Can you wear a jean jacket with jeans?

“Definitely,” says Roser, who prefers a monochromatic look, rather than trying to match different colors or tones, for its elongating effect. “For jacket silhouettes, opt for something more relaxed for that easy street style sensibility,” adds Konrad, who recommends going for straight leg denim to complete the look.

How do you style a jean jacket?

There are countless ways to style jean jackets depending on your lifestyle. You can wear them with dresses and tailoring for a bit of edge or over loungewear to add structure. “They are your layering pieces that [match] most things [and keep] the look casual,” Roser says.

How should you care for a jean jacket?

According to Roser, how to properly care for your denim jacket depends on the wash of the jacket. “The darker the wash, the less you want to wash,” she explains. “Light washes have already been through several wash cycles to get that way, so they don’t fade as quickly as the darker, more raw washes.” For a worn-in look, “keep this baby on repeat,” says Konrad, as this will allow for natural creasing, subtle rips, and more softness. “If you really need to wash your denim jacket, machine wash cold inside out and hang dry to ensure it maintains the shape and wash you've worked hard for.”

Should a denim jacket be tight or loose?

The fit of the denim jacket depends on your tastes and lifestyle. Keep in mind that oversized denim jackets tend to be more casual but are roomy enough to fit a thick sweater or hoodie underneath. Fitted styles, on the other hand, tend to be more work appropriate and can be worn as a shirt or extra layer in a chilly office setting.

What color denim jacket is the most versatile?

Dark washes, along with true neutrals like black and white, are considered the most versatile washes and can be worn during the day and at night.

The 18 Best Jean Jackets for Women of 2023

If we had to guess, we’d say jean jackets were the original wardrobe hero. Effortlessly stylish denim toppers can perfectly punctuate a casual look and help you navigate transitional weather with ease. Lately, we love Retrofête and Isabel Marant for their fashion-forward takes, though we can always depend on heritage denim brands, like Levi’s and Wrangler, and other denim-focused brands, such as Polo Ralph Lauren and Free People, to supply us with classic cuts. Since denim jackets have been and will always be a mainstay in fashion, we rest assured that whichever style we choose will be one that we can hold onto forever.

We conducted hours of research on the best jean jackets, evaluating them on material, fit, and design. After considering dozens of top-rated styles and consoling with lifestyle expert Preston Konrad and stylist Krista Roser, we landed on these best in show.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Levi’s Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Gap Factory Icon Denim Jacket at Gapfactory.com

Jump to Review

Best Designer:

Isabel Marant Paoleta Faux Shearling-Lined Denim Jacket at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Value:

Wrangler Heritage Sherpa Jacket at Sheplers.com

Jump to Review

Best for Big Busts:

Reformation Lea Denim Shirt at Reformation

Jump to Review

Best to Wear with Dresses:

Polo Ralph Lauren Denim Trucker Jacket at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Cropped:

Uniqlo Denim Cropped Jacket at Uniqlo.com

Jump to Review

Best Non-Traditional:

Retrofête Ada Puff Sleeve Denim Jacket at Intermixonline.com

Jump to Review

Best Trucker:

Madewell The Oversized Trucker Jean Jacket at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Plus Size:

Universal Standard Kelsey Denim Jacket at Dia.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie

4.5

Courtesy of Levi's

View On Amazon View On Levi.com

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 in a jean jacket. Reviewers give this style and the sherpa version five stars for their great quality and fit.

Price at time of publish: $98

Material: Varies based on wash | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Light blue washes, medium blue washes, black

Gap

View On Gapfactory.com

The Gap Factory's Icon Denim Jacket lives up to its name for a quality fit and timeless design. We also love its sustainable construction, as it's part of the Washwell program, which includes products that use at least 20 percent less water than traditional was methods. Reviewers say this style fits true to size.

Price at time of publish: $35

Material: 95% cotton, 5% recycled cotton | Size Range: XS-XXL | Colors: Medium blue washes

Marant-Paoleta-Faux-Shearling-Lined-Denim-Jacket

Intermix

View On Nordstrom View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Intermixonline.com

If you're looking for something that looks and feels very luxurious, Isabel Marant has just the piece. It has a boxy '80s-inspired cut that's complete with a cozy faux-shearling lining and roomy front pockets. Wear it with everything from thick black leggings to neat tailoring and tonal denim.

Price at time of publish: $890

Material: Cotton exterior, polyester/acrylic lining | Size Range: FR34-42 | Colors: Medium wash, black, ecru

Wrangler

View On Sheplers.com View On Wrangler.com

To us, a jean jacket that is stylish, warm, and reasonably priced will provide wearers with the best possible value. This style by Wrangler checks all of those boxes. It offers a regular fit with a classic button-up front and a sherpa lining for under $150. Reviewers say it wears well in mild weather and is well worth the price tag.

