There is no shortage of love on these pages for Uniqlo sub-labels and designer-helmed collections alike but a side-effect of tracking the affordable, ever-functional inventory of a Japanese retailer like we’re NORAD is that we occasionally stumble across a heater in the main line. As you might have guessed, today is one of those days, because this Denim Trucker Jacket just hit shelves and it’s as good—and as inexpensive—as anything in some of the buzzier corners of the Uniqlo catalog.
Available in both a washed and rinsed 100% cotton denim for $70, the just-a-little-bit boxy, just-a-little-bit cropped jacket is reminiscent of a classic Type I jacket. It borrows the pleated placket, single patch pocket at the chest, and the back cinch from the originator—it does ditch the flap, for the continuity heads out there—but it also tacks on some cheeky side-seam pockets.
And for any of you scrolling through the forecast and wondering when you’ll wear this—or anything not down-filled, for that matter—know that this is the kind of jacket that layers over a hoodie or sweater. But it’s not so cumbersome as to make it feel awkward under a winter coat as a mid-layer. Plus, it’s going to absolutely crush with some cords, trousers or any other kind of pants that aren’t afraid of some wind-chill, in addition to working great with the classics. Will a denim jacket ease whatever kind of winter blues you’re presumably dealing with? I can’t make that type of call, but I’m fairly certain it would help a little bit.