The 10 Best Jean Jackets, According to Fashion Experts

A classic trucker silhouette that's freeform in fit but not overly baggy is a great place to start. This 100-percent cotton option from J. Crew is cut in a straight-fitting silhouette and hits right above the hip. Its faded medium-blue wash achieves a well-loved look that vintage fans will be fond of (especially since they didn't have to do any of the thrifting heavy-lifting). It gets better: this evergreen jean jacket is currently 40 percent discounted as part of J.Crew's spring sale.

"As with much of the outerwear market, boxy and oversized silhouettes are key [for spring 2024]," details Becker. TOTEME offers a denim jacket that epitomizes the baggy silhouette in perfect form—not too oversized, where it'll swallow you whole, but tailored enough that the loose fit looks intentional. As is standard with the Swedish fashion house that champions craftsmanship and environmental consciousness, this denim jacket is made of 100 percent organic cotton. Its bright medium wash will pair well with your matching true blue jeans in a modernized interpretation of denim-on-denim.

For those unfamiliar, please acquaint yourself with the agreeable shacket, a shirt-jacket hybrid that blends the best of both sartorial worlds. This affordable denim style from Banana Republic, made of hand-soft Italian denim, is a safe option to start with if you're new to shackets. It's oversized and cut with high slide slits, making it an ideal top to style with your best high-waisted pants. Alternatively, Busch has another outfit idea: "I would opt for classic straight-leg jeans paired with an oversized denim shacket for a denim-on-denim look," says the stylist. It's what's otherwise known as a Canadian tuxedo.

For those who've been keeping an eye on the overarching fashion themes lately, you'll recognize that hemlines continue to get shorter or, in the case of the celebrity-adored no-pants trend, barely there. Becker says this bare-it-all attitude also filters into consumer demand for denim, citing that searches for "cropped denim jackets are up 19 percent from last year.” MOTHER's light-wash lady jacket gives the flirty silhouette a more mature feel with its collar-less round neckline and retro-inspired bracelet sleeves. This is a denim jacket that demands your best bangles or charm bracelet.

Silver rivets were the outerwear trend from fashion week's street style that broke free from the pack—every city block glistened and gleamed with hardware and grommets. A studded denim jacket—like this light-wash, silver-embellished 7 For All Mankind option—is a strategic way of dabbling into bold dressing, mixing a bit of flash with the wardrobe staple's innate classic appeal. Styling-wise, keep it simple; a silk slip dress and strappy sandals will do.

When you tire of a true blue wash, pivot to darker denim. AGOLDE's black denim jacket is a perennial favorite amongst fashion editors, including MC's crew. On the weekend, you'll often spot an off-duty style writer wearing this casual, drop-shoulder style around downtown Manhattan. Its denim is non-stretch, using a blend of new and recycled cotton, but in a few weeks, it will mold to your form with the perfect fit.

GANNI sticks true to its signature Scandi style with its denim blazer designed with a few choice quirks, like a cinched fit-and-flare silhouette and notched cutaway lapels, and is adorned with gold-button hardware. It's made entirely from 100 percent cotton, which is no surprise since the Danish ready-to-wear lapel keeps eco-consciousness a top priority. Wear it into the office on a spring day paired with pin-tuck trousers and your best loafers.

"If you already have plenty of classic denim jackets in your closet and you're looking for a more adventurous version this season, try a patterned style," encourages Stitch Fix's Busch. Marine Serre's moon-printed jacket has become a contemporary classic, symbolizing a new-gen approach to logomania. It's crafted from printed deadstock denim, perfectly aligning with what Becker sees as spring's breakaway trend: "I'm seeing patchwork as a strong style in the market. They're currently up 33 percent from last year," the Trendalytics fashion director shares.

"Lean into the more insulated and textured denim jackets for a chic late winter, early spring look," advises StitchFix's Busch. Considering the American brand has become synonymous with denim, Levi's sherpa-lined jacket is a worthwhile option to add to your outerwear arsenal. This particular style upgrades its signature trucker style with a plushy interior and softly quilted sleeve lining, ensuring Mother Nature's harsh weather doesn't affect your mood.

L'AGENCE describes itself as blending Californian ease with Parisian elegance—and its white denim jacket epitomizes its brand M.O. Made from unstructured, half-stretch denim, the Shuri is cut in a straight, longline fit and features dropped shoulders, which add to the piece's relaxed attitude. Take the lead from the above member of the street style set and pair this cream jacket with denim trousers in a coordinating light colorway.

Casual yet sharp, aspirational yet accessible—this denim trench coat from Max Mara's sub-brand, Weekend, is the poster piece for that slightly louder luxury trend. The coat is classic in look with its double-breasted silhouette, back-vent panel, and adjustable belt with buckle closure. The 100-percent cotton denim fabrication offers an exciting freshness for the new season. Try styling it with a pair of ballet flats in one of spring 2024's top color trends—butter yellow, perhaps?