It is true that, like a great watch, the jacket you choose to wear says a lot about your personality. It is also true that your jacket will be one of the first things people notice about you—so it’s best to pick a good one and know what you’re doing. The right jacket can look great for decades. Don’t know where to turn for such a jacket? Here are 8 timeless jackets you can wear forever.
Levi’s Trucker Jacket
Levi’s is the gold standard in denim, and naturally, their Trucker Jackets are things of legend. A classic Levi’s Trucker Jacket goes well in every season, whether worn over a plain white t-shirt in the spring and summer, or over a hoodie when the temperatures drop. They’re durable, versatile, and last a lifetime. They also come in a million different varieties these days—from classic stone-washed, to bleached white, beige, and even black—which means owning one just might not be enough. $70
Barbour Quilted Tinford Jacket
There are plenty of knock-offs and imitations out there, but don’t let anyone bullshit you—there’s nothing like an original Quilted Jacket made by the one and only J. Barbour and Sons. The jackets come in all different colors and styles, but the original features a corduroy collar and diamond-quilted water-resistant polyamide shell, cotton trim, and heat-retaining polyester filling. Long story short, they’re timelessly attractive, and superbly functional and durable. $179
Baracuta Classic Harrington Jacket
Every man should have at least one well-made Harrington in their closet. Popularized in the 1930s by companies like Baracuta and Grenfell, Harrington jackets are lightweight waist-length coats made of either cotton, polyester, wool, or suede. They’re simple and minimal, and generally feature only two slanted hand pockets on the front. Their telltale two-button collars and tartan lining are typically how you’ll spot one out in the wild, and everyone from the Elvis Presleys and Frank Sinatras of the world to the mod revivalists of the 80s and 90s, all the way to the fashion-forward men of right damn now, have worn and continue to wear these timeless classics. Go get one. $390
Alpha Industries Bomber
Bomber jackets have been around since the First World War, when they were used to keep pilots warm because closed-cockpit fighter planes hadn’t yet been invented. The later—most popular—version of the bomber jacket, the MA-1, has been a staple of men’s fashion since the early 80s. The jacket itself is in the middle of a minor renaissance right now, but it has always been a mainstay in the closet of many a man. If you want the best and most well known bombers, look no further than a classic from Alpha Industries. Aside from being incredibly affordable, they’re also the real deal, having first launched in 1959 when the U.S. Department of Defense originally contracted them to design the jacket. $125
Sterlingwear of Boston Hip-Length Pea Coat
Pea coats have been a staple of men’s outerwear for, believe it or not, almost 300 years. The first reference to pea coats can be found as early as the 1720s in American newspapers—the Boston Gazette, to be precise. Today, pea coats come in a wide array of different styles and varieties, but none is more perfect than the hip-length classic. They can be worn with anything from suits to hoodies, and more than style, they provide incredible warmth without the bulk you’d typically expect from a heavier coat. The only problem is deciding on which one to purchase. You can certainly buy quality remakes from companies like Camplin, or higher end manufacturers like Aquascutum, Burberry, and L.L.Bean, but if you’re looking for an authentic-cut pea coat that’s made for the U.S. Navy, nothing beats Sterlingwear of Boston. Period. $195
London Fog Trench Coat
You didn’t honestly expect us to put an outerwear guide together and not include the classic of all classics, did you? London Fog has manufactured waterproof clothing since 1923, and over the years has become a name synonymous with quality and style. Believe it or not, they’re a U.S.-based company and have literally never been headquartered in London. Go figure. But if their gear is good enough for the U.S. Navy, it’s good enough for any man. You’ll never buy another raincoat again. $129
Canada Goose Expedition Parka
People look at parkas and think of them more as fashion statements than anything. And while they are handsome, rugged-looking garments, the fact is, a solid, well-made parka can make you damn-near impervious to the cold. After all, Inuit people in some of Canada’s roughest, harshest terrain invented them. There’s no “definitive” parka, but if you’re looking for as authentic as it gets on a widely produced level, your best bet is the Canada Goose Expedition Parka. It was developed in the 1980s to meet the strenuous demands of scientists conducting research at Antarctica’s McMurdo Station. Since its invention, it has become part of the standard issue equipment. $860
Schott NYC Black Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Finally, what men’s outerwear guide isn’t complete without a nod to the classic moto jacket. Stylish, sleek, and functional, a moto jacket is thin enough to wear comfortably, but its leather shell keeps out the cold. It’s obviously more of a casual piece, but that’s not to say it can’t be worn to the office. The classic moto jacket usually features zippered cuffs and pockets, as well as a button-snap collar for extra insulation. If you’ve got the coin, Schott NYC’s Men’s Vintaged Steerhide Black Leather Café Racer Motorcycle Jacket is probably one of the best and most popular moto jackets in the world today. Warm cotton plaid lining, slim fit, beautiful and durable leather, heavy duty clasps and zippers, and, of course, made in the U.S.A. Like we said, it’ll cost you some coin, but when it comes to clothing, you often get what you pay for. $800
