Jean jackets you’ll want in your wardrobe ASAP
Are you ready to meet your new wardrobe hero? A jean jacket is one of those stylish and timeless pieces that can be worn with just about everything you own. And now that spring has sprung and you’ve put away your bulky winter coats and boots, you’ll want to make sure you have the perfect spring jacket. While you might need a raincoat (and an umbrella!) on drizzly days, the best jean jackets for women fill many other wardrobe needs.
“Denim jackets are a great transitional item, as they can be worn in all four seasons depending on how you layer them,” explains Grace Thomas, a personal stylist in Portland, Oregon. “Plus, they tend to run on the more affordable end of the price range, so there’s no need to break the bank for this item.”
Even better? You’ve got options—lots of them. From classic to edgy, there’s a jean jacket out there for every type of woman, every personal style, and every mood. Plus, you can also style this staple in dozens of different ways. Need some suggestions? “For a casual look, pair your denim jacket with jeans, a white T-shirt, and a pair of sneakers,” says Thomas. “Looking for a date-night look? Toss your jacket over your shoulders instead of putting your arms through the armholes for a more chic, nighttime vibe.”
How we chose the best jean jackets for women
Now that you know just how necessary it is to own a denim jacket, it’s time to find your perfect match. Of course, that’s what this list is all about. To narrow things down, we consulted fashion stylists who work with people of all different shapes, sizes, and budgets. We also sorted through tons of products to select classic jackets with tons of five-star ratings and glowing reviews. Chances are, you’re going to want more than one!
Looking for something similar for guys? Once you’ve found your fave, check out this list of the best jean jackets for men.
Best overall jean jacket
Gap Iconic Denim Jacket with Washwell
You can’t go wrong with a jean jacket from the Gap. This one is made from non-stretch cotton denim and comes in a medium wash for a timeless look that transcends seasons and years. “A medium-weight cotton denim will last and give you the most wear,” says Thomas. This style is also part of Gap’s Washwell program, which means that water-saving techniques are used in the creation of it to help the environment, making it a surprisingly eco-friendly pick you can feel good about.
Pros:
- Under $100
- Medium weight makes it great for all seasons
Con:
- Available only in one wash
Best black jean jacket
Charter Club Denim Jacket
With more than 650 five-star reviews on Macy’s, this sleek jean jacket is the way to go if you’re looking for something in black. Happy customers rave about the quality and the fit, as well as how flattering it is. It’s got a bit of stretch to it, so you can really move in it, and the deep black color feels just a little dressy—great when paired with a classic dress for a date night or a day at the office.
Pros:
- Stretch fabric
- Nips in at the waist to create figure-flattering definition
Con:
-
Runs a little big, so you may need to go down a size
Best oversized jean jacket
Madewell The Oversize Trucker Jean Jacket
Thomas points out that the best jean jackets for women have evolved beyond just a classic fitted style and can now be found in cool-girl, oversized silhouettes—like this one from Madewell. The slouchier fit combined with the lighter wash keeps it casual and perfect for daytime activities. Pair it with a low-key ensemble and some comfy walking shoes, and you’ll be all set.
Pros:
- Looser fit is comfortable
- Deep pockets
Con:
-
May not work with dressier outfits
Best cropped jean jacket
Old Navy Cropped Jean Jacket
A cropped jean jacket will elongate your lower half and make your legs look a mile long—and who doesn’t want that? This Old Navy pick scores extra points for going all the way up to a 4X and for being a sustainable clothing option made with recycled cotton. You’ve gotta love a jacket that looks good and does good all in one!
Pros:
- Flattering banded hemline
- Available in an extended size range
Con:
-
Welt pockets don’t hold much
Best distressed jean jacket
Floerns Ripped Distressed Denim Jacket
While a streamlined jean jacket offers a classic look, a distressed one can give you just the right amount of edge. This one from Floerns boasts more than 1,800 five-star reviews on Amazon, comes in 10 washes, and has a slightly longer hemline than your traditional jean jacket. Verified Amazon reviewer Angel Davis raves, “I’ve had it for less than two weeks and have already received multiple compliments on it. It’s definitely oversized, which is exactly what I wanted—something to cover my bum in leggings and such.”
Pros:
- Lived-in look
- Super soft
Con:
-
Some reviewers say the sleeves run long
Best embellished jean jacket
Kedera Embroidered Rivet Pearl Short Denim Jacket
Make a style statement in this jean jacket for women that’s covered in pearls! Try it on with a floaty spring dress for a feminine look, or pair it with light-wash jeans for a twist on the classic denim-on-denim outfit. No matter how you style it, it will elevate your look. As verified Amazon reviewer Monique Roberts says: “Wow, this denim jacket looks expensive!” But spoiler alert—it’s under $50!
Pros:
- Luxe style
- Affordable
Con:
-
Embellishments make it slightly heavier
Best jean jacket with puff sleeves
Aqua Puff Sleeve Denim Jacket
Feeling flirty? This Aqua jacket with puffed sleeves will give any ensemble a more feminine feel. While some styles offer exaggerated puffs, this one is slight and just right—making it more flattering and versatile. Wear it completely buttoned and it can serve as a shirt, or throw it on over a white button-down and black pants for a business casual look.
Pros:
- Puffed sleeves make it feel unique
- The denim has a slight stretch
Con:
-
Not available in an extended size range
Best white jean jacket
Riders by Lee Indigo Denim Jacket
You may have white jeans, but if you’re not sure you need a white jean jacket, we’re here to tell you that you absolutely do! Similarly to a blue wash, white denim will go with absolutely everything in your closet and is a great transition piece from cool spring days into brisk summer nights. We love this Riders jacket, in particular, with its classic fit and cropped style.
More than 15,700 five-star reviews on Amazon agree. As Patty H. says, “I love this white denim jacket. I searched high and low for one at the mall, but they were either raggedy or too boxy, or too long or too short. This jacket has a very feminine cut and flatters my figure.” If you fall in love with this Amazon best seller, you can get it in nine other colors too.
Pros:
- Classic straight fit
- Stretchy material moves with you
Con:
- White is more prone to stains
Best sherpa jean jacket
Levi’s Original Sherpa Trucker Jacket
There’s something a little throwback about a sherpa-trimmed jean jacket—in the best possible way! This style is also ideal for those crisp spring days or surprisingly chilly summer nights when you need to nuzzle into something soft and warm. Pair it with corduroys for a ’70s vibe or with joggers for a sporty look.
Pros:
- Cozy sherpa trim
- Looser fit
Con:
-
No stretch means it may feel too structured for some
Best jean jacket with fringe
Blank NYC Fringe Trim Denim Trucker Jacket
Hey, cowgirl! Here’s your proof that denim doesn’t have to be boring. The fringe on this Blank NYC jean jacket makes a big statement. It also has a cropped silhouette, which makes it feel a bit trendier and of-the-moment. You’ll get a lot of use out of this style on nights out.
Pros:
- Fringe adds a fun element
- On-trend cropped silhouette
Con:
-
No pockets
Best jean jacket hoodie
Made by Olivia Classic Casual Hooded Denim Jacket
Imagine if a jean jacket and your softest hoodie had a baby—this hooded denim number is what you’d get. The hood will give you protection on drizzly days, and the stretchy cotton sleeves make this denim jacket for women extra comfy. Plus, it comes in six color options. Pair it with some faux-leather leggings for a cool, sporty vibe.
Pros:
- Cotton sleeves and hood give it a casual feel
- Available in an extended size range and six washes
Con:
- Runs small
Best embroidered jean jacket
Pistola Brando Star Cut-Off Denim Jacket in Zodiac
Be the star you are in this Pistola jean jacket covered in celestial symbols. The white stars make a statement without being distracting or clashing with whatever you’re wearing, adding just the right amount of visual interest to your outfit. This style also has a raw hemline, giving it a slightly edgy vibe. It might be the perfect zodiac-inspired gift for the right person. Just be aware that this jacket runs a little small, so order one size up.
Pros:
- Allover embroidery
- Frayed hemline
Con:
-
No pockets
Best tie-dye jean jacket
AG The Mirah Denim Trucker Jacket
Tie-dye has been having a moment for, well, a moment, and the trend isn’t showing any signs of fading. But even if it does, this neutral tie-dye number from AG Jeans will remain in style. The soft shades mean it can go with just about everything, and the tie-dye won’t overwhelm your outfit. Plus, the trucker fit is a bit roomier, making it oh-so-comfortable.
Pros:
- Subtle tie-dye finish
- Roomier fit
Con:
-
Not available in an extended size range
Best relaxed jean jacket
J.Crew Relaxed Denim Jacket
You’ll never regret going with a relaxed fit—it adds a bit of casualness, says Thomas, along with uber-cool style. This option from J.Crew also comes in a super light blue, almost white wash, to add to that low-key feel. Pro tip: Pair it with more fitted pieces underneath, so you don’t look overwhelmed by fabric.
Pros:
- Relaxed style
- Made with responsibly grown cotton
Con:
-
The denim doesn’t have any stretch
Best colorful jean jacket
Liverpool Los Angeles Denim Jacket
Here’s an instance when seeing red is a really good thing! This faded red Liverpool jean jacket is a fun way to add a pop of color to an outfit and elevate your entire look. It nips in at the waist to flatter your figure, features adjustable button tabs on the hem, and is adorned with gunmetal buttons for a sleeker look.
Pros:
- Unique light-red shade
- Banded hem is adjustable in the back
Con:
- Not quite as versatile as blue denim
Best petite jean jacket
Topshop Tilda Recycled Cotton Denim Jacket
If you’re on the smaller side, it’s a good idea to shop for a petite denim jacket—that way the proportions will be right for your body, height, and bone structure. This Topshop style will hit right at your waist for a flattering fit, and the light blue wash makes it timeless. Plus, it’s sustainably sourced and made from recycled cotton.
Pros:
- Cut specifically for petite frames
- Eco-friendly
Con:
-
The material doesn’t have any stretch
Best plus-size jean jacket
Levi’s Plus-Size Button-Down Original Denim Trucker Jacket
It’s safe to say that Levi’s knows its denim. The brand truly has something for everyone, and this trucker jacket is a perfect jean jacket for women with curves. The seams are slightly curved to flatter your figure, and it’s just structured enough that it will never look slouchy or undone. If you’re looking to add to your wardrobe in other ways, check out our picks for the best plus-size shapewear that’s surprisingly comfortable.
Pros:
- Available in sizes 1x to 4x
- Slightly structured shape for a pulled-together look
Con:
-
No pockets
Best long jean jacket
Allegra K Boyfriend Tie-Waist Loose Denim Jacket
Looking for a denim jacket that doesn’t quite look like a denim jacket? This longer trench style from Target should do the trick! Tie it at the waist to give yourself an hourglass shape, or leave it hanging loose and open for a laid-back feel.
Pros:
- Unique longer style
- Ties at the waste for a flattering fit
Con:
-
Not quite as timeless as a standard denim jacket
Best affordable jean jacket
Time and Tru Denim Jacket
As Thomas points out, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a denim jacket to get something great. This Time and Tru option, which is available at Walmart, proves just that! This jean jacket is less than $20, but it provides a classic style in a medium wash that can be dressed up or down. It’s also made from a lightweight denim that can take you right into summer.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight denim material is good for summer too
Con:
-
May not keep you warm on cooler days
Best stretch jean jacket
L.L.Bean BeanFlex Jean Jacket
Looking for the ultimate in comfort? Nab a denim jacket for women that’s made with a good deal of stretch. This L.L.Bean number is made from a blend of cotton, CoolMax polyester, Tencel Lyocell, and elastane, which manages to make it both super stretchy and structured. The special moisture-wicking cotton also keeps you cool and dry—even in warmer weather. Reviewers rave that it’s comfortable, stylish, and versatile, making it their new go-to spring jacket. If you’re looking for a gift for her that’s guaranteed to be a hit, you’ve found it!
Pros:
- Stretchy yet structured
- Made with moisture-wicking fabric
Con:
-
Not available in an extended size range
Want more deals and product picks sent directly to your inbox? Sign up for the Stuff We Love newsletter!
Source:
- Grace Thomas, a personal stylist in Portland, Oregon