A denim jacket works with almost everything in a man's closet. It is casual without looking sloppy, and it layers easily under and over other pieces. Here are five ways to wear one, plus what to know before you choose between a classic jacket and a sherpa-lined one.
Classic or sherpa-lined
Most denim jackets follow the trucker shape: a short body that ends at the waist or hip, a button front, flap chest pockets and a pointed collar. The big choice is what goes inside.
- Classic. A plain denim jacket with a light cotton lining or none at all. It is the trimmer option, sits close to the body and layers under other coats. Buy this one first if you want the most outfit options.
- Sherpa-lined. A denim shell lined with sherpa, a soft, thick fleece pile, usually through the body and at the collar. The fleece collar is the look. It adds volume through the chest and arms, so treat it as your outer layer, over a tee, shirt or thin knit.
- Flannel-lined. A middle ground: a plaid flannel lining that shows when the jacket is worn open, with less bulk than sherpa.
The wash matters too. Dark blue and black look smarter. Light blue is more relaxed and looks best with darker pants. Our denim jackets collection has all three linings, in slim, classic, workwear and oversized cuts.
Five ways to wear it
1. With a white tee and chinos
The simplest outfit, and still one of the best. A white or gray tee, khaki or olive chinos, and clean white sneakers or desert boots. A mid or dark wash looks sharpest here. Roll the sleeves once if the cuffs feel long.
2. Double denim, done right
Denim with denim works when the two pieces clearly do not match. Pair a light blue jacket with dark blue or black jeans, or a black jacket with mid blue jeans. Keep the tee or shirt plain and in a third color, such as white, gray or navy, to break up the denim. Avoid matching washes top and bottom, which looks like a suit you did not mean to wear.
3. Over a hoodie
A gray or navy hoodie under a classic denim jacket, with the hood out over the collar, makes an easy weekend outfit. Choose a jacket with a little room through the body, such as a relaxed or oversized cut, so the hoodie does not bunch. Finish with jeans in a different wash, or black pants, and sneakers.
4. Under an overcoat
A slim, classic denim jacket can stand in for a blazer under a mid-thigh or long overcoat. It gives a tailored coat a relaxed edge. Wear it over a knit or an oxford shirt, with dark jeans or chinos and boots. Keep the denim jacket trim, because a sherpa-lined one is too bulky to sit under a coat. A single-breasted cut from our overcoats collection suits this well.
5. With a sweater and smarter pants
For a smart casual day, wear a dark denim jacket over a fine crew-neck sweater or a collared shirt, with gray wool pants or dark chinos, and dress shoes or boots. The jacket keeps the outfit relaxed, while the pants and shoes keep it sharp. A sherpa-lined jacket works here too, over a collared shirt, with the fleece collar as the one bold note.
Layering notes
- A denim jacket should end at the waist or hip. A shirt hem showing an inch below is fine. A long hoodie or overshirt hanging well below looks untidy.
- A classic jacket goes under most longer coats with a little room, such as an overcoat, a trench coat or a relaxed parka.
- A sherpa-lined jacket is your outer layer. Build the outfit underneath it, not over it.
- Keep one piece plain. If the jacket has bold stitching or embroidery, wear a solid tee or shirt with it.
Getting the size right
A denim jacket should fit close at the shoulders, with the seam at the edge of your shoulder and the sleeves ending at your wrist bone. Fasten the front: it should close without pulling across the chest. Oversized and relaxed cuts are roomier on purpose, so the shoulder seam may sit past yours.
Every product page has a general size chart in inches, from XS to XXXL. Fit varies by style, so read the description for the cut. If you are between sizes, or plan to wear a hoodie or thick knit underneath, size up.
When it arrives, try it on indoors with the tags still attached. If the fit is not right, you have 50 days from delivery to start a return or ask for an exchange. Email support@wolfandcoat.com first with your order number and we will reply with the steps. The full terms are in our refund policy.
