Time to ditch the heavy outerwear this spring and move forward with a versatile denim jacket. Denim brands like True Religion, Levi’s and Carhartt are just a few brands that have really made the push to update their already iconic denim jackets and make them staples for menswear today. Once synonymous with truckers, 80’s break dancers and coal miner types, today; denim jackets have become increasingly popular with everyone from high schoolers to fashion industry pros. Guys, brace your self. Wearing a denim jacket is still cool, contrary to popular belief. These are a some things to consider when looking for the perfect denim jacket.
Tips to buying a denim jacket:
- In terms of sizing, your denim jacket and suit jacket should be the same size.
- The bottom of your jacket should right at your waist
- In terms of distressing (refer to weathered/aged look), it is best find a truly old/original jacket that shows real wear and tear, however; purchasing a jacket with slight distressing on elbow, pocket and shoulders seams is appropriate.
- If going with traditional retail is too costly for your budget, try your local thrift store or consignment shop
- Sites like Ebay or online vintage shops are a great place to find a well priced denim jacket
Overall Style Tips:
- Denim jackets are great for layering in the spring/fall months. Add cardigan, hoodies or a rugby shirt to your denim jacket look
- Wear your denim jacket and get it dirty (it adds character)
- Mix a denim jacket with chinos, wool pants or cords
- You can add a pocket square to your left breast pocket (this style isn’t for everyone, but at least you can say you gave it a try)
- Roll up your sleeves
1. Denim Jacket & Turtleneck
True Religion Denim Jacket Available via Neiman Marcus King of Prussia Mall Location – Fine Gauge Turtleneck Sweater by Banana Republic – Light-weight cords by Tommy Hilfiger
Pairing a denim jacket with a turtleneck sweater is a great combination for early spring. Even though we wish it would instantly be in the 70 to 80 degree range as soon as the first day of spring hits, it is clear from some of the 45 degree days that occurred that we are still transition into spring. This works well from day to night and can be worn in a casual Friday setting, depending on how casual your place of work may be.
2. Going Super Preppy
(Disclaimer: This is a look made to inspire, do not to rock this look verbatim!)
Adobe color jeans by J.Brand and True Religion Denim Jacket available via Neiman Marcus King of Prussia Mall Location – Canvas White Sneakers by Lands End Canvas
A prep inspired look can definitely be complemented by a denim jacket. Since most prep inspired looks are some what whimsical, a denim jacket adds a bit of edge to this “school-boy” kind of look.
Plaid bowtie by Gitman Bros for Neiman Marcus available at the King of Prussia Mall – Rugby Shirt by Banana Republic – Oxford Button Down White Shirt by Frank & Oak
3. Hoodie and a Denim Jacket
V-neck t-shirt and navy chinos by H&M – Captoe boots by Asos – Belt – Strap From Duffle bag – Green Fraternity hoodie – Denim Jacket by True Religion available at Neiman Marcus King of Prussia Mall Location
Photo Credit: Marina T. Peele
Best,
Sabir
Twitter @MensStylePro
SP,
I see you making your mark on the blog scene! Love the recent collaboration with the style blogger. Keep up the strong work and representing for those of us looking for deals! Everyone needs a denim jacket. Great looks. When are we gonna get the SP and Wale O. collaboration? That needs to happen ASAP’
Be Well!
Hey Carter,
Thanks for the kind words. Wale O and myself will prob get together in the future to put something epic together.
– Sabir
That jacket is easily one of the coolest, least offensive pieces True Religion has offered up. Nice combos!
Hey Kamau,
I definitely agree with you about the general overdone nature of True Religion pieces. When I saw it, I knew it need to be featured because of that exact reason, plus it fits amazingly.
GREAT PIECE MAN….ENJOYED IT…LOVE THE STYLE TIPS….
Hi Rye,
Thanks for dropping by and for all of the recent support.
– Sabir
Sabir,
The preppy look in the post was awesome. I really like how you throw in one unexpected piece of clothing to a quintessential pretty outfit to completely change the “attitude” of the look. For lack of a better term, the demin jacket turned that look into badass preppy.
Hi Klstreet,
I am happy that you like the preppy look. What I wanted to do with this look was two things:
1. Show the prepster how to had a little bit of edge to their look, also;
2. To show the non-prep that you can be preppy without being a too “douchey”
Thanks for dropping in,
Sabir
Sabir,
I was wondering if you ever run into the problem of being ridiculed for your style? I dress along the same lines that you do and am constantly catching flack from friends and co workers. These of course are the same people that dress like shit. (oversized polos, jeans with hems that are ripped because they’ve stepped on them for years, moonboot sneakers, etc…). I personally love my style and don’t see anything wrong with it. Just wondering if you get shit too and how you handle it.
Hi Jose,
The funny thing is most people don’t give me crap for being stylish especially because I dress more on the professional side than those gimmicky dudes that claim to be stylish. I do have one male coworker that comments on my stuff in a real backhanded way, but, I sense a bit of jealousy (yeah I called him out). The one thing I will always hold constant is not to rub my style or someone’s lack there of. Keep styling and just be humble.
Best,
Sabir
Are the buttons on the opposite side? Any idea why they would do that?
Hey,
The buttons actually snap. But, they are fashion to look like regular buttons. In short, yes those button are on opposite side because it gives the same look as a traditional button jacket in terms of fabric overlay with closed.
Best,
Sabir
Any advice for someone like me who has a very light colored Tattered denim jacket? I noticed all of your pictures had darker blues and I’m just now learning about versatility (pictures help a lot). Thanks for your time I enjoyed the read!
Aaron, I have a denim jacket in all three shades. A rigid denim, a medium kind of beat up jacket, and a light colored jacket and I use them all the time. One of my favorite layering pieces, especially living in Florida where that’s about as heavy as you can go for a jacket. Having said that there’s a lot you can do. You can keep everything light. For instance you can do a white button down and some khakis. throw a navy blue bandana in one of the front chest pockets and you’re set. You can go dark and wear a navy shirt with some brown pants. you can go casual and pair it with a tshirt and dark denim (the shades are different so it’s no canadian tux). I personally like to wear my beat up denim jacket with a dress shirt, slim tie, and slim slacks. I just like the contrast of something casual and beat up with something professional and clean.
Huge fan of the hoodie-under-denim jacket combo. Great looks all around though…and those boots are awesome.
I’m not sure how a google image search for “oak transition 45 degree” led me here, but I’m glad it did.
Hi Pepe,
I’m happy that your Google search lead you to Men’s Style Pro even if it were originally trying to find out how to miter wood.
Best,
Sabir
For people interested, there is a site where you can buy men’s Jacket and coats.
http://www.brandstair.com/product-category/men/jacket-and-coats/