Tried & Tested The Best Denim Jackets On The High Street
Well, we’ve done the hard work for you, pitting affordable styles against one another to see which comes out on top. And what better to road test than the humble denim jacket? Comfortable, cool and the ultimate layering piece, it’s a fashion essential that everyone needs, but from bad fits to ugly washes, it’s easy to get wrong. Here’s how this season’s high street iterations faired…
WHAT: Weekday Deco Standard Denim Jacket
SIZE: M
MADE FROM: 100% Cotton
MACHINE WASHABLE: Yes
FIT: This style sits somewhere in between boxy and fitted – ideal if you’re after a trend-lead look that isn’t too young. It crops at the hips, giving it slightly more classic credentials, and has all the tropes of a traditional denim jacket, including central pockets, orange stitching and fuss-free collars and cuffs.
COMFORT: It’s pretty soft to touch, but there’s a stiffness to this design – it’s not exactly malleable. However, being robust and substantial makes it the perfect layering piece.
PRICE: £55, which entitles you to free shipping.
VERDICT: A true, durable classic. Not for fashion girls.
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WHAT: Topshop MOTO Oversized Denim Jacket
SIZE: 10
MADE FROM: 100% cotton
MACHINE WASHABLE: Yes
FIT: Is the ultimate box. Offering a cropped fit that sits just above the hips, everything is slightly oversized – the body, the arms, the shoulders – whilst the length still fit perfectly, meaning you don’t look drowned.
COMFORT: The oversized fit makes it about as comfortable as denim jackets get, plus it will layer nicely over chunkier layers once temperatures dip.
WEAR WITH: Anything and everything high-waisted – the tomboy shape lends itself to balanced proportions, so we suggest slim boyfriend jeans or trendy knitted skirts.
PRICE: £45
VERDICT: A fashion-forward design that still manages to flatter.
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WHAT: H&M Denim Jacket
SIZE: 8
MADE FROM: 99% cotton, 1% Spandex
MACHINE WASHABLE: Yes
FIT: Another classic style, this H&M Conscious design is fitted, straight up and down and a long line shape, making it another win for those after a less fashion-forward approach.
COMFORT: The Spandex makes this easily the softest of the bunch, with a bit of stretch to stop you feeling too restricted. However, the tighter fit inevitably means less give – we suggest sizing up.
WASH: Pale denim is great for summer, but it doesn’t necessarily score cool points. We prefer a darker wash at SL, but if you’re drawn to softer shades, team with pastels (particularly lilacs and pale yellows) for a more trend-led approach.
PRICE: £29.99
VERDICT: A little tight, a little pale – this one won’t be seducing fashion girls any time soon. However, grown-ups in need of a comfortable extra layer for summer will be thrilled by the price tag.
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WHAT: French Connection Slouchy Western Denim Jacket
SIZE: M
MADE FROM: 100% cotton
MACHINE WASHABLE: Yes, on cold
FIT: For something a little different, we love French Connection’s long fit denim jacket. Perfect for creating a streamlined silhouette, it’s the casual alternative to a longer blazer – plus, handy side pockets make it a practical purchase too.
WEAR: With a slightly elevated edit – an oversized denim jacket like this teamed with casual separates can sit on the wrong side of slovenly.
WASH: Consider this the bar against which all other denim washes should be held. This blue will work for winter and summer alike – plus, the cotton finish keeps it comfy too.
PRICE: £95
VERDICT: It may be the most expensive offering in the mix, but you get what you pay for – soft, well-cut and flattering, it’s the jacket you’ll go back to again and again.
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WHAT: Zara Basic Denim Jacket by TRF
SIZE: M
MADE FROM: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
MACHINE WASHABLE: Yes
FIT: Slightly less boxy than its Topshop counterpart, this Zara design strikes the perfect balance between structured and relaxed. Another classic piece, only it’s slightly bluer-than-average wash detracts from perfection for us.
WEAR: Slung over your shoulders, in the next size up. We promise it will still fit smartly when you have it on properly, but you’ll earn more fashion points wearing it caped.
PRICE: £25.99
VERDICT: A near-perfect classic, the price point makes this one worth snapping up.
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WHAT: M&S Oversized Denim Jacket
SIZE: 10
MADE FROM: 100% cotton
MACHINE WASHABLE: Yes
FIT: This jacket is the most directional of the bunch – surprising given M&S’ conservative status. Like much of the high street behemoth’s offerings, the piece comes up a little large – we could have easily subbed this size 10 for an 8.
WASH: This is how to get pale denim right: lighter than your average, it’s just on the right side of wearable. We also love frayed detailing for a cooler approach.
PRICE: £49.50
VERDICT: Worth sizing down, but otherwise an on-trend hero at an attainable price point.
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SL’s final thoughts…
If you’re after something classic, Weekday’s structured offering will stand you in great stead. But we can’t help leaning towards Topshop’s boxy offering for something ultra-flattering (no mean feat for denim jackets) that also scores cool points. Comfy, practical and the perfect wash, it’s no surprise this design from the high street’s best denim destination comes out on top.
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