Tested: The Best Men’s Denim Jackets to Wear All Year

Whether you’re a ranch worker, the lead singer in a rock band, or simply a connoisseur of the venerated Canadian tuxedo, every guy needs a good denim jacket in his closet. The best denim jackets for men offer the same timeless style, casual ruggedness, and easy-going coolness that have made the garment a menswear essential for more than a century. And while the style may be old, it’s anything but outdated, as the latest crop of jean jackets is filled with an outstanding blend of classic and modern coats to suit every taste, and we got hands-on with some of our favorites in the scene.

How We Tested

Denim is such a classic material, and the garments we associate it with are usually just as classic. But denim jackets come in many styles, from truckers to ranch jackets, so we made sure to cover the most recognizable silhouettes. The type of denim can vary just as much as the style, and we get into the history of the two major players (Japan and the USA) below if you want more background. Because of the history that both of these countries have with denim, we also made sure to include a mix of options that use material from both Japan and the States.

After establishing our criteria, I got to work inspecting the weave, stitching, and stiffness of each jacket we got our hands on. You want denim to last long and develop a unique look and feel that’s personal, which is why we only went with brands that we trust. That said, I know that I have a personal preference when it comes to denim and that many others feel the same, so I’ll make sure to keep things as objective as I can. Additionally, heavy, high-quality denim requires a break-in period that can vary from weeks to months, and unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to test that aspect (maybe we’ll be back with an update in the future).

Measurements: I’m 6’2″ and wear 34×30 pants – denim jackets across most styles should have a true-to-size fit with the bottom hitting just around your hips. I’ll be judging how each pick looks and feels based on that, but I’m sort of in between sizes (L/XL) when it comes to jackets. I also prefer heavier denim and baggier jackets in general.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Material: The big difference here will be between Japanese and American denim. Another big difference is the choice between selvedge denim and regular denim – selvedge will be more durable and high-quality, but that means a higher price tag as well. Besides that, if you want a little more stretch in your jacket, look for one that has a bit of elastane.

Shape/Fit: Several silhouettes swarm this boundless space of outerwear, but it would be a genuine disservice to overlook Levi’s contributions to making the garment what it is today. The heritage brand’s timeless Type-I, Type-II, and Type-III designs have served as respective archetypes for how countless clothiers design their denim jackets. Unsurprisingly, this has been the case since the initial iteration’s first release sometime between the late ’40s and early ’50s.

Wash and Color: As countless brands have shown us, jeans don’t have to come in standard shades of blue and black; the same goes for their outerwear counterpart. There are several washes and colors to account for, each adding a different personality to your look. As a result, the versatile variety of options to choose from deem the denim jacket ideal for several seasons, as it’s easy to dress it up or down, á la the aforementioned Canadian Tuxedo.

Weight: Like with any piece of clothing, just because it’s heavier doesn’t mean it’s necessarily better — after all, you won’t catch any of us rocking heavy-set coats in the dead of summer just to look cool. Unlike other elements you should look for in this department, this doesn’t come down to personal preference as much as it does flat-out common sense. While most options weigh somewhere along the lines of 12 and 15 ounces, there are lighter options out there, too, some of which are ideal for warmer weather. All in all, denim jackets are no different from other jackets in that they are meant to keep you warm when necessary, and weight obviously plays a big part.

Origin: As we said earlier, a key difference between different denim (and denim jackets) is the manufacturing origin and the denim’s origin. While we recommend going for jackets made in either the States or Japan, we also understand that not everyone can afford them, which is why we’ve included a variety of choices. The next best thing is to go with a jacket that at least uses denim sourced from Japan or the USA.

Lee Legendary Rider Jacket

Best Starter Jacket: With the exception of Levi’s, no brand is more associated with America’s long-running love affair with denim than Lee. Founded in 1889, Lee has a longstanding reputation for making hard-wearing workwear, and their classic Rider Jacket has been favored by legitimate cowboys since it debuted in 1948. This updated version opts for a more modern spin on things, while still retaining the history that made the jacket so legendary to begin with.

