There are few spring staples that carry as much wear-ability as a good denim jacket. Similar to your go-to moto leather jacket or a great trench, a denim jacket can be one of the most useful and stylish layers to reach for as the weather changes from winter to spring.
No matter if you’re looking for a traditional non-stretch cotton denim jacket, a cropped style that gives your high-waist pants a moment to shine or a vest with a little more layering potential, the best denim jackets are hard to find. Not getting What’s more, you don’t have to opt for traditional blue denim. “A black denim jacket is a wardrobe staple,” says the NYC-based. stylist Desiree Miranda, “You can achieve that effortless ‘off-duty cool-girl’ look by pairing it with black jeans or leather pants and a white or striped shirt underneath.”
Luckily, you don’t have to drop a ton of cash on a traditional staple to find one that’s stylish and warm. We turned to the experts—the editors, stylists, and influencers who try on hundreds of new items a month—to find the best denim jackets under $100 for spring. Ahead, 20 of the best to shop.
“I love the wash of this jacket,” says impressive ryan langus, who recently relocated from LA to NYC. “I’d wear this as a top paired with dark-wash denim with a layered long coat over the top.”
“I’m really particular with my denim jackets—size is very important!” They say indya brown, a stylist and editor. “I go for short or cropped lengths because most of my pants are high-waisted, so the proportions feel really intentional and fun.”
“Levi’s premium ’90s trucker jacket is a timeless and comfortable shape, meaning both dressy and casual ensembles are infused with effortless cool,” says Impressive Mandy Madden Kelly, who is also the owner of the jewelry brand Pajeri. “What makes it so special is its versatility – it looks equally great over a floaty dress, or paired with skinny jeans and sneakers for a streetwear look. In fact, the jacket only Improves with wear, showing age in the form of fading, torn threads and unique fades that are not common in the two piece.Combination of classic design, durable materials and the fact that it goes with almost anything makes it an essential addition to any wardrobe.”
“I’m always inspired by that classic California 1970s aesthetic,” says the recent LA-to-NYC transplant Kathryn Zahorak, “I blame it on growing up in the Golden State. I love a slightly masculine oversized fit for jackets. Stiff dark wash denim. Love to pair with vintage Levi’s or a bold maxi dress.
“It’s a perfect staple from Topshop’s collection at Nordstrom and the slightly cropped look is definitely a flattering style on all body types,” says Miranda.
Surely You’ve Seen the Return of the Denim Vest on Your Feed Lately—And This Pick Influencer and entrepreneur Elisa Coscarelli My favorite too. Layer it over a tee for a casual vibe, or for a night out.
“Cider’s short denim jacket is my new obsession,” says Munta Carmina, influential person in Romania who goes @carminamnt, “An essential addition to your wardrobe. I love the unique design that you don’t see everyday,” says Carmina, who will pair this jacket with a “denim crop top, black cargo pants, and Dr. Martens boots.”
influencer Pauline Leclerc, who goes by the handle @honeypopisays she “loves a classic, oversized and dark=colored denim jacket for a change from a classic denim jacket. I’d rock it with a long skirt and a pair of gazelles or sambas and a classic white shirt “
Nail the ’00s revival with this denim shrug that’s all over Instagram and TikTok.
“One of my favorite denim jackets is the Opal Swing Denim Jacket from Free People,” says North Carolina-based influencer Koba Pardo, “I love how timeless and chic this jacket is. It also features a beautiful distressed denim wash that can be worn year-round. It’s a perfect oversize fit but doesn’t look baggy. Plus, it’s versatile and can be dressed up or down Can be worn. This is a great piece to have if you’re trying to build a capsule wardrobe at an affordable price.
“This oversized dark denim blue jacket from H&M is an easy piece to use for the transitional seasons going from fall to winter and spring to summer,” says Miranda. “Oversized denim jackets are great for when you want to add another piece, and don’t overwork” over athleisure for a fun day look.
This zip-up denim jacket is made from thick-dense denim, which gives it that vintage look you’ve seen across your feed.
“I also love an oversize silhouette, like this denim jacket from Topshop,” says Brown. “It’s dark denim with a balloon shape and looks totally very expensive.”
“I love Everlane denim because it’s reliable and affordable,” says Abby Price, founder of shop residence, “I wear this light wash style constantly,”
LA-Based Influencers and model lorraine thompson We love this white-wash denim jacket from Revolve because it’s perfect for transitional weather.
“I usually prefer a bomber style but I love the way this dark wash jacket goes with everything,” says Coscarelli.
A favorite of influencers from LA to NYC, Azalea Wang creates separates and accessories that feel like one-of-a-kind pieces for every day. This cropped jacket is no exception.
Leclercq also recommends “a denim crop jacket to go with all your looks—especially over a long dress on summer nights.”
“Cropped denim jackets are so versatile, it’s one you can use over your summer dress or skirt outfit,” says Miranda. “Plus, it’s so easy to pull off an over casual look. This one from Abercrombie is a great option, primarily cotton and with a little elastane to be extra cozy.
One of Amazon’s top-rated denim jackets is also an impressive favorite: this sherpa-lined denim style from Levi’s.
