10 Best Denim Jackets for Men: As Rugged as You Roll in 2024

There aren’t many garments as badass as the denim jacket. Whether you’re a high-top-wearing hippie or a suited and booted city boy, the workwear classic is universally loved. And that’s how it’s been for generations.

From Steve McQueen and James Dean to A$AP Rocky and Timothée Chalamet, every stylish man of note has rocked the timeless, hardwearing design. Which is why you need to know where to find the best denim jackets for men.

Join me as I take you through a plethora of options that’ll complement everything from white tees and jeans to shirts and tailored trousers.

Key Takeaways

Of all the different types of jackets, denim is my favorite. And it’s not just because I’ve spent the last few weeks binge watching Yellowstone—it’s been that way for as long as I can remember.

Why? Not only is it tough enough to survive the rigors of everyday life, but it also manages to look good with just about anything you put it on with.

To find the best denim jackets for men, I reviewed my own collection before poring over hundreds of reviews, forums, and online communities to create a list of 30 contenders.

After analyzing each for its construction, versatility, and charm, I narrowed them down to 10 seriously cool styles, including Levi’s iconic trucker and Gap’s budget-friendly design.

man wearing a wrangler trucker hat and denim jacket — wrangler / Instagram

Why it’s great: Close your eyes and picture the perfect denim jacket and I bet it looks a lot like this. A true menswear icon, Levi’s classic trucker has everything you need and want: a regular fit, durable fabric, multiple pockets, and a versatile, dark indigo wash.

But did you really expect anything else from a brand that has over 150 years of jean-making experience?

Who is this for? This isn’t just one of the best denim jackets for men, it’s one of the most reasonably priced, too. Meaning it’s going to appeal to most guys and be accessible for pretty much any budget.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This jacket usually comes in a huge range of sizes; however, because of its popularity, many of the bigger ones are already sold out.

Why it’s great: Not your ordinary denim jacket, this version from Isto is a modern take, of sorts. It’s cut to the same silhouette as a classic work jacket, otherwise known as the French chore jacket, with a utilitarian design that boasts two large front pockets and a neat collar that resembles a shirt.

It offers the wearer a fresh alternative that is just as versatile and equally as stylish.

Who is this for? If you’re wanting a denim jacket with a twist, then this offers exactly that. It still very much falls into the workwear category but offers a wider fit and additional layering opportunities that will come in particularly handy during the cooler months.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Though this is definitely one of the best denim jackets for men, you might simply prefer a more traditional style.

Why it’s great: Made from Japanese raw denim, that’s not been bleached, brushed, lasered, or rinsed, this is the kind of piece that’ll only get better with age. As well as the rigid, uber-cool outer, it features a fully lined interior, four pockets, and recycled metal buttons.

Who is this for? Denim devotees will appreciate the raw material, and anyone who’s looking for a jacket that’ll last generations is going to love it. Should you usually find jackets too long or short, you’ll be pleased to know that this men’s denim jacket comes in three different lengths.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Be careful where you sit, especially for the first few months. Raw denim color rubs off onto lighter surfaces, and it’s not easy to remove.

Why it’s great: A must-have for spring/summer, Closed’s white denim jacket is the go-to light layer for your warm-weather escapades—typically paired with a crew neck tee, chinos, and loafers. It brings a slightly more elegant feel to your smart-casual outfits but still has that rebellious edge.

Who is this for? If you already own a blue denim jacket and fancy a change, then I highly recommend trying white. Don’t doubt the styling options—it’s surprisingly easy to pull off.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is one of the best denim jackets for men. However, be aware that white gets grubby easily and can be a nightmare for clumsy claws that are prone to slips and spillages.

Why it’s great: When I first saw this design from Gap, I had to do a double-take. But it turns out it really is that cheap. Made from rigid denim (the kind that gets softer and better as it ages), it’s cut to a straight fit and finished with four pockets.

Better yet, the jacket is part of the brand’s water-saving Washwell Programme, which has helped to save millions of liters of water since 2016.

Who is this for? If you’re looking for a men’s denim jacket without spending a fortune or sacrificing on quality, then this is perfect. It’s an excellent all-rounder that looks just as good with a graphic T-shirt and boots as it does with a hoodie and sneakers.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: There’s not much stretch in the fabric, so it’s super important to choose the right size. If in doubt, I’d always go for the bigger of the two you’re considering.

Why it’s great: If you’re going to trust anyone to make a durable denim jacket, then it’s a brand that specializes in rough-and-ready workwear: Wrangler. But this design isn’t just tough, it’s stylish, versatile, and affordable.

My favorite is the vintage indigo wash that comes in a relaxed fit and heavy-duty brass buttons. You can style it any way you want, but I think it looks particularly awesome with a plain white tee, chinos, and high-top Chucks.

Who is this for? Amazon customers give this men’s denim jacket five stars for fit, quality, and value, so chances are you’ll love it too—especially if you want to hit the sweet spot between functional and fashionable. It’s worth mentioning that this design has one of the biggest size ranges I’ve come across.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some reviewers have found that the buttons can be tricky to fasten, as the holes don’t seem quite big enough.

