Every guy needs a handful of pieces on which he can always rely to make him look good, no matter what. This includes a trusty white sneaker, a perfectly fitted t-shirt and a versatile denim jacket. Like many men’s staples today, the denim jacket was adopted into mainstream fashion over time from American workwear. We can thank Levi Strauss for that. Strauss, the immigrant and founder of the revolutionary brand that boasts his name, is credited with creating the first denim jacket in 1880.
All these years later, the Levi’s name is still synonymous with the denim jacket. It’s a piece of clothing that has been imitated countless times, and it’s one of the most recognizable and versatile pieces of men’s clothing in history. In fact, the classic Levi’s denim jacket is so iconic that you probably already have one hanging in your closet right now. Officially known as the Levi’s Trucker Jacket, it’s available in a variety of colors and washes.
The perfect lightweight spring jacket, the trucker jacket can be dressed up or down as needed. Since its down-to-earth beginnings with the American labor force at the turn of the 20th century, the iconic jacket has been adopted by dozens of music scenes, Hollywood legends and luxury fashion houses as a standard cultural touchstone. It’s even found its way into Canadian formalwear, aka the Canadian tuxedo. It’s a long-lasting style staple, but it’s hardly the only denim jacket worth a second look.
Although the options we know today are typically modernized versions of the one Strauss designed in the late 19th century, the best denim jackets for men have largely stayed true to the original with:
- Superior durability
- Front storage pockets
- Button-up closure
- Attached collar
- Looser fit designed for wearing over work shirts and other apparel
It makes perfect sense that denim jackets have lived as long as they have in the forefront of men’s style. But with new designs and better access to technology, we’re able to cast a wide net on color, stitching, wash, hardware and so many more categories.
If you’re looking for the best denim jackets for men available in 2020, then you’re spoiled for options. Here are a few of the best denim jackets for men today.
1. Levi’s Denim Trucker Jacket – White Wash
MOST POPULAR
If you don’t have a Levi’s Denim Trucker Jacket, you need one. However, if you’re looking to evolve beyond the standard denim coat, this modified version of the late-1800’s original, hands down, is the single most on-trend denim jacket in our country today. I don’t have hard stats, but next time you wander outside the house, look for the little red Levi’s tag on the breast pocket flap and see for yourself. In fact, this stylish denim jacket is so popular it’s sold out at popular retailers like Nordstrom and Levi’s itself.
Now, this specific jacket was already featured as one of our best lightweight jackets for the season on SPY. But as far as white denim jackets go, this one may be the best. Not only is it the classic Levi’s Trucker style, but it’s a great price point, sitting under $100, and its quality, versatility and durability have already been proven. Opt for the white this spring if you need a relief pitcher for your blue denim jacket. It’s like giving your entire closet a facelift with just one new piece.
2. Flint and Tinder Vintage Wash Denim Jacket
BEST MADE IN USA
What can brown do for you? A whole hell of a lot, if it’s this denim jacket from Flint and Tinder. FNT has sulfur dyed this jacket to achieve a perfect vintage look and feel with the right amount of softness that you’d expect from a cozy, worn-in garment. Constructed with a durable 11 oz. denim, this American-made jacket is unlined, which means it’s light enough to wear in any season. This particular brown color is incredibly versatile when considering outfit color stories but may take first prize when matched with grayscale tones and very light beige. When searching for the best denim jackets for men this spring and summer, don’t be afraid to look beyond blue and navy.
Oatmeal t-shirts have been slowly replacing their stark white counterparts. Wear that oatmeal shirt with a pair of black jeans or trousers and you’ve got yourself a winner. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a purchase to make.
3. Amiri Jimi Hendrix Denim Jacket
THE DOPEST DENIM JACKET
It’s fair to say this isn’t your typical denim jacket. But if you’re a Jimi Hendrix fan, it should be. Amiri founder Mike Amiri got his start designing on-stage looks for rockers like Axl Rose and Steven Tyler. Since then, he’s used his Los Angeles-based fashion house to inspire a modern culture that draws from historic music scenes throughout history. This custom airbrushed jacket was inspired by Jimi’s “Axis: Bold as Love” album cover art, which is featured throughout the jacket. Aside from its brilliant aesthetic, the jacket is also fully functional with custom Amiri hardware, two flap chest pockets and two side welt pockets.
