When it comes to classic items, women’s denim jackets are definitely unavoidable. From its birth as a workwear in the late 19th century to becoming a fashion staple across genders and ages, where does its vitality come from?
First of all, it is both practical and malleable. Whether it’s paired with a dress or jeans, it’s easy to control; Secondly, it can adapt to the aesthetics of different eras, from the early simple workwear models to the current trend models that incorporate embroidery elements and rivet decorations, always keeping up with the fashion pace. According to fashion industry data, women’s denim jackets account for 23% of women’s outerwear sales worldwide every year, far outpacing other items, which is enough to prove its place in the hearts of consumers.
I have a friend next to me who still wears it often from the first classic light blue denim jacket he bought in college to working for five years now, but occasionally he wears it with different underwear, so he can wear a different feeling. This cost-effectiveness of “one piece for many pieces” is one of the key reasons why it can be popular for a long time.
2. Style design: How to choose to show personality and fit?
(1) Choose the version according to the figure to avoid stepping on thunder
Girls of different sizes have very different denim jacket fits. If you choose the wrong one, it is easy to look fat or short, here are some suggestions for common body types:
Body type | Recommended fit | Lightning protection fit | Matching tips |
Small girls | Short, high-waisted cut | Long, oversize (too loose) | Pair it with high-waisted pants/skirts to raise the waistline and show off the length of the legs |
Slightly chubby girl | Loose fit, dropped shoulder design | Slim fit, cinched waist (too tight) | Wear a simple T-shirt underneath to avoid layering heavy clothing |
Pear-shaped figure | Straight and short | Long (covering the hips), flared sleeves | Wear slim jeans or skirts for bottoms to balance the proportions |
Apple-shaped figure | Loose fit, hooded design | Slim fit, short (exposed waist and abdomen) | Wear a long top inside to cover the fat on the waist and abdomen |
I helped a 155cm colleague choose a denim jacket before, and at first she took a fancy to an oversized boyfriend-style denim jacket, but after trying it on, the whole person was “overwhelmed” and looked shorter. Later, I changed to a high-waisted cropped denim jacket with high-waisted jeans, which visually increased by at least 5cm, and the effect was immediate.
(2) Detail design determines the style, and choose according to needs
The details of the denim jacket directly affect the overall style. If you like retro style, you can choose a hole design, retro style, with printed T-shirts and canvas shoes, and become a street hipster in seconds; prefer sweet style, with embroidered flowers, patch embroidery is more suitable, with dresses are very suitable for dates; If you are a working woman, a simple classic, unadorned denim jacket, paired with a shirt and suit pants, can create a casual and professional workplace look.
3. Fabric craftsmanship: How to judge the quality of a denim jacket through the fabric?
(1) Comparison of common fabrics and choosing the right wearing experience
Fabric is at the heart of determining the comfort and durability of a denim jacket, and the characteristics of different fabrics vary significantly:
Fabric type: | merit | shortcoming | Suitable for the scene |
Cotton denim | Breathable and hygroscopic, good texture | No elasticity and easy to deform | Wear it daily in spring and autumn |
Stretch denim | Elastic, unrestrained | Slightly less breathable | Scenes that require freedom of movement, such as traveling and shopping |
Organic cotton | Eco-friendly and soft | The price is higher | Consumers who value environmental protection and comfort |
Thickened and fleece | Windproof and warm | Heavy and not suitable for the warm season | Autumn and winter cold weather |
Lightweight and thin model | Lightweight and breathable | Poor warmth | Spring and summer sun protection, seasonal transition |
As a “consultant” who often helps people choose clothes, I find that many people overlook the stretch of the fabric. A customer once bought a cotton slim-fitting denim jacket, and after wearing it twice, the movement of the arms was very limited, and then it was changed to a stretch denim style, which was much more comfortable. So if you like slim fits, it is right to give preference to stretch fabrics.
