In modern fashion, jackets are versatile pieces that blend functionality with style. They provide essential weather protection while enhancing the aesthetics of an outfit, making them key for seasonal transitions and various occasions.
I’ve spent some time exploring different jacket types across major shopping platforms as well as apparel brands, and I’m going to take you through a variety of men’s and women’s jacket styles that cater to different customer preferences and market needs.
Classic Jacket Styles for Men and Women
1. Puffer Jacket
Puffer jackets are known for their insulation and distinctive quilted appearance. They offer excellent warmth by enclosing insulating material—typically down or synthetic fibers—in stitched compartments.
These jackets are usually lightweight and compressible, making them easy to pack and carry, ideal for outdoor activities or travel. Their practicality and comfort make them a popular choice for staying warm in cold weather.
2. Bomber Jacket
The bomber jacket is arguably one of the most popular and iconic styles. Originally designed in the early 20th century to keep pilots warm in open cockpits, the aviator jacket is made from materials like nylon, polyester, or leather.
Pilot jackets usually feature front zips, ribbed cuffs and hems, utility pockets, patches, and colored linings. Pilot jackets can be worn over a T-shirt or jumper and are a popular choice for casual wear.
3. Leather Jacket
Leather jackets were initially designed for motorcyclists and aviators and are typically made from animal hides or faux leather. They come in various styles, including bomber, biker, and classic variants, each with unique design elements like zippers, snap closures, and epaulets.
Leather jackets need to be properly cared for to stay soft and prevent cracking. Pair it with jeans, a T-shirt, or a button-down shirt.
4. Denim Jacket
Made from durable denim fabric, usually woven from cotton, denim jackets are casual and hard-wearing. The fabric softens and molds to the wearer’s shape over time.
Denim jackets typically feature a button-down front, two chest pockets, and adjustable buttoned cuffs. They can be easily layered over t-shirts, shirts, or sweaters, making them suitable for various casual outfits.
5. Harrington Jacket
The Harrington jacket is a classic men’s jacket style that gained popularity in the 1960s thanks to icons like James Dean and Steve McQueen.
Harrington jackets are usually made from cotton, polyester, or blends, with a front zip, buttoned stand-up collar, ribbed cuffs, and hem, featuring a checked lining and two angled flap pockets on the front.
Its lightweight design makes it ideal for spring and fall weather, offering wind and light rain protection while keeping you comfortable.
6. Windbreaker
A windbreaker is a lightweight jacket designed primarily for wind resistance and light rain protection, rather than insulation. Made from thin synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, windbreakers are usually unlined or thinly lined and worn as an outer layer in cool, breezy conditions.
They often feature elastic or adjustable cuffs, zippers, and drawstring hoods or hems to prevent wind from entering. Windbreakers vary in length from short to long, making them a popular choice for casual wear.
7. Pea Coat
The pea coat originated from naval uniforms worn by sailors and is a classic double-breasted coat made from heavy wool, providing warmth and protection against harsh sea weather.
Typical features include a broad collar, wide lapels, and large buttons, with vertical or slanted pockets at the waist. The classic color is navy blue, but modern pea coats come in a variety choose of colors, including black, gray, and camel.
8. Rain Jacket
A rain jacket is made from waterproof materials like Gore-Tex, nylon, or polyester and is specifically designed for wear in rainy and wet conditions.
Rain jackets typically include sealed or taped seams, waterproof front zippers, and adjustable hoods. Some also feature ventilation options, such as underarm zippers or mesh linings, to enhance breathability.
9. Quilted Jacket
A quilted jacket is characterized by its distinctive diamond or square stitch pattern. By sewing two layers of fabric with filling material in between, this design helps trap heat and provides a lightweight yet effective layer of insulation.
The filling is usually synthetic fibers or down, offering warmth, and these jackets come in various styles and lengths, from short, casual designs to longer, more formal options, making them a practical choice for winter.
10. Tweed Jacket
Originally popular in the British countryside, the tweed jacket is a classic and refined outerwear piece. Tweed fabric is a traditional wool textile known for its durability and warmth. Tweed is characterized by its textured weaves, such as herringbone, checks, or plaids.
Typically tailored with a fitted cut, tweed jackets feature details like notched lapels, button fronts, and multiple pockets. It pairs perfectly with dress pants, chinos, or even jeans, making it a versatile option for both formal and semi-formal occasions.
11. Moto Jacket
The moto jacket is a stylish and functional outerwear piece initially designed for motorcyclists. It features a fitted silhouette and is typically made from durable materials like leather, nylon, or polyester.
Known for its edgy, rebellious aesthetic, the moto jacket has transcended its original purpose to become a fashion staple, often paired with jeans, boots, and casual wear.
12. Parka
A parka is an extremely warm coat that typically extends to the thighs or knees and features a hood, often lined with faux fur or down for added cold-weather protection.
Parkas are made from durable, cold-resistant materials like nylon or polyester and are insulated with down or synthetic fibers to keep the wearer warm in extreme conditions.
