17 Types of Jackets for Next Level Fall Fits


Bring your outfit to the next level.

Every year when summer ends I look at my wardrobe and think I need a new jacket. I then spend ages trying to find the right one. It’s a difficult choice for several reasons. As the weather’s been warm for so long I never quite know what types of jackets I’ll want to wear during the following season. Am I still feeling what I wore the previous spring? Or will a will a new style come around and blow me over?

The jacket also has to be something that goes with a large variety of clothes. While I own plenty of jeans, shirts, and jumpers, I own far fewer jackets. Choosing one that isn’t a good fit with the rest of my wardrobe simply isn’t an option.

Last year I never got on the fleece trend, which means it’s at the top of my list this time around. I’ve also seen some really nice corduroy jackets I’m considering. Although, you can never have enough leather or denim jackets…

Here are some of the different types of jacket to wear that will see you through to the warmer weather.

Different Types of Jacket To Help You Look Great in 2020

Corduroy Jacket

Corduroy jackets are exactly what they say on the tine: jackets made from corduroy. The material’s relatively similar to denim and they typically have a similar shape. The main difference is the texture of the material and the different colors that corduroy comes in. While it’s been a quiet few years for the material, I’m expecting big things from it this year. The above jacket from Carhatt WIP is an incredible take on the style.

Fleece Jacket

Fleece jackets were hugely popular in 2019 and we’re sure this will continue into the following winter. Popular fleeces at the moment are a far cry from the ones worn by your parents on hikes in the countryside. Look for ones with block colors or pockets for extra style points. They’re also warm which makes them super practical and an absolute treat to wear during winter. The above fleece from Topman manages to pack in two huge trends: monochrome and fleece.

Denim Jacket

Black Denim Jacket

Denim jackets are a fall go-to. They have all the edginess of a leather jacket but without the hefty price-tag. They are perfect for layering and work in pretty much any casual outfit. I’ve spoken about my love for black denim jackets here, but a new one with a boxier fit is definitely on my radar for this fall and winter season.

Technical Jacket

Rain jackets (or technical jackets if you must) have an obvious practical purpose, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also be stylish. Choose the right one and you’ll be able to elevate your look, even when it’s raining. At the lower end of the spectrum, brands like Uniqlo have a good selection of outerwear with clean lines and block colors, while most outdoor and sports brands do their own take on the style.

Puffer Jacket

Puffer jackets are nylon jackets filled with down feathers or a cheaper alternative. The stuffing gives them a puffed-up look, hence the name. It also means these jackets are incredibly warm. If you’re looking for something to fight off the winter cold, this is the type of jacket for you. Oversized puffer jackets have been absolutely everywhere for the last couple of years and it wouldn’t be surprising if this trend continued. Oh, and they’re waterproof. Winner!

Biker Jacket

Biker jackets are the epitome of rock-star cool and are never-out-of-style if you’re the type who can pull the look off. The best ones have an array of zips, studs, and a big collar. Pair one with boots and skinny jeans and you’re sure to get glances wherever you go.

Leather Jacket

Leather jackets are surprisingly versatile depending on the style you buy. While biker jackets are best left for casual situations, a leather jacket in a more dialed down style (bomber, perhaps?) will get you through a larger variety of events.

Faux Leather Jacket

Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

If leather jackets have a downside, it’s the price tag. Faux leather jackets offer most of the style for a tiny fraction of the price tag. Many modern mid-range versions, such as the range at Zara, are very convincing and only the biggest leather snobs will be able to tell the difference.

Bomber Jacket

A bomber jacket is a short jacket with a pinched waist and cuff, and no collar. These jackets come in a variety of materials including leather, nylon, wool, and cotton. Thinner bomber jackets are great for keeping the wind off in fall and spring. But you can also buy far thicker versions that will keep you warm in winter too.

Shearling Jacket

Shearling jackets are those made from sheep’s wool. This makes them super thick and warm. Most shearling jackets also use the white wool lining as a design feature and the brown dyed leather from the sheep on the outside. Shearling is also often used on denim and other material jackets, espeically around the collar.

Harrington Jacket

Harrington Jacket

Harrington jackets were made famous by James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause and have strong associations with the Mod movement in the UK. They are a British style and often come with a tartan lining. They are distinctive due to the button up collar and the elasticated waste. For an authentic version check out those from the likes of Ben Sherman and Baracuta.

Barbour (Wax) Jacket

A Barbour jacket is a waxed jacket originally made by the British brand Barbor. Although, many other companies now do their own version of the wax design. They are associated with the British outdoors and hunting and thus have many practical features such as pockets and straps. A key feature is the corduroy collar. In the U.K. they are a festival staple, especially when paired with Hunter wellies.

Quilted Jacket

Quilted jackets are another style associated with Barbor. Instead of the waxed exterior, they have patterned stitching. They have a similar shape, including the collar, to wax jackets. They often come in navy, although other colors are available. As well as the traditional shape, look for quilted bomber jackets for a stylish twist on the style.

Blazer

A blazer is similar to sports jackets and suit jackets. They can be made from a variety of material and be either single or double breasted. While they are often part of a uniform, you can wear them with dark jeans to bring a casual outfit up a notch. They often come in navy or grey, but other colors are available. Try a leather one if you really want to make a statement.

Sports Jacket

A sports jacket is essentially a lose blazer/suit jacket. It’s slightly more casual than a suit jacket or blazer and can be worn over shirts or jumpers. Although it is still very much at the formal end of the spectrum. Sports coast often have extra details like pockets or arm patches. They come in a variety of materials such as corduroy, tweed, wool, and cotton.

Track Jacket

Track jackets is a type of outerwear designed to be worn during sports. This means they are light and comfortable. Of course, you can wear them anywhere and this type of jacket is now very much a part of street style. Adidas jackets like the one in the image above are absolute classics.

Suit Jacket

Suit jackets are those worn with suits. They have a more tailored fit than sports jackets or blazers and, of course, typically come with matching trousers. Out of all the different types of jacket they are the most formal. They also have a clearer design with less buttons or embellishments. You can wear them individually, but be aware that if you do the color may fade faster than your suit trousers.

Jacket FAQ

What’s the Difference Between a Coat and a Jacket?

While there’s no official difference, jackets are commonly thought to be lighter than coats. They are also typically waist length, while coats can be longer.

What’s a Long Jacket Called?

Most of the time, a long jacket would be considered a coat. Different types of jacket may have different names, though.

What’s the Difference Between a Jacket and a Hoodie?

A hoody is typically made from sweater material, while a jacket is outerwear. Many styles of jackets have hoods, but aren’t considered hoodies.

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Duncan Elder

Duncan is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Boardwalk. He's a menswear writer who has spent the last 15 years developing his own sense of style, which lies at the cross-section of mid-noughties indie and Uniqlo-inspired minimalism.

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