Price at time of publish: $149

Material: 100% cotton exterior | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Medium blue, black

Reformation

View On Reformation

Reformation’s Lea Denim Shirt is roomy enough for big busts without looking or feely bulky. Offered in a geometric motif, the cotton-blend jacket has a long length and clean lines. For the most impact, pair it with the matching jeans.

Price at time of publish: $168

Material: 60% organically grown cotton, 40% TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ lyocell | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Dark blue

Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

View On Nordstrom View On Ralphlauren.com

“No one does denim quite like Ralph,” says Konrad, who is “obsessed” with the vintage appeal of this modestly oversized trucker style with a bit of stretch. “It [looks] like it’s been passed down for a generation or two. In terms of styling, he suggests going for a full-denim look by pairing it with mom or straight-leg jeans. Though, we love that it can just as easily balance out your favorite femme dress.

Price at time of publish: $298

Material: 75% cotton, 25% lyocell | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: Medium blue

Uniqlo

View On Uniqlo.com

You can never go wrong with a simple cropped cut, and this one from Uniqlo, which sits high on the hips and gives us '90s vibes, is equal parts fashionable and functional—the perfect basic to wear with a pair of trendy, pleated trousers or cargo pants.

Price at time of publish: $39.90

Material: 100% cotton | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: Medium blue, dark blue, black

Intermix

View On Intermixonline.com

Jean jackets take many forms, which is the premise of this very list, but the most innovative versions experiment with form and function to the point that they are sensible yet surprising. Retrofête's Ada style is hewed from classic, medium blue denim but tailored with unconventional puff sleeves that boast three-quarter-length hems. In a pinch, it could serve as a thick shirt as much as it does a light denim jacket.

Price at time of publish: $320

Material: 100% cotton | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: Medium blue

Madewell

View On Nordstrom View On Madewell.com View On Zappos

“Madewell makes an amazing denim jacket that can be paired with just about anything from a crisp white boyfriend shirt and trousers to a floral dress,” says Konrad. The style is also one of Byrdie’s tried-and-true favorites; it’s well-made and versatile, to be sure, but we love it most for its small and thoughtful details, like the bold topstitching and roomy interior pockets to store personal items, like a phone and keys.

Price at time of publish: $138

Material: 100% cotton | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: Light wash

Universal Standard

View On Dia.com

Universal Standard's dark-hued jean jacket is the epitome of classic and comes in a wide range of sizes to suit more people than the average—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.

Price at time of publish: $138

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XS-2XL | Colors: Black + two dark washes

Levi's

View On Amazon View On Levi.com View On Shopbop.com

Levi’s married its original trucker style and signature sherpa lining for a classic piece that’s also cozy. Reviewers say they love it because the style is warm, comfortable, and never becomes passé. Since sizing experiences vary quite a bit with this product, we recommend trying multiple sizes to determine which one will best suit you.

Price at time of publish: $128

Material: 100% cotton | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Black, black/cream, medium wash + light washes

Ralph Lauren

View On Ralphlauren.com

Leave it to Ralph Lauren to make a tailored denim jacket to perfectly fit and flatter your petite frame. The waist-cinching tie belt and the coated denim material elevate the classic trucker style.

Price at time of publish: $169.99

Material: Cotton, lyocell | Size Range: 0P-14P | Colors: Black

Shopbop

View On Aninebing.com View On Shopbop.com View On Verishop.com

ANINE BING's Rory is a classic, grunge-style jacket. The oversized, heavyweight topper boasts a light wash and is cut at the waist. Plus, it has just the right amount of distressing so as not to skew slovenly.

Price at time of publish: $300

Material: 100% cotton | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: Light wash, ecru

Veronica Beard

View On Mytheresa.com View On Veronicabeard.com

To show off your shape, go for a tie waist denim jacket, like this one from Veronica Beard, which comes in a medium-light wash. The belt nips the waist on this oversized style that’s complete with angular flap pockets, standard cuffs, and slim-fitting sleeves.

Price at time of publish: $398

Material: 100% cotton | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Medium wash

Good American

View On Goodamerican.com

Here, Good American takes a bold approach to patchwork denim. The brand mixes washes to create the perfect patchwork effect on an oversized, button-up form. Other pluses include its extensive size range and its upcycled denim composition for a circular approach to fashion.

Price at time of publish: $195

Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Size Range: XXS/XS-4XL/5XL | Colors: Multi

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Ba-sh.com View On Bloomingdales

Female-founded French brand BA&SH has a franco-flair we can’t help but adore. This well-tailored sleeveless number in an inky black color can perfectly punctuate a myriad of ensembles, from simple black leggings to billowy, femme dresses.

Price at time of publish: $260

Material: 100% organic cotton | Size Range: S-M | Colors: Black

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Shackets have long been appreciated for being a middle ground between shirts and jackets. Like many shackets, this oversized denim style by Alex Mill—complete with open chest pockets, a straight hem, and clean, white buttons—is perfect for mild weather, akin to a light sweater.