Style this with a bandanna, flare pants and a rockin’ pair of pointed toe suede boots.
4. Wrangler Men’s Retro Unlined Stretch Denim Jacket
THE NEW VINTAGE
Sometimes, when brands dig to the very bottom of their creative design bags, they pull out the roots. That’s what Wrangler did when developing their Retro series, a modernized line of classics inspired by the brand’s western origin. This classic denim jacket features the original Wrangler rope logo buttons as well as the “W” stitching on the chest pockets. The slant hand pockets also add a touch of classic in a world of vertical openings. Modern details include Wrangler’s stretch recovery, which allows the jacket to hold its shape throughout the day. When it comes to the best denim jackets for men, Wrangler is second only to Levi’s in terms of staying power.
I’d be remiss to recommend wearing this jacket with anything other than a good pair of brown leather boots, like these ones. In days gone by, you could only find Wrangler denim jackets like this at vintage stores, so shop this look while you still can.
Buy: Wrangler Men's Retro Unlined Stretch Denim Jacket, Deep Blue, M $48.93
5. Norse Projects Tyge Denim Button-Up Shirt
BEST DARK WASH
Light denim should be worn in the day while dark denim is best suited for the evening. You can quote me on that. For any night time denim adventures, you’re going to want a really nice, go-to dark denim jacket. Norse Projects made this incredible three-pocket work jacket in Italy with fine indigo denim materials. The company’s production process focuses on leaving little to no environmental impact when finishing the jacket’s hardware. A good dark wash leaves its mark for the first few months of wear, so be wary about light-colored fabrics around it. After that, the patina it acquires from your body is just incredible.
Wear this jacket with raw black denim and a rugged pair of brown boots or dress it up with a skinny black trouser, white henley and a clean black dress shoe.
6. J Brand Noah Trucker Jacket
BEST COLORED DENIM
J Brand denim products have just gotten better over the years in terms of fabrication, color and fit. This colored denim jacket is a unique shade of green and boasts the same quality and comfort as the brand’s jeans. A less adventurous man might think that this jacket won’t look good on him. In truth, this kind of stonewash green is a versatile neutral color and looks great with both light and dark jeans as well as any colored chino you can imagine. This jacket also offers a way to introduce some color into a dreary closet without looking too loud.
For styling this jean jacket, the perfect outfit is the simple one — a slim tan chino with an off-white, striped tee and a clean pair of white sneakers. Find yourself a cool pair of sunglasses and you’re good to go.
7. Pull&Bear Denim Stripe Jacket in Blue
NEW ENGLAND STYLE
If you’ve been looking for something fresh and new, this Pull&Bear jacket from ASOS is the one for you. Sure, you’ve already got a denim jacket you really like, but maybe styling it with your wardrobe has become a bit monotonous. Pull&Bear’s stripe design adds a brand new punch of interest to the classic denim jacket look. There’s something so “New England” about light stripes, which are reminiscent of seersucker. Plus, at $50, this is an affordable addition to your wardrobe.
This particular jacket is an excellent complement to a pair of drawstring dock shorts, deck shoes and anything Nantucket Red. Or, if you’re looking to get into being a railroad worker, just add a bandana.
8. Fear of God Vented Denim Shirt Jacket
BEST FOR STREETWEAR
Since 2013, Fear of God has been revolutionizing the men’s streetwear scene, and their Vented Denim Shirt Jacket is a great example of the mark they’ve made. This jacket, like the rest of their collections, is functional and minimal with a unique twist. With it, we find a mash-up of a classic denim jacket and a classic windbreaker — another staple piece in streetwear culture. The end result is a high quality denim material with a loose fit, vented back, and chest flap pockets for easy access. Fear of God did the streetwear community a favor with this innovative piece.
Wear it with light wash or white distressed denim and a pair of Balenciaga Triple S sneakers.
