20 Different Types of Jackets for Men That Are Wardrobe Essentials

The primary purpose of a jacket is to stay warm or cool, depending on the weather and event. But that doesn’t mean sacrificing style and fashion, as there are many types of jackets for men on the market. Every outfit requires the perfect jacket to add the finishing touches. No outfit is complete without a coat. A man’s jacket seems like a simple piece of clothing. However, there are several different types of jackets. Each coat is suitable for various styles and multiple outfits. Honestly, there are so many different jackets it can get confusing.

Men need the ideal jacket for all occasions. A fancy coat will do the trick for a night out on the town at an upscale restaurant and club. Sometimes, a more casual look needs a simple yet stylish jacket. Jackets come in all shapes and sizes with different styles, materials, and fabrics. 

On the other hand, the weather can dictate the style of the coat. In that case, you still want a stylish jacket suitable for the weather. Nonetheless, various coats work with multiple outfits, no matter the weather or seasons. Here’s a guide to the different types of jackets for men. 

20 Different Types of Jackets for Men That Are Wardrobe Essentials

1. Bomber Jacket

No man’s wardrobe is complete without a stylish bomber jacket. It’s often the missing piece of every man’s closet. A bomber jacket is a long-lasting, lightweight coat with a fitted waist suitable for all occasions. Also known as flight jackets, they can trace their roots to World War I and II. At that time, they were primarily for pilots, but men all over the world fell in love with bomber jackets.

The short but cozy bomber works for a night out or running errands. It’s impossible to go wrong with a bomber jacket. It’ll keep you warm on those cold nights without compromising your style. 

2. Denim Jacket

When in doubt, grab a denim jacket. A denim jacket is ideal for a cool spring day, a warm summer evening, or a chilly fall night. It’s even good in the winter with lots of layers. It goes with a smart casual or casual outfit perfectly.

The jean jacket first appeared in the United States in the late 1800s. Everything changed when Levi’s introduced the one jacket to rule them all in the 1960s, the Type III denim. The jacket exploded in popularity due to its unique design with V-shaped seams. 

3. Leather Jacket

A leather jacket adds a higher level of style and coolness for all occasions. It’s ideal for a romantic date night or playing pool with friends. Leather jackets first appeared in the early 1900s for pilots and motorcyclists. It exploded in popularity when James Dean wore a leather jacket in the 1955 movie Rebel Without a Cause. Suddenly, everyone was wearing a leather jacket because it was the cool thing to do.

Let’s be honest; it’s still a cool thing to wear. The most famous leather jacket style is the double rider with unbalanced zippers and oversized collars. At the same time, leather jackets come in various types, including blazers and bomber jackets. 

4. Biker Jacket

The biker or motorcycle jacket is ideal for rebels with and without a cause. A biker jacket is slick, stylish, and cool. It’s often a short-trim leather jacket that’s form-fitting with metal buttons.

A biker jacket is the go-to outerwear for a simple outfit. In fact, a biker jacket looks great with a pair of regular or ripped jeans and a white t-shirt. Plus, throw on a biker jacket if you’re running late for a date, and you’ll still look hot and sexy. 

5. Parka

A parka is best suited for those freezing winter nights and out-of-control blizzards. It’s the best way to fight back against cold days and harsh winters. However, just because the weather’s terrible doesn’t mean you must sacrifice style. The parka allows men to stay warm during winter while still looking like a model.

It’s perfect for an outdoor sporting event or shoveling the driveway. Parkas are usually cut below the waist and just above the knees. They also include fur or faux fur lining on the inside of the giant hood. 

6. Suede Jacket 

If dogs are man’s best friend, then a suede jacket is undoubtedly his second best friend. Every single man should own a suede jacket. It’s the ideal outerwear for casual and fancy events. A stylish suede jacket with dress shoes and trousers is perfect for date night. On the other hand, a suede jacket is suitable for drinks with friends or a day at the office.

It’s the perfect coat for all body types and shapes. It’s no surprise that a suede jacket turns a basic outfit into a show-stealing one within seconds. It should be one of every man’s top ten jackets. 

7. Varsity Jacket

In the 1860s, Harvard University introduced the earliest version of the varsity jacket. At first, varsity jackets were for high school and college students on various sports teams, including football, baseball, and basketball. However, most companies now sell varsity jackets in multiple styles and fabrics.

The earlier versions were much bulkier with thick long sleeves. Nowadays, fitted varsity jackets are trimmer with either cotton, nylon, or a blend. They can support a sports team or be a neutral jacket all about style. 

8. Field Jacket 

Every man’s closet should include at least one field jacket. They’ll never go out of style, so it’s an investment that pays off. A field jacket is famous for having a lot of pockets. It’s also slightly oversized, so it’s easier to add layers. Another version of the field jacket is the military field jacket, which includes a hood and snap in-linings.

The original field jacket had a nylon and cotton mix to fight against all weather. Field jackets come in different styles, including cotton blends, canvas, and waxed canvas. It’s good all year round but is ideal for the fall and winter seasons. 

9. Hooded Jacket

A hooded jacket is fashionable while also being practical. A stylish hooded jacket turns heads everywhere it goes. At the same time, it’ll keep your head warm and dry during the rainy and wet months. Hooded jackets are best for a casual look when going to the movies, running errands, or hanging out with friends.

It’s also one of those jackets that comes in various other styles, including bomber jackets, puffers, track jackets, and more. Every man should own at least one hooded coat. 