Price at time of publish: $175

Material: 100% cotton | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Medium wash

Farfetch

View On Farfetch.com

SLVRLAKE co-founders Louise and Gary Edgley built their brand on a promise to craft tailored denim with timeless appeal. They cast aside distressing and traditional branding like logos and instead focused on clean cuts that contour and elongate, like this tailored silhouette in white. The style is complete with buttonless flap pockets and a curved hem to show that the possibilities for a denim jacket are many.

Price at time of publish: $379

Material: 100% cotton | Size Range: S-L | Colors: White

Free People

View On Freepeople.com

With its oversized fit and comfy hood, this natural distressed jacket is an essential for those looking to create an effortless layered look. We love that its silhouette is not boxy, but tapered while still maintaining a casual, slouchy feel. It comes in three color ways and features a front button closure.

Price at time of publish: $148

Material: Cotton, denim | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Lucky Charm, Storm, Black Out

Target

View On Target

A denim jacket with a tie-dye wash is a whole vibe. This affordable jacket is designed with a collared front and full-length button-down placket. It features two patch pockets on the waist and two patch pockets on the chest with buttoned flaps. It's also available in a dark wash that's not tie-dye if that's your pleasure.

Price at time of publish: $25

Material: 100% cotton | Size Range: XS-XXL | Colors: Black Wash Tie Dye, Dark Wash

Meet the Expert

Preston Konrad is a brand and lifestyle expert and the host of the BrandME! Podcast.
Krista Roser is a fashion stylist based in Nashville, New York City, and Los Angeles.

What To Look For in a Jean Jacket

Material

In terms of material, many styles are made exclusively from cotton. All-cotton types are thick and rigid, so they’ll hold a stiff shape. Synthetic materials like elastane allow for some flexibility, which is important if you’re opting for a form-fitting style over an oversized one.

Thickness can vary from jacket to jacket, so be sure to try the style on to make sure you’re comfortable with its weight. And of course, anything lined in sherpa, faux-fur, or faux-shearling will be plush and warmer than a jacket with a denim interior.

On sustainability, fashion brands are becoming cleaner and more eco-friendly, promulgating their unique approach to responsibly producing denim products via product descriptions and mission statements on their websites. Levi’s says it’s working towards targets like 100% sustainably sourced cotton by 2025 and a 50% reduction of water use in “water-stressed areas” by 2030. Some brands carry the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, a widely accepted label for textiles that have been tested for harmful substances.

Wash

Wash refers to the color or shade of the jean jacket. 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 jeans are at least a shade lighter than dark washes and seen as a bit more casual than dark denim. Consider it a good middle-of-the-road wash that can pass in some work environments and certainly at your friend’s barbecue. 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 more vibrant colors.

Silhouette

Silhouettes have to do with the cut of the jacket. Trucker styles and other roomy or oversized 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.

FAQ

Can you wear a jean jacket with jeans?

“Definitely,” says Roser, who prefers a monochromatic look, rather than trying to match different colors or tones, for its elongating effect. “For jacket silhouettes, opt for something more relaxed for that easy street style sensibility,” adds Konrad, who recommends going for straight leg denim to complete the look.
How do you style a jean jacket?

There are countless ways to style jean jackets depending on your lifestyle. You can wear them with dresses and tailoring for a bit of edge or over loungewear to add structure. “They are your layering pieces that [match] most things [and keep] the look casual,” Roser says.
How should you care for a jean jacket?

According to Roser, how to properly care for your denim jacket depends on the wash of the jacket. “The darker the wash, the less you want to wash,” she explains. “Light washes have already been through several wash cycles to get that way, so they don’t fade as quickly as the darker, more raw washes.”
For a worn-in look, “keep this baby on repeat,” says Konrad, as this will allow for natural creasing, subtle rips, and more softness. “If you really need to wash your denim jacket, machine wash cold inside out and hang dry to ensure it maintains the shape and wash you've worked hard for.”
Should a denim jacket be tight or loose?

The fit of the denim jacket depends on your tastes and lifestyle. Keep in mind that oversized denim jackets tend to be more casual but are roomy enough to fit a thick sweater or hoodie underneath. Fitted styles, on the other hand, tend to be more work appropriate and can be worn as a shirt or extra layer in a chilly office setting.
What color denim jacket is the most versatile?

Dark washes, along with true neutrals like black and white, are considered the most versatile washes and can be worn during the day and at night.

How We Researched

To compile this list, we spent hours researching the best on the market in this category, evaluating the products' key features—like shade range or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Hayley Prokos s a Los Angeles-based writer and editor focused on fashion and lifestyle. She contributes regularly to Byrdie’s commerce section and has a passion for sourcing chic and practical pieces with long-term wearability. After hours of researching and chatting with our experts, she’s gathered enough insight to determine which jean jackets are worth buying this season.

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.

These Are the 19 Best Straight-Leg Jeans for All Comfort and Styling Occasions