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The Insider Pick:
Every woman needs a classic jean jacket in her wardrobe. Our top pick is the Gap Icon Denim Jacket because it’s affordable, well made, and pairs perfectly with everything in your closet.
A denim jacket is a classic piece of outerwear that should be a staple in every woman’s closet. The versatile jacket can be layered over everything from fancy dresses to oversized sweaters. Denim jackets have a way of making even your most laid-back pieces like hoodies and leggings look polished and pulled together.
While denim trends change seasonally, a tailored jean jacket in a classic wash, without embellishments, rips, or holes, is a timeless all-American piece that will never go out of style. Since outerwear is typically more expensive than other items of clothing, it certainly helps that denim jackets tend to look better and feel more comfortable with age — You only have to buy a jean jacket once.
Whether you are looking for a traditional fitted topper, a jacket with a little bit of stretch, or even a high-tech option, we've got you covered.
Read on in the slides below to learn why the Gap Icon Denim Jacket is our top pick, and why you might also like the high-tech Levi’s Commuter X Jacquard By Google, the roomy Madewell Oversized Denim Jacket, the affordable Wrangler Authentics Women’s Denim Jacket, or the plus-size Torrid Distressed Denim Jacket.
SEE ALSO: The best women's skinny jeans you can buy
The best jean jacket overall
Why you'll love it: The Gap Icon Denim Jacket is a high-quality jacket that fits well and can easily be dressed up or down.
Gap has been synonymous with quality denim for decades, and it shows in the Icon Denim Jacket. The topper is made with the Gap’s premium 1969 non-stretch denim in a medium indigo wash that will easily match the rest of your wardrobe.
The 100% cotton jacket features two chest patch pockets with button-flap closures, a spread collar, and silver buttons down the front. Its straight silhouette lays flat against the body and lands right at the hip.
Buyers love this well-made jacket. More than 400 reviewers gave the Gap Icon 5 stars. One shopper named Darcy from Los Angeles wrote, “I tried on several others from big names, but none came close to the quality, fit, and comfort of this one! The color is wonderful — a great medium blue that goes with everything — and the cut is terrific.”
Some buyers did say that the jacket ran a little small so be sure to check the size chart before shopping. The sleek Icon Denim Jacket ranges in size from XS to XXL and it also comes in Tall and Petite sizes.
Pros: Affordable, well-made, versatile, fits well, a wide range of sizes
Cons: Can run small
Buy the Gap Icon Denim Jacket for $69.95
The best high-tech jean jacket
Why you'll love it: The Levi’s Commuter X Jacquard By Google is a high-tech take on a classic denim jacket that allows you to link the jacket to your phone for music controls and more.
There’s a reason why Levi’s has been a go-to denim brand for more than 150 years. The brand is known for producing stylish yet durable pieces that stand the test of time. Now with theLevi’s Commuter X Jacquard By Google, the brand has given its iconic Trucker Jacket a futuristic upgrade.
Levi’s enlisted the help of Google to engineer a conductive Jacquard Thread that links your phone to the jacket via Bluetooth. Once you attach the chargeable snap tag to the conductive thread in the jacket, you can control music, screen phone calls, or get directions with just the tap or swipe of your sleeve.
The jacket lived up to the hype when we on the Insider Picks team tested it. Amir Ismael liked the many high-tech functions, including the flashlight, Find Your Phone feature, and Navigation app. All of the jacket's features make commuting more enjoyable, but more importantly, Amir liked that the jacket was so comfortable and stylish that no one noticed that it was a high-tech gadget.
Each Commuter X jacket comes with a one-year warranty and can be washed up to 10 times once the snap tag is removed from the cuff. Sizes range from XS-XL. You can get the same Trucker Jacket style for $50 to $65 if you don't want to go all-out on the high-tech version.
Pros: Stylish, high-tech, connects to phone, comfortable, one-year warranty
Cons: Expensive
Buy the Levi’s Commuter X Jacquard By Google for $350
Buy the Levi’s Trucker Jacket without smarts for $49.98 (originally $64.50)
The best oversized jean jacket
Why you'll love it: The Madewell Oversized Denim Jacket is a stylish, on-trend jacket that is comfortable, roomy, and super soft.
Oversized denim jackets have been trending for a while now, so it makes sense that Madewell's oversized denim jacket is so highly reviewed. The jacket is designed to look and feel like a men’s vintage jean jacket, but it’s dimensions are tailored to perfectly fit a woman.
Made with 100% Turkish cotton from the renowned Orta mill, the jacket features matte silver hardware and contrast stitching. You can even monogram up to nine letters on the jacket for just $10 more. The service is free for Madewell Insiders.
Around 95% of buyers recommend the jacket, and it has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on the brand’s website. One buyer named Darcy from Los Angeles commented “I fell in love with this jacket the moment I set eyes on it. I had been looking for something different from the usual fitted, somewhat cropped style. This oversized, longer, roomy jacket was it, with a terrific wash, slit pockets, and even secret deep INTERIOR pockets.”
Reviewers did warn if you are tall or have long arms, you should go a size up, as the sleeves can run short. The jacket comes in a classic indigo wash, as well as black. Sizes run from XXS to XXL.
Pros: On-trend, well made, durable, comfortable, soft
Cons: Sleeves can run short, expensive
Buy the Madewell Oversized Denim Jacket for $128
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