I was fascinated and overjoyed in equal measure to discover that it is officially the end of winter, meteorologically speaking. I realise this doesn't mean we can realistically expect much better weather but it does mean that there's light at the end of this seemingly interminable winter season. I don't know where you live, you'll be pleased to hear, but London has been grey for approximately 98% of 2025 so far and I, for one, am ready to welcome blue skies and even just a hint of sunshine – I'm not greedy. I have been happy to see that show-goers at various fashion weeks clearly share my feelings, exemplified by the fact that many have dug out that most reliable of spring staples: the denim jacket.
I have always thought of the denim jacket as an optimistic piece of clothing. It signifies freedom from big coats, ridding one of the burden of heavy layers and bitter temperatures. It suits everyone, regardless of shape or size, and finding one you like is a much more enjoyable process than shopping for our denim overlord: jeans. I have also thought of it as something I only wear during the sunnier months of the year but, as I discovered at London Fashion Week recently, this is an unnecessary restriction I've imposed.
While I was attending shows, I noticed that some of the best outfits on other guests incorporated a jean jacket in some way or another. Mostly, this involved clever layering over knitted pieces or tailoring, often worn with jeans for a fresh take on double denim. At Milan Fashion Week, too, the jacket has been enjoying a prominent presence, with street stylers wearing one with everything from cargo trousers to checked midi skirts.
The best denim jackets 2025, at a glance:
Best overall denim jacket: Free People, Rumors Denim Jacket, £88
Best M&S denim jacket: M&S, Collared Relaxed Denim Jacket, £45
Best oversized denim jacket: Levi's, Trucker Jacket, £120
Best cropped denim jacket: COS, Cropped Denim Jacket, £115
Best designer denim jacket: Loewe, Leather-Trimmed Denim Jacket, £1,200
Best affordable denim jacket: H&M, Corduroy Collar Denim Jacket, £44.99
While we are inching closer to actual spring (not just the Met Office's definition of the season), you'll find you probably need to channel the LFW crowd and employ some canny layering right now. For an easy on-trend outfit, try a preppy polo knit underneath your jacket with jeans and loafers, or wear over long sleeved dresses with knee-high boots. Come spring, all you need to do is ditch the extra layers and revel in your newly found freedom from thick winter clothes.
Shop: The Best Denim Jackets For 2025
www.marksandspencer.com
The high street is studded with brilliant affordable denim jackets. The one I've had my eye on is this £45 option from M&S with a contrast collar for a unique twist.
www.freepeople.com
If you're after a denim jacket with a classic fit, this is the one. It's available in three other washes, too, if lighter denim isn't your vibe.
www.levi.com
Naturally, Levi's has one of the best selection of denim jackets. This Trucker style is one of the best, thanks to its perfectly oversized fit.
www.cos.com
This cropped style looks far more expensive than its high street price tag – wear with high waisted trousers for a chic spin on workwear.
www.meandem.com
ME+EM's military take on the denim jacket lends it a smart polish. Try buttoned up over midi skirts with boots.
www2.hm.com
The cord collar and boxy fit of this nod to worker jackets, which are currently trending. Wear with wide leg jeans for a modern take on double denim.
www.net-a-porter.com
Oversized without being baggy, Loewe's jacket is unsurprisingly selling rapidly. It's an investment which will pay off – you'll wear this every season.
aligne.co
Denim is one of ALIGNE's specialities and I particularly like this jacket for its longer length. If you sometimes find denim jackets to be too cropped, this is the solution.
www.ganni.com
For a Ganni spin on a classic, opt for this leopard print style and wear with everything from blue jeans to your favourite dresses. If you're feeling bold, you could even match with M&S's viral leopard jeans.
www.marksandspencer.com
Currently trending at M&S, this belted jacket will look great with both wide leg and cropped straight jeans. Just add ankle boots and some gold jewellery.
www.mytheresa.com
Acne's long-line jacket will look particularly good over skirts and dresses to give them an edge. Throw over your classic LBD and add heels for a night out.
damsonmadder.com
Damson Madder's collarless jacket is made for layering – wear over your favourite cashmere jumper with a mini skirt and tights while it's still cold.
This jacket has a classic fit which is roomy without being oversized. Buy now and wear for years to come.
www.thereformation.com
This jacket is available in nine different iterations, including studded versions and plain denim, too. I love this two-tone style, though, which will elevate even the simplest of outfits.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.