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The Best Denim Jacket

Last updated on October 15, 2022
Best Denim Jacket

Our Review Process

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Jean jackets are very versatile, and you are likely to find that you use them more than your other outerwear options during certain parts of the year. Traditional jean jackets will always be in style, but if you want something trendier, choose distressed looks with ripped fabric. Looser-fitting and oversized jean jackets are also very popular these days. You can also find coats in different colors, washes and fits.

If you want a jean jacket with some stretch, keep an eye out for the word “Spandex.” This material offers more give than denim alone. Extra pockets are another great feature, offering plenty of spots to stash your cell phone, wallet and keys.

Planning to wear the jacket over sweaters or other thicker shirts? You will need a looser fit. Otherwise, you can choose a more fitted piece, but you will want to make sure that the buttons can close without gapping.

Also, if the jacket creeps up when you lift your arms, it may be too short. Unless you like oversized styles, the bottoms of the sleeves should hit just past the bends of your wrists.

Our Picks For The Top Denim Jackets

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

luvamia Women’s Machine Washable Denim Jacket

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

luvamia

Women’s Machine Washable Denim Jacket

Add style to your outfit with this classic denim jacket. It's form fitting and available in 36 different shades, including deep blue, lavender purple, vintage black and pink. The jacket adds a little extra warmth for those cooler fall days and features two side pockets and two chest pockets with buttons.

Overall Take

Form FittingThis denim jacket is machine washable for ease of care.

 Runner Up

Saukiee Ripped Cotton Denim Jacket

Saukiee

Ripped Cotton Denim Jacket

If you love the distressed look, consider this ripped denim jacket. It oversized for added comfort and is soft and skin-friendly. The jacket features two front pockets and comes in a choice of seven different shades.

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly PickYou'll love the affordable price tag on this stylish denim jacket.

 We Also Like

Riders By Lee Indigo Cropped Denim Jacket

Riders By Lee Indigo

Cropped Denim Jacket

This button-down denim jacket has a classic, feminine fit and is a real wardrobe staple. It is made from a cotton and polyester blend to provide comfort and a touch of stretch. Choose from a variety of washes and colors, including aqua, red, white, and weathered.

Overall Take

Always in StyleYou will want to wear this classically styled, flattering jacket with a touch of stretch all year round.

 Also Great

Omoone Button Closure Relaxed Fit Denim Jacket

Omoone

Button Closure Relaxed Fit Denim Jacket

This denim jacket has more of a loose fit and is designed to hang a bit longer than other jean jackets. It offers a total of six pockets, so you won't have any trouble storing your cash, cellphone or IDs on your person. You can get the jacket in a denim blue, dark blue or black.

Overall Take

Cute and ComfortablePair this denim jacket with leggings, sweats or a pair of jeans.

What to Look For

  • Many of today’s denim jackets are unisex, so don’t let the words “women’s” or “men’s” limit your buying choices.
  • Not all denim jackets are machine-washable. Check the product description, and always carefully read label tags before laundering.
  • In general, darker washes for jean jackets tend to look more formal or dressy.
  • Denim jackets pair well with most casual clothes, but you can still get away with wearing them with fancier dresses and some work pants. They look especially good with black or white jeans and black leather pants.

More to Explore

In the late 1800s, the denim jacket was born when Levi Strauss 506, or Type 1, was developed with tailer Jacob W. Davis. It was designed for manual labor, and until after World War II, these jackets were worn for their toughness.

Though denim jackets will always be in style, all-over denim goes in and out. Wearing jean jackets with jeans was very popular in the 1980s and ’90s, and then it was taboo.

Now the trend is back, with different fits, shapes and colors that are popular. A classic throwback denim style is the popular (and oft-mocked) Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake matching all-denim look at the 2001 American Music Awards  — yes, Timberlake even wore a denim hat. Try pairing different shades if you want to put multiple pieces of denim together, and add a pop of black or white for contrast instead.

More to explore