Denim jackets are a modern-day wardrobe essential. Durable and rugged, the denim jacket was birthed more than one hundred years ago; an offshoot from the denim jeans, overalls and boiler suits worn by miners and factory workers in early 20th century America.
With a history steeped in reckless charm, mid-century cowboys picked up the perennial men’s jacket, before bikers and punk rockers went renegade with denim, speeding on in darker washes with logos and patches. Hippies then had their way with the denim jacket flower-power style; embroidery and embellishments on faded blue hues. This was followed by nineties hip-hop heroes, millennial workwear wannabes, and the more recent Japanese denim aficionados of the noughties.
Nowadays, you can take your pick from all these pop-cultural cues and more, as contemporary designers source quality denim (from Italy, America, and Japan) and make sleek cuts (that rival the flattery of a blazer) for a denim jacket that’ll look good on any man.
Different styles of Denim Jackets
Classic / Washed Denim Jacket
Invest in a classic denim jacket that can be worn for most casual occasions. Pair it with black jeans or chinos, add a white shirt and you’ve got yourself a foolproof smart casual look.
Distressed Denim Jacket
Get the street approved look with a distressed denim jacket. Rips, paint, and general wear-&-tear in all the right places. Pair your distressed denim jacket with jeans and chunky sneakers for a winning look.
Oversized Denim Jacket
The latest trend is to go big or go home when it comes to your denim jacket; oversized and wide is all the rage. Pair your jacket with straight-legged trousers and clean sneakers.
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From vintage truckers to punkish patches to flight jackets with shearling collars, here are some of the best denim jackets to rock like a rebel (or a pseudo cowboy).
Team yours with chinos, summer shorts, or even suit separates for a high-low smart casual look for the weekend. The only warning? If worn with jeans – a la double denim – the denim jacket must be in a lighter shade. There’s nothing ‘hey y’all’ about that.
Everlane
1/13
Price: From $103
Sizes: XS-XXL
Everlane prides itself on exclusively partnering with ethical factories and using only the finest materials for their products; they call it “Radical Transparency”. Therefore, you get quality clothes that will last for years to come, with an added bonus of feeling good about supporting a company that strongly advocates for fair wages and working conditions.
Everlane has a small range of denim jackets that are classic in style; perfectly versatile and cool.
Levi's
2/13
Price: From $98
Sizes: XS-XXL
Levi’s, founded in 1852, is a leading pioneer in the denim fashion industry and is renowned for their classic blue jeans. Over the years, Levi’s has expanded into producing high-quality garments and accessories with a classic yet cool style for men, women, and kids.
This, of course, includes denim jackets. Using their premium denim, Levi’s has a huge range of jackets that will all make a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
American Eagle
3/13
Price: From $80
Sizes: XS-XXL
American Eagle, founded in 1977, offers high-quality, on-trend clothing and accessories at affordable prices. They believe in inspiring people to love their real selves and express their individuality, therefore their range of clothes are on the more playful trendy side.
With a great range of denim jackets in different styles and colours, American Eagle will have a denim jacket to suit all tastes.
G-Star Raw
4/13
Price: From $130
Sizes: XS-XXL
G-Star is a Dutch clothing brand founded in the late 80s by Jos Van Tilburg. Their philosophy has always been, ‘just the product’. This approach to their brand has led to them pioneering the jean industry as they infuse excellent craftsmanship with their signature streetwear touch, creating luxury denim for the streets.
G-Star is a leading denim company committed to making fashion-forward and innovative pieces, and their huge range of denim jackets for men is no exception.
Todd Snyder
5/13
Price: From $119
Sizes: XS-XXL
Iowa native Todd Snyder makes effortless everyday luxuries for the modern gentleman. Blending Savile Row’s craftsmanship with a downtown New York aesthetic, his clothing is relaxed, refined, and always impeccably tailored.
Todd Snyder has a huge range of modern denim jackets that’ll make a stylish addition to any wardrobe.
AllSaints
6/13
Price: From $249
Sizes: XS-XXL
Premium British fashion retailer, AllSaints began its journey in 1994, as a wholesale menswear brand selling to high-end retailers like Harrods and Harvey Nichols, but eventually opened its own store in London in ’97. Now, AllSaints is a globally renowned brand best known for its iconic biker jackets.
That being said, AllSaints’s denim jackets are just as iconic. Modern styles and a wide range of different coloured washes, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
J. Crew
7/13
Price: From $128
Sizes: XS-XXL
J. Crew believes in ‘looking a million bucks, not spending it’ which is why they source the best high-quality fabrics at the most accessible prices. All of their products are classic with a modern twist, meaning you’ll always look effortlessly polished when sporting J. Crew.
Unsurprisingly, J. Crew has a great range of denim jackets in various styles and colours.
Mango
8/13
Price: From $70
Sizes: XS-XXL
Spanish clothing company, Mango, was founded in 1984 with one goal in mind: to create clothes with “a Mediterranean essence”. Mango’s garments achieve this with their natural and contemporary styles paired with comfortable fabrics.
Mango has a fantastic collection of men’s denim jackets that are well-made and reasonably priced.
AMI
9/13
Price: From $456
Sizes: XS-XXL
Founded in 2011, AMI has quickly become renowned for fusing slouchy sportswear with refined tailoring. The stylish and comprehensive range of clothing is inspired by and created in Paris.
AMI’s range of denim jackets all have an effortlessly cool Parisian style and would pair perfectly with any outfit.
ASOS Design
10/13
Price: From $46
Sizes: XS-XXL
ASOS, the British online retailer was founded in 2000, but since then they have launched their own range of clothing and accessories called ASOS Design.
Committed to creating clothing that allows people to have total freedom, to experiment, and to feel confident with their fashion choices, ASOS Design has an excellent range of denim jackets in multiple styles and colours.
Balenciaga
11/13
Price: From $1,390
Sizes: XS-XL
Famous for its Haute couture that merges streetwear and high fashion, Balenciaga is at the forefront of fashion. This means that for the latest trends you can count on Balenciaga.
If you’re after a denim jacket that’ll make you ‘of the moment’ and trendy af, this is the only brand for you.
AMIRI
12/13
Price: From $1,690
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Regularly inspired by grunge and punk subcultures, Amiri has a fantastic range of casual staples crafted from carefully sourced fabrics. Amiri’s clothing is well-crafted and gives off an effortless LA cool style.
Amiri’s denim jackets are contemporary in style, featuring unique embellishments or colours, and will add a pop of cool to an otherwise casual (aka boring) ensemble.
Gucci
13/13
Price: From $1,900
Sizes: XS-XXL
Founded in 1921, Gucci is one of the most iconic brands renowned worldwide for its contemporary approach to fashion. Eclectic, contemporary, romantic – Gucci products pay tribute to the brand’s humble beginnings in Florence, Tuscany, and still represent the pinnacle of fine Italian craftsmanship.
If you’re after a denim jacket that’s extremely well-made as well as incredibly stylish, Gucci is the brand you’re looking for.