How To Find The Perfect Denim Jacket

Checking the basics of your list is SO important. Having those wardrobe basics are what make it easy to get dressed every day…they’re the foundation of your wardrobe! One of the must-have jackets on your list should be a denim jacket! If you’re in the market, I’m sharing everything you need to know about how to find the perfect denim jacket for a stylish woman over 40 (that’s YOU!). If you still need your wardrobe basics checklists, subscribe to the newsletter here.

How To Wear Denim on Denim, Erin Busbee of Busbee wearing a distressed puff sleeve denim jacket by Retrofete, 7 For All Mankind distressed jeans, black Alexander Wang cutout booties, white B.P. lace cami, black cat eye sunglasses, and Julie Vos gold cuff bracelets in West Texas

#1 | Sleeve Length

The sleeve length for a denim jacket is the same as the sleeve length for any other jacket. I prefer a jacket to hit between my wrist bone and thumb joint. This allows you to roll it up or cuff the sleeves. Remember, never underestimate the power of a good tailor. If you find the perfect denim jacket that fits everywhere but the sleeve length…you can always get that small detailed tailored!

#2 | Hemline

The hemline is a little tricky because it depends on your body type and style. You can go with a more oversized, long boyfriend style denim jacket, cropped denim jacket, or a classic denim jacket.

1) For an oversized fit, I suggest looking for something that hits just below the crotch (for lack of a better word).
2) For a cropped fit, look for a jacket that’s cropped and hits above the hip.
3) For a more classic fit, look for a jacket that hits between the hip bone and crotch.

Day To Date Night Outfits, Fashion blogger Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a black susana monaco dress with golden goose sneakers, retrofete denim puff sleeve jacket and aviator sunglasses in Telluride, Colorado

#3 | Shoulders

First, make sure you can raise your arms above your head…if you can’t, size up! The jacket I’m wearing above runs small and narrow through the shoulders so definitely size up. The shoulder seam on the jacket should sit on top of your shoulder and not go past the shoulder bone.

Also, remember that you’ll want to choose a jacket that layers well. If you want to wear a thick sweater under your jacket, you probably want to size up. You most likely won’t button up your denim jacket, so if it doesn’t button but still fits everywhere else, don’t worry about it!

#4 | Wash

The wash you want is completely up to you! The most classic option is dark wash. But you could go with light, medium, black or white. Choose a wash that seamlessly works with the rest of your wardrobe! I also own this more traditional denim jacket by Frame and love the wash!

#5 | Fabric

If you want the jacket to last a long time (which I think we all do!) find heavier, sturdy denim with little to no stretch.

#6 | Details

If you have your basic denim jacket already, you might want something that’s a bit more fun! The Retrofete jacket I’m wearing is definitely not a traditional, classic option. It has distressing and puffed sleeves. Small details like that can make a denim jacket stand out. So if you’re ready for something with an interesting detail, choose a jacket that fits into your style…whether that’s puff sleeves, distressing, embellishments, shearling-lined, or whatever!