What To Wear With A Denim Jacket

The jean jacket looks good in blue or black and goes with a variety of outfits. You can wear a denim jacket with a t-shirt, hoodie, sweater and collared button-down dress shirt on top with jeans, chinos, or pants. In the winter and fall, some even like the trucker look with a sherpa-lined jacket and layering to keep you warm.

Combined with boots or sneakers, the denim jacket style works with any wardrobe all-year-round. With so many denim jacket outfits for men, it can be a challenge finding the right combination of pieces to dress up together. For inspiration and ideas, check out this guide on what to wear with a jean jacket for the perfect look. Whether you prefer a light or dark denim outfit, we’ll show you how to wear a denim jacket with unrivaled flair.

How Should A Denim Jacket Fit

Finding the right size and fit for a jean jacket is just as important as the outfit you choose. Traditionally, a denim jacket should fit snugly with a relatively short finish on the hips. If you want a trendy look, your jean jacket is supposed to be tight and should fall at or above the waist. For a casual ensemble, get a size and cut that keeps the jacket loose around the shoulders, chest and torso.

For lightweight denim jackets that will never go out of style, aim for that classic fitted look that isn’t too tight when you button up. This size and cut works best for simple outfits without other bulky pieces layered underneath. Modern takes on the denim jacket include comfortable cuts that work well for relaxed, workwear-inspired, or Western aesthetics.

Denim Jacket Colors

Blue Denim Jacket

The quintessential color for any type of denim, a blue denim jacket will be your most versatile option. Faded blue works well for springtime looks, but try a darker indigo dye to mix it up. A dark wash for your jacket will allow you to dress it up slightly, creating smart looks from a typically casual piece. Moreover, a padded or sherpa-lined denim jacket in dark blue is a great winter layering option.

Black Denim Jacket

A black denim jacket is perfect for those who prefer darker tones with their casual outfits. The popularity of layering black on black for everyday style makes a black jean jacket a stylish option for modern men who want an all black outfit. A clean black denim jacket looks great over a crisp white button-down as well if you are looking to mix up your shades of black.

White and Grey Denim Jackets

Both white and grey denim jackets have their place when styled properly. White can be an especially fashionable piece for wearing on top of darker colors for a reversal of the typical palette in which the top layer is darkest. It is also perfect as a light springtime layer when you can be a little more whimsical with your color choices. Grey is a nice neutral color that can be your go-to for every occasion in between.

How To Wear A Denim Jacket

Jeans and Denim Jacket

Jeans and a denim jacket is a classic but often intimidating combination. If done incorrectly, the pairing can come off sloppy and bad. Wear different colors of denim to vary the tone of the outfit and avoid being too matching. Try something simple like your trusty dark indigo jeans and a light wash denim jacket and a simple tee underneath or don a pair of black jeans instead if your blue jeans are too close in color to your jacket.

Chinos and Denim Jacket

Denim jackets and chinos are a great alternative to a double denim look. Swapping in your favorite cotton trousers is a smart way to make your jean jacket even more versatile. Chinos lend themselves to more refined styles, so you can even try to take your denim jacket into smart-casual events.

T-Shirt and Denim Jacket

Nothing says cool like a T-shirt and a denim jacket. A classic cut denim jacket with a T-shirt is a look that will never go out of fashion. Pair it with a simple white tee or wear your favorite band tee underneath.

Hat and Denim Jacket

Because the denim jacket is versatile, you have plenty of room to accessorize your outfits, and a hat is a great way to do so. For colder months, try a rolled beanie with a denim jacket layered over other warm pieces. Experiment with brimmed hats in the summer to offer some protection from the sun and a one of a kind style.

Shoes and Denim Jacket

The denim jacket is the pinnacle or relaxed, effortless style, so choose your shoes to match. Sneakers should be your go-to when wearing your denim jacket, but the possibilities are endless. Try Chelsea boots or moc toe lace-up boots for a different take. Throw on some brogues for an elevated look. You have a lot of choices when it comes to shoes but be sure that the shoes you choose match the tone of your denim jacket. You don’t want to wear a pair of shined dress shoes with most denim jacket outfits.

