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Best men’s denim jackets: Handpicked for you

Add one these classics to your wardrobe

Man in denim jeans and jacket
K.C. Stone / The Manual

Few things are cooler in a man’s wardrobe than a denim jacket. Whether you love the look that James Dean made famous or the Marlon Brando legend, denim jackets have been a mainstay in menswear for a century. While they were always used as workwear since Levi’s started outfitting men in denim for the Gold Rush, they have now jumped from the goldmines to fashion when men began working against the grain and rebelling. Of course, since there are dozens of types and hundreds of brands to choose from, we make it our business to help you figure out what the best men’s denim jackets.

Check out these choices for the best jean jackets to channel the Dean or the Brando.

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DEVIL DOG DUNGAREES Thunderhead Trucker

DEVIL DOG DUNGAREES Thunderhead Denim Trucker
DEVIL DOG DUNGAREES

DEVIL DOG DUNGAREES is one of the premier denim brands on the market. While it doesn’t have the brand name like some of the others on this list, it is, without a doubt, the best of the bunch. After decades of having the best jeans and looking fantastic in all its fits, you can now put the same quality on top as well. The Thunderhead is a classic that comes back every year and never goes out of style.

This is the most classic look: Throw it on with complementing jeans and rugged boots with a tee for the ultimate in masculine look.

Specifications
Soft hand feel with a hint of stretch
One button-flap chest pocket
Welt side pockets
Side hem adjusters
Devil Dog bandana lining inside pocket bags

Levi’s Relaxed Trucker

Levi's Relaxed Trucker
Levi's

When it comes to the biggest names on the list, there is no bigger than Levi’s. The original jeans have been around since the literal beginning, and they are still going strong today. While there are a host of choices you can choose from, the best bet is to go with something in a different color than the rest. This black version is perfect for nighttime outings.

If you want to keep the black look going, opt for a black tee and black jeans.

Specifications
The original jean jacket since 1967
Relaxed fit
100% cotton
Levi’s branded metal buttons and tapered “V” stitches make it instantly recognizable
Machine wash in cold

Wrangler Corduroy Collar

Wrangler Corduroy Collar
Wrangler

Wrangler is the leader in Western wear, and it has been that way since it first opened its doors. Whether you are roping cattle in Texas, riding horses in Colorado, or walking the streets of New York, this denim jacket goes with you. A corduroy collar is unique among denim jackets, making this jacket stand out.

Go with workwear with this jacket by pairing it with chinos and a henley.

Specifications
Corduroy collar
Blanket lining
Two front chest pockets with snap-flap closure and two lower pockets with no closure
Prewashed indigo
100% cotton, heavyweight broken twill denim

Todd Snyder Selvedge

Todd Snyder Selvedge
Todd Snyder

Tastes are never the same. Sometimes, you want something upscale like duck a l’orange, but other times, you want a simple burger. Sometimes, you need a 10-year port, but other times, you could really go for a beer. The point is, you could go with a regular run-of-the-mill denim jacket, or you could go with one of the more luxurious options on our list, this selvedge denim jacket from Todd Snyder.

This jacket is going to look great with brown pants to complement the contrasted stitching.

Specifications
100% American cotton
Woven at the Vidalia Mill in Louisiana
On a vintage shuttle looms reclaimed from the famed White Oak Plant
Trapunto stitching at the neck
Mercerized yarn to minimize shrinkage (recommend buying true size and breaking in over time)

Lucky Brand Cole Hauser Shearling

Lucky Brand Cole Hauser Shearling
Lucky Brand

When looking for inspiration on how to dress a little Western, there is no better example in today’s world than Cole Hauser. When Rip goes to do the dirty work of the Yellowstone Ranch, he always looks masculine and intimidating. In his collaboration with Lucky Brand jeans, he makes it possible to dress like him. Just don’t go out and do the same kind of work.

When styling this jacket, you should double down on the Western look and go with jeans and a pearl snap button-up.

Specifications
100% cotton
Button front
Button-flap chest pockets
Side pockets
Button cuffs

Now that you have some of the best denim jackets on the market, you can put together a stellar outfit to maintain your masculine style and get all the attention. Don’t forget to pick up some stellar jeans and a denim shirt to complete the look.

Nick Hilden
Nick Hilden is a lifestyle and culture writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Afar…
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