Is a jean jacket the ultimate in layering? Why yes, yes it is. (Levi's, J.Crew, Lee)(T)
As a longtime fashion editor, I’ve always had a soft spot for lightweight layers — and a denim jacket tops my list of the best ways to ward off a chill in the air. As classic as a pair of jeans, it’s the perfect year-round piece to throw on for warmth and style. Maybe you already own one (or two — no judgment), or maybe you’re just now realizing your closet could use this timeless staple. Either way, a new jean jacket is always a good idea.
To help narrow the options, I asked three stylists to share their favorite men’s and women’s denim jackets. They agreed you can never go wrong with a classic trucker, but they also encouraged leaning into your own style. As fashion expert Cindy Conroy put it, “Don’t be afraid to take risks with denim!” With their advice, we rounded up the best expert-approved picks for men and women to shop now.
Update, Aug. 29, 2025: We’ve confirmed current pricing and availability for all products. Our top picks for the best denim jackets remain unchanged.
Weight limit: 275 lbs. | Travel range or battery life: 6.3 miles | Weight of scooter: 92 lbs. (with battery pack) | Folding design: No | Max speed: 4 mph
This nippy little scooter has everything. The Pride Mobility Travel Pro Premium 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter is maneuverable, transportable, comfortable, reliable and affordable, so it deservingly takes our top spot.
Boasting a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One reviewer said, "Awesome product and perfect in-house maneuverability and in tight areas — perfect for my needs and I highly recommend." Another commented, "This little scooter is small but mighty. She’s very fast and so far I’ve taken her out a few times and the battery has never come off of full [sic]."
The three-wheel design offers a balance between maneuverability and stability. Its tight turning radius makes it ideal for navigating narrow spaces, like shopping aisles or small apartments. Although compact, the scooter has a sturdy frame, an adjustable, fully padded seat and a convenient front basket.
However, some people have commented that the scooter is small, so another option may be more suitable if you're big or tall.
Despite being made by the well-known American brand Pride Mobility, this model is also one of the most affordable mobility scooters on the market. It comes with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty on the scooter, plus a 6-month warranty on batteries. Not bad for under $700!
I've put on a ton of jean jackets over the years (one of the perks of my job), but I always find myself reaching for this trusty J.Crew topper. It has a straight-fit silhouette that's boxy without being unflattering, and it's slightly cropped so it hits right at my hip. It's such a versatile staple that I can easily dress it up or down with just about anything else in my wardrobe.
I've worn it with my favorite jeans for that trendy double-denim vibe, over a loungewear set to break up a monochromatic look, and I've even worn it draped over my shoulders with a fancy dress. Seriously, the possibilities are endless. You can choose between a light and dark wash and sizes from XXXS to 3XL. If you prefer a more relaxed fit and/or want to wear it over sweatshirts or other bulkier layers, consider sizing up.
Another favorite of Kahane Pankow’s is this updated take on her go-to Levi’s Trucker Jacket. With a '90s-inspired cut, it strikes the right balance of slouchy and sturdy, thanks to its cotton/poly blend. The style features two flap pockets up front plus two roomy side pockets — perfect for stashing essentials — and it comes in three classic washes.
“It’s a perfect cut to pair with a dress for the spring and summer,” Pankow said. Designed with cooling technology, this jacket is quick-drying, moisture-wicking and even rated UPF 50.
If standard jean jackets feel a little boxy, stylist Conroy suggests this cinched option from Gap. “I love that the darting detail works overtime to emphasize the waist. It’s your secret sauce to creating curves,” she told us.
Crafted from nearly 100% cotton, it features classic copper buttons and comes in sizes XXS to XXL, with regular, tall and petite fits. Shoppers note it can run a bit large, so consider sizing down if you want a more tailored silhouette.
If you’re someone who prefers “buy it for life” pieces, this Re/Done denim jacket deserves a spot on your radar. Since launching in 2014, the brand has become a celeb-loved favorite thanks to its stellar fits, sustainable fabrics and serious durability. This unisex style — designed by Interview’s editor-in-chief, Mel Ottenberg, and inspired by early ’80s jean jackets — nails that vintage vibe.
