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It's all about being fashionable and functional. golden coat
You've really gotta have a good work jacket in your arsenal. Even if you aren't wearing it for its intended purpose—to do hands-on, outdoor work—, we're living in a time where, thanks to its boxy, relaxed fit, pointed collar, and exterior pockets, a work jacket is a versatile, cool streetwear option that can make nearly any outfit look better. Plus, it's the perfect in-between layering jacket for spring.
So, now that we've established the necessity of a work jacket both in terms of fashion and function, the question is which work jacket to get. These days, there are so many on the market that it really comes down to preference. Carhartt and Dickies, for example, have traditional, rugged work jackets that can take a good beating without getting scuffed up.
But if you want to kick things up a notch, brands like Rails and Alex Mill have chic, contemporary styles that serve to elevate your fit. And then there are brands like J.Crew, Stone Island, and Flint and Tinder, crafting work jackets that give you the best of both worlds: all the style, all the warmth and durability.
I'll leave the choice to you, because there really isn't a wrong one. Below, explore the 15 best work jackets money can buy.
An infallible pick is one that sticks to the basics. The Detroit Jacket is a work jacket at its finest, with the classic three-pocket exterior, a full front zip, and a durable, warm fabric to keep you cozy and cool.
With relaxed shoulders and a minimalist look, Dickies is the go-to for everybody from skater boys to finance bros. This is a jacket that can be worn however you please—try it with jeans, chinos, pleated pants, whatever.
With a contrast collar, the James Jacket is simple, yet refined. Its boxy fit is universally flattering, and the timeless, rugged vibe speaks for itself, whether you're working or not.
Leave it to Abercrombie to turn a classic into something even more cool and contemporary. This chic jacket can be dressed up, dressed down, and paired with anything you've got in your closet.
This is a classic blanket-lined jacket that has a hardy waxed cotton canvas outer—and chic twists throughout. From the corduroy collar to the off-center buttons, this combines the best of both worlds.
For when you want to go the fashion route more than the function route, Amazon has a corduroy option that looks damn great with jeans or trousers—and its under 20 bucks.
Levi's manages to have a jacket that can perform well and look great, so you can reach for this style no matter where you're going.
This iconic jacket has been a top contender for a long time, but it truly shot to fame when Pedro Pascal donned it on HBO's The Last of Us. Hey—if it's tough enough to survive the zombie apocalypse, it's tough enough to survive anything else you throw at it, too.
J.Crew doing as J.Crew does—crafting functional, stylish wardrobe staples that you'll be reaching for for years to come.
Alex Mill's modern take on a work jacket features a baggy, oversized recycled denim outer, with deep pockets and a button-up closure. Pair with black pants and Chelsea boots for an instantly cool look.
Stone Island expertly fuses high-end craftsmanship with durability, resulting in the perfect work jacket.
For when you feel more like playing than working, the obvious choice is a fun, funky jacket like this. With an all-over checked pattern that says "Springtime!", this is one of our favorites.
Simple and understated, this jacket is easy to wear and style. Try it with anything from cargo pants to pleated trousers.
An easily versatile jacket, this textured option from Krost will take you everywhere the season does: work, play, vacation, repeat.
And if you're looking for something bold, funky, and out-there enough to gain grid status on your Instagram, you've found it.
We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
When it comes to work jackets, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these work jackets are the ones that are simply the best.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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