Denim Jackets
Aug 4, 2021

The Return of Denim Jackets Is Upon Us—Here's What's Different This Time

by Allyson Payer

Full disclosure: I own at least 10 denim jackets. It's probably about eight more than I need, but they were so popular for such a long time (a basic even), so I just stocked up over the years. Then, people started wearing them less and less, which I never predicted would've happened, but fashion can be a bit unpredictable.

Some time has passed since denim jackets took a back burner to other jacket styles, so I'm not surprised that they're starting to crawl their way back into the spotlight. I'm also kind of thrilled. The denim jackets we're used to seeing were always a bit plain and, well, boring. The 2021 versions are bedazzled, adorned with cool collars, extra oversize, colored, spliced, and brilliantly reworked. I've been so overwhelmed by the number of interesting denim jackets I've come across as of late that I had to put them all in one place for your shopping convenience.

Scroll on to shop my favorite interesting denim jackets on the market—fall will be here before you know it.

Interesting denim jacket

Photo:

@claire_most

This two-tone denim jacket is a perfect example of how cool colored denim can be.

Zara Cropped Denim Jacket

Cropped Denim Jacket

I advise wearing this cropped jacket in lieu of a top.

Ganni Heavy Denim Jacket

Heavy Denim Jacket

I expect this one to be all over my Instagram feed soon.

Madewell Garment-Dyed Denim Patch Pocket Trucker Jacket

Garment-Dyed Denim Patch Pocket Trucker Jacket

This color is more versatile than you'd think.

Staud Ryan Jacket

Staud gets it right every single time.

Reformation Joyride Relaxed Denim Jacket

Joyride Relaxed Denim Jacket

I'm not sure how this is still in stock.

Cool denim jacket

Photo:

@annabelrosendahl

The blazer collar and puffed sleeves on this jacket make it feel a bit '80s, which makes so much sense in 2021 (because, as you know, all things '80s are still trending).

Levi's Prairie Trucker Jacket

Prairie Trucker Jacket

I bet you don't already own a denim jacket like this.

Lee x H&M Denim Jacket

I love an affordable collab.

Eloquii Crop Denim Jacket

Crop Denim Jacket

Perfectly cropped and boxy.

Fancy denim jacket

Photo:

@louloudesaison

This fancy Levi's x Miu Miu jacket is adorned with jewels and a pretty lace collar. It's a statement piece that can also be worn casually.

Mango Oversize Denim Jacket

Oversize Denim Jacket

It's the elastic waistband for me.

Loewe Leather-Trimmed Denim Jacket

Leather-Trimmed Denim Jacket

I'm positive this is going to be an It item for fall.

Double denim outfit

Photo:

@aimeesong

The easiest way to make a basic denim jacket feel fresh these days is to pair it with more denim.

Veronica Beard Jean Roz Drawstring Peplum Jacket

Veronica Beard Jean

Roz Drawstring Peplum Jacket

I'm currently daydreaming about all the ways to wear this.

Levi's Crop Raw Hem Utility Jacket

Crop Raw Hem Utility Jacket

This looks so good with blue denim.

Mother The Fly Away Ruffle Jacket

The Fly Away Ruffle Jacket

The ruffles on this are subtle and cool.

Oversized denim jacket

Photo:

@emilisindlev

You might initially think to wear this extra-oversize option with something slim (like skinny jeans or a body-con dress), but fashion people are wearing it with equally baggy pieces.

H&M Boxy Jacket

The drawstring at the bottom of this one is an inspired touch.

Wash Lab Puff Sleeve Denim Jacket

Puff Sleeve Denim Jacket

You could also wear this unbuttoned with a tank underneath.