How To Choose Fashionable Men’s Jackets

Finding the perfect jacket to complete your outfit or wardrobe can seem like a daunting task. With so many styles, fabrics, colors and fits to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, having a versatile, fashionable jacket is an essential component of any man’s closet. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right fashionable jackets for your needs and personal style.

Identify Your Needs

When embarking on your jacket search, first consider when, where and how often you will wear your new jacket. This will help determine key factors like warmth, weather protection, formality and versatility. Ask yourself:

Will this be an everyday jacket or more of a statement piece for going out?
Do you need something for layering over business attire or strictly casual weekend wear?
Are you looking for warmth or weather protection from wind, rain or snow?
Do you need something transitional for variable climates and temperatures?

Having a firm grasp on the functional needs for your jacket will make sorting through the many options much more manageable. If you are building a jacket wardrobe from scratch, consider getting multiple jackets for different settings and seasons instead of trying to find a single “do it all” option.

Choose Your Preferred Fabrics

Once you determine the functional needs for your jacket, next consider what fabrics best suit those needs while also aligning with your personal preferences. The fabric has a big impact on the look, feel and versatility of any jacket. Some top options include:

Leather: Iconic and durable with a timeless dangerous edge. Can be dressed up or down.
Denim: A rugged American staple that brings casual versatility from the farm to the city streets.
Wool: Warm, insulating and moisture wicking abilities. Naturally wrinkle-resistant.
Cotton: Breathable and comfortable with endless pattern and color potential.
Synthetic blends: Affordable, weather-resistant, breathable and requiring little care.

Consider if you prefer natural or synthetic blends, formal or casual appearances, breathability, insulation and expected care or cleaning requirements. This will further refine your jacket search.

Select a Style

With so many options to choose from, selecting a jacket style you love is key to actually wearing it regularly. Determine what style best fits your personality and goals for the jacket. Some top men’s jacket styles include:

Bomber jacket: Sleek and varsity-inspired. Excellent transitional lightweight layer.
Denim jacket: Rugged and casual Americana. Provides versatile layering and insulation.
Leather jacket: Rebellious traditional style. Conveys an edge while insulating core warmth.
Trench coat: Sophisticated and functional rain protection. Water-resistant and perfect for temperamental weather.
Parka: Maximum cold weather protection with fur-lined hoods. Designed for retaining warmth in frigid climates.
Pea coat: A sharper military-inspired style. Trim and tidy with double-breasted front.
Duster coat: Lengthy Southwest cowboy-inspired light layer. Provides coverage from elements while allowing airflow.

These represent just a sampling of the many jacket styles available today. The specific characteristics of each align with certain climates, functions and fashion aesthetics.

Consider the Color

A jacket’s color has a substantial impact on its versatility and how often you will realistically wear it. More neutral dark colors like black, brown or navy tend to pair well with nearly anything already in your closet. Brighter colors and prints make more of a statement but may prove harder to integrate into outfits regularly. If building a wardrobe, start with neutral colors then add accent colors once you have solid basics covered.

Find the Right Fit

An otherwise perfect jacket will still disappoint if it does not actually fit well. When trying on jackets, look for these key areas of fit:

Shoulders: Seam hits directly on shoulder edge without hanging over.
Sleeves: Sleeve ends right at wrist bone without bunching up or looking too short.
Torso: Middle front seam aligns with middle of your chest. Excess fabric removed for trim silhouette.
Length: Bottom hem hits just at belt line without looking overly baggy or short.

Ideally, the jacket should feel snug enough to layer undershirts or sweaters without looking boxy or sloppy. Try out several sizes and cuts to find your best match. Adjustable waist straps or elastic cuffs can also customize the fit as needed.

Determine Your Budget

Quality materials, construction details and stylish designs understandably increase costs of nicer jackets. Set realistic expectations around prices and your available budget. Quality leather jackets often start around $500+ while nice wool blazers hover around $300+. However, excellent synthetic blends or cotton jackets can readily be found for under $150 as well. Compromise on aspects not as important to you in order to align with your budget.

Care and Maintenance

No matter what jacket you select, perform proper care and cleaning to maximize its lifespan. This includes storing it properly hung up or folded when not in use, checking and reinforcing loose buttons or snaps, spot cleaning spills and stains promptly, and routine professional dry cleaning every year or so. Taking good care of your jacket protects your investment in style and function.

Finding fashionable, functional and affordable men’s jackets simply requires narrowing variables one step at a time. Determine your needs and style preferences first before considering the many options available today. Do not feel overwhelmed by choice. By breaking down key decision factors, you can confidently select versatile jackets for your wardrobe.