The Modern Denim Jacket Alternative
Fall is right around the corner, and I know I am not the only grown-ass woman who finds herself reaching for a denim jacket to keep those sundresses and tanks wearable as the temps drop. This year, when it comes to denim jackets, you have serious options. Don't hold yourself back with a classic silhouette; the 2025 denim jacket may better fit your personal style and personality!
The Modern Denim Jacket Alternative
Top row, left to right: one (XXS-XXL & petite/tall) | two (XS-5X) | three (XS-L) | four (XS-XL)
Bottom row: one (12W-24W) | two (XS-XXL) | three (XS-4X & petite/tall) | four (XXS-XL)
Denim Bomber
Think denim jacket with panache. It's a hybrid with a bomber jacket, or a moto jacket, or a shacket. It's a glammed-out chore jacket, or incorporates the bubble hem trend, or has statement shoulders and/or a statement collar. It's quilted o9r patched or embroidered. It's taking a utilitarian garment and making it a form of art. And this switch-up helps it transcend trends, making it just as versatile as its classic cousin, but a lot more fun.
Top row: one (XS-XL) | two (XXS-XL) | three (1X-4X) | four (XS-XL)
Middle row: one (XXS-3X) | two (XXS-XXL & petite) | three (XS-L)
Bottom row: one (XXS-XXL & petite/tall) | two (XS-XL) | three (XS-XL) | four (XS-XL)
Quilted Denim Jacket
Earlier this year, I wrote about alternatives to the denim jacket, but now that current trends have stabilized, it's clear that the way forward is an alternative to the classic denim jacket, but still with a focus on denim. Perusing the current styles available, I saw some clear trends and wanted to share with you.
You will find a lot of these looks aren't brand new. In fact, you may have them in your closet, are able to thrift them, or even upcycle an existing jacket to give it new life in a modern way.
Top row, left to right: one (12/14-28/30) | two (XXS-XXL) | three (XS-XL) | four (S-XL)
Middle row: one (XXS-XXL) | two (XXS-3X & petite) | three (XXS-XXL & petite/tall)
Bottom row: one (2-12) | two (XS-XL) | three (XXS-XXL) | four (XXS-XL)
Collarless Denim
Most denim jackets this fall are stonewashed to rinse in color, bit you will find some faded, distressed, and tints. There is also a lot of mixing of washes, with some pieces of the jacket lighter or darker than the others.
Top row: one (14W-24W) | two (XXS-XL) | three (XS-XL) | four (XS-XL)
Middle row: one (00-20) | two (XXS-XXL & petite) | three (XS-XL)
Bottom row: one (XXS-XXL & petite) | two (XS-XL) | three (XXS-XXL) | four (XS-4X & petite/tall)
Chore and Field
The Canadian Tuxedo is still going strong, and it's up to you whether you want to match perfectly or mix washes. My suggestion is either have a perfect match, or have serious contrast so it's clear you're not trying to match. Keep it cohesive with a similar finish (chambray with chambray, rinse with rinse, acid or stone wash with the same).
Top row: one (XXS-XXL) | two (XXS-XXL) | three (XS-XXL) | four (XS-L)
Middle row: one (XXS-XXL & petite/tall) | two (16W-22W) | three (XXS-XXL)
Bottom row: one (XS-XXL) | two (S-5XL) | three (0/2-20/22) | four (XS-XL)
Atypical Denim Jacket
This is not the year of rolling up your denim jacket sleeves. If the sleeves are too long, consider getting the jacket tailored, or use something to keep the sleeves pushed up. If like me, your arms are too full for rubber bands, slim scunchies like these are a comfortable alternative. Push up the jacket and slip the scrunchie over the jacket where you want the ruching to end (above, in the middle or below your elbow) and adjust the sleeve to cover it up.
Top row, left to right: one (XS-XL) | two (XS-XL) | three (32-42) | four (XS-XXL)
Middle row: one (XXS-XL) | two (XXXS-3X)
Bottom row: one (XS-XL) | two (XS-L) | three (XS-XXL & petite/tall) | four (XS-XXL & petite/tall)
And if you still love your traditional denim jacket, rock it with confidence. Do know that you will find the looser, oversized, and more creatively cut denim jackets to feel the most modern, and the fitted, cropped, and stretchy versions a bit dated. But it's all about how to style it that determines if it is a hit or a miss. And in 2025, style is about confidence. If that jacket gives you confidence, you and it will look great.
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Ideas for outfit styling these beyond what you listed here? I prefer to not do denim with denim but think it’s a bit casual for my workplace. Colored trousers, patterned shirts?
I will share more looks over the season. But this year, denim is going with everything from silk to corduroy. Pair longer jackets with slimmer trousers, shorter jackets look great with the wide leg and barrel leg trends this fall. Stripes and texture prints like snakeskin, leopard, and houndstooth are a safe bet, but florals and paisleys can look dated with denim; I’d keep such prints on the bottom half and if in doubt stick to solid on the top under the jacket. Pretty much any color goes with denim, but this fall lean into rich autumnal tones like chocolate brown, camel, rust, garnet, teal, dark greens, and purples.
Hello Alison,
Thanks for all the research! So many options and variations of fabric color. Surely most everyone can find a new and exciting look for Autumn 2025 to carry into 2026. I love shades of blue and the structure of denim since it looks good on so many. Thanks for the inspiration.
Ooh, thank you for the scrunchie tip!
The chore and field jackets look really appealing. So much *space* inside them! Such nice deep pockets! The Gap chore jacket is probably my favourite.
I have a denim chore jacket that Universal Standard carried a couple of years ago and it’s a favorite because of all the storage!