Much like Levi’s, Lee is an absolute legend in the denim scene and manages to strike a balance between heritage and modern style. Also, like Levi’s Trucker Jacket, the Rider Jacket has an iconic look that conjures visions back to the days of the Old West, finished with that unmistakable zig-zag front stitching. The fit for me on this jacket is just perfect; it hit just below my hip and had a true-to-size fit that wasn’t too tight and allowed for layers underneath (definitely helped by the 2% spandex in the material blend). You get two hand pockets, two buttoned chest pockets, and two (very sizable) internal pockets for plenty of storage options. 

The denim on this one feels super high quality, but one complaint I do have is that the stitching on this one isn’t as good as other picks on the guide. Hiroshi Kato’s jacket, for example, has immaculate stitching without any loose threads, but I found a handful on this one (especially on the inside). There are also some differing opinions on the inclusion of spandex in the material blend and how it changes the feel of the jacket. I personally like it, but I understand if others prefer a 100% cotton jacket. 

Verdict: Sure, this is a “starter jacket”, but the build quality and heritage make this a true classic that will always be in style. From the fit to the feel, everything about this pick is just timeless.

Levi’s Trucker Jacket

Best Trucker Jacket: If it’s a true icon you’re after in a denim jacket, then Levi’s should realistically be the only brand on your radar. The American heritage brand’s founder literally invented the style in the 1880s, and Levi’s has been churning them out in their famed trucker form since the 1960s. This forward-thinking version of the classic garment includes soft and breathable Tencel in the blend and is made using sustainable manufacturing practices and materials. And while the clothier’s modern-day catalog couldn’t hold a candle to its archival offerings, it’s still the perfect place to start.

Here we are with another absolutely quintessential denim jacket from another denim legend, and this pick isn’t just one of the best trucker jackets you can get, but one of the best denim jackets period. From the history to the build quality to the natural fading it develops over time, you truly can’t go wrong with this one. On me, it fits just how a trucker should, falling just below my waist with a bit more room in the chest, and even though the sleeves are advertised as “long”, they fall just past my wrists (but I have longer arms). It’s hard not to compare this one to Lee’s Rider Jacket, as they both have very similar designs, and I feel that the stitching on this one was cleaner (especially on the inner pockets), with an overall more rigid feel. Build quality is also pretty impressive for this price point, but it’s not quite as durable as Levi’s gear used to be, and not as clean as Pangaia’s or Hiroshi Kato’s jackets. 

The only downside with this pick is how tight the back feels, which, for me, was a tiny bit of a letdown. I don’t think it’s a deal breaker, and this could vary from person to person, but it seems this is a problem for other buyers as well, so it’s something to look out for. 

Verdict: This is such a classic jacket from a legend in the space, and you truly can’t go wrong with it. The classic trucker fit, pointed collar, and overall silhouette just scream mid-20th-century style.

Taylor Stitch The Long Haul Jacket

Best Textured Jacket: We love a good pun, so we’ve got to give Taylor Stitch some credit for calling this trucker jacket “The Long Haul.” But we’re obviously not going to recommend a garment based purely on its name, and thankfully, the San Francisco-based brand doesn’t let us down with the quality of this coat. The Long Haul features 100% organic cotton selvage denim construction that’s been given a thorough wash for a lived-in vintage look, plus unexpected extras like a pair of front welt hand-warmer pockets.

Made entirely with organic cotton, this soft and beautifully textured denim jacket is just as sustainable as it is comfy. The best way I can describe how this pick felt off the bat is like a shirt jacket: not too heavy or rigid, with a drape that feels similar to a shirt, but enough heft to be used as a jacket. The waffle texture here isn’t just for show, as the denim here is also the softest feeling on the guide, which is definitely by design. Taylor Stitch took it upon themselves to speed up the break-in period by running each jacket through a heavy wash, and you can feel it for sure. The thickness of the fabric also makes this one of the warmest picks on the guide, rivaled only by Iron and Resin’s Sherpa-lined jacket. I’m really impressed with the antique copper and YKK hardware throughout this piece, and it complements the deep blue of the fabric really nicely. On the inner pockets, you also get a nice map of some areas of San Francisco, Taylor Stitch’s hometown and headquarters, and it’s clear this jacket is a love letter to the city, with its namesake etched into the buttons.