Stylist Kahane Pankow is a fan of the relaxed cut: “I love the cut and relaxed nature of this jacket,” she told us. Made from 100% organic cotton, it’s available in sizes XS to XL. The brand notes that on women, it has an oversized, slouchy fit, while on men, it wears closer to the body. It only comes in one medium-blue wash, but as Pankow points out, “the color is great year-round.”
If you already have enough basic toppers in your wardrobe, spice things up with an unexpected jean jacket style. As Conroy puts it, "If a trendy take on the classic sends your heart a flutter, treat yourself. Let your Bad Betty out." She's a big fan of this pick from Urban Outfitters, saying it has a “cool girl mystique” with its faux leather collar and preppy check pattern.
We can't get over those lovely, pearly-silver, misshapen buttons and the extra-long sleeves that can be rolled up to flaunt the lighter cuffs. A jacket like this is made for fun!
Menswear stylist Turner Allen says if a guy doesn’t already own a denim jacket, the Levi’s Trucker is the place to start. He calls it “the blueprint,” noting that it should be snug but not restrictive, with fabric that breaks in and stretches over time. “It’s affordable, timeless and easy to wear with just about anything. You really can’t go wrong starting here,” he told us.
Made from 100% cotton, this classic jacket has four functional pockets and a pointed collar for a sharp finish. It comes in five versatile washes — gray, light, medium, black and white — and sizes small through XXL. While it’s machine-washable, Levi’s suggests spot-cleaning when possible to help it last.
Allen calls this Lee jacket “a criminally underrated classic,” and we’re inclined to agree. The Rider first debuted in 1948 and quickly cemented its status as one of the best denim jackets around thanks to its iconic design and durable build. This updated version keeps the vintage details — zigzag stitching, tobacco-colored thread, slanted chest pockets and a wide adjustable waistband — but upgrades the fabric with premium selvedge denim from Japan’s renowned Kaihara Mill.
“The slim fit and angled pockets give it a slightly dressier, more intentional feel than your average trucker, yet it still wears casually,” Allen explained. The Japanese denim does bump up the price, but if you love the look and want to spend less, the original Rider style is available on Amazon at a much more wallet-friendly price.
Wrangler is another brand with a rich history in the denim industry. Its jackets are considered just as stylish and durable as Levi's or Lee's but they're often more affordable. Case in point: This $40 option has racked up over 6,300 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers. A lightweight piece with heavy-duty brass buttons and an unlined design, it has a whopping six pockets, including two on the interior.
It's made from 100% cotton, comes in two classic washes, light and dark blue, and is very size-inclusive with options ranging from small to 6X. Bonus: The waistband is adjustable so you can make it more fitted or slouchy depending on your fit or mood.
If you want a jean jacket that truly gets better with age, Allen suggests this APC style. “It’s clean, minimalist and cut from a deep indigo denim that fades beautifully,” he told us. Made from raw Japanese selvedge denim, it’s definitely an investment — but since it’s built to last and looks better the more you wear it, Allen says it’s worth the splurge.
Design details include button closures, tonal stitching and roomy pockets. It’s also machine-washable (a rare perk for raw denim) and even safe for the spin cycle. While it may feel shrunken straight out of the wash, the brand notes it bounces back to shape once worn. Available in sizes XXS to XXL.
I’ve tried plenty of denim jackets over the years, but this J.Crew style is the one I always come back to. The straight-fit silhouette is boxy without being bulky, and the slightly cropped cut hits right at the hip for a flattering look. It’s a true wardrobe workhorse that layers easily with just about anything.
I’ve worn it with jeans for the double-denim trend, tossed it over loungewear to break up a monochromatic outfit, and even draped it across my shoulders with a dress. It comes in light and dark washes and sizes XXXS to 3XL. If you like a looser fit or want to layer over sweatshirts, size up.
Wrangler has just as much denim cred as Levi’s or Lee, but its jackets often come at a friendlier price point. Case in point: this under-$60 style that’s earned hundreds of five-star ratings on Amazon. Lightweight but sturdy, it features heavy-duty brass buttons, an unlined build and an impressive six pockets — two of them hidden inside.
Made from 100% cotton, the jacket comes in light or dark blue washes and an inclusive size range from small to 6X. The adjustable waistband lets you wear it snug for a tailored look or looser for a more relaxed fit.