10. Trench Coats

Trench coats are often long jackets with wide lapels, buttons instead of a zipper, and large pockets. It’s a stylish, smooth, classic coat that goes with every outfit. It’ll keep you feeling dry and toasty during those cold, wet seasons. During World War I, the British created the trench coat for its officers and soldiers during the war.

Eventually, men all over the world had to have at least one trench coat in their closet. Iconic actors Peter Sellers and Humphrey Bogart helped trench coats become massively popular after wearing them in their movies. 

11. Sport Coat

It turns out that a sport coat isn’t only for sporting events or stand-up comedians from the 80s. Sport coats are for all types of men for various occasions. A sport coat and suit jacket may look similar, but they’re very different. A sports jacket doesn’t have matching pants and can go with jeans, chinos, or dress pants. It also can come in different styles, such as denim, leather, or tweed.

Initially, a sport coat was for individuals participating in sporting, shooting, or hunting events. Eventually, it evolved to spectators wearing sports coats as well, and the popularity kept growing. 

12. Puffer Jacket

Some men find it challenging to remain stylish during the winter seasons. Staying dry and warm becomes more of a priority. Luckily, the puffer jacket will keep men feeling warm and looking like a model during a snowstorm.

Plus, an extra puffy coat still retains all the style and fashion sense but keeps men safe from all weather conditions. There’s no way a man can go wrong with a puffer jacket. It’s the ideal coat that every man should own. 

13. Harrington Jacket 

The Harrington is one of the most versatile men’s jackets. It can go with various outfits and is perfect for smart casual. Also known as a blouson jacket, it’s every man’s go-to coat. It goes perfectly with shorts for a summer evening date at the drive-in or a walk on the beach. At the same time, throw on a pair of nice jeans or chinos with a Harrington and head out to a party.

It’s similar to a bomber jacket in that it’s a short waist fitted jacket that’s usually a solid color. Unlike a bomber jacket, the Harrington has a flashy collar that gives it a more smart casual appearance. The original design, the G9, first appeared in the 1930s but didn’t get the name “Harrington” until years later.

In the 60s, veteran actor Ryan O’Neal portrayed Rodney Harrington in the hit series Peyton Place. O’Neal’s character wore the jacket so much that it soon became known as the Harrington.

14. Trucker Jacket

The trucker jacket is one of the most popular men’s coats. It has a long history of making Hollywood stars seem cool and the average man look like a laid-back Hollywood star. The original trucker jacket made from denim became hugely popular and is still in style.

Nowadays, trucker jackets come in various versions, such as shearling style or suede jackets. Trucker jackets are waist-length and fitted with a distinct style featuring large collars and double front chest pockets. It should be the first jacket in every men’s wardrobe. 

15. Fleece Jacket

A fleece jacket is vital during the spring and summer seasons. Make sure to grab your fleece jacket when heading to a late-night beach party or an early morning run. Fleece is a soft, lightweight jacket consisting of polyester with a zipper instead of buttons.

The breathable material prevents sweating and keeps men dry on those hot days. It’s also one of the few jackets not to gain popularity during a major war. In 1979, Malden Mills created the first fleece jacket in Massachusetts, and it soon spread all around the world. 

16. Pea Coat

The pea coat is stylish outerwear that traces its roots as far back as the 1700s. At first, it was a jacket made for sailors, but soon every man in the world demanded one. It can elevate a casual look to smart, casual, and fancy. Unlike many other jackets, the pea coat remains faithful to the original design.

The pea coat has a waist-length cut just above the thighs with the classic double-breasted front and oversized collars. Any man that doesn’t own a pea coat is undoubtedly missing out. It’ll be the first jacket you try on with every outfit. 

17. Shearling Coat

A Shearling coat is a must-have for every man during the winter season. It’s the perfect jacket for those cold days because it’ll keep you warm and stylish all at the same time. Not even snow can put a crimp in your style with a shearling coat. It often has lambskin, sheepskin, or faux fur on the interior and suede on the outer part.

It now comes in various styles and there’s really no way to go wrong with a shearling coat. It’s easily one of the most stylish jackets in every man’s closet. 

18. Track Jacket 

A track jacket is ideal for a morning run, an intense workout, or playing sports. However, a track jacket is suitable for more than just running. Nowadays, a track jacket is perfect for meeting up with friends or a low-key hangout. The sporty look is always in fashion, even if you have never played a sport.

It’s a laid-back, more leisurely style ideal for running the track or running errands. Men have become more creative with the track jacket as well. It can go nicely with matching track pants or a sweet pair of jeans. The track jacket will come in handy several times in life. 

19. Car Coat

The invention of the car coat came shortly after the automobile in the early 1900s. At that time, cars had an open concept, so they required warm clothing for drivers and passengers. The car coat was long and designed for maximum warmth. Eventually, it went from being a car coat to a stylish jacket to top off an outfit.

The car jacket remains popular today but has changed dramatically over the years. It’s a much shorter coat and less bulky. It’s gone out of style a few times but always finds its way back. 

20. Duffle Coat

The duffle coat can trace its origins to the 1450s in a small town in Belgium called Duffel. Since the 11th century, the city has manufactured a thick, coarse fabric called duffel. By the 1850s, they used that material to create the original duffle coat. It regained popularity during World War II with soldiers wearing the jackets.

It was typical for countries under Nazi rule to wear duffle coats to pay tribute to the Allied soldiers that freed them. However, it now uses a softer wool fabric, Melton Cloth. It comes in various styles but is usually short, fitted with large patches and a hood.