I personally love how unique this jacket looks (and feels), but it may not be for everyone, as it’s not a “traditional” denim jacket. This goes for the fit as well, because even though it fit super well on me, I could see it running a tad long on those on the shorter side.

Verdict: As the most unique jacket on the guide, Taylor Stitch comes through with an incredibly soft, waffle-textured pick that just feels incredible. It fits and feels a bit like a shirt jacket but has that sophisticated denim look.

Pangaia Nettle Denim Jacket

Best Sustainable Jacket: Purchasing any form of clothing from Pangaia is one of several ways to lower your carbon footprint and is arguably the most voguish way to go about it. The brand’s Nettle Denim Jacket is constructed using PANettle, a proprietary blend of plant-based materials like Himalayan wild nettle, a naturally renewable resource that grows sporadically and in abundance, assuring it’s as eco-cognizant a textile as you could imagine. Additionally, the brand uses organic cotton and a PPRMINT treatment to ensure it lasts quite some time — remember to recycle it when all is said and done.

Sustainability is a big buzzword these days, but Pangaia isn’t just using it willy-nilly, and embracing the true meaning of the word. The blend of organic cotton and Himalayan nettle here has been treated using Pangaia’s in-house process (PPRMINT), which involves treating the denim with plant-based peppermint oil. Not only is this more environmentally-friendly than using silver, but it gives the fabric natural antimicrobial and anti-odor properties. Fit and looks-wise, I really like the relaxed drape of the jacket, and it has a modern cut that lends itself to layering. We went for the black denim on this one, and I think it fits the jacket perfectly, highlighting the message printed on the front reading, “This selvedge denim jacket is made from Himalayan nettle and organic cotton, treated with PPRMINT oil.” Adding to the sustainability, the YKK hardware is made with non-galvanized, recyclable stainless steel, and feels very durable. The jacket, in general, is just expertly crafted, finished with purple selvedge on the inner layer.

The writing on the front is definitely cool and bolsters Pangaia’s message and brand mission, but I understand if some prefer a cleaner look without the writing. This is really the only downside I can think of for this jacket; other than that, this is an incredible piece. 

Verdict: This is certainly a sustainable pick, but it’s also quite modern with a cut that I really liked. If you’re in the market for an environmentally friendly jacket that still looks stylish, this pick is for you.

Iron and Resin Blacksmith Jacket

Best Sherpa Collar Jacket: Started by a group of California surfers and motorcycle enthusiasts, Iron & Resin prides itself on building apparel and gear outfitted specifically for petrol heads and surfers alike. From vintage-inspired riding jackets and gloves to stylish t-shirts with a relaxed fit, Iron & Resin is all about quality, not quantity – where gear should be tried and true while lasting for years to come.

It should come as no surprise that Iron and Resin landed on this list, because the label’s vintage-inspired jackets are some of the best you can get. Off the bat, the Sherpa lining feels insanely comfy and makes this the perfect winter choice. It’s also super impressive that Iron and Resin made a jacket this high-quality, complete with selvedge denim, and it’s only going for $180. I truly can’t think of any other jacket at this price point that has this many bells and whistles. Adding to the features, you get a lot of storage as well, with two hand pockets, two chest pockets, and three internal pockets. Inside, there’s a large zippered pocket on the left and two pockets on the right side. The stitching here is absolutely immaculate as well, complemented by the custom shank buttons.

The fit for this was a bit like the label’s Rambler Jacket; I personally liked the tighter look and feel, and it’s definitely in line with classic moto jackets, but you may want to size up for a roomier fit. Also, unlike many of the brand’s other offerings, this jacket was designed in their California HQ, but it’s made overseas in Pakistan. I haven’t seen anything that indicates a lesser quality garment, but it’s a note worth mentioning considering I&R’s commitment to stateside manufacturing.

