Stylish Denim Jacket Outfits for Guys

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Here at SG HQ, we will beat the “denim jacket outfits for guys” drum ’til the day we all die.

Because you can and should feel confident in a denim jacket, guys!

It’s such a great staple, and it kills us that so many men feel like they “can’t pull off” wearing one.

Not too heavy, but still sturdy, this outerwear essential (yes, essential!) easily transitions from cool summer nights with a pocket tee to late November bonfires with a flannel or sweatshirt.

You can even wear it under a heavier coat in winter! If you’re still not on-board, maybe after today you will be.

What you’ll find in this men’s denim jacket style guide

real-world denim jacket outfit inspiration

shop men’s denim jackets

curated denim jacket outfit ideas

Check out stylish denim jacket outfits for guys, below:

1. Wear a denim jacket under a blazer

denim jacket with blazer, ways to wear a denim jacket — image: The Idle Man

SG Says: You can fit more under a sport coat than you think.

Go with a textured, more burly number, like the herringbone above to keep the vibe unfussy.

2. Wear a denim jacket with shorts

man in a denim jacket and dark shorts with white socks and black loafers — image: @juliusgod

SG Says: You don’t have to restrict your denim jacket to cooler seasons. Try yours with shorts and your favorite tee in transitional weather.

Tall socks are very in right now with shorts, but you could also go with no-shows when wearing sneakers or loafers.

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3. Wear a denim jacket with a patterned sweater

man wearing a denim jacket over a fair isle seater with dark pants and wallabees — @meachisdope

SG Says: From Instagram style stars to past SG Madness winner Ryan Gosling, the most fashionable guys know the value of having a Fair Isle sweater in your closet (really any patterned sweater, but Team SG is partial to this fall and winter-festive style).

Even better? That photo of the Gos is from a few years ago, but the outfit would look just as good this cold weather season.

4. Wear a denim jacket with a white t-shirt

stylish man wearing a dark denim jacket over a white t-shirt with a navy bandana tied at his neck — images: @kennth_sylvester

denim jacket outfits for guys — images: @kennth_sylvester

SG Says: This is a super-simple outfit that also might just be one of the most stylish.

If performance pants aren’t your thing, swap them for chinos or a drawstring pant.

Oh, and that bandana? It’s a touch that takes an outfit from everyday stylish to something seriously special.

man standing in front of a bookcase with colorful books, wearing a light wash denim jacket unbuttoned over a white t-shirt with navy pants and brown chelsea boots — @calgeary

SG Says: Don’t sleep on those Blundstone boots. They’re a classic in any guy’s casual wardrobe.

stylish man walking down the street wearing olive-colored pants, a denim jacket and checkerboard vans sneakers — @lorenzo_don

SG Says: A Western-style belt ups the ante on this casual cool look.

Again, simple doesn’t have to mean boring when it comes to your denim jacket outfit.

The fun Vans here, as well as the accessories on his wrist, really take this outfit full of pieces you probably already have in your closet, up a notch.

5. Wear a denim jacket all buttoned up

man standing outside wearing a blue denim jacket buttoned up with a patterned scarf and black pants with white sneakers, denim jacket outfits for guys — images: @takayuki_oka

close-up of a man wearing a blue denim jacket buttoned up with a patterned scarf and dark shirt with black pants, denim jacket outfits for guys — images: @takayuki_oka

instagram men's style influencer alexxwalther wearing a denim jacket with grey sweatpants — image: @alexxwalther

SG Says: Don’t be afraid to wear your denim jacket more like a shacket, buttoning it up and keeping it that way.

For this, you’ll want a jacket with a bit more structure.

Also, remember the darker the wash, the more formal your denim jacket will look. So choose accordingly.

Below, shop men’s denim jackets

man from the neck down wearing a light denim jacket over a light blue hoodie sewatshirt with dark pants — GAP

Classic Icon Denim Jacket in light wash, $79

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man from the neck down wearing a black denim trucker jacket over a grey shirt with olive green pants — LEVI’S
Premium Type 1 Jacket, $98

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The denim jackets above are the classic trucker jacket you’re used to seeing. If this is your first jean jacket, start here.

close-up of a man wearing a denim work jacket — ALEX MILL
Work Jacket in vintage wash denim, $220

If you want a trendy option for a denim jacket this year, go for one in a workwear style.

When to Wear a Denim Jacket

Want more ideas on when, exactly, to wear a denim jacket? You got it.

You know team SG will endlessly root for a man in light layers. And the denim jacket is the lightweight layer to end all layers.

No matter how little thought you actually put into your outfit, a denim jacket on top is always going to feel like you at least tried.

And why is that? The structured shape is universally flattering, and the style is a timeless classic that looks just as good at 3 and 93. It goes with literally everything.

While the looks above are great for inspiration, you might be saying, “But Gabi, I’m not a style blogger or international celebrity (yet!). Can I wear a denim jacket to work? To the bar with my buddies? Help!

And I hear you. So I pulled together some really specific outfit ideas to help you know what to wear with a denim jacket, and to where.

More denim jacket outfits for guys, curated by Team SG

How to wear a denim jacket to work

denim jacket, light wash denim jacket, gant, levi's, ledbury, bonobos, pair of thieves, florsheim, maximum henry

SG Says: I hear from guys that they don’t know what pants to wear with a denim jacket, which I suspect is because so many guys are overly reliant on jeans in their wardrobe (shout out No Jeans January!).

So here you go. Chinos (and their closet cousin, the twill pant) are the perfect solution. Put the casual in “business casual” with a denim jacket under your blazer.