you are contemplating getting this jean jacket, do it! The pearls are so cute!"
16. Levi’s Ex-Boyfriend Sherpa Jacket
If you live in a colder climate, this jacket will be your best friend during the transitional seasons. It’s lined with plush sherpa for an extra-cozy feel and has a slightly boxy, borrowed-from-the-boys shape, although it has back waist tabs for a more customized fit. The non-stretch denim is meant to be roomy, however, so you can layer up underneath. Take it from this Amazon shopper, who writes: "It is weighty and warm (for me this is good), but because there is no stretch I bought the XL instead of my usual medium (again a good decision)." They also called out the jacket's "excellent quality and value," so we'd say it's worth scooping up.
Size Range: XS to XL
17. Cinq à Sept Khloe Blazer
Is it just us, or does this sleek denim blazer make you actually want to go into the office? It somehow feels sophisticated and laid-back at the same time (not least of all due to its pre-ruched sleeves), and makes the idea of putting on slacks feel a little more bearable. If you're looking for a polished statement piece that'll wow at work (and any other dressed-up locale), consider this baby. It also has a back vent for increased movability and is made of a cotton, polyester and elastane blend to give its tailored cut a bit of stretch. Just note that many shoppers say it runs large, so you might want to go down a size for a slimmer fit. (Psst: Pair it with the matching jeans, $325, for a seriously stylish monochrome look.)
18. AllSaints Willow Oversize Denim Jacket
For a jean jacket that looks like a thrift store find in the best way possible, scoop up this timeless design from AllSaints. It has a faded wash, dropped shoulders and a relaxed, slouchy style that gives it the vintage, lived-in feel we're after. The denim is described as "sturdy" by the brand, but it is made with a blend of cotton and Lyocell, which means it should have a slighter softer touch. And, yes, it has pockets in all the right places, including chest button-flap patch pockets and on-seam pockets for your hands. Just keep in mind that it's dry-clean only.
19. Spanx Tie-Front Denim Shirt Jacket
Landing somewhere between a shirt and a jacket, this denim creation comes equipped with a matching tie belt that instantly cinches in the waist to give you a snatched silhouette. Not surprising, considering it is designed by Spanx, one of our favorite shapewear brands. The jacket is made of a comfy stretch denim and cut to curve in at the waist, so even without the belt, you're guaranteed a flattering look. "The tie snatches my waist and then it has a mini flare on bottom. I like the versatility of being able to wear it open or closed, and with or without a top underneath (the fabric is soft so not a must)," writes one fan of the style. We also must call out the four cargo-style flap pockets on the front, which make the piece all the more functional.
20. Splendid Breck Chambray Jacket
Although the best jean jackets are typically going to be a lighter alternative to heavier outerwear, most denim still has some weight to it. But if you're in the market for a truly lightweight layer you can comfortably don on the warmest of days, turn to this chambray denim style from Splendid. It's made of 100 percent Lyocell, which is a notably light and breathable fiber made from wood pulp, and it has a cropped cut for less coverage. We love that it has two large cargo pockets, as well as the ability to scrunch the hem with the drawcord waist. Plus, the cinching at the back is great for adding some shape.
21. Portland and Peel Embroidered Denim Jacket
For a really special piece that you (or a giftee) will cherish forever, head to Etsy seller Portland and Peel for its selection of handmade, custom-embroidered denim jackets that you can emblazon with a name, phrase or initials. You can add up to 12 letters on the back between the shoulders, and you can personalize everything from the font to the thread colors. The jackets are made-to-order and have a turnaround time of roughly two weeks. They are also available in sizes fit for the whole fam (literally, from baby to mom to dad). Per one pleased purchaser, "Absolutely love my jacket. Quality is perfect, custom font and name are clean and exactly what I wanted." Just note that you can't choose exactly which denim hue you'd like, but the seller says the jackets come in light and medium washes.
What to Look for in a Denim Jacket
When purchasing a trusty denim jacket, there are some things that you need to consider beforehand.
How to Wear a Denim Jacket
When it comes to cropped styles, the general rule is to pair it with shorter hemlines such as shorts or mini skirts to balance your proportions. Oversized jackets work best with slim-fit bottoms to add a contrast that doesn’t overpower your figure.
If you want to honor Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears at the 2001 AMAs, denim-on-denim is totally making a comeback. However, in order to avoid a faux-paux, we recommend mixing multiple washes together to avoid looking too uniform.
How Should a Denim Jacket Fit?
Many denim jackets are made with 100 percent cotton, while some allow for other materials such as polyester or lycra. Pure denim materials tend to be stiffer, but are also thicker, and therefore more durable. On the other hand, blends tend to be more lightweight and have more stretch, allowing you to move more freely. With shape, cropped styles tend to sit at your hips, or sometimes even higher at your waist. With longer styles, the sleeves can sometimes go past your fingertips for that intentional oversized effect.
Whichever product you choose, you should not feel restricted by your denim jacket. The sleeves should not feel tight around your arms, and the buttons should come together with ease without looking strained.
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Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
