Trend Alert: Denim Jackets

Carhartt by Broberry Manufacturing (asi/42057) carries this men’s 100% cotton denim jacket (J292) that features a spread collar, button-front closure and Sherpa lining with quilted nylon lining in the sleeves. Denim jackets, while known mainly as an outerwear and work wear staple, are making a comeback in the fashion world. This fall, J.Crew will be featuring men's denim jackets as a layering piece under jackets and over sweaters and blazers, with turned-up collars and cuffed sleeves. During Milan Menswear Fashion Week this past January, leading label DSquared2 showed off denim jackets layered with tuxedo jackets, leather jackets, raincoats and white shirts. The wide-ranging use of jean jackets proves just how versatile the item is. "Our J291 and J292 styles were new for fall 2011 and did really well," says Erin Tricker, vice president of sales & operations at Broberry Manufacturing (asi/42057). "They were hot sellers in all areas of the country because they can be a three-season jacket in the colder climates and a very versatile jacket in warmer climates. We see sales for all different types of channels, from farm stores to promotional accounts." The Carhartt jackets that Broberry carries are perfect as work wear. "Both styles are made of 11.75 oz. 100% cotton denim and feature button-front closures and two chest pockets," says Lindsay Habermas, inside sales associate at Carhartt by Broberry Manufacturing. "The J292 also has quilted nylon lining in the sleeves." In addition, both jackets feature a Sherpa lining that serves both comfort and function. Tri-Mountain (asi/92125) offers eight denim pieces, including the Tahoe shirt jacket (869). "It looks like a shirt, but it's actually a very warm jacket with an 8.1 oz fleece lining," says Danny Tsai, vice president of merchandising. "It's been such a popular style that we offer it in 10 colors and in extended sizes." Tsai says the manufacturing and agricultural sectors still show some demand for denim. "However, it's not as strong as it was in the '80s and '90s," he adds.  "We are very focused on retail trends and fashion, so it's interesting to note that hipsters and the young millennial set seem to have embraced it in recent years." While Tsai thinks the demand for denim jackets will remain about the same in the next year, both Habermas and Tricker believe it will grow, and not just because of their rising popularity on the catwalks. Says Tricker, "They've always been a staple in the work wear line and will continue to be."