(2) The process affects the appearance, and these processes are worth paying attention to
Different processes will give denim jackets different textures. The stone washing process can make denim softer and the color more natural; Enzyme washing will give clothes a slight fading effect and create a vintage feel; Snowflake washing will form white spots similar to snowflakes on the fabric, which will show more personality; Laser engraving can create delicate patterns, avoiding the heaviness of traditional embroidery.
It is important to note that some processes may affect the durability of the garment. For example, if the hole is not reinforced, it is easy to cross the larger the hole. I used to have a ripped denim jacket, because I washed it often, the threads in the holes were loose, and I had to sew it myself. Therefore, when buying a hole, check whether there is a reinforcement treatment around the hole.
4. Dressing scenes: How many occasions can a denim jacket handle?
(1) Daily commuting: simple and generous without mistakes
Daily commuting requires a comfortable and decent look, and a classic denim jacket is a great choice. Wear a white shirt inside, black suit pants on the bottoms, and a pair of loafers, which is both professional and not too serious; For something more casual, wear a printed T-shirt and straight-leg jeans underneath for a relaxed and stylish look.
I wear a denim jacket every day to work because the air conditioner in the office is cooler, which can be used as a coat to keep warm without being as formalized as a suit. And it is very convenient to go shopping and eat directly after get off work, without changing clothes.
(2) Special scenes: create an exclusive style
- Music festival outfit: Choose a ripped old street-style denim jacket, pair it with a sundress and Martin boots, and wear a baseball cap, which is cool and sassy, and can also cope with the cool weather at the music festival.
- Travel photography: Oversize denim jacket with a long skirt, open when taking photos, can not only cover the flesh, but also create a casual atmosphere, and the production rate is super high.
- Date look: A light-colored denim jacket with embroidered elements and a lace dress underneath is gentle and sweet, making it easy to make a good impression on the other party.
- Autumn and winter layering: In the cold winter, wear a denim jacket with a detachable liner inside a down jacket, and take off the down jacket indoors, which is still fashionable; Or put a denim jacket over your sweater for added layering.
5. Color system: In addition to classic blue, what other colors are worth trying?
(1) Classic colors: timeless, versatile and practical
Classic light blue and vintage navy blue are the “evergreen” colors of denim jackets that go well with almost any color of inner wear and bottoms. light blue is more refreshing and suitable for spring and summer; Dark blue is more calm and suitable for autumn and winter.
Many people are worried that dark blue will look old, but in fact, as long as it is properly matched, it will not be at all. For example, a dark blue denim jacket with a bright T-shirt and light-colored jeans on the bottom can break the dullness and look very energetic.
(2) Personalized color system: jump out of the routine and show uniqueness
If you want to experiment with a different style, these colors can be considered:
- Pink: Gentle and sweet, suitable for young girls, with white pants, full of girlishness.
- Aged black and gray: full of coolness, pair it with black jeans to create an all-black look, slim and fashionable.
- Morandi colors: low-saturation colors, such as light purple and light green, are high-end and temperamental, suitable for people who like niche styles.
- Color-blocking design: The splicing of different colors, such as blue and white, black and white, increases the sense of design and avoids monotony.
I bought a milk tea denim jacket last year, and I was worried that it would not be easy to match at first, but I didn’t expect it to look good with white, beige, and light brown clothes, and it was more gentle than classic blue, and many friends around me were planted with grass.
6. Functional features: In addition to looking good, what other practical functions does the denim jacket have?
(1) Basic functions: meet daily needs
- Windproof and warm: Thickened and fleece denim jackets save energy and resist cold winds in autumn and winter, and are much warmer than thin jackets.
- Breathable and moisture-wicking: Cotton denim jackets do not feel stuffy when worn in spring and autumn, and can quickly absorb moisture after sweating.
- Sun protection UPF50+: Many lightweight and thin denim jackets have sun protection functions, so you don’t need to bring extra sun protection clothing when going out in spring and summer, which is convenient and practical.
