Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

You Don’t Have to Drive an 18- Wheeler to Rock these Cool Trucker Jackets

We’re in favor of building out a well-stocked menswear rotation of seasonal must-haves. And one of those seasonal must-haves is the trucker jacket. 

After all, having a closet filled (within reason) with unique, timeless pieces pays dividends in the long run. We’d say it’ll even give you joy, but that’s just us.

Recommended Videos

So, the best trucker jackets for your consideration offer up something different than a run-of-the-mill windbreaker for the winter-to-spring transition. The trucker jacket was built with hard work and the open road in mind, so today’s crop features reliable construction and unique detailing (like an above-the-waist cut and a slim fit).

There’s a price point and a style for everyone, so you best get to work.

Best Trucker Jackets to Buy Now

Levi’s Trucker Jacket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Here’s the brand that practically started it all when it comes to America’s love affair with denim — and therefore also the trucker jacket. This iteration of the trucker jacket is different from what you might call a “denim” jacket because of the detailing, including slanted stitching down the chest and a point collar. With those details in mind, the Levi’s Trucker Jacket is one of the best trucker jackets you can buy now. It’s a pioneering style staple to this day.

Orvis Highpoint Trucker Jacket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Another crucial point to remember when shopping the best trucker jackets – they’re not all made of denim. Case in point: The Orvis Highpoint Trucker Jacket, made with a cotton blend designed to resist wind and rain. It’s the perfect jacket to wear as we transition into spring, especially given its neutral, but outdoorsy colorway.

Flint and Tinder Type 3 Sherpa-Lined Trucker Jacket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The trucker jacket gets a rugged return to form here with this sherpa-lined iteration featuring the timeless “Type 3” silhouette (first pioneered by brands like Levi’s). This take on the trucker jacket is American-made, and it’s perfect for chilly late winter and early spring days.

Topo Designs Trucker Jacket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What makes the Topo Designs Trucker Jacket more than just your average denim jacket? It comes down to the details, such as the above-the-waist cut and the large chest flap pockets, more common in trucker jackets than plain old denim jackets. The fact that you can get this rugged number from the same brand that makes your favorite daypack and field pants is an added bonus.

Filson Tin Cloth Short Lined Cruiser Jacket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

It makes sense that the trucker jacket in its various iterations would be done particularly well by the Pacific Northwest style purveyors at Filson. The Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket is a water-repellent take on the trucker, able to block water, wind, and rain. Wear it with tough chore pants, a thermal henley, and leather work boots the next time you need to get the job done.

Schott NYC Vintage Buffalo Leather Trucker Jacket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you want to dive headfirst into the whole trucker jacket game, you might as well go all out with this handsome vintage-style trucker jacket from lauded outerwear brand Schott. It features genuine sheep shearling lining (and yes, an expensive price tag).

Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…
What to wear to a funeral: Tips for choosing proper attire
Man in black suit

If you are reading this article, then our first words to you are, we're sorry for your loss—our condolences to you and your family. Now, having said that you are likely here because you have the unfortunate reality of attending a funeral coming up, and you are trying to navigate what you are allowed to wear and what is a no-go. While conventional wisdom tells you that you should be wearing nothing but a black suit, the world has changed a little, and there may be some ways you can maneuver around the black suit rule if you don't have time to pick one up.

Funeral attire for men has been the same for as long as we can remember, so if you have time to pick up a suit, you absolutely should. But, if not, we can help you navigate the dress code and pay your respects correctly. Starting with the first question, everyone asks.
Is black all you can wear to a funeral

Read more
This REI Winter Sale is basically an early Black Friday event — You need to see these prices
Man sitting outdoors -- Feature for REI Winter Sale early Black Friday event

While everyone else is busy shopping the most popular Black Friday deals on electronics, like TVs, tools, games, and all that nonsense, I like to spend my time shopping for things I actually need. You know what I mean. The gear that rarely goes on sale or sees those deep discounts we all know and love. A perfect example is fall and winter gear, from clothing, jackets, and other apparel, to camping, climbing, travel, fitness supplies, and more. Right now, one of the best places to shop for all of that stuff, at great prices, is REI. You can expect to save up to 30% off gear and clothing in a wide variety of categories.
Shop the Sale
 
What to shop in the REI Winter Sale on gear and clothing

It seems obvious, but I would recommend sitting down and either considering or figuring out what gear you and your family need this winter. Actually, sit down and figure out if there's any gear you'll need for the coming year. Some of the items on sale are usable year-round, like camping, hiking, and fitness gear. But let's provide some examples. In the REI Winter Sale, you can save up to 30% off The North Face apparel, up to 30% off outdoor electronics like Garmin, BioLite, and more, up to 25% off footwear, including boots, and up to 50% off jackets. Again, those are just some quick examples. There are a ton of other options in this sale.

Read more
Wrangler adds two more fits to its selvedge capsule
Wrangler selvedge now available in original and slim
Wrangler Cone White Selvedge shirt and jeans

One of the common phrases you may hear in the fashion world is selvedge denim. While that may not mean a lot to you when you first start hearing the term, it is hugely popular with those denim heads who love a good pair of jeans. It essentially means that there are no unfinished edges on the jeans that can fray. All seams, even on the inside, are finished. If you notice a good pair of selvedge jeans, they are almost always worn turned up at the ankle so you can see the finished seams. They are of higher quality and harder to produce, so, therefore, they are definitely something to show off. Last month, Wrangler dropped a new selvedge line with a denim jacket and jean made from the remainder of the denim loomed at the Cone Mills White Oak plant. They have now added two new fits to the Wrangler Selvedge line.
Now in an original and slim fit

The original fit, known in Wrangler speak as the Cowboy Cuts, is a mid-rise design with a regular fit through the thigh and a slim through-the-leg opening. The slim-fit straights are lower on the waist, with a slim fit through the thigh and a straight leg that’ll still fit over your favorite pair of boots. They both feature all the heritage details, including our signature five-pocket styling, ‘W’ embroidery on the pocket, and the dark indigo color perfect for your favorite Western look. Here is some advice from us: Get a pair about an inch longer than your usual jeans to roll them up and show off the selvedge seam.
Wrangler Premium Collection

Read more