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The Best Jean Jackets, According To Our Fashion Editors

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The Best Jean Jackets, According To Our Fashion Editors

The best jean jackets are comfortable, stylish and versatile enough to be worn throughout the year. This timeless essential can be dressed up or down, and you can choose from endless washes and fits. After extensive research and consulting with deputy editor (and in-house style expert) Kari Molvar, we rounded up the most fashionable options, including Everlane’s Modern Jean Jacket, Quince’s affordable 100% Organic Cotton Denim Jacket and Reformation’s ultra-cool Brooks Oversized Denim Jacket.

In making our picks, we carefully evaluated the fabric, style, size range, washes and overall comfort to select the final jackets for this list. Some options are made from 100% cotton, while others feature a blend (like Banana Republic’s Denim Chore Jacket) for extra stretch. Ahead, all the best jean jackets to add to your wardrobe, and for more shopping inspiration, we also rounded up the best jeans for women.

Editor’s Picks, At A Glance

Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket

Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket has a classic silhouette that’s not too oversized or cropped, making it a versatile addition to your wardrobe. It’s cut from 100% cotton and has extra deep side pockets for keeping your hands warm or stashing your phone. This pick comes in seven different washes, from light indigo to rich olive green.


Everlane’s iteration of the classic jean jacket has a slightly shrunken body that hits right at the waist. Other style details include visible topstitching, piped patch pockets and a pointed collar. There are only two washes available, and the buttons are not made from metal, but shoppers say this hasn’t impacted the longevity of the jacket.


If you want something affordable without sacrificing style, we like Quince’s 100% Organic Cotton Denim Jacket. Crafted from organic cotton, this pick is structured yet still feels soft to the touch—a nice feature as some denim jackets are too stiff. It fits true to size, with enough room to layer light sweaters, dresses and tees underneath (size up if you want extra room for bulky tops).


This white jacket is an excellent option if you’re looking for a lightweight layer that’s perfect for throwing over your spring and summer outfits. It has a relaxed body, button cuffs and pockets, and adjustable button tabs at the back waist for a more customized fit. That material, made from a blend of cotton and recycled cotton, has a substantial weight that keeps you warm in air-conditioned environments.


If you’re looking for an oversized option that’s effortlessly cool, Abercrombie’s Denim Trucker Jacket is our top pick. Available in four washes, it has flap-button front pockets, slash pockets on the sides and buttoned cuffs that can be rolled. While it runs large, you can also size down for a more fitted look. Also, reviewers say it’s a good idea to wash this jacket separately before the first wear to avoid color transfer.


Chore jackets are characterized by their boxy shape, large patch pockets on the chest or hips and functional buttons down the front. This modern twist on the heritage style has a dark wash and blended fabric with a touch of elastane-spandex for added stretch.


J.Crew’s New Classic Denim Jacket has a classic look that’s easy to pair with anything in your wardrobe, from flowy dresses to trousers. It hits right above the hips and has gold buttons, a point collar and four pockets (two on the chest and two at the sides). Customers appreciate that it holds its shape but still feels soft and comfortable.


La Ligne’s Dean Jacket is another classic option worth the splurge. The body is slightly cropped, so it looks great when paired with high-waisted pants or skirts, and the branded copper buttons add extra interest to the front. Just note that this style only comes in one wash.


If you prefer to layer heavier knits underneath your jackets, it’s a good idea to look for an oversized option with plenty of room. The Brooks Oversized Denim Jacket has a slouchy fit with a classic collar and button cuffs that can be rolled up, and the sleeve length is perfectly long. The fabric is a blend of organic cotton and Tencel, which feels stiff at first but softens with repeated wear.


Madewell’s Medford Wash is the perfect compromise if you’re searching for a proper medium wash that isn’t too light or dark. Take your normal size if you want it to be fitted, but go one size up if you plan to layer this over bulkier clothing. (Note: This jacket also comes in petite and plus sizes.) There’s a good amount of stretch, and reviewers say it feels soft and broken in right away. 


Sezane is a buzzy French brand known for its vintage-inspired pieces that are understated and chic. The Will Jacket is one of the brand’s most popular pieces; it has similar styling to a chore jacket, complete with a classic collar and oversized front pockets. The brand also offers complimentary embroidery for this item, and you can personalize your coat with up to ten characters and eight thread colors. 


Free People We The Free Madison City Denim Jacket

Ideal for casual days when you need an extra layer of warmth, this roomy jacket has plenty of functional details that make it worth the investment. There are four pockets for holding the essentials (two large chest pockets and two side pockets), button cuffs and super soft cotton twill fabric. It runs large, so size down for a slightly less exaggerated fit. Reviewers also note that washing the jacket in hot water and running it through one dryer cycle can help shrink it a bit. 


Favorite Daughter The Robert Jacket

While the dropped shoulders and shape of this pick is similar to a modern bomber jacket, details like the pointed collar and buttoned front pockets feel classic and timeless. Plus, the slightly cropped length that hits right above the hip helps accentuate your waist when paired with high-waisted pants. 


With its streamlined fit and versatile dark wash, the Robyn Jacket can be worn year-round. The denim for this jacket is designed to feel light and stretchy, allowing for a greater range of movement. Dark wash denim tends to be dressier than lighter (or distressed) varieties, so this pick can be paired with both casual outfits and fancier dresses and skirts.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted team has researched, written and published dozens of outerwear stories, including roundups of the best trench coats for women and best rain jackets for women.

  • This article was overseen by deputy editor (and in-house style expert) Kari Molvar, who holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion.
  • Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering fashion and lifestyle topics. She owns the Reformation Brooks Oversized Denim Jacket and Madewell’s The Jean Jacket In Medford Wash and wears both constantly.
  • This article is regularly updated to ensure all of the above brands and products continue to meet our criteria for the best jean jackets.

How We Chose The Best Jean Jackets

To find the best jean jackets, we considered several factors, such as fabric, style, size range, comfort, versatility and price.

  • Our fashion editorial team focused on top-rated brands and retailers such as Madewell, Everlane, Levi’s and Quince and cross referenced this list with independent reviews to get a variety of opinions.
  • We read through hundreds of customer reviews for standout product traits and essential details and only featured brands with straightforward return and exchange policies, should you need to make any returns or exchanges.
  • The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Best Jacket To Wear With Jeans?

Many types of outerwear, from blazers to trench coats to jean jackets, pair well with jeans. However, wearing a jean jacket with jeans creates a sleek and cohesive outfit. To style double denim, you can either match the color and wash or choose contrasting shades. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, so pick a jean jacket that works for your personal style and needs.

Can A 50-Year Old Wear A Denim Jacket?

A denim jacket is versatile because it can be worn at any age. Whether you’re 20 or 50, a jean jacket is a fashion basic when you need a lightweight layer that looks good with pants, dresses and skirts.

Are Jean Jackets Still Stylish?


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