The denim jacket is a wardrobe staple for pretty much everyone, from truckers in rural America to those trendy folks knocking about in Shoreditch. Whether light, dark, white, or even a statement colour, it's a quintessential jacket capable of being worn at least six months of the year, and for that reason, every guy should own at least one.
When it comes to the denim jacket, we all know what one looks like, but finding the right match for your look can be tricky. After all, there are plenty of different washes, styles and other factors to consider. So, in the name of making sure everyone is satisfied, we’ve compiled a swift buying guide as well as ten recommendations from brands like Levi's, ASOS, Wrangler and Pull & Bear.
While most of us know what we want from our denim, there's no harm in knowing what other options are available. In this section, we’ll contemplate the different characteristics of this style of jacket and examine what works best for what occasion.
The first thing to consider is the type of wash. The most common is a mid-blue, which is probably what you imagine when you think of a denim jacket. This colour and its lighter counterparts are often considered the more casual denim washes, so they're the best choice if you know this is going to be a purchase for everyday wear.
Darker blues through to blacks, meanwhile, are known to dress up the jacket a bit. Therefore, if you’d like to be able to wear it for smarter occasions, these would be a solid choice. Of course, a denim jacket is never going to be really formal, but it can work with certain smart-casual looks.
Lastly, you have the option of non-traditional colours – think neutrals like beige or green, or even bolder pinks or reds. These are certainly going to help you stand out a little, just be conscious of where you decide to wear them. To a nightclub, sure. To dress down Friday at the office? Maybe not so much.
Essentially, it’s all a matter of matching the fit to the style of your wardrobe, so if you like the loose look, then getting a snugly-fitted jacket probably won’t work, and vice versa.
Pockets are all about convenience, so the more the merrier, we say. When it comes to denim jackets, you’ll find there are usually up to four pockets: two breasts and two sides.
Breast pockets are ideal for carrying small goods like sunglasses, cash cards or even pens. Side pockets are more suited to keeping items you’ll need to get to more often, such as your phone, or as somewhere to keep your paws toasty.
Some designers will forgo the four pockets, and instead, you’ll only have two breasts or two sides. Having fewer pockets isn’t too much of an inconvenience if you don’t often carry much on your person anyway. However, in our opinion, side pockets are the better option because they're easier to access and they're a bit comfier.
Looking for something cosier? Consider a denim jacket with a lining, known as a Sherpa. Inspired by the Sherpas who reside in the Himalayas, they have an extra inside layer of either fleece, cotton or faux sheepskin (known as borg), which will help keep you warmer in the chillier months.
The only downside is that as the jacket evolves to help you out in the winter, it loses the capability of being a lightweight layer that you can throw on over a t-shirt during the warmer months. In the end, it’s all about identifying what you would like from your purchase.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of our favourites that are up for purchase right now. With classic brands like Levi’s, Wrangler, Nudie Jeans and many more, we’re sure there’ll be something to tempt everyone.
£16.00
Wash | Medium blue |
---|---|
Fit | Traditional |
Pockets | 2 breast |
Lining | No |
£120.00
Wash | Dark blue |
---|---|
Fit | Traditional |
Pockets | 2 breast |
Lining | No |
£29.99
Wash | Medium blue |
---|---|
Fit | Oversized |
Pockets | 2 breast |
Lining | No |
£40.00
Wash | Tan Beige |
---|---|
Fit | Traditional |
Pockets | 2 breast, 2 side |
Lining | No |
£75.95
Wash | Light blue |
---|---|
Fit | Traditional |
Pockets | 1 breast, 2 side |
Lining | No |
£230.00
Wash | Dark blue |
---|---|
Fit | Traditional |
Pockets | 2 breast, 2 sides |
Lining | Yes, borg |
£83.94
Wash | Black (multiple available) |
---|---|
Fit | Traditional |
Pockets | 2 breast, 2 sides |
Lining | Yes, cotton |
124MJ
£67.94
Wash | Dark blue (multiple available) |
---|---|
Fit | Oversized |
Pockets | 2 breast, 2 sides |
Lining | No |
£28.50
Wash | Light black |
---|---|
Fit | Oversized |
Pockets | 2 side |
Lining | No |
£71.25
Wash | Mid-blue wash (multiple available) |
---|---|
Fit | Traditional |
Pockets | 2 breast, 2 sides |
Lining | No |
Image | 1 ![]() Levi's | 2 ![]() ASOS Design | 3 ![]() Wrangler | 4 ![]() Levi's | 5 ![]() Nudie Jeans | 6 ![]() Levi's | 7 ![]() Liquor n Poker | 8 ![]() Pull & Bear | 9 ![]() Nudie Jeans | 10 ![]() New Look |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | The Trucker Jacket | Oversized Harrington Jacket | Men's Icons Denim Jacket | Type 3 Sherpa Jacket | Bonny Borg Denim Jacket | Mechanics Trucker Jacket | Tan Denim Jacket | Oversized Denim Jacket | Jerry Denim Jacket | Denim Shacket in Fine Stripe |
Features | The Original Best Fitting Men's Denim Jacket | A Quality Combination of Designs at a Great Price | A Wash for Everyone | More Casual, but Still a Touch Smart | The Best Men's Denim With Sherpa Collar | A Quirky Style That Also Cares for the Earth | A New Twist Perfect for Those Looking for Denim Jacket Number Two (or Three) | Relaxed, Roomy and Bang on Trend | Fresh off the Blocks With All the Pre-Loved Character | A Unique Take on the Traditional Look |
Price | £71.25 | £28.50 | £67.94 | £83.94 | £230.00 | £75.95 | £40.00 | £29.99 | £120.00 | £16.00 |
Wash | Mid-blue wash (multiple available) | Light black | Dark blue (multiple available) | Black (multiple available) | Dark blue | Light blue | Tan Beige | Medium blue | Dark blue | Medium blue |
Fit | Traditional | Oversized | Oversized | Traditional | Traditional | Traditional | Traditional | Oversized | Traditional | Traditional |
Pockets | 2 breast, 2 sides | 2 side | 2 breast, 2 sides | 2 breast, 2 sides | 2 breast, 2 sides | 1 breast, 2 side | 2 breast, 2 side | 2 breast | 2 breast | 2 breast |
Lining | No | No | No | Yes, cotton | Yes, borg | No | No | No | No | No |
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The art of online clothes shopping is a skilled one, but we've got you. Whether your style leans towards the practical, the razor-sharp or the latest streetwear, our related men's fashion articles will help you refresh your wardrobe with this season's best picks.
And there it is, our comprehensive guide to buying the best denim jacket for men. Whether you're looking for a reliable piece that can last most of the year or something toasty to keep you that touch warmer in the chillier months, we believe that if you follow our buying guide, you'll no doubt find the right one for you and your wardrobe.
Author: Lewis Clark
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