Why it’s great: For all-day comfort and workwear-inspired style, this denim trucker is a winner. Designed to flex and move with you, it’s the perfect companion for your daily adventures, whether you’re seeing a show or grabbing lunch with the boys.

Who is this for? Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. is a sub-brand under Levi’s that offers quality denim products at a lower price point, making this lightweight jacket a brilliant spring option for guys on a budget. It’s versatile enough to wear with everything from long-sleeved tees to camp collar shirts.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Though the quality is impressive for the price, you will notice the denim is a touch thinner than what you’d find on a regular Levi’s jacket.

Why it’s great: When it comes to American classics, Polo Ralph Lauren hits it out of the park. This blue trucker jacket is one of those timeless pieces that you can always rely on, whether you’re grabbing coffee with friends or exploring your favorite city.

It’s simply one of the best denim jackets for men. The recycled denim fabric is super tough, and the boxy fit makes the design feel extremely current.

Who is this for? If you have a little bit more money to spend and you want a piece that’ll last for years to come, this is well worth the extra expense. It’s also a great choice for anyone who prefers a dark denim wash.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The mid-weight, non-stretchy fabric might feel a touch rigid at first. But don’t worry, it’ll soften and gain extra character over time.

Why it’s great: I love Elwood’s vibe and how they’ve evolved from a skate specialist to the go-to brand for vintage-inspired clothing—including this western design that I consider one of the best denim jackets for men.

Slightly oversized with a rigid handle, it’s a must-have for every collection. My favorite feature is the soft flannel lining that comes in particularly handy during the winter seasons.

Who is this for? For a classic design with a few modern updates, this ticks all the boxes. And although it can be worn year-round, the addition of the lining makes it a useful addition to your cold-weather closet.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is cut for a baggier look, so you’ll need to think about another option if you want your jacket to be more fitted.

Why it’s great: Nudie Jeans specializes in pieces you keep forever. The kind you’d repair, not replace. So you can understand why I consider this one of the best denim jackets for men.

It’s weighty (14 oz, to be precise), textured, and as hard as nails. What more do you want? When you’re not wearing it with baggy pants and a crew neck tee, it’ll look just as good with a tank top and shorts.

Who is this for? The way the denim has been dyed means it will age gracefully and gain character over time. Which means this option will appeal to those who like the type of garments that gradually evolve and tell their own story.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The care instructions advise that this men’s denim jacket could shrink up to 3% after it’s been washed. So, it’ll pay to remember this when choosing your size.

man in a beanie wearing a denim jacket — mrrlittle / Instagram

Buying Considerations for The Best Denim Jackets For Men

Fit

From slim and tailored to boxy and oversized, the best denim jackets for men are available in a range of sizes. As well as choosing one that aligns with your style preferences and suits your body shape, you should also think about when you’ll be wearing it. Baggier designs tend to feel more casual, whereas fitted styles are smarter.

Quality

Don’t forget to assess the quality of the jacket. Look closely at the fabric, stitching, and hardware like buttons and zippers. I highly recommend opting for a durable design that’s made from quality materials and can withstand regular wear and washing.

Style

Not all denim jackets are the same. You’ll need to choose from various styles including trucker jackets, vintage-inspired designs, or modern interpretations with unique details like patches or embellishments.

man in denim jacket giving a wink — brut_archives / Instagram

How We Chose

They’re ruggedly handsome and forever in fashion, so it’s no wonder that everyone has tried their hand at creating the best denim jackets for men.

To separate the magnificent from the mere marketing, I carried out extensive research of each design with a clear picture of what makes a jacket great: versatility, durability, overall quality, and style. I also considered the below factors to be totally sure:

Color: Is this color wearable? Can it be easily paired with the majority of a man’s wardrobe? I gave every jacket a chance; but to be considered the best, it had to be versatile enough to be considered by most guys.

Customer Reviews: I’ve never been afraid to ask for help. In the name of fairness, I sought the opinions of others to make sure that my choices were the right ones.

Brand Reputation: What’s the word on the web? I started my quest with an open mind but included only brands that had a proven track record of top-notch jackets and customer satisfaction to match.

Price: Everyone’s budget is going to be different, which is why it was important to consider all price points. Once I had certain styles in mind, only those that justified their price tag were chosen.

Why Trust Us?

A trusted voice in menswear, Billy Webb has been helping guys dress their best for over a decade. His passion for the industry and assisting others has seen him cover a range of topics from Hawaiian shirts to shoes for overweight men.

When it comes to reviewing products or services, he knows what he’s talking about. And he’s not going to say something is great unless it actually is. So, if he tells you these are the best denim jackets for men, then they really are.

Billy’s content is not just informative; it reflects his genuine enthusiasm and extensive knowledge in fashion and grooming. His dedication to offering readers detailed, practical, and stylish advice makes him a trustworthy authority on the best denim jackets for men.

Final Verdict

As classic as they come, Levi’s trucker is as close to perfection as you’re going to get. Which is why I crowned it one of the very best denim jackets for men. A timeless piece that’ll last a lifetime, its regular fit is roomy enough to accommodate most builds, and its dark indigo wash ensures optimum versatility.

FAQ

- Denim jackets are an excellent wardrobe staple. Tough and timeless, they provide a rugged yet charming aesthetic that can be dressed up or down for various occasions.