Byrdie / Brian Kopinski
“Finding the perfect denim jacket is like finding the perfect pair of jeans,” says Erin Eagle, a stylist and founder of A Style Set. “Once you find one, it will be a closet staple for years to come.” Whether you like a classic cut and color from a heritage denim brand like Levi’s or a fashion-forward take on this outerwear staple, the ideal option is out there. Since denim jackets are extremely easy to style with different outfits, you can rest assured that whichever style you choose will be one you can hold onto forever.
We conducted hours of research on the best jean jackets, evaluating them on style, design features, comfort, and size range. After consulting with four expert stylists and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated choices.
Best Overall
Levi's Women's Original Trucker Jacket
Size Range: XS-4X | Material: Cotton, Elastane | Washes: 9
For under $100, Levi’s makes a jean jacket that’s everything we could ever want in one. The trucker style has an elongated hem and is just a tad oversized for a relaxed silhouette and ease of layering—an updated version of Levi’s original jean jacket style, according to the brand. It also comes in a sherpa version, which is best for those looking for extra warmth. We love that it comes in plus-sizes up to 4X.
Best Budget
H&M Tie-Belt Denim Jacket
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H&M
Size Range: XXS-4XL | Material: Cotton | Washes: 2
Personal stylist and fashion writer Louise Pennington loves this budget-friendly pick from H&M for its potential as a transitional jacket for spring and fall. The oversized design and tie-belt elevate the look of a classic denim jacket and pairs well with leggings or matching jeans. Plus, we always appreciate an item that comes in an inclusive size range.
Best Splurge
Wardrobe.NYC Denim Jacket
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Wardrobe
Size Range: 2XS-XL | Material: Cotton | Washes: 4
This super fashionable denim piece can be worn open as a jacket or buttoned up as a denim shirt, making it a versatile investment approved by Pennington. It features cool-girl square shoulders for those who love playing with proportions and two front pockets. It’s available in black, white, and light- and dark-wash denim.
Best Plus-Size
Universal Standard Kelsey Denim Jacket
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Universal Standard
Size Range: 4XS-4XL | Material: Cotton, polyester, rayon, elastane | Washes: 6
Universal Standard's dark-hued jean jacket is the epitome of classic and comes in a wide size range to suit more people than the average jacket—what could be better? Details-wise, it has contrast stitching and functional pockets. Given its close fit, you can dress it up or down for maximum versatility.
Best Cropped
Meshki Rowena Denim Cropped Jacket
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Meshki Rowena
Size Range: XXS-3XL | Material: Cotton, recycled cotton | Washes: 1
Who says denim has to be blue? We think mixing it up with a tan cropped jacket is a great idea. This one comes with two large front pockets and oversized sleeves, and is designed to pair with the matching buckle-front mini skirt. Even if you’re not about the matching set life, it pairs best with a high-rise mini skirt or relaxed pants.
Best Hooded
AllSaints Milena Hooded Jacket
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AllSaints
Size Range: XS-L | Material: Cotton | Washes: 1
This denim jacket/black hoodie hybrid from AllSaints is such a great piece to have on hand. Yes, it’s casual, but it’s also cute enough to dress up for lunch or happy hour, thanks to thoughtful detailing such as the raw hem and the light distressing. The hood is great for keeping you extra warm or warding off light rain.
Best Stretchy
AE Dreamy Drape Stretch Cropped Denim Jacket
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AE
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Material: Cotton, lyocell, recycled cotton | Washes: 1
We love jean jackets, but most are 100% cotton, which can feel a bit stiff. If you don’t love the feeling of pure denim, the solution is to opt for a jacket that incorporates a little stretch factor. This American Eagle piece utilizes lyocell for added flexibility. Looks-wise, this jacket falls at hip height and features a raw hem at the bottom with two front pockets.
Best Black
Topshop Oversize Denim Jacket
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Topshop
Size Range: XS-L | Material: Cotton | Washes: 1
Blue denim goes with everything, but if you want something edgier, this black jean jacket might be right up your alley. The moody hue is subtly faded while the relaxed fit and dropped shoulders give it a casual appeal and extra room for layering.
