My first denim jacket, a Levi’s classic, was a lucky garage sale find. Even at five dollars, which felt like a splurge at the time, the seller assured me it was a forever piece. She was right. Denim jackets possess a rare timelessness in the ever-changing world of fashion. While trends introduce variations, a well-made, mid-wash denim jacket remains as effortlessly stylish on icons like James Dean as it does on Michelle Obama.
The denim jacket, deeply rooted in Americana, is undeniably a wardrobe staple. Similar to the enduring appeal of a khaki trench coat, it consistently holds its place in our closets, resurfacing season after season, regardless of temporary relegations to the back.
For those ready to rediscover or newly embrace the denim jacket, denim experts offer invaluable advice to inspire a fresh appreciation for this iconic piece. Here’s how to style your denim jacket for today’s fashion landscape.
Embracing the Lived-In Denim Jacket Look
Despite the allure of trendy, reworked denim creations—from cropped jackets to denim skirts and even denim footwear—the enduring power of the classic denim jacket in its original form should not be underestimated. There’s an undeniable appeal in the iconic button-front design, complete with two chest pockets, cuffs, and that coveted worn-in feel. This “lived-in” aesthetic is central to Denim Jacket Fashion.
Tess Sullivan, the head of design and creative at Buck Mason, emphasizes the significance of details in a truly exceptional denim jacket. She points to “rigid 12-13 oz cotton twill, authentic construction, and a perfectly lived-in wash” as key elements. According to Sullivan, the more history a denim jacket seems to possess, the better its style. Buck Mason’s womenswear embodies this philosophy, evoking the curated feel of a vintage store find, effortlessly cool and approachable. A great denim jacket shares this same effortlessly stylish and accessible quality, making it a cornerstone of denim jacket fashion.
