Women and jackets have been companions for a long time now, but have you ever wondered how the friendship began? Let’s have a look at the history of women’s jackets—including when we started wearing them, which jackets were popular in different eras, and how particular jacket styles have become so ubiquitous, we rely on them to create a versatile wardrobe. Let’s dive into the history of women’s jackets!
Women and Jackets
Before women wore jackets, they wore outerwear to keep warm, in the form of shawls, cloaks and capes. These garments were feminine in style, and had a soft, unstructured look.
In the mid-to-late 1800s, women gained a more prominent role in the social sphere, and began participating in activities that were previously the preserve of men. They took up pursuits such as horseriding, cycling, and even began working in traditional male occupations. As a result of this, they needed to wear the appropriate attire, for practical reasons. For example, women who took to horseriding started to wear riding habit jackets, which were tailored coats inspired by men’s riding attire.
In the early 20th century, and especially after the first World War, practical women’s jackets became more mainstream. And as time went on, women’s jackets were designed not only with utility in mind, but more and more as fashion statements.
At present, women’s jackets form a key component of our wardrobe, and we take our pick from a range of practical and special occasion jacket styles.
Let’s take a look at some of the jackets for women that have stood the test of time, and are still popular choices in stylish ensembles today.
The Denim Jacket: From Workwear to Fashion Icon
The denim jacket, or jean jacket, first appeared in Germany in the early 1800s, and was later introduced to Americans by Levi Strauss, a German businessman well known for selling jeans with rivets. The denim jacket was initially worn by American miners, railroad workers and cowboys, however over time, it became a commonly-worn utility garment that was durable and practical.
In the 1950s and ‘60s, women took to the denim jacket, as part of American youth culture trends. Over subsequent decades, the casual jean jacket became a wardrobe staple, with certain eras using the denim jacket as a blank canvas upon which they could express their creativity or political views. (In the ‘70s and ‘80s, denim jackets were distressed, or covered in diamante studs, safety pins,patches and badges.)
Today, the denim jacket is one staple every woman wants in their wardrobe. Popular at the moment are crop denim jackets, embroidered denim jackets, denim jackets that resemble shirts (shackets), and denim jackets in pastel colours.
Leather & Vegan Leather Jackets: A Symbol of Edge and Empowerment
Leather jackets started out as practical components of military and aviation attire. In the early 1900s, the leather jackets pilots wore helped protect them from the cold at high altitudes. In the 1950s, prominent Hollywood actors, known for their rebellious spirit, wore leather jackets onscreen (James Dean, Marlon Brando) and the leather jacket became a symbol of coolness and non-conformity.
Women took to wearing leather jackets in the 1960s and '70s, whether that be wearing oversized men's styles, or designs specially made for women, that created an air of toughness and femininity at once.
During subsequent punk and grunge eras, leather jackets remained popular, but became more varied in style. While biker jackets and aviation style jackets remained common, people experimented more with jacket designs, with leather jackets being cropped, studded, or covered with patches, badges or zips.
Over the decades, more fashion lovers have come to consider animal rights when they make a purchase, and hence vegan leather jackets (faux leather jackets), made from synthetic or plant-based materials have grown popular. Designers now make cruelty-free faux leather jackets and faux suede jackets in classic styles, meaning that animal lovers can rock the leather look, without the cruelty. Whether it's an iconic biker style jacket, a tailored blazer style, or a belted trench jacket, the vegan leather jacket remains eternally edgy and a little luxurious.
Puffer Jackets: From the Ski Slopes to the Fashion Runways
There has always been the need for puffer jackets. That’s why Eddie Bauer, a keen outdoorsman, designed the first puffer jacket back in 1936. After having nearly died from hypothermia on a fishing trip, he saw the need for an easy-to-wear, lightweight jacket that was very warm. His design gradually took off, and by the 1970s, puffer jackets were popular winter garments for men and women alike.
In the 1990s and 2000s, puffer jackets became particularly trendy garments in urban streetwear and hip-hop culture. They often came oversized, and/or in vibrant colours.
In 2025, puffer jackets remain a winter must-have. Popular at the moment are reversible styles that offer a distinct look when worn each way, (for example, they may be furry on one side and smooth on the other). Quilted puffer jackets are also trending.
Fur & Faux Fur Jackets: Luxury and Controversy
Animal fur is obviously one of the first fabrics used for clothing by humans, given it was obtainable, and easy to fashion into a garment using simple hand tools. Given the effort and sacrifice taken to obtain fur, it has always been prized, and has over time been viewed as a luxury item that demonstrates your high status.
In the early 1900s, fur coats became more accessible to the upper-middle class, and in the ‘50s and '60s, were considered staple garments for glamourous evening wear.
There has been much debate about the use of fur over the decades, and given concerns about animal cruelty, many have banished fur from their wardrobes entirely. However, those same people may still love the cosy feel of fur. Hence, faux-fur was developed, which offered a cruelty-free alternative.
Who doesn’t enjoy wearing fluffy jackets? Faux fur jackets and coats are very popular these days. They add an element of glamour and drama to an outfit, whilst also offering the practical benefit of warmth. In 2025, reversible faux fur jackets will be popular, as well as crop faux fur jackets and check teddy jackets.
Trench Coats: From the Trenches to Timeless Chic
Trench coats were originally made for British officers fighting in the first World War. Rather than wearing traditional heavy wool uniforms, trench coats were more lightweight and waterproof. Made from gabardine fabric, they were also more breathable, and more suitable for activities in the trenches.
Post World War I, the trench coat was adapted somewhat for civilians, and was seen in popular Hollywood films of the 1940s and ‘50s, (in particular, films related to war and espionage). Trench coats came to symbolise mystery and elegance, and were worn by stylish Hollywood female leads.
Trench coats continued to be popular throughout the decades, becoming coats to wear for both work and play. The trench is relied upon to provide a flattering shape and sophisticated look for all types of bodies.
Particularly iconic are beige trench coats, however a range of other colours are also popular. In addition, a range of fabrics are now used to fashion tench coats, so these days you can get faux leather and faux suede trench coats, plus animal print trench coats. Sleeveless trench coats are also now trending, and offer enhanced styling possibilities.
Modern Trends: Past Meets Present
What’s striking about today’s outerwear trends is how much they borrow from the past. Each jacket style has evolved while still holding to its roots. For example:
- Denim jackets are often now customised with embroidery or patchwork, giving a nod to the expressive DIY fashion of the ‘70s and ‘80s.
- Vegan leather jackets reflect the same rebellious spirit as their predecessors, but with an animal-friendly twist.
- Puffer jackets take a high-fashion turn while still keeping us warm.
- Faux fur allows glamour without the guilt.
- Trench coats continue to be reimagined season after season, proving their staying power.
As fashion becomes more inclusive jackets that offer both style and substance are winning out. Women today want pieces that can transition through seasons, tell a story, and stand the test of time.
Women’s Jackets at Femme Connection
Femme Connection offers a wide range of women’s jackets in classic styles, including puffer jackets, faux leather jackets, faux fur and teddy jackets, trench coats and denim jackets. Explore our unique pieces in our Women’s Jacket’s collections.