A History Of The Denim Jacket, Plus 5 Of Our Favorite Denim Jackets Right Now

A History Of The Denim Jacket, Plus 5 Of Our Favorite Jean Jackets Right Now (Men's Style Archives)

iStockphoto / vovashevchuk

Men’s Style Archives examines a specific garment we think every man should own at one point in his life. These pieces are timeless, often rich in history as to how they came into popularity while continuing to always be in style. This week, we’re highlighting the denim jacket.

The denim jacket (also known as a jean jacket or trucker jacket) has been a staple in American wardrobes for decades now. Everyone from cowboys and rockstars, to average Joes, has a jean jacket hanging somewhere in their closet, always on call for immediate use.

Simply put, denim jackets are as iconic as baseball and apple pie in American culture.

Why Are Denim Jackets So Popular?

Denim jackets first started popping up around the turn of the 20th century. It was in the early 1900s when Western workers started transitioning to denim for its strength and versatility. As time went on, the working class in America started seeing the cotton textile as the perfect material for their uniforms. Denim is strong in nature, and as it wear over time quality denim will become softer and more comfortable.

It wasn’t long until Hollywood caught wind of how popular denim was and started dressing their stars with it on screen. Actors like John Wayne and Bing Crosby were throwing on denim jackets in their biggest films.

A History Of The Denim Jacket, Plus 5 Of Our Favorite Jean Jackets Right Now (Men's Style Archives)

iStockphoto / FXQuadro

Soon after, in the late 50s and 60s, icons like James Dean, Steve McQueen, and Paul Newman were wearing jean jackets to convey a more rebellious nature. This is where denim jackets first became a part of the counter culture movement. The garment started to become associated with “going against the grain” of society. It would double down on this theme in the decades after with other counterculture movements with the eras of rock and punk-rock, as well as hip-hop and pop.

Today, the denim jacket serves as a symbol of sartorial history. No matter how you choose to wear it, the consensus is every man should have at least one in their wardrobe.

How to Style A Denim Jacket in Men’s Style Today

You can style denim jackets in a number of ways. The easiest is a pair of jeans and a black or white t-shirt with a pair of Chucks, low-top white sneakers, or brown leather boots. But the key to pairing a denim jacket with denim jeans is making sure the color doesn’t match exactly—unless you’re looking to recreate a spot-on Western look.

Instead, you can wear a lighter-colored denim jacket with darker-colored jeans (or khakis) and play with the contrast. Just don’t make the color difference too stark.

A History Of The Denim Jacket, Plus 5 Of Our Favorite Jean Jackets Right Now (Men's Style Archives)

iStockphoto / dmodly

For other simple outfits, throw on a denim jacket over with a casual button-up in a patterned or solid color, or with a hoodie if it’s colder outside.


Our Favorite Denim Jackets Right Now

You can find denim jackets in all sorts of different silhouettes and styles. Check out our favorites below.

Levi’s Trucker Jacket

This OG jacket packs a punch in value and quality. Levi’s Trucker Jacket is synonymous with the age-old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

shop levis

Wrangler Western Style Sherpa Lined

You’ll see denim jackets out there outfitted with liners like flannel, fleece, and, in this example, sherpa—we love a good sherpa coat. Wrangler is another trusted brand for denim jackets. Use this one for navigating your Aunt and Uncle’s farm when you go up and visit for the holidays.

shop Wrangler

KSUBI Grey Denim Oh G Jacket

Australian brand Ksubi (now based in Los Angeles) is known for its rockstar silhouettes. If you need confirmation on that claim, you can go and ask Travis Scott, a favorite wearer, and collaborator with the brand. A grey denim jacket is great for nightlife, and if you want to turn up the level, you can make some cuts to the cuffs and collar to create a classic punk rock fraying look.

shop ksubi

A.P.C. Blue Denim Charles Jacket

A denim jacket from a good designer promises a significant rise in quality and closer attention to detail. Take for instance this one from A.P.C. Notice the logo-engraved silvertone hardware buttons and the sharper lines in the collar.

shop a.p.c.

Flint and Tinder Denim Trucker Jacket

If you want to channel some West coast vibes, a lighter wash will do the trick. Go with a denim jacket with a color like this one from Flint and Tinder.

shop flint and tinder


John is the Style & Gear Editor for BroBible. You can contact him on Twitter @johnthompsoniv or via email John@brobible.com




The BroBible team writes about gear that we think you want. Occasionally, we write about items that are a part of one of our affiliate partnerships and we will get a percentage of the revenue from sales.