10 Types of Men’s Jackets
Ten men’s jacket styles that do the heavy lifting in your wardrobe, whatever the weather or occasion.
A good jacket does more than finish an outfit; it defines it. From sharp city layers to weather-proof winter staples, the best jackets for men balance practicality, style, and history. Over time, different types of jackets for men have evolved from workwear, military uniforms and subcultures into everyday essentials, each with its own distinct purpose and personality.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish piece that elevates daily outfits or searching for the warmest jackets for men to see you through winter, understanding the different styles helps you choose wisely. Below, we break down ten of the most important ones: how they’re built, why they became popular, and where they fit in a modern wardrobe.
Written By: Dawn Rajah - Updated: 19.12.25
1. The Leather Jacket (Biker)
The biker jacket is one of the most recognisable types of leather jackets, originally worn by pilots and motorcyclists who needed protection from wind and impact. Over time, its tough construction, cropped fit and zip-fastening design turned it into a symbol of rebellion, adopted by musicians and film icons throughout the 20th century.
Today’s biker jackets still carry those signature details: structured shoulders, durable leather and metal hardware, but they’re far more refined for everyday wear. AllSaints has become synonymous with this contemporary approach, creating biker jackets that feel sharp yet wearable, with softer leathers and streamlined cuts. While not the warmest option on its own, the leather jacket layers effortlessly all year round.
2. The Denim Jacket
The men’s denim jacket started out as pure workwear, designed to handle long days on construction sites and railroads. By the mid-century, it had crossed into popular culture, becoming a casual staple associated with musicians, creatives and off-duty style.
Usually cut from sturdy cotton denim with button fastenings and chest pockets, it’s built for versatility rather than insulation. Levi’s remains the blueprint for the style, rooted in authentic heritage and timeless design. Calvin Klein brings a more minimal, fashion-led take, with clean lines that feel polished and modern. While not built for extreme cold, the denim jacket remains one of the most reliable types of jackets for men for layering and transitional dressing.
3. Raincoat
Raincoats were born out of necessity, long before style entered the picture. Originally designed to cope with unpredictable weather, advances in waterproof fabrics eventually transformed them into sleek, lightweight outerwear staples, especially in city wardrobes.
Modern rain jackets focus on function: water-resistant shells, sealed seams, breathable linings, all without unnecessary bulk. Unlike heavier winter styles, they’re designed to protect without bulk. Rains has popularised a clean, Scandinavian take on the style, proving that practicality can still feel contemporary. While not insulated, they play a vital role when layered correctly, especially in mild winters. As one of the more practical types of jackets for men, a good raincoat earns its place as an everyday essential rather than a seasonal afterthought.
4. Puffer Jacket
When it comes to warmth, few styles compete with the puffer jacket. First developed for mountaineers and cold-weather explorers, it’s now a cornerstone of winter dressing and regularly ranks among the warmest jackets for men.
It’s signature quilted construction traps heat using down or synthetic insulation, delivering warmth without weighing you down. Today’s puffers range from oversized streetwear styles to sleek, minimalist silhouettes suitable for city wear. The North Face is a key name in this space, known for blending technical performance with everyday versatility. If you’re looking for the best winter jackets for men that deliver genuine warmth without compromising comfort, the puffer is hard to beat.
5. Gilet
The gilet, or body warmer, has its roots in outdoor and equestrian wear before being adopted by modern menswear. Sleeveless by design, it offers core warmth without restricting movement, making it ideal for layering.
Lightly padded or insulated, gilets work just as well over knitwear as they do under heavier coats. Regatta elevates the style with premium insulation and performance-led design, offering gilets that deliver impressive warmth for their streamlined shape. While not a standalone winter jacket, the gilet remains one of the most adaptable options in a man’s wardrobe.
6. Wax Jacket
Wax jackets are deeply rooted in British countryside heritage, originally designed to handle rain, wind and rugged terrain. Their wax-coated cotton fabric offers natural water resistance, while details like reinforced seams and generous pockets enhance durability.
When people think of wax jackets, Barbour is usually the first name that comes to mind. Their designs balance function and tradition, ageing beautifully over time. While not the absolute warmest jacket for men, a wax jacket offers dependable weather protection and timeless appeal, making it one of the most enduring types of jacket styles available.
7. Overshirt
The overshirt sits somewhere between a shirt and a jacket, rising in popularity as menswear moved towards relaxed, layered dressing. Originally inspired by military and workwear uniforms, it’s now a casual wardrobe staple.
Made from heavier fabrics such as wool, twill or flannel, overshirts offer light warmth without feeling restrictive. BOSS brings a refined edge to the style, offering tailored fits and premium materials that blur the line between smart and casual. Ideal for mild weather, the overshirt is one of the most versatile men’s jackets for everyday wear.
8. Trench Coat
The trench coat was developed for British officers during the First World War, designed to be weather-proof, functional and authoritative. Its military roots are still clear today, seen in details like epaulettes, belts and storm flaps.
Usually crafted from cotton gabardine or similar fabrics, trench coats protect against rain and wind while maintaining a refined silhouette. Ralph Lauren offers a polished interpretation of the classic trench, leaning into timeless elegance and understated sophistication. They’re not heavily insulated, but they layer beautifully, making them a strong contender among stylish men’s jackets.
9. Bomber Jacket
Originally designed for military pilots, the bomber jacket prioritised warmth and mobility in high-altitude conditions. Over time, it moved from uniform to streetwear icon, embraced by subcultures and designers alike.
Today, bombers range from lightweight nylon styles to insulated winter-ready versions. Lacoste has elevated the bomber into modern territory through innovative fabric and technical detailing, lending the classic silhouette a contemporary edge. While not always the warmest option, the bomber remains a classic.
10. Varsity Jacket
The varsity jacket, also known as the letterman jacket, has its roots in American college sports, where it originally represented team pride and athletic achievement. Over time, it moved outside of the campus, becoming a style staple linked with youth culture, music and streetwear.
Defined by its contrasting sleeves, ribbed trims and snap-button fastenings, the varsity jacket sits comfortably between casual and statement outerwear. Traditionally made from wool with leather sleeves, today’s versions play with lighter fabrics and relaxed fits. Brands like Off-White have helped reframe the varsity jacket as a polished, wearable piece that still nods to its collegiate roots.