13. Flannel Jacket
The flannel jacket is made from soft flannel fabric, providing warmth and comfort. Its typical feature is a plaid or checkered pattern, though solid colors are also available.
Flannel jackets have button-front closures, pockets, and sometimes additional lining for extra warmth. They are commonly worn as layering pieces over t-shirts or sweaters.
14. Corduroy Jacket
Corduroy is a durable material made from cotton or cotton blends, characterized by its distinctive ridged pattern or “wales.”
Corduroy jackets have a button-front design, often with patch pockets, collars, and sometimes elbow patches for added style. The unique texture of this fabric gives the jacket a classic, vintage appeal, making it a popular choice for casual and semi-formal wear.
15. Bolero Jacket
The bolero jacket is inspired by traditional Spanish attire, with origins in the jackets worn by matadors and dancers. This short, cropped jacket ends above the waist and usually has no closures or buttons.
Bolero jacket is often worn over dresses, evening gowns, or tops as a stylish cover-up, adding a layer of sophistication without overwhelming the outfit.
16. Camo Jacket
A camo jacket, short for a camouflage jacket, is a type of outerwear featuring a camouflage pattern designed to blend in with natural surroundings.
They are typically styled like field jackets, with multiple pockets, a front zipper or button closure, and sometimes a hood. In fashion, camo jackets are prized for their bold, edgy look, adding a rugged or street-style element to an outfit.
17. Running Jacket
A running jacket is made from lightweight, breathable, and typically moisture-wicking materials like polyester or nylon, designed to maintain comfort and performance during a run.
Many running jackets feature reflective strips to enhance visibility and ensure safety during early morning or evening runs.
18. Fringe Jacket
A fringe jacket is adorned with fabric or leather strips hanging from the seams, sleeves, or back. These fringes are often associated with Western, Bohemian, or Native American styles, adding a unique element to the jacket.
Fringe jackets are usually crafted from leather or suede and the movement of the fringes adds a dynamic, playful touch, making it a standout piece in any wardrobe.
19. Track Jacket
Originally designed for sports activities, a track jacket is made from breathable, stretchy materials like polyester, cotton blends, or nylon, aimed at providing ease of movement while offering moderate warmth.
Key features of a track jacket include a full front zipper, a stand-up collar, and ribbed cuffs and hems. The streamlined cut often includes pockets, ensuring comfort during exercise.
20. Varsity Jacket
A varsity jacket, also known as a letterman jacket, is traditionally associated with American high school and college sports teams. The most iconic feature of a varsity jacket is the embroidered or chenille letters or patches on the chest, representing the wearer’s school or team.
Its distinctive style makes it a versatile piece, perfect for casual wear when paired with jeans or chinos, creating a preppy, retro-inspired look.
21. Chore Jacket
A chore jacket is a durable workwear piece, typically made from heavy-duty fabrics like cotton twill, canvas, or denim.
Characterized by its boxy, straight-cut silhouette and buttoned front, a chore jacket usually features multiple large patch pockets (often four), making it ideal for carrying tools and other essentials.
22. Suit Jacket
A suit jacket is a tailored outwear, usually worn as part of a formal or semi-formal suit. It is defined by its fitted cut, typically featuring padded shoulders, lapels, and a single or double-breasted front closure.
Suit jackets are designed to create a stylish, polished appearance, enhancing the wearer’s silhouette with clean lines and precise tailoring.
23. Anoraks
Anoraks are pull-over hooded jackets, typically equipped with an adjustable hood and a kangaroo pocket at the front, designed for cold weather.
These jackets are often made from durable, waterproof materials like nylon or polyester, sometimes with insulation or lining for added warmth, making them popular among hikers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
What Fabrics Are Available for Jackets?
- Wool – Warm, insulating, breathable, and naturally water-resistant. Great for pea coats, and suit jackets.
- Leather – Durable, windproof, and water-resistant. Used for moto jackets, and bomber jackets.
- Denim – Durable, casual, and versatile. Used for denim jackets, and trucker jackets.
- Cotton – Lightweight, breathable. Used for field jackets, and Harrington jackets.
- Polyester – Lightweight, water-resistant, quick-drying, and affordable. Used for puffer jackets, track jackets, and rain jackets.
- Nylon – Lightweight, durable, and water-resistant. Used for anoraks, and windbreakers.
- Suede – A type of leather with a soft, napped finish. Used for bomber jackets.
- Fleece – Soft, insulating, and lightweight. Made from polyester, it’s often used as a lining.
- Corduroy – Made from cotton or cotton blends, warm and comfortable.
Choosing the right fabric for your jacket largely depends on its intended use and your specific needs. Each material has its advantages, so consider the expected use, climate, and personal style preferences.
Conclusion
This article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of various jacket types. From Harrington jackets to bomber jackets, there’s a style that suits your business needs.
We are a reliable jacket manufacturer in China. If you have any further questions about jackets, feel free to seek additional advice from us at any time.
