Our Guide to Denim Jackets

From Bruce Springsteen to Kanye West, trendsetters know that this all-American staple never goes out of style.

From Bruce Springsteen to Kanye West, trendsetters know that this all-American staple never goes out of style.

Rip It Good

Photographed for Maxim by Greg Kessler | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


Add an extra layer over a hoodie or sweater. Rip the sleeves off an old fave, or buy it ready to go (if they don’t trust you with scissors).


Silver Jeans Co. vest, $88, and Pete loose-fit jeans, $95. Hilfiger Denim shirt, $88. Darring Ateliers Laguna hoodie, $78. Goruck Cordura camo tie, $95. Luminox Field Atacama chronograph 1893, $795. Swarovski Revolution bracelet, $125.

Tie It Up

Photographed for Maxim by Greg Kessler | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


Dress up a slim cut and a medium-wash jacket by wearing it with a button-down and tie. It’s a classic look for semi-dressy occasions (i.e., wear it on a date, not to a wedding).


Hilfiger Denim jacket, $128. Izod shirt, $45, and tie, $45. Dockers khaki trousers, $68.

Dark and Handsome

Photographed for Maxim by Greg Kessler | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


Dark, rigid denim cleans up your look. Tip: Go a shade darker or lighter between jacket and jeans or it’ll look like you’re wearing a Canadian tuxedo.


Levi’s Standard Trucker jacket, $78, and 511 skinny jeans, $68. Agave Denim cotton shirt, $175.

Vest In Show

Photographed for Maxim by Greg Kessler | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


Vest over jacket nails the Michael J. Fox Back to the Future look but is less effective as a flotation device.


Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren jacket, $165, canvas vest, $198, shirt, $70, and jeans, $165.

Details Count

Photographed for Maxim by Greg Kessler | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


A medium-dark wash with tailored details will keep you looking slim and trim (and possibly other words that rhyme with -im).


Diesel Juzicon denim jacket, $398, and K-Serry sweater, $188. Calvin Klein Jeans V-neck Essential T-shirt, $22. Mavi Zach corduroy jeans, $98. Sandast leather belt, $130.

Washed and Worn

Photographed for Maxim by Greg Kessler | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012


The perfect wash for a denim jacket: It looks and feels like you’ve had it for years (without all the stains).


American Eagle Outfitters jacket, $80. Kenneth Cole cardigan, $99. Agave Denim V-neck T-shirt, $95. (In pocket) Ray-Ban sunglasses, $200. Swarovski Somber ring, $125.

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