Choosing a Denim Jacket: The Details Make a Difference

The denim jacket is a staple in many wardrobes. It’s a fashion classic in many ways; it’s around decade after decade and can be a great item to throw over so many outfits. It’s a wardrobe staple for many, so let’s make sure you buy the right ones for you.

So how do you choose the right version for you? It’s all in the details.

1. Denim Jacket Shape

The standard shape is a pretty good shape for a lot of bodies. The vertical seaming through the body provides elongating lines through the torso. Look for a style where the seams create a little waist shaping and that the style isn’t overly boxy.

Denim jackets also come in a variety of other styles, from ones with peplums, which are great for waisted body shapes – the 8 Shape in particular, but also work well for A shapes and X shapes. Best avoided by O shapes and H shapes.

Belted version, also great for the waisted body shapes as the belt highlights your waist.

Boxier styles work better on those who don’t have a waist to highlight, so ideal for O shapes.

2. Denim Jacket Pockets

Consider the pocket style and size.

Pockets on the bust can make your bust appear larger. Traditionally, denim jackets have a pocket flap on the bust pocket, which isn’t ideal for large-busted women; but because the pockets tend to sit high up, styles without a flap are even better.

If you find a style with patch pockets at the waist, this is fine if you have a waist, but not great for those without one, such as H shapes and O shapes. The standard pocket in the vertical seam is the best option to look for.

The joy of a denim jacket with a vertical pocket on the seam is that the way they are constructed creates an inside pocket that is the perfect size for carrying your phone and even passport (which is why I frequently travel wearing a denim jacket).

3. Denim Jacket Sleeves and Shoulders

Standard sleeves work well for most, but you may find dropped shoulders on boxier styles that will have a narrowing effect, not great for A shapes but good for V shapes.

A raglan sleeve is a less common option and is great for your V shape too.

A puffed sleeve adds breadth to your shoulders, so great if you want to balance broader hips (like the A shape) or have sloping shoulders you’d like to look more square. V-shapes should avoid them if they already feel too broad in the shoulders.

If you want to learn more about jacket sleeve styles, read this post.

Just remember the deeper the armhole, the broader your torso appears. Check out my post on this here.

4. Denim Jacket Collars

Your regular style collar is easy to wear (which is why it’s such a fashion classic); it works for both smaller and larger busts.

A high round neckline, mandarin collar or military-style collar is much better for those with smaller busts and will overemphasise a larger bust.

5. Denim Jacket Length

Cropped lengths work well for X, A, I and 8 shapes and for V and H when worn over a dress or a wide skirt or trousers.

The proportions of the dress mean the shorter shape works better than a longer shape.

High hip (the more standard length) can be worn by most shapes and with many styles of clothing, from wide-leg pants and fit-and-flare silhouettes to a pencil or straight skirt.

Lower hip lengths are best for V shapes, I shapes, and O shapes. Best avoided by anyone who doesn’t want to draw attention to their hips.

6. Denim Jacket Colour and Style

There are more colour options than just denim blue.

If you have darker hair, opt for darker denims, and if you have blonde or silver hair go for lighter denims. That said, don’t ignore the denim style jackets that are not in blue. A neutral or coloured one can add a lot of versatiity to your wardrobe, particularly if it’s in a signature neutral or colour.

And then there are the decorated options. From leopard print to collar and cuff decorations (and you can also do them yourself – there are many inspiring videos to give you ideas) to painted, embroidered and embellished.