Shirt and Denim Jacket

While a T-shirt is the most common option for pairing with a denim jacket, a collared shirt also works well. For a stylish outfit to wear on a night out, dress up in slim chinos with an Oxford cloth button-down and a denim jacket. You can create interesting smart casual outfits by layering a faded jacket over a shirt and tie. Just be careful to make sure the fit of the jacket is perfect, and the accessories are well thought out. This will ensure you nail this look instead of looking out of place.

Sweatshirt and Denim Jacket

The denim jacket is a lightweight piece but can be layered with sweatshirts to make sure you keep warm while still looking your best. Crew neck sweaters or sweatshirts look great under a jean jacket, but so do hooded sweatshirts. Your jean jacket will likely be shorter than the length of your sweatshirt and that is part of the style.

Denim Jacket Outfits

Double Denim

Lovingly known as the denim jacket and cherished by cowboys and hipsters alike, double denim makes a bold fashion statement. Go for the full effect and match your jacket with your jeans to create a cool edgy outfit. To make this style a little more subtle, vary your tones with darker jeans and a lighter jacket color.

Denim Vest

A denim vest is a modern appropriation that can be used in various settings. Many of the denim vests available today are jackets with the sleeves cut off, reminiscent of punk style in the ’70s. Grab a denim vest, add your favorite patches, and you have a piece that will be uniquely yours and perfect for every rock show. Some denim vests are constructed like classic menswear vests. These work well over a collared shirt with a chino blazer. The materials will impart a relaxed feel to the traditionally more formal outfit.

Denim Jacket Patches

For a piece that you can customize, look to decorating your denim jacket with patches. Denim jackets have long been a canvas for adding your favorite patches to. With the return of the denim jacket’s popularity, the practice of adding patches is once again trendy. Collect patches that catch your eye and either sew or iron them on. It’s as simple as that. The more patches you add, the more eye-catching your jacket will be.

Shearling Denim Jacket

A shearling denim jacket is the ideal way to keep you stylish and warm. Where traditional denim jackets are typically thin and lightweight, shearling denim jackets tend to be insulated in the body with the trademark shearling collar. This style will be all you need to keep you warm on crisp fall days. Try a dark wash to make that shearling collar pop. Shearling denim jackets inherently have more structure than their unlined cousins, so try with a polo or flannel.

How To Layer A Denim Jacket

Denim jackets are perfect for layering and can be styled in a variety of ways. A zip-front cotton jacket underneath your jacket is great for casual, cold days. Step it up a notch by trying a turtleneck sweater underneath an open denim jacket. The possibilities are endless if you want to layer a jacket with other pieces. You can wear vests, jackets, hoodies, or just plain T-shirts underneath your denim jacket, and the style will always look trendy. If you want to add a layer on top, try an overcoat.

When To Wear A Denim Jacket

Casual

There is no better casual jacket than a denim jacket, so it should be your first choice for casual events. Its unstructured form and materials make it perfect for throwing on when you are going out for a quick bite or just seeing your friends. Wearing a denim jacket casually does not require much effort because the jacket will speak for itself.

Smart Casual

A denim jacket can be dressed up for smart-casual events, providing it fits well. You will want a jacket that fits snugly with clean detailing. Wear it over a collared shirt with slim chinos and loafers and be sure to wear it with confidence. You can add a tie if the occasion calls for it. Look for ties that are not too wide or formal; lean more towards printed or knit ties.

How To Wear A Denim Jacket

• Find the fit that works best for your style.
• Blue is the most versatile color, but you can mix in other neutral shades as well.
• Wear your denim jacket over a T-shirt and chinos.
• Let sneakers be your go-to shoes to wear with your jacket, but mix in boots and other options as well.
• Try other styles, like the denim vest or shearling denim jacket.
• Layer your jacket with other pieces for warm and stylish fits.
• Try adding some patches to personalize your jacket.