The Best Jean Jackets for Effortless Fall Dressing According to Fashion Experts (2024)

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For under $100, Levi’s makes a jean jacket that’s everything we could ever want in one. The trucker style has an elongated hem and is just a tad oversized for a relaxed silhouette and ease of layering—an updated version of Levi’s original jean jacket style, according to the brand. It also comes in a Sherpa version, which is best for those looking for extra warmth in a jean jacket. Reviewers give this style and the Sherpa version five stars for their great quality and fit.

Material: Varies based on wash | Size Range: XS–XL | Colors: Indigo (medium wash), Real (medium wash) and Yes Black (black)

The Gap Factory's Icon Denim Jacket lives up to its name for a quality fit and timeless design. We also love its sustainable construction, as it's part of the Washwell program, which includes products that use at least 20% less water than traditional wash methods. Reviewers say this style fits true to size.

Material: 95% cotton, 5% recycled cotton | Size Range: XS–XXL | Colors: Medium Wash

Universal Standard's dark-hued jean jacket is the epitome of classic and comes in a wide range of sizes to suit more people than the average—what could be better? Details-wise, it has contrast stitching and functional pockets. Given its close fit, you can dress it up or down for maximum versatility.

Material: Varies based on wash | Size Range: 00–40 | Colors: Black, Dark Indigo (dark wash), Light Blue (light wash) +more

Levi’s married its original trucker style and a Sherpa lining for a classic piece that’s also cozy. Reviewers say they love it because the style is warm, comfortable, and never becomes passé. Since sizing experiences vary quite a bit with this product, we recommend trying multiple sizes to determine which one will best suit you.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XS–XL | Colors: Yes Black (black), Addicted to Love (medium wash), and Rough and Tumble (medium wash)

Annie Bing's Rory is a classic, grunge-style jacket. The oversize, heavyweight topper boasts a light wash and is cut at the waist. Plus, it has just the right amount of distressing so as not to skew slovenly.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XXS–XL | Colors: Vintage Blue (light wash)

We also like this oversize denim jacket from The Gap. Made of 100% cotton, it boasts a straight silhouette and a relaxed fit that hits at the hip. With a medium wash and endless versatility, it'll become your go-to layering piece, whether you're heading out or hanging out indoors.

Material: 95% cotton, 5% recycled cotton | Size Range: XS–XXL (petite and tall available) | Colors: Medium Indigo (medium wash)

SLVRLAKE co-founders Louise and Gary Edgley built their brand on a promise to craft tailored denim with timeless appeal. They cast aside distressing and traditional branding like logos and instead focused on clean cuts that contour and elongate, like this tailored silhouette in white. The style is complete with buttonless flap pockets and a curved hem to show that the possibilities for a denim jacket are many.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: S–L | Colors: White

With its oversized fit and comfy hood, this natural distressed jacket is essential for those looking to create an effortless layered look. We love that its silhouette is not boxy, but tapered while still maintaining a casual, slouchy feel. It comes in three colorways and features a front button closure.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XS–XL | Colors: Conch (beige), Lucky Charm (medium wash)

This classic denim jacket from Madewell will never go out of style. It features a regular fit, a traditional fold-over collar, flap pockets, metal button detailing, and a slightly faded medium wash with distressed edges.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XXS–XXL | Colors: Medford Wash (medium wash)

Denim made of 100% cotton has a more traditional look and feel, but it doesn't have much give. L.L.Bean's answer to this conundrum is the BeanFlex Jean Jacket, which is not only stretchy but also moisture-wicking and breathable, thanks to the addition of CoolMax polyester yarns.

Material: Cotton, polyester, lyocell, elastane | Size Range: XS–XL | Colors: Stonewashed (dark wash) and Vintage Faded (medium wash)

This shacket is like the outerwear version of jeggings. It looks like denim, only it's much softer and has a forgiving shacket-style cut. Best of all, this layering piece comes in an inclusive range of sizes, from XXS–5XL, for all to enjoy.

Material: Cotton | Size Range: XXS–5XL | Colors: Indigo377 (dark wash) and Indigo376 (light wash)

Blue denim goes with everything, but if you want something edgier, this black jean jacket might be right up your alley. The moody hue is subtly faded while the relaxed fit and dropped shoulders give it a casual appeal. We also like that the material contains elastane for a hint of stretch.

Material: Cotton, elastane | Size Range: XXS–XL | Colors: Boulder (black)

FAQ

• Can you wear a jean jacket with jeans?

  “Definitely,” says Roser, who prefers a monochromatic look, rather than trying to match different colors or tones, for its elongating effect. “For jacket silhouettes, opt for something more relaxed for that easy street style sensibility,” Konrad adds. He recommends going for straight-leg denim to complete the look.

• How do you style a jean jacket?

  There are countless ways to style jean jackets depending on your lifestyle. You can wear them with dresses and tailoring for a bit of edge or over loungewear to add structure. “They are your layering pieces that [match] most things [and keep] the look casual,” Roser says.

• How should you care for a jean jacket?

  According to Roser, how to properly care for your denim jacket depends on the wash of the jacket. “The darker the wash, the less you want to wash,” she explains. “Light washes have already been through several wash cycles to get that way, so they don’t fade as quickly as the darker, more raw washes.”
  For a worn-in look, Konrad says to wear your jacket on repeat to create natural creasing, subtle rips, and more softness. “If you really need to wash your denim jacket, machine wash cold inside out and hang dry to ensure it maintains the shape and wash you've worked hard for,” he says.
  

• Should a denim jacket be tight or loose?

  The fit of the denim jacket depends on your tastes and lifestyle. Keep in mind that oversize denim jackets tend to be more casual but are roomy enough to fit a thick sweater or hoodie underneath. Fitted styles, on the other hand, tend to be more work appropriate and can be worn as a shirt or extra layer in a chilly office setting.

• What color denim jacket is the most versatile?

  Dark washes, along with true neutrals like black and white, are considered the most versatile washes and can be worn during the day and at night.