Verdict: Lined with sherpa and made with care in the States, Iron and Resin comes through with a moto-inspired denim jacket that’s stylish for riders and non-riders alike.

Todd Snyder Selvedge Denim Jacket

Best Selvedge Denim Jacket: Todd Snyder understands how to use high-quality fabrics, and never settles for anything less than the best. This medium wash selvedge denim jacket proves just that, and features a design inspired by classic trucker jackets from back in the day. This modern take on the iconic style has a slim fit that falls at the hip, and an indigo wash to drive it all home. It’s finished with shank buttons and a duo of buttoned flap chest pockets to keep things simple yet elegant.

It’s no secret that we love Todd Snyder over here, and it’s also a given that their modern takes on classic designs are always complete with premium materials. Like this trucker-inspired jacket here, made with 100% cotton selvedge denim and washed with classic indigo. Although this is made with selvedge denim, it has a surprisingly soft hand feel and a light weight that I really liked (which means it’ll only get softer with time). The fit is advertised as slim, but it felt more true to size than anything, and not constricting at all. Everything about this jacket just evokes a sense of quality and high fashion, from the soft selvedge to the slim fit, to the custom shank buttons adorning the entire piece.

My only gripe (and it’s a very minor one) is the lack of hand pockets. I understand that this is a stylistic choice, and adds to the lightweight look and feel of the jacket, but it felt a little weird not having a place to rest my hands.

Verdict: Todd Snyder manages to inject some modern style into a classic silhouette yet again, elevating what’s usually a simple piece into a luxurious selvedge jacket.

Hiroshi Kato The Blade Indigo Raw 14oz Selvedge

Best USA-made Jacket: This insanely unique choice from lowkey designer Hiroshi Kato takes after ’30s-era denim jackets, which is why its plethora of details and finishes may seem off-kilter when laid next to a plain old silhouette. Nevertheless, these final touches make it much more striking, notably its orange accent stitching and sturdy button closure. But, for this to be the best selvedge jacket in a fashion world chock-full of them, it needs to offer something special; that said, how do 14 ounces of four-way stretch denim sound? This heavy-set piece is built for colder days and provides more freedom of movement than meets the eye, deeming it one of the more appropriate pieces for winter’s bitter end.

Taking inspiration from vintage ‘30s-era denim jackets, Hiroshi Kato wanted to retain the look of these classic pieces, while updating the silhouette to be more comfortable. This starts with 14oz of raw 4-way stretch selvedge denim (made with a mix of 96% cotton and 4% polyurethane) that’s been pre-washed for a lived-in look and feel. The brand also uses hand-sanding and laser print tech to give the jacket a faded look. All of this results in a jacket that looks and feels incredibly high-quality right away, with a nice thick denim that’s just to die for. This jacket is also a masterclass in craftsmanship, with triple-stitched seams on the shoulder and chest, and immaculately clean stitchwork throughout. The fit is advertised as slim, and yep, it certainly is – not only does this add to the vintage look, but even as a larger/taller guy, it felt flattering and not too tight. 

As I stated in the beginning, we didn’t quite have the time to break in each jacket, which is especially important for raw denim and selvedge denim. In this case, we have both, which means the jacket was a tad rigid, but that’s to be expected, and the jacket will break in over time. The 4-way stretch definitely helps the jacket from feeling too rigid, along with the added stretch from the polyurethane. 

Verdict: Made in the States from a brand steeped in tradition, high-quality craftsmanship, and style, this jacket is an absolute treat, and the perfect vintage addition to your wardrobe.

HISTORY OF DENIM

On May 20, 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis obtained a U.S. patent on the process of utilizing rivets in the construction of men’s denim work pants — marking what’s widely viewed today as the birth of modern blue jeans. Though they were originally aimed at cowboys, railroad workers, and miners, blue jeans would later be widely adopted by a huge percentage of the planet, with half of the world’s population now wearing jeans at any given point in time — making it difficult to overstate how significant and game-changing of an invention Strauss and Davis introduced.