(2) Advanced functions: improve the wearing experience
- Stretch is not restricted: Stretch denim jackets, whether you raise your hand or bend over, will not feel restrained, and your movement will be more free.
- Machine washable and easy to care for: Most denim jackets are machine washable without having to send them for dry cleaning, saving time and effort. However, it should be noted that the color may fade after the first wash, so it is recommended to wash it separately.
- Multi-pocket design: A denim jacket with multiple pockets can be used without a bag when you go out, and small items such as mobile phones and keys can be placed, which is very convenient.
- Detachable liner: This style of denim jacket can be worn as two pieces in one piece, and the liner can be removed and worn alone in spring and autumn, and the liner can be installed in winter to keep warm, which is very cost-effective.
7. Buying guide: teach you step by step to choose your favorite denim jacket
(1) Clarify needs: Think about these three questions first
- What season do you mainly wear? If it is autumn and winter, choose a thickened fleece or removable liner style; If it’s spring and summer, choose a lightweight and thin model.
- What style do you want to create? retro style is selected as old and hole-in-the-hole; sweet style embroidery style, light color; Cool style black and oversize models.
- What are the characteristics of your figure? According to the previously mentioned figure and fit matching suggestions, choose the fit that suits you.
(2) Check the details: These places cannot be ignored
- Zippers and buttons: Prefer YKK zippers and metal buttons, better quality, not easy to break. You can pull the zipper to see if it is smooth; Button it up to see if it’s secure.
- Stitching: Check whether the stitching of the clothes is neat, whether there are threads, and whether the stitches are reinforced, which are related to the durability of the clothes.
- Size: When trying on, move your arms and shoulders to see if there is a sense of restraint; Buckle up to see if your chest and waist are tight. It is best to try on different sizes to compare the effect.
8. Yigu (purchasing agent) point of view
As a long-term supplier of clothing supply chains, I have found that the quality differences in women’s denim jackets are mainly reflected in the fabric and craftsmanship. Many low-priced products will use low-quality cotton or blended fabrics, which not only have poor breathability, but are also prone to pilling and deformation; High-quality products will be made of high-count cotton, which has been washed multiple times to feel softer and has higher color fastness. When purchasing, I recommend choosing brands that use environmentally friendly dyeing and organic cotton, which are not only in line with the current environmental protection trend, but also healthier and safer. In addition, from the perspective of the supply chain, functional styles with detachable liners and multi-pocket designs will have a slightly longer supply cycle due to complex processes, so it is recommended to purchase in advance to avoid running out of stock.
9. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Do women’s denim jackets fade after washing them the first time?
A: Most denim jackets will have a slight fading for the first wash, which is normal. It is recommended to wash it separately in cold water for the first time, do not mix it with light-colored clothes, and soak it in salt water for 10-15 minutes before washing to reduce color fading.
- Is an oversize denim jacket suitable for petite girls?
A: You can wear it, but pay attention to the technique. Choose a short, oversized style, not too long, and avoid covering your hips; Choose slim-fitting clothes for the inner layer, choose high-waisted styles for the bottoms, raise the waistline, balance the loose coat, and avoid shortening.
- How many degrees is a fleece denim jacket suitable for?
A: The warmth of a fleece denim jacket is medium, making it suitable for 5-15°C weather. If the temperature is below 5°C, you can layer a sweater or a thin down jacket underneath; If the temperature is higher than 15°C, it will be stuffy and not recommended.
- Can denim jackets be machine washed?
A: Most denim jackets are machine washable, but check the wash label on the inside of the garment. When washing, it is recommended to use gentle mode, do not use bleach, and do not rotate too high when spinning to avoid deformation of clothes.
- Is it appropriate for chubby girls to wear light or dark denim jackets?
Answer: dark denim jackets have a slimming effect and are more suitable for chubby girls; But if you are worried about the dullness of dark colors, you can choose classic light blue, paired with dark underwear and bottoms, which can also play a slimming role and make you look more refreshing at the same time.