Denim Jacket Guide: My Favorite Jean Jacket Styles

The denim jacket is iconic. It’s been through so many iterations over the years, somehow evolving while staying a true classic staple all along the way. In fact, it’s the original greatest accessory. You can always depend on a denim jacket to pop up a look while serving as a built-in layer of warmth if you need it! That said, denim jackets come in so many colors, shapes, and styles, that shopping for the perfect one can be overwhelming.

That’s why I’ve created this denim jacket guide. I’ve paired every jacket with a white tee and black jeans so you can really see the difference in each, and provide details about fit underneath the photo. For denim jacket outfit inspiration beyond just a simple white tee and black jeans, check out my denim jacket outfit inspiration style guide. Happy shopping!

Editor Notes: I'm 5'10, 125 lbs, and my normal jacket size is small. 

Classic Medium Wash

The most iconic jean jacket is the classic medium wash. If you’ve somehow made it this far without a denim jacket in your closet, definitely start with a medium wash. It goes with just about any outfit you put together and will quickly become your go-to staple whenever you need a light layer!

Fashion Jackson Wearing Levis Original Trucker Jacket White Tshirt Black Skinny Jeans Everlane White Sneakers

Levi's Original Trucker

  • Wash: Out of Step
  • Fitted with stretch: 86% cotton, 13% poly, 1% elastane
  • Classic Blue Wash with antique brass hardware
  • True to size (wearing small)
Fashion Jackson Wearing Madewell Classic Denim Jacket White Tshirt Black Skinny Jeans Everlane White Sneakers

Madewell Classic Jacket

  • Wash: Pinter Wash
  • Fitted. 100% Cotton
  • Classic Blue Wash with Antique Brass Hardware
  • True to size (wearing small). Arm length a little short for 5'10
Fashion Jackson Wearing DL1961 Medium Blue Wash Denim Jacket White Tshirt Black Skinny Jeans Everlane White Sneakers

DL1961 Clyde Classic Jean Jacket

  • Wash: Domingo
  • Relaxed. 100% Cotton
  • Classic Blue Wash with Silver hardware & light distressing
  • True to size (wearing xs)

Light Wash Fitted

Once you’ve secured the classic medium wash denim jacket, consider adding a light wash to the mix. A lighter wash fitted denim jacket is perfect for spring/summertime and looks great against white, breezy, summertime clothing. It also looks great with a pair of black jeans to serve up a contrast that pops!

Fashion Jackson Wearing Joes Jeans Light Wash Denim Jacket White Tshirt Black Skinny Jeans Everlane White Sneakers

Joe's Jeans The Standard Trucker Jacket

  • Wash: Lotus
  • Fitted. 100% cotton
  • Light Wash with Silver Hardware and light distressing
  • True to size (wearing small)
Fashion Jackson Wearing Blanknyc Light Wash Denim Jacket White Tshirt Black Skinny Jeans Everlane White Sneakers

BLANKNYC x Revolve Denim Jacket

  • Wash: Rocket Fuel
  • Fitted. 100% Cotton
  • Light Wash with Silver Hardware and light distressing
  • True to size (wearing small)
Fashion Jackson Wearing Levis Light Wash Denim Jacket White Tshirt Black Skinny Jeans Everlane White Sneakers 1

Levi's Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket

  • Wash: For Real
  • Relaxed/Fitted. 100% Cotton
  • Light Wash with Silver Hardware
  • True to size (wearing xs). Arm length a little short for 5'10

Oversized

A denim jacket trend that’s been going on for a few years now is the oversized jean jacket. It may sound silly, but there is a huge difference between the feeling of a fitted denim jacket compared to an oversized fit. It’s an entire vibe! If a form-fitting jacket feels a bit too restricting for you, investing in the perfect oversized denim jacket is ideal and looks effortless with most outfits.

Fashion Jackson Wearing Levis Light Wash Denim Jacket White Tshirt Black Skinny Jeans Everlane White Sneakers

Levi's Dad Trucker Jacket

  • Wash: Dad Michael
  • Oversized. 100% Cotton
  • Light Wash with silver hardware
  • True to size (wearing xs)
Fashion Jackson Wearing Anime Bing Oversized Light Wash Denim Jacket White Tshirt Black Skinny Jeans Everlane White Sneakers

Anine Bing Rory Denim Jacket

  • Wash: Vintage Blue
  • Oversized. 100% Cotton
  • Light Wash with silver hardware and light distressing
  • True to size (wearing xs)
Fashion Jackson Wearing Levis Baggy Trucker Jacket White Tshirt Black Skinny Jeans Everlane White Sneakers

Levi's Baggy Trucker Jacket

  • Wash: Bust A Move
  • Oversized. 100% Cotton
  • Medium Blue Wash with gunmetal hardware
  • True to size (wearing xs)

Black Denim

The black denim jacket is overlooked, in my opinion. It’s a perfect option to have in your closet when you’re not feeling the classic blue jean and adds a bit more edge to any look. Pair it with a floral sundress and sneakers to achieve an easy, feminine outfit for a daytime summer date!

Fashion Jackson Wearing Black Jean Jacket White Tshirt Ripped Skinny Jeans Everlane White Sneakers
Fashion Jackson Wearing Black Denim Jacket White Tshirt Ripped Denim Jeans

STS BLUE Crop Boyfriend Jacket

  • Wash: Washed Black
  • Fitted. 100% Cotton
  • Washed Black with silver hardware and light distressing
  • True to size (wearing small)
Fashion Jackson Denim Jacket Guide
Fashion Jackson Denim Jacket Guide Jean Jackets

Shop the Post

T-Shirt (small) | Black Jeans (also here) | Denim Jeans | Sneakers

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Leave a Note

Load All 3 Comments

  1. Jeany said:
    Posted 5.8.20 · Reply

    Such an amazing post! I really love denim jackets, they’re just perfect for spring time.

    Lots of Love,
    Jeany from https://vogueetvoyage.com

  2. Annabelle said:
    Posted 5.10.20 · Reply

    Love love love this detail post!! Thank you so much!! I dont read blog posts anymore but u made me read this. Ugh all such great choices. Now a decision!