Best White
Abercrombie & Fitch Cropped Denim Jacket
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Cotton, lyocell | Washes: 4
White denim jackets are amazing for covering up on warm summer evenings when the breeze sets in. Style this cropped option from Abercrombie & Fitch with a colorful sundress, or pair it with white jeans for the full look. If you’re loving the style but aren’t so into the white colorway, it also comes in beige, light wash denim, and an adorable blue and white pinstripe.
Best Petite
The Gap Oversized Icon Denim Jacket
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The Gap
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Material: Cotton, recycled cotton | Washes: 1
We also like this oversized denim jacket made of 100% cotton. It boasts a straight silhouette and a relaxed fit that hits at the hip. With a medium wash and endless versatility, it'll become your go-to layering piece, whether you're heading out or hanging indoors. Plus, you can always count on Gap to deliver those petite sizes.
Best Sherpa
Wrangler Retro Sherpa Lined Western Denim Jacket
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Wrangler
Size Range: S-3X | Material: Cotton, lycra, polyester, spandex | Washes: 2
A denim jacket is an incredible wardrobe staple, which you can just throw on over pretty much any outfit. But when the weather cools down, a regular jean jacket becomes less practical—that’s where a sherpa-lined option like this one from Wrangler comes in. Available in light or dark denim, its design is Western-inspired and features a fitted silhouette that works as well for work as it does your weekend errands.
Best Oversized
& Other Stories Boxy Denim Jacket
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& Other Stories
Size Range: XS-L | Material: Cotton | Washes: 1
Eagle is obsessed with this oversized jacket right now. The medium-wash denim is so cool for the mid-season, and the boxy fit gives off a “just threw this on on my way out the door” vibe—even if you spent an hour curating the perfect outfit. The buttoned cuffs are a great detail too, meaning you can play around with rolling up the sleeves to change up your look's dimensions.
Best Distressed
Hidden Jeans [Rebel] Light Wash Frayed Jacket
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Hidden
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Cotton, rayon | Washes: 1
Distressed denim done well can make such a cool addition to your wardrobe. This jacket features raw hems, all-over distressing, and a slightly cropped length, plus contrast stitching and two front pockets. It comes in a light wash with patches of fading and whiskering, adding to the whole ‘90s rockstar vibe.
What to Look for in a Jean Jacket
- Materials: Many styles are made exclusively from cotton material. All-cotton types are thick and rigid, so they’ll hold a stiff shape. However, the cotton can be supplemented with elastane or lyocell—among other materials—for a little added stretch, something Pennington recommends looking for. Additionally, a sherpa or faux sherpa lining can help you stay warm when it’s colder.
- Wash: Dark-wash denim is considered one of the most versatile washes and can be worn during the day and at night because its hue makes it easy to match with dressier fashion. Meanwhile, medium-wash denim outerwear is at least a shade lighter than dark washes and seen as a bit more casual than dark denim. A light wash is the last shade of blue and is a go-to pick for casual events, namely in the summertime when a strong stream of sunshine would beat down on a darker color. Black and white are also considered washes, as are other neutrals and more vibrant colors.
- Silhouette: Silhouettes refer to the jacket's cut. Trucker styles and other roomy or oversize silhouettes are beloved for their non-constricting natures; they’re comfortable and perfect for layering in cold weather. Meanwhile, tight-fitting or cropped styles are great for showing off curves.
Why Trust Byrdie
Iris Goldsztajn is a Paris-born, London-based freelance writer with 10 years of experience covering fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle for the likes of Brides, InStyle, Marie Claire, British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, Refinery29 and many more. As the former associate editor for Her Campus, she was responsible for all style and beauty news coverage. Iris has been a contributing commerce writer for Byrdie since 2024, writing fashion shopping stories.
For this story, Iris interviewed four experts to gather more insights about what to keep in mind when buying a jean jacket. Those experts include:
- Erin Eagle, a stylist and founder of A Style Set
- Louise Pennington, a personal stylist and fashion writer
- Krista Roser, a fashion stylist who divides her time between Nashville, New York, and Los Angeles
- Preston Konrad, a lifestyle expert with years of experience working for luxury brands
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough jean jackets from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
