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In a normal year, we wait patiently until at least one leaf has drifted from branch to ground before scrambling for a denim jacket. It’s the perfect transitional piece — light enough for the sun that makes the autumnal leaves glow, but heavy enough for the breeze that escorts those leaves to the earth — and a good one survives many springs, falls, and maybe even a pre-global warming winter and summer.
But this was no ordinary year. Not even the dead heat of summer could keep celebrities like 2 Chainz and Rihanna away from Gucci’s trendy version embroidered with butterflies, flowers, and a tiger.
Gucci’s shearling standout has spawned lookalikes. Namely, one released Thursday as part of Levi’s collaboration with legendary streetwear brand Supreme. But even if you don’t have $5,000 to spare on Gucci’s, or quick enough trigger fingers to snatch up Supreme’s, plenty of other brands have released denim jackets that serve as perfectly good replacements.
Whether you’re looking for something classic, something almost identical to what’s been released by the aforementioned pair of brands, or something a little strange, you can find it all below.
Levi’s
Levi’s has a Sherpa Trucker Jacket ($128) without the bleach and the smug sense of satisfaction some get from wearing Supreme.
A quick note: To be completely honest, this entire list could just be a link to the denim jacket category on the Levi’s website. If you’re looking for a classic, reliable, and affordable denim jacket, it’s there.
A.P.C.
A.P.C. offers a classic Denim Jacket ($280) made out of Japanese denim and finished with great details. Buttons are engraved with the Parisian brand’s logo and name, and it’s been washed specifically in places that would fade if worn by an actual real life human so you — presumably an actual real life human — don’t have to.
Native Youth
A deep indigo-dyed jacket with a contrasting black shearling-lined collar. I honestly don’t understand how this Native Youth Grain Jacket is both only $160 and not completely sold out online.
Fanmail
Sherpa-lined collar and faded pink denim. This Fanmail Sherpa Jacket ($824) is on the top of my list of things to buy when I win the lottery.
Naked & Famous
Japanese denim extraordinaires Naked & Famous make a simple and beautiful black denim option ($175).
Blue Blue Japan
A denim jacket in every sense except the part where it’s not denim and actually corduroy. Blue Blue Japan cooked up this indigo-dyed trucker jacket ($415) much like when a fancy restaurant serves you an “egg” dish that isn’t an egg at all.
Neighborhood
Neighbohood’s Stockman Jacket ($296) proves White Denim isn’t just a cool indie band.
orSlow
Just a really fucking nice and well-made trucker jacket from Japanese brand orSlow ($269).