How To Wear Denim Jackets (15 Fresh Ways)

cheap jackets

It really feels as if denim jackets have truly made a full swing back into the world of fashion. Standing at the forefront of menswear, there are plenty of ways that jean jackets can be worn. They are a versatile piece in fashion, allowing people to save money by purchasing cheap jean jackets from thrift outlets and giving everyone the chance to look good. Ranging from a grunge look to business casual, denim jackets have a place in all outlets of fashion! Men in denim jackets always have managed to stay fresh, rocking some of the best outfits in the game. With that being said, let’s break down 15 fresh ways for men to rock them.

With Dark Distressed Jeans

If you think about it, jean jackets tend to mostly be made from light denim. To add a pop of color and spice, we suggest throwing on a pair of dark distressed jeans! Distressed jeans help give an outfit that specific grunge look, with the rips adding a flair of carelessness to the bottom half of the outfit. The dark color also complements the jacket alongside the rips, as it allows the denim to pop more amongst the rest of the outfit. It is definitely a look for some! Men in denim jackets are able to throw on a pair of dark distressed jeans and leave the house knowing they look fresh.

Throw On A Hoodie Underneath

This is a look that works with almost anything. Hooded jackets underneath a denim jacket add a nice element to the outfit; you get the comfort and warmth of a hoodie while still looking fresh. Most colored hoodies can suffice, but some that look especially good are white, black, and pink. With a white hoodie, the jacket is able to pop and still attract attention to the bright elements underneath. The same goes for a pink hoodie against bright denim. Black hoodies provide a more subtle look, as the dark color takes attention away from the top of the outfit. Nevertheless, a hoodie is always a go-to option when trying to style a jean jacket! Nine times out of ten, it always looks really fresh. 

With Regular Black Jeans

If you’re hankering for a more subtle look (while still trying to maintain a grunge vibe), regular black jeans should be your go-to. Personally, this look is my go-to. The smooth black shade all the way down the pants is a perfect complement to a denim jean jacket. Although it is denim on denim, which could be a big “no-no” when it comes to trends, the stark difference in colors manages to make for a great outfit. Top it off with a light-colored shirt or hooded jacket, and you are golden.

With a Nice Pair of Khakis

Khakis coupled with a jean jacket may sound a bit weird at first! We suggest topping this fit off with either a dark or light-colored shirt or sweatshirt (the look will pull itself together quite nicely). The khakis add a professional touch, while the jean jacket keeps the streetwear look intact. Both can create a nice mix between well-dressed and stylish for all men in denim jackets.

With A Graphic Tee

A graphic tee is a great way to spice up an outfit, especially when it comes to a denim jacket. There are plenty of different graphic-tee styles that help complement denim jackets quite nicely. Vintage band-tees provide more of a “grunge and underground” look, and modern tees bring that “current” look to the table. They also add a splash of color to the outfit regardless of what bottoms you’re wearing! We like this look because graphic tees usually have bright and eye-catching designs that draw attention to your outfit.

Wear It Over A Flannel

Flannel is an excellent way to bring flair to an outfit. When sitting underneath the denim jacket, the flannel “peeks out” in a way that attracts attention to the outfit. Showing a small amount of color can make for a somewhat loud outfit throughout. The jean jacket helps keep the outfit a bit more subtle, however, with the solid blue denim color. You can also spice the outfit up with a cutoff flannel just like John Bender did in The Breakfast Club, but that isn’t necessarily needed to keep everything together. 

Rock It With An Overcoat

This look is for someone trying to be a bit more sophisticated! We think the overcoat really keeps everything more dapper and fresh. The jean jacket takes a backseat in an outfit like this, while the overcoat takes the center of attention. With a lighter color, it makes the outfit pop (especially in the winter amongst the more dull colors). A dark-colored overcoat also works better in the colder months, helping the outfit blend-in with the muted surroundings. The jean jacket brings the look together, as well. When the denim jacket is buttoned, the blue jean material brings a special dynamic to the fit (the clash in materials makes everything look sophisticated and proper). Men in denim jackets can benefit from this special look not seen often on the runway.

With A Pair Of High-Tops

High-tops bring a unique element to an outfit with a jean jacket. Shoes such as Doc Martens and Nike SF Air Force 1 High are able to shine with a “tallness” that draws more attention than the jean jacket. The jacket is still a good look, always being able to mesh well with high-tops without that much of an issue. This look gives off that “grunge and heavy” vibe that is fun to put together.

With A Turtleneck

A turtleneck provides a nice look when mixed with a denim jacket and fresh bottoms. The turtleneck allows the wearer to look a bit more professional while maintaining some streetwear elements. It isn’t too proper! We think solid-colored turtlenecks clash well with blue rough denim jackets. Jewelry can be added to the look but isn’t necessary. Men in denim jackets should capitalize on this look as it continues to make its emergence in streetwear. 

 

With A Neck Full Of Jewelry

No matter what is underneath the denim jacket, you can always give it a bit of a “boost” with a neck full of jewelry. The ice attracts plenty of attention to the top of the outfit, and the rest of the outfit is able to capitalize on that attraction. You could wear a simple cuban link piece along with a Jesus piece; the crazier the pendant the more the outfit will pop! 

 

With A Plain T-Shirt

You can’t go wrong with a plain t-shirt. Regardless of color, the simple look of a t-shirt coupled with a nice denim jacket makes for a classic look. It is a great example of less being more and looking good without all of the extra elements or pieces. If you keep the jacket open, it will create a relaxed look. If you want a more “put together” vibe, try buttoning it all the way up and letting a pop of color shine (at the bottom) with the t-shirt. 

 

Distress the Denim Jacket

If you really want to pull off the grunge look, a distressed jacket is the way to go. Distressing a denim jacket gives it a sense of character, with every rip and bleach mark being different from the last. You can lighten the jacket as well, pairing it with a completely different color palette and adding versatility to your closet. 

 

Wear It With A Button-Down

A button-down can give off the same vibe as a flannel, adding a bit more sophistication. The top couples well with the jean jacket, mixing an office look with urban wear. This look isn’t everyone’s cup of tea! When put in the right hands, we think it can be pulled off really well. If you want to get more of a street look while still maintaining the sophistication of a button-down, try this!

With A Bomber Jacket Over It

This look can be hard for some to pull off, as the denim jacket once again takes a backseat to the bomber jacket. The denim jacket peeks out and brings a nice flair to the outfit, while the bomber jacket tops it off with more of a “techwear” look. When paired with black pants and subtle sneakers, this bomber jacket look over the jean jacket makes for a unique, more futuristic outfit. 

Bring Together A Hooded Jacket and A Graphic Tee

You need to try this one if you want to bring a powerful dynamic to your outfit (three to four layers all working together to keep everything looking fresh and clean). You can wear different colors throughout the layers allowing everything to speak for itself. The graphic of the t-shirt will draw attention to the outfit, while the hoodie keeps you warm, bringing more to the table than some of the other looks. 

What do you think of these 15 fresh ways to wear denim jackets? Do you have a favorite way of wearing jean jackets? Any looks you agree or disagree with on this list? Let us know what you think in the comment section. If you want more streetwear content in your feed, including some of the freshest looks in fashion, then go ahead and follow our Instagram @audiblwav. We keep you entertained and up-to-date with the hottest streetwear and music news and content, including sneaker shots, concert videos, daily song suggestions, and more! You absolutely do not want to miss out, so make sure to check it out.