The denim jacket is one of those pieces that earns its place through sheer usefulness rather than any particular effort to impress. Over a hoodie in early spring, thrown on with chinos and a white tee in summer, layered under an overcoat when October starts making threats. The problem is most denim jackets land in one of two failure zones: either they’re washed to oblivion and feel like costume, or they’re too fashion forward to actually wear anywhere real. The workwear ones get it right because they were never trying to be anything other than functional. Heavier denim, cleaner construction, hardware that doesn’t feel like it came off a fast fashion line. We’ve been looking specifically at cuts that sit properly across the shoulders without pulling, and weights that break in over time rather than just looking broken. These jackets will look better in three years than they do today.