I know they have all the makings of a closet staple that I should, in theory, be really into, but denim jackets haven’t really had a home in my wardrobe for a minute. Back when I lived in Sydney and 90% of what I owned was purchased from Surry Hills markets, I had this oversize, faded men’s denim jacket that I loved—but my vibe shifted when I moved back to New York. That jacket was sold on to another beach-bum 20-something to throw on over her vintage sundresses, and I started gravitating toward fashion that was a bit more polished and (at least from where I was standing, as I tried to figure myself out) more at home in NYC.
The thing is, denim jackets are never out. Every season, there are a slew of styles that are easily shoppable, from classic fits to boxy crops to oversize styles (not unlike my old vintage jacket). Each time a new season rolled around, I'd think about it, sometimes I'd even come close, but I'd ultimately shrug off a purchase that seemed to make sense but didn't quite feel right.
This season, however, things have taken a trendy swing in a more elegant direction. A minute ago, Hailey Bieber made us pay attention to cinch-waist outerwear—and now that buzzy fashion trend has hopped on over from leather jackets to denim. From nipped waists with chic gathered detailing to versatile belted styles, the denim jacket trend is making for a rich-looking take on this classic spring basic. From Zara to Reformation to Alaïa (sigh), here are some of the best denim jackets to shop this spring.
Shop cinch-waist denim jackets:
Denim on denim with pops of red appears to be a thing?
An even more elegant take on that nipped silhouette.
Back to denim jackets, this nipped-waist style from Gap feels blazer-adjacent.
Okay, Abercrombie.
Tell me Hailey Bieber wouldn't wear exactly this.
I'm realizing that the key to me loving a denim jacket is wearing it buttoned like a regular shirt.
I automatically love all outfits on models with great eyebrows, but I think I also genuinely want this jacket.
Same vibe, but a little more drama.
Every Londoner's favorite.
L.A. brands really know how to denim.
Into this pairing with denim Bermuda shorts.
All of this!
If you were scrolling to find the jacket from the photo at the top of the story, this is it.
I also think it deserves a moment in this creamy hue.
Aggressively on sale.
The faded wash feels extremely chill.
Feels like retro suiting, which I love.
A lighter style for warmer days.
Speaking of warmer days, this nipped vest brings a similar energy and is extremely ready for spring.
Excuse the slight detour, but do we have 2025's take on last summer's longline vest trend?
Maybe?
The stripe subtly accentuates the shape.
I like the true elasticated cinched waist here—plus the contrast collar earns extra trend credit.
Perhaps a denim-trench moment?
Practically peplum.
This collarless style sans pockets feels slick.
Scrap that, I want *more collar*.
Not all denim has to be blue denim.
Contrast collars—I'm telling you.
Felt wrong not to show you this.
It's giving French-sailor-on-safari energy, and I feel like we know that's a good thing.
I'll leave you with this absolute steal from Nordstrom Rack.
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