There’s nothing like a good denim piece- this quality, classic fabric is both comfortable and versatile. Just about every kind of garment has been cut from denim at one point or another. It’s durable, and so easy to wear; it can be dressed up or down easily. While blue jeans are the hands-down winner when it comes the most popular denim clothing, there’s another piece that comes in at a very close second: the jean jacket.
Jean jackets, while perhaps not as ubiquitous as their pant counterpart, are equally versatile and give off a similar classic and casual vibe. It is a piece nearly everyone has in his or her closet, because it looks great on, yes, just about everyone. From hipsters to celebrities; each one sports their own version of this sartorial staple.
Japanese Origins
Denim outerwear has been around for a surprisingly long time- way before Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake sported those memorable all-jean ensembles back in the 90’s. In fact, while we consider jean jackets to be an all-American look, denim (and subsequently jackets cut from it) did not quite originate in the United States. In order to find the jean jacket’s true roots, we need to go back in time to the mid 19th century- more specifically, the Edo Period in Japan.
Back in the 1800’s, skilled Japanese craftsmen mastered the arts of indigo dyeing and denim weaving. These beautiful, high-quality fabrics were used in a variety of objects, clothing in particular. Back in the Edo period, firemen wore a special kind of denim jacket as a part of their work wear. This coat, known as Hanten, was woven from naturally flame-resistant wool (prior to the invention of safer materials) and dyed in indigo. These indigo images indicated which fire squad the person belonged to, and formed symbols that inspired luck and bravery.
French Origins
Another early iteration of the jean jacket emerged a bit closer to America, but was still located across the pond in France. The garment was known as the “Bleu de Travail” or “work blue.” The jacket was dyed in brilliant indigo blue and distinguished a worker from a boss (those higher up the ladder wore a white or grey shirt or jacket). In terms of cut and function, these pieces were quite similar to what we recognize today as a jean jacket. However, despite being cut from cotton canvas, the fabric of the Bleu de Travail was a bit different from today’s denim.
Levi Strauss
Soon after, in the late 1800’s, designer Levi Strauss created the “working blouse,” which was essentially a preview of the jean jacket as we know it. Cowboys, who preferred denim because of its durability, as well as the fact that it happened to look great, were big fans of the garment. Once the 1900’s rolled around, Levi’s introduced another iteration- the “Type I” jacket. This style was simple, but was essentially what everyone would recognize today as a classic jean jacket. The design featured a single front pocket and buckle cinch in the back.
From then on, denim jackets became increasingly incorporated into both work and leisure wear. In the early 1900’s, the U.S. Army issued “working blues,” which included either a denim jacket or work suit. The US Navy issued denim fatigues as well. Levi’s began to introduce lighter weight jackets into it’s western line. The company also put out a denim jacket for women in the 1940’s, popularized by Marilyn Monroe. By the 1950’s, jean jackets had exploded in popularity as a fashion item, frequently worn by youth and celebrities alike. Singer Bing Crosby was nearly barred from checking into a hotel due to his too-casual head to toe denim ensemble. The incident prompted Levi’s to craft one of Crosby’s most outrageous outfits: a tuxedo cut entirely from denim.
Twentieth Century America
From the 1970’s onward, the jean jacket took a turn from an all-American work wear piece to a symbol of rebellion. Films such as “Easy Rider,” and “Little Fauss and Big Halsy” helped to cement the jacket’s association in mainstream media with biker and trucker culture. In the 80’s, artists including Madonna and Debbie Harry rocked their own versions of the denim jacket- typically embellished to suit their individual styles. 1980’s denim looks were often decked out with spikes and patches to that made up the “punk” look. In the 90’s heyday of denim-everything, jackets came in a variety of styles. Typical features were acid or light stone washes, over-sized silhouettes, and distressed patches.
Modern Day
Today, you can try pretty much any style of jean jacket to suit your taste. But lately it seems that the runways are going back to basics- basic, classic styles and vintage pieces are especially on trend right now. It makes sense- the original, quintessential denim jacket is timeless.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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
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.