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.

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

SG Says: What’s that? You’ve seen this picture before? Damn right you have.

Past SG Madness winner Ryan Gosling wore one pretty much throughout his entire Blade Runner press tour.

Did I see the movie? No. Did I save all the photo call pics to a folder on my desktop? You bet.

Lucky for guys fashion doesn’t change all that quickly, because even though this pic is from a couple years ago now, the outfit would look just as good this cold weather season.

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

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.

Again, simple doesn’t have to be boring. 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

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.

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Want even more specific outfit ideas to wear with a denim jacket? You got it.

You guys know team SG will endlessly root for 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 outfit ideas on what to wear with a jean jacket for guys, below:

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.