A good denim jacket is one of the most useful things you can own. It works over a T-shirt in summer, under a coat in winter, and with almost everything in between. Here's how to choose one and keep it going for decades.
The main styles
- Trucker: the classic, with a fitted shape, chest pockets, pleats or seams down the front, and a waistband at the hem.
- Oversized: dropped shoulders and a boxy cut; relaxed and modern.
- Sherpa-lined: fleece lining and collar for colder months.
- Chore jacket: a straight, unstructured workwear cut with patch pockets.
- Cropped: sits at or above the waist; great with high-rise jeans.
How a denim jacket should fit
- Shoulders: seams should sit on your shoulder bone (unless it's an oversized cut).
- Sleeves: ending at the wrist bone, so a little shirt cuff can show.
- Length: a classic trucker ends at the top of your jeans' waistband.
- Room: enough to layer a light jumper underneath.
Caring for a denim jacket
Wash rarely, inside out and cold, and always line dry. The same rules as jeans apply (full guide). A jacket gets far less abrasion than jeans, so it can last for decades.
Common jacket repairs
- Frayed cuffs and collar edges: the most common wear points.
- Worn elastic cuffs on lightweight jackets.
- Missing buttons: jacket buttons are pressed on, like jeans buttons (why).
- Sleeves too short: sometimes they can be lengthened by adding a cuff.
Visible mending looks especially good on jackets. Try Sashiko. For cuffs, collars and sleeves, many denim repairers also take on jacket work by arrangement. Repair My Denim, for example, quotes for jacket repairs on request.
Styling it
Over a hoodie for a casual layered look, over a dress for contrast, or with jeans in a contrasting wash. See how to wear double denim.