Recognizing the immense potential of riveted denim construction and spurred on by the success of blue jeans, Strauss would later repurpose the material and construction technique into America’s first jean jacket in 1880. Garnering nearly as much success as his pants, Levi’s jean jackets instantly took off, with orders flooding in and units flying off of the shelves. This design went largely unchanged for close to 80 years, with Levi’s introducing a lightly-modified second-generation jean jacket. In the 1960s, however, the jean jacket saw its most significant update to date with the introduction of the Levi Strauss & Co. Type III denim jacket in 1962.

Sharing its denim construction with Levi’s pants, the Type III — or “trucker jacket” as it became unofficially known as — distinguished
itself from its first and second-generation predecessors with a more tapered cut and the addition of welt hand pockets and bar tack construction at the chest pockets and sleeve openings. Over the subsequent years, the Type III’s design has been widely emulated by a slew of different companies. Today, the jean jacket has become a men’s wardrobe staple and is available in a wide variety of colors, washes, styles, and cuts — our favorite of which we’ll be counting down below.

JAPANESE DENIM VS. AMERICAN DENIM

The best part of buying a new jacket is the sense of character it gains over time. As a result, Japanese selvedge denim has since been touted as one of the world’s most precious textiles. This is courtesy of countless Japanese brands utilizing unique dyes to promote a similarly unique aging process, among several other particular care guidelines to account for that will assist its look in the long run.

Although American brands are heralded for bringing jeans to the forefront, Japan’s innovation in the field has deemed selvedge denim an art form of sorts due to its more sophisticated, meticulous construction method. When it comes to buying jeans, Japanese selvedge will typically take more time to break in than the oft-softer brand of American-made bottoms; that said, you don’t necessarily have to worry about something like this when buying a jacket, considering it’s often easier to dictate the proper size for outerwear than it is any pair of pants. All in all, this by no means comes down to a form of competition, but more your personal preference, as either material you choose will bode well in the long run, albeit each having its distinct look, feel, and fades. If you’re still eager to learn more about each country’s history in the denim world, check out our guide comparing each iteration.

We took a look at a range of brands, styles, and price ranges, casting a wide net but only keeping the best of the best. Our search led us to American heritage brands that were outfitting cowboys and miners at the turn of the century, high-end boutique purveyors of Japanese selvedge denim, and style-forward designers who are putting their own unique spin on this well-worn icon of Americana. 

Raw Denim vs. Regular Denim

Raw denim is denim that’s been unwashed, allowing it to maintain its natural stiffness and color. Because of this, clothing made with raw denim will start out stiff and require some breaking in (unless you get it used/thrifted). If you go with a raw denim pick, make sure to throw it in the wash on cold, and let the jacket air dry before wearing it to mitigate some stiffness. This goes for both regular and raw denim, but wearing it often will help break it in, and help the jacket form to your body.

Honorable Mentions

Made in our own backyard of sunny Los Angeles, the Ginew Thunderbird Jacket is an incredible premium pick with a modern Western look. It boasts a corduroy collar and custom hardware throughout.

You’re probably aware of Carhartt’s status as one of the most reliable brands, and its Relaxed Fit Denim Sherpa-Lined Jacket is no exception. This is a great pick for anyone in cold climates, as it’s lined entirely with sherpa.

Flint and Tinder’s Speckled Denim Rancher is an incredible, USA-made pick, but it’s currently out of stock. We figured it’s worth shouting out down here in case they’re back in stock any time soon.

Gap’s Classic Icon Denim Jacket is a great choice if you want that classic Levi’s look at a more affordable price. It has a medium wash, and it’s made with 100% cotton.

Wrangler offers a classic and reasonably-priced jacket with the Cowboy Cut Western Lined Denim Jacket, and it’s complete with that classic Western style, finished with a sherpa collar.

The Best Western Shirts for Classic Style

Denim jackets are cool, but what better way to tackle the All-American get-up than with a proper shirt beneath your new denim jacket? Luckily, our guide to the best Western shirts is here to help.