The 9 Best Jean Jackets for Women

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Sizes:XS to 4X |Fabric:79% cotton, 21% Tencel|Fit:Relaxed fit

Levi’s jeans are the overwhelming favorite in both our guides to thebest jeans for womenand thebest high-waisted jeans for women, so I knew I needed to test a jean jacket from the brand. A previous version of this story recommended theirEx-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket, but the brand more recently released this ’90s-inspired style with a similar boxy fit. After just a few wears, it was obvious to me that the ’90s Trucker Jacket iseverythingI want in a jean jacket: It’s a mix of sturdy and slouchy with a mid-weight feel that’s ideal for every season — and it’s under $100 — which is why I’ve crowned it our best overall jean jacket.

The ’90s Trucker Jacket is made from 79 percent cotton and 21 percent Tencel, so it has more softness and stretch than rigid denim, typically 100 percent cotton. The blended fabric makes it super wearable and gives it a nice lived-in feel, like a jean jacket you might have thrifted. The roomy cut and long sleeves work well for layering over a hoodie or sweater, and the two exterior pockets are deep enough to hold my iPhone Pro Max. Along with two chest pockets with button closures, there are two internal pockets for safely stashing my wallet. It’s available in a range of sizes (includingplus sizes) and four washes. (If you want more insulation, there’s even a version of the ’90s Trucker Jacketlined with sherpa.)

Sizes:XS to XL |Fabric:100% cotton|Fit:Straight fit

If $98 for the Levi’s jacket above is more than you’d like to spend, then try thisQuincestyle, which is the “Goldilocks of denim jackets,” according to fashion and e-commerce editorMegan McCarty. Though she’s only owned it for a few months, McCarty says, “It’s thick and durable yet soft and definitely not stiff,” adding, “It’s not too oversize and not too cropped either. It’sjust right.” And for only $50, McCarty swears you can’t beat the price of this 100 percent cotton jacket: “You’ll be throwing this on over sundresses, jeans and a tee, or pajamas for early morning dog walks,” she says.

Sizes:4XS to 4XL |Fabric:69.7% cotton, 26% polyester, 3% rayon, and 1.3% elastane|Fit:Straight fit

L.A.-based stylistCharline Zeroualrecommends this denim jacket from Universal Standard because of the brand’s focus on quality and size inclusivity. Along with the fact that it ranges from size 4XS to 4XL, Zeroual likes that it’s lightweight, stretchy, and available in six different washes, including white, black, and dark blue. I’ve been testing the Kelsey Denim Jacket for more than six months now, and I love how soft and smooth the denim feels. The light-blue wash has some distressing, which gives it a vintage-inspired look.It hits right at my waistline, and the sleeves have enough length for my longer arms, ending past my wrists. Also worth noting: When we polled apanel of 1,000 seniorsage 65 and over, we learned that the especially stylish older crowd loves Universal Standard, too. Like Zeroual, some in that group appreciated the brand’s size inclusivity: “Their whole stance seemed right to me. They understand that the average American woman is a size 14 or 16,” says Carol, who feels “like a million bucks” in her Kelsey denim jacket, which has a straight fit.

Sizes:XXS to XXL |Fabric:99% cotton, 1% elastane|Fit:Straight fit

For petite women under five feet tall, consider this slightly stretchy trucker jacket. Our newsletter editor Ashley Wolfgang has owned hers since 2015. “I’m 4-foot-11, so it’s sometimes hard to find jackets that don’t overwhelm my frame without sneaking into the kids’ section,” Wolfgang told me. But this Loft number is perfectly slouchy yet flattering, and the arms aren’t too long either for Wolfgang. She adds that the light shade of denim is great for all seasons, and the fabric has only gotten softer — without looking worn — over the years.

