We’ve evolved past the days when “fall jacket” meant choosing between a sad khaki trench or that nylon windbreaker you’ve had since college. The menswear world has gone full mad scientist, splicing DNA from Italian tailoring, Korean streetwear and Silicon Valley tech-bro gear to create jackets that would make Frankenstein’s monster look basic.
You’ve got your Drake’s waxed cotton numbers, still clinging to relevance like ivy to a brick wall. Then there’s the Loro Piana crowd, casually dropping a month’s mortgage on a jacket that’s essentially a really fancy blanket with sleeves. Don’t forget the Moncler devotees, treating their down jackets like they’re bulletproof vests against the cold (and good taste).
But here’s the twist—in 2024, the coolest jacket might just be the one that doesn’t scream “I read too many fashion blogs.” We’re talking about those sleeper hits: the unassuming Buck Mason chore coats, the deceptively simple Eleventy Milano shirt jackets or that Saint Laurent leather number that makes you feel like a rock star (even if your biggest gig is the weekly team meeting).
Whether you’re a Brioni boardroom warrior or a Frizmworksstreet-style savant, there’s a jacket out there with your name on it. Just remember, the best fall jacket is the one that keeps you warm without making you look like you’re cosplaying as a fashion week attendee. Now, let’s dive into some options that won’t make you look like you’re trying too hard or not trying at all. Because in the world of fall fashion, the middle ground is where the magic happens.