Denim Jackets To Keep You Out Of Shambles

The first iteration of Levi’s classic Trucker Jacket came in 1905, when the Type I Levi’s Blouse debuted. The Type III celebrated its 50th birthday in 2017, signaling the style’s successes (and several evolutions).

Plenty of jackets on this list take cues from Levi’s original cuts, but the original remains a must-buy — and, oftentimes, a bargain. It’s also comfortable overtop a number of base layers, as proven through testing this jacket for much of my adolescence and adulthood.

The 101 Rider Jacket is to Lee what the Trucker Jacket is to Levi’s. It’s the brand’s most popular style — and for good reason. Originally debuted in 1948, the style has changed a little since then, but this iteration mixes both new and old: zig-zag stitching across the front placket from the past and high-grade selvedge fabric from Japan’s legendary Kurabo Mill from the present. It’s more comfortable on and a better bet for longer term ownership.

Mango’s Medium Wash Pocketed Denim Jacket is made from organic cotton with less water (and by producing less waste). The result is an incredibly wearable jacket in a wash that pairs well with most outfits. Most folks might miss the two slant hip pockets, but this iteration, which doesn’t have those, looks more streamlined. Plus, it’s only $70 bucks. I found it to be both more comfortable and nicer-feeling than other cheap jackets by fast fashion brands — like H&M or Zara.

Yes, Tecovas makes boots, but they do Western wear at large: pants, hats, bags and, of course, denim jackets. This one is finished with a contrasting corduroy collar, antique brass buttons and adjustable back straps. Because of the collar, this option can be worn deeper into the colder months — with a sweater underneath, like me.

By now, Todd Snyder’s tackled almost every corner of men’s Americana style. As such, of course he did a denim jacket. His version is a washed, retro-tinged type made-in-the-US from selvedge denim spun on vintage Cone Mill looms. I rarely like stretch denim — it’s a texture thing — but I found Todd Snyder’s to be comfortable but not suffocating.

Reminiscent of a classic chore coat, Rogue Territory’s Supply Jacket is cut from 15.25oz pure indigo proprietary Japanese selvedge denim from the Nihon Menpu Mills. Sized for a slim fit, the unique buttoning and side pockets give on this option give it a handmade feel. I wear duck canvas chore coats for most of the fall, but this denim option helped me switch it up.

Pangaia made this unisex denim jacket from a cotton alternative called nettle. They combine it with classic cotton and treat the garment with peppermint oil for anti-odor properties. For $275, you’re investing in the one of the foremost material innovators. And you’re getting a hell of a jacket. I can attest that the nettle feels no different than cotton denim.

LA-based brand Mister Freedom’s Cowboy Jacket cut from “Okinawa 301” is a denim top made from a mix of sugarcane fiber and 100-percent. The blend’s propriety to Toyo Enterprises, a Japanese company that resurrects classic American brands. Beyond making clothing of their own with their fabric, they outsource it, too. Made in the US, this option will only get better with age.

Constructed from 14.75oz. Selvedge denim made from the last few feet of legendary White Oak Cone Denim, Companion Denim’s Cone Denim Type III Jacket, aka the Tribute Jacket, pays homage to the now-closed mill. Using some of the final fabric available from it, they made a stylish, slim-fitting top with distinct, contrast stitching and a cognac leather patch. I, like all menswear fans, miss the mill — but it lives on through historically significant designs like this.

Sure, you won’t get the one-of-a-kind look with a jacket made by J.Crew, but there’s nothing bad about the brand’s denim jacket. Plus, it’s almost always on sale. It fits fairly true to size and is made from 100 percent cotton. No elastane here, and I can appreciate that. (Even Todd Snyder’s adding elastane to its jeans.) After many mall trips, I can confidently say this is the best one there — at least in a standalone store (outside of Levi’s, of course).

Madewell partnered with the Better Cotton Initiative to improve cotton farming conditions around the world, meaning their jackets are made from materials manufactured in safer, more equitable settings. That alone is enough to pick this one over a similar one, but the jacket itself is durable, classic and cut in a flattering way. Plus, it’s fairly affordable considering the quality.

Alex Mill’s light wash Work Jacket comes with four pockets, bar tacks for reinforcement, an internal pocket for your phone or wallet and polished hardware. The material itself is 100 percent non-stretch denim, which wears in and ages with wear. Again, I really like the chore coat shape more than I do a standard denim jacket, and this one fits the bill. For folks who feel similarly, this is an A+ pick.

It’s Ralph! More specifically, Ralph Lauren’s RRL line, a Western-Americana referencing line the designer established in 1993. (It’s named after his ranch in Colorado.) This Indigo Denim Jacket is made from 12.75oz Japanese denim, has been sanforized to minimize shrinkage and boasts double needle stitching at the seams. You’ll see that up close when on, as well as the unique fade patterns.

Falling in line with others made from one part cotton and another part something else, Wrangler opts for polyester. It makes the jacket lighter, stretchier and more breathable. Truthfully, it feels no different on, except maybe lighter. You won’t sweat through it.

Part chore coat, part trucker, Loyal Stricklin’s Wayman Jacket features two hidden internal pockets, two hand warmer pockets, and a flat-felled construction. Constructed from 140z Redline Indigo Selvedge Denim made by Vidalia Mills, this jacket furthers an American tradition.