The 22 Best Denim Jackets of All Time, Starting at $40

Royally-Approved Classic Cut

When we learned this jacket is a Meghan Markle favorite, we knew we needed to add it to our rotation. It hits at the perfect spot just above the hips and features pretty rose gold hardware for a feminine touch. Reviewers unanimously agree that it runs small, so just be sure to go up a size or two.

Best Black Denim

If you don’t exactly like the look of wearing blue jeans and a blue denim jacket, opt for a black topper instead. It’s just as versatile but won’t give off any Canadian tuxedo vibes.

Best Denim Chore Jacket

This trendy silhouette feels more polished than a classic trucker cut, but is still every bit as comfortable. This Alex Mill design is hand-dyed by artisans with GOTS-certified organic plant-based indigo, meaning no two jackets will look exactly alike. A note on sizing: This is a unisex style, so your true size will likely have an oversize fit.

Best Ecru Denim

We love a white denim jacket, aside from that fact that it stays crisp for all of five seconds before getting covered in dirt or makeup. Enter this off-white take on the classic, which gives the same wear-with-anything appeal but doesn’t look grimey the second you step out the door.

Best Cropped Cut

If you like the look of cropped outerwear, but want something more streamlined, this Hudson topper was made for you. It hits at the perfect spot on your waist to create an hourglass shape without adding any bulk, just wear it with high rise pants or shorts to really reap the flattering benefits.

Best Colorful Denim

Sometimes we need a break from all the blue denim in our wardrobe. This bright, cheery hue will help you stand out from the pack in the best way possible. Feminine yet cool, all at the same time.

Best Tie-Dye Design

Why stick to one color when you can rock three at once? The tie-dye trend is still going strong, but we love that this Pilcro version isn’t super bright or in your face, making it a more versatile option than rainbow swirls. The combination of lilac, beige and light blue on a white background feels grown-up and nostalgic all at once—talk about a win-win.

Best Oversize Silhouette in Plus Sizes

If you like your denim jackets oversized, look no further than this boxy, slightly distressed pick. It wears well with everything and gets better with age (if you can believe it).

Most Fun Floral

Part denim and part paisley, this style has folk concert written all over it (even if you’re just jamming out to Fleetwood Mac at home). Layer it over a floral midi dress to really amp up the ‘60s vibes, or stick with tailored separates for a more modern look.

Best Raw Hem Details

With a cool raw-edge hem, this cropped Pilcro jacket will have people asking if it’s a vintage find. Plus, it comes in four cool washes, including a funky tie-dye/acid wash combo.

Best Boyfriend Cut

Levi’s is one of our tried-and-true denim brands—beyond just its cult-favorite jeans. Case in point: This slightly oversized, rigid denim jacket that looks like you stole it out of your ex-boyfriend’s closet (with zero intentions of returning it).

Best Standout Piece

This is exactly what we mean when we say business in the front, party in the back. The rhinestone fringe accent is just extra enough, without being totally over-the-top. Just think of all the fun Instagram boomerangs you can snap with it.

Best Gray Wash

Not quite as common as blue, and not as tough as true black, gray wash denim feels a little more polished even in classic trucker silhouette. We especially love how they look layered over white jeans (yes, even in fall and winter).

Best Belted Silhouette

The removeable waist-tie gives you two ways to wear this slightly cropped jacket: loose and relaxed or nipped-in and curve-hugging.

Denim Jacket with a Hood

If a hoodie and a denim jacket had a baby, it would look exactly like this sporty Free People hybrid. It’s comfy enough to wear with your everyday leggings, yet cool enough to pair with white jeans and sandals for a (socially distanced) outdoor dinner.

Best Shearling-Lined Option

If you live in a colder climate, this jacket will be your best friend come fall and winter. It’s lined with faux fur for an extra-cozy feel and can even be worn with the fur side facing out, for major teddy coat vibes.

Best Denim Blazer

After seeing this denim blazer, we’re kinda, sorta ready to go back to the office. It somehow feels polished and cool at the same time and makes the idea of putting on slacks after more than a year feel a little more bearable. We’ll consider it our most dressed up denim jacket.

Must-Have Fringe

Polished Western and fringe are two big trends for fall/winter 2021, and this stunner fits both categories beautifully. Plus, because Lucky Brand opted for a chic ecru hue instead of shades of blue, this jacket doesn’t feel costumey in the least.

Made with Sustainable Methods

What’s not to love about this Japanese denim jacket? It’s cut from rigid—but not stiff—cotton fabric. And it’s made in Everlane’s denim factory that recycles 98 percent of their water and uses renewable energy and air drying to reduce CO2 emissions by 80 percent. Buying it is basically the most stylish way to help the planet.

Best Quilted Design

Not a fan of shearling, fuax or otherwise? Try a puffer-inspired denim topped like this cozy quilted number by Faherty. Bonus, it’s totally reversible so you can sport either a clean light-blue wash or a dark navy covered in delicate golden blooms.

Best Relaxed Silhouette

All the durability and warmth of denim with the comfort and ease of a loose cargo jacket (without all the unnecessary pockets). This jacket is a must-have for days when you don’t want to feel constricted but need something nicer than a zip-up hoodie.

Best ‘80s Revival

The reason this jacket still works in 2021 (without looking like a costume) is because it has a faded black hue rather than your old-school favorite blue and white acid wash. To keep that modern vibe going stick to clean-cut pieces like a white button-down or LBD and sleek accessories, and avoid layering this beauty over other denim staples.