Denim is timeless. Find your forever denim jacket.
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No matter the season, a denim jacket is timeless. With so many different styles, washes and brands out there, there are nearly endless ways to style a denim jacket. Whether you’re pairing it with a dress, shorts, leggings, sweatpants or even jeans, (Denim on denim is so chic!) a good denim jacket completes just about every look — and they're versatile enough for a range of seasons. Home and Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine encourages buyers to keep in mind that, “A heavier-weight denim is likely to be stiffer than a lighter-weight denim but will keep you warmer. If denim feels a little too rough for you in general, consider a jacket with a lining inside.”
With that in mind, all that’s left is to go shopping. To help you narrow down the best denim jackets, we compiled a list of trendy styles and classic silhouettes, ranging from oversized denim jackets to perfectly cropped pieces. Below are our top picks, including recommendations from GH staffers and style pros, to help you find your timeless piece.
This is your wear-anywhere jacket. It’s truly versatile and can complete any outfit. Constantine shares, “The most popular style of denim jacket is a classic trucker jacket. It has a boxy look with large patch pockets and silver or brass button details.” This Levi’s jacket comes in various washes — like the wear-with-anything medium wash we love — and according to Amazon buyers, it fits true to size. With an added bonus of deep pockets perfect for fitting all your essentials, this is a staple piece.
Designer denim can get downright expensive, but this pick from Amazon Essentials has a designer vibe for an affordable price. One Amazon reviewer writes, “The fit is perfect. It has plenty of room in the shoulders and bust to close without pulling. The material has a slight stretch and is super soft.” This jacket offers comfort, quality, fit and different washes for an affordable price. With a wide range of sizes from XS to 6X, this size-inclusive pick is a no-brainer.
With an edgier style that blends an oversized slouch with a crop so it won't overwhelm you, this AE cargo jacket is the perfect piece to make your outfit a stand-out. If you have more of an athletic build or are looking for a roomier fit, the wider arms provide a comfortable yet stylish look. Cargo pockets on the sleeves and front enhance this jacket creating a casual and sporty everyday look.
Calvin Klein's breezy light-wash denim jacket has a visible tag on the front pocket and topstitching details that help create a structured shape. One reviewer described it as being “soft, stretchy and lightweight,” making it perfect for cool summer nights. Reviewers also confirm it runs true to size, so you won’t have to order three different options to try on. The Marbled Beacon wash is the true light-wash option, but if you want to branch out, it's also available in dark-wash, white and black.
I’ve been searching for a white denim jacket for ages, and this pick from Madewell finally ended my chase. The white wash can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Textiles Lab Analyst Grace Wu tested this pick and shared, “It’s casual but still looks put together, and the dropped sleeve makes it comfortable to wear all day long. The fabric feels soft yet structured.” The gold hardware detailing is unique, though reviewers say the cut runs slightly large, so you may want to size down for a more fitted look.
Looking for a stand-out piece? This shirt jacket from Gap adds a built-in belt that helps to cinch your waist, creating a more fitted, contoured shape. Choose from regular, tall and petite sizing to ensure the right fit for your body type. I own this jacket, and the thick denim makes this affordable piece feel elevated and high-quality. The belt is removable, so you can also style it like an overshirt, giving you more bang for your buck.
This is the perfect jacket to get that effortlessly comfortable, oversized look. Online reviewers confirm the jacket runs slightly large, so if you're looking for only a little oversized, we suggest sizing down. Dropped shoulders for shape and pleating in the back allow this jacket to fall in a chic way that won't swallow you up. Sometimes oversized jackets can wear you if you’re not careful, but the crop keeps it from feeling overwhelming.
If you're looking for something other than a classic blue denim jacket, this black-wash style from Universal Standard is worth a look. The style fits oversized, long and relaxed for a workwear look. Pair it with jeans to keep it casual or a sundress for a fun contrast. The snap-shut side vents allow you to add more room in the hips, or keep them closed for a more streamlined look. We love the inclusive size range — 4XS to 4XL — that ensures you'll find the right fit for your body.
Denim jackets can serve as a blank canvas for tons of cute details like patches and stitching. This embroidered pick from Marine Layer keeps it subtle but stand-out. The medium wash features colorful stripes along the back and collar of the jacket, while the light wash has sunrise stitching on the back, stripes on the front pocket and detailing on the sleeve. These two washes are a great way to spice up your jackets if you're looking for something besides plain denim. An online reviewer wrote, “It fits perfectly and every time I wear it I get so many compliments.”
This cropped jacket is a summer essential for pairing with skirts, dresses and high-waisted pants. Wu owns this jacket and said, “The material is the perfect weight — not too flimsy or too heavy — and the boxy design makes it comfortable to wear in warmer weather.” If you are looking for a more fitted look, there are adjustable buttons on the sides near the hem that give you the option to make it more slim-fitting.
Alexandra Kahn is an editorial intern for Good Housekeeping. She just finished her Sophomore year at Tulane University where she is pursuing a Communications major and a double minor in Strategy, Leadership & Analytics and Political Science.
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