Sizes:XXS to XXL |Fabric:64% cotton, 35% lyocell, 1% elastane |Fit:Oversize

Vuori recently launched itsfirst-ever denim collection, and I tested the vintage-inspired wide-leg jeans and an oversize denim jacket. I loved that, from the first wear, the jacket basically feels like a worn-in jean jacket you’d find at a vintage store (but without the hunting).The blend of cotton, soft lyocell, and stretchy elastane give it a fluid drape that’s breathable and extremely comfortable compared to sturdier, 100 percent cotton denim that has zero stretch. It’s oversize through the chest, similar to our best-overall denim jacket from Levi’s above, and has deep front pockets. I’m five-foot-five and opted for a size small, which hits below the hip and is plenty long in the sleeves, even given my broad shoulders. There’s also a fun little loop detail on the back of this jacket for easy hanging.

Sizes:XXS to XXL |Fabric:94% cotton, 5% recycled cotton, 1% elastane|Fit:Straight fit

As the name suggests, Gap’s Icon jacket is a straight-fit style as classic as they come. The fabric is mostly cotton but contains 1 percent elastane, which gives it a bit of stretch. Although it’s not as soft as the best overall Levi’s jean jacket above, the fabric does have a similar smoothness. While I was testing jackets for this story, I gravitated toward this one frequently because the design hugged my upper body comfortably, plus I liked the summery shade of light denim. I did notice that the sleeves are fitted, so you may need to size up if you plan to layer this jacket over thicker tops.

Sizes:XS to XL |Fabric:100% cotton |Fit:Cropped with cuffed sleeves

I’m a big fan of cropped jean jackets, specifically those that aren’ttoocropped, like this Hudson one. It hits right at my waist, has a boxy-yet-tailored shape, and has what I think is my favorite feature (and one that’s different from every other jean jacket on this list): extra-wide-cuffed sleeves. The exaggerated cuffs show off a significantly lighter denim color. This jacket also has a pointy collar and is made from a rigid denim that creates a structured silhouette that still sits close to my body. I’ve worn it buttoned to the top as a shirt or over a tank top with a pair of high-waisted trousers.

Sizes:XXS to XXL |Fabric:100% cotton |Fit:Boxy

Everlane’s Chore Jacket is incredibly comfortable despite having no stretch (thanks to the 100 percent cotton). I love wearing it fully buttoned up, almost like a denim top, with similar indigo-wash jeans or trousers. The chore-coat cut gives it a more polished look than other styles in my closet, too, making it easier to pair with a range of different outifts. I’ve been pulling it on for cooler spring days and it has kept me plenty warm, whether I’m running errands around Pittsburgh’s Strip District or flying cross-country to San Francisco. I’m around five-foot-five with broader shoulders, and the size small fits me well, though I could have sized up to a size medium for an oversize fit. The sleeves fall around my wrists, and because it has a regular length through the body, this jacket’s hemline hits right at the hip.

Sizes:XXS to XXL |Fabric:100% cotton|Fit:Oversized

I personally think the outerwear section is where Sézane really shines (I’m a big fan of the brand’sClyde Trench), and so I was curious to try its denim jacket. The Will Jacket is the longest design on this list and features elements similar to a denim shirt. I’ve only been testing it for a short period, but I’m already finding it to be a versatile piece for all kinds of outfits, from denim-on-denim looks to paired with a spring dress. It has an oversize fit, which makes it ideal for layering over thicker knits; however, you can also wear it fully buttoned up as a top, similar to the Everlane style above. I’ve worn it with the sleeves rolled up on warmer days, and belted it for a cinched look, too. Unlike other denim jackets that typically feature metal buttons, the Will Jacket boasts lovely tortoiseshell-looking ones that add a little moreoomph. The two front utility pockets are considerably deep and wide: One side can hold my iPhone Pro Max plus keys, sunglasses, lip balm, and more. Fun fact: You can customize your Will Jacket with complimentary embroidery using up to ten characters. (I regret not adding my name to give mine a retro French workwear feel.) Along with this blue denim wash, the Will is available in a range of other materials, including wool, quilted velvet, and suede.