It's no exaggeration to say that everyone's wardrobe should have a denim jacket. The timeless closet staple is the ultimate layering basic for transitional seasons. Though certain fits, washes, and details may go in and out of style, you can never go wrong with a casual jean jacket as an outer (or inner) layer.
Our top pick overall is Madewell's Button-Front Denim Jacket. The boxy, hip-length, cotton jacket is a workhorse garment I can confidently return to it year after year. If you prefer a piece that makes more of a statement, try a maxi silhouette similar to one Taylor Swift wore in September. I love Splendid's Dane Denim trench, which has a drapey fit and belted waist.
The best denim jackets for women
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Staff PickBest overallA classic, slightly cropped cut in an always-in-style medium wash.
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Best AmazonThe affordable two-pocket pick comes in eight color varieties.
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Best whiteA crisp ivory hue gives this cotton-blend topper added class.
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Best petiteCasual and oversized, this machine-washable topper comes in two hues and both petite and plus sizing.
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Best plus sizeSix wash options makes this versatile piece (in sizes 00-40) a staple in any wardrobe.
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Best oversizedA lower back hemline gives this button-front topper (in seven tones) added appeal.
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SaleBest croppedA cropped light wash denim jacket like this one pairs perfectly with a summery maxi dress.
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Best chore jacketAn extra serving of pockets gives this longline topper functionality and style.
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Best trucker jacketThe jacket's slouchy fit ups the comfort factor, available in four washes.
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Best longTurn heads in this belted maxi coat, which is further elevated by oversized tortoise shell buttons.
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Best distressedWith a frayed hemline, this edgy, 100% cotton coat gives DGAF and top-notch style all that once.
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Best hoodedA laid-back jacket with a vintage-inspired roomy silhouette and attached hood.
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Staff PickBest blackSuper soft and comfy, this knit coat can double as a shirt.
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Best fittedThis fitted silhouette is perfect for a casual day at the office.
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Best bomberThis big and billowy zip-up is complete with a handy pocket on the sleeve.
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Best trenchThis double-breasted trench coat is a sophisticated version of your classic jean jacket.
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Best embroideredThis festival season-ready light wash denim jacket is embroidered with a colorful desert scape on the back panel.
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Best embellishedDeck out the bride-to-be in this sparkly pearl-accented jacket for a bachelorette party weekend.
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Best quiltedAn onion quilt pattern adds dimension to this collarless four-button coat.
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Best fringeSaddle up for the Cowboy Carter era with a vintage-inspired fringe-decked coat.
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Best blazerA dark wash denim blazer brings relaxed sophistication to any office wardrobe.
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Best pinkPair this Barbiecore denim jacket with its matching skirt, or choose from any other of its 13 colors.
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Best luxuryThis paneled "Motomami" jacket features dropped shoulders and a snap closure at the collar.
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Best sherpaLayer up with a sherpa-lined denim coat to keep warm during transitional seasons.
What do I wear with a denim jacket?
Whether you're for or against the "Canadian tuxedo," many brands that make our favorite jeans also feature a corresponding jacket in the same shade. If you are a fan of the denim-on-denim look, you could even contrast a a distressed light wash jacket with black jeans.
A denim jacket can be dressed up or down depending on the silhouette, embellishments, and colors you're working with. For example, a denim blazer is an easy workwear staple, but a boxy denim jacket around your shoulders over spaghetti straps makes for a flirty, casual look.
What should I look for in a denim jacket?
Denim jackets are most useful in transitional seasons, since they layer easily both under and over other jackets. Looser fits will give off a more casual, edgy vibe, while fitted coats are better for semiformal settings. A light wash denim is mostly associated with the classic trucker look, so go for a dark wash if you intend to wear yours in more semiformal settings.
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