Khaki Jackets - The Ultimate Guide: What to Buy and Where

As a stylist, I've seen countless clients transform their entire wardrobe with just one perfectly chosen khaki jacket. It's that magical piece that bridges the gap between casual and smart, masculine and feminine, structured and relaxed. Whether you're rushing to a coffee date, heading to the office, or weekend wandering, a well-cut khaki jacket has got your back.

Why Khaki Works So Brilliantly

Khaki sits in that sweet spot of neutral colours—not as stark as black, not as predictable as navy, but infinitely more interesting than beige. The earthy green undertones complement virtually every skin tone, whilst the colour's military heritage lends an effortlessly cool edge to any outfit. I've styled khaki jackets on clients from their twenties to their seventies, and it works every single time.

The beauty of khaki lies in its adaptability. Pair it with white jeans and trainers for off-duty chic, throw it over a slip dress for unexpected sophistication, or layer it under a wool coat for textural interest. It's the kind of piece that makes you look put-together without trying too hard—something we all need more of.

The Different Styles You Need to Know

Military-Inspired Jackets

The classic utility jacket remains the gold standard. Look for four front pockets, structured shoulders, and a slightly cropped length that hits at the hip. The key details—epaulettes, drawstring waist, and robust hardware—add visual interest without being overly fussy. This style works particularly well on petite frames as the structured shoulders create a lovely silhouette.

Bomber Jackets

Khaki