When you really think about it, denim jackets are the only outerwear with year-round appeal. They’re a staple for the breezy days of spring and fall, a layering piece for winter (they look fab under a puffer) and the only thing you want to toss on in the summer when the air conditioner is on high. They come in every shade imaginable, from blue denim to off-white, plus floral print and faux-fur lined, so having just one is kind of impossible. Suddenly have the urge to add a new style to your collection? Smart move. Here are 22 of the best denim jackets, starting at just 40 bucks.
The 22 Best Denim Jackets of All Time, Starting at $40
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1. Madewell Denim Jacket
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.
3. Alex Mill Work Jacket In Natural Indigo
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.
4. Collusion Boxy Denim Jacket
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.
5. Hudson Cropped Trucker Jacket
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.
7. Pilcro Tie-dye Denim Jacket
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.
9. Avec Les Filles Patchwork Denim Jacket
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.
11. Levi's Ex-boyfriend Trucker Jacket
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).
12. Superdown Raya Rhinestone Fringe Jacket
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.
15. Free People Brando Denim Jacket
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.
17. Cinq à Sept Khloe Denim Blazer
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.
18. Lucky Brand Bella Boyfriend Trucker
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.
19. Everlane The Modern Jean Jacket
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.
20. Faherty Westside Reversible Jacket
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.
21. Liverpool Los Angeles Denim Bomber Jacket
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.
22. Lamarque X Revolve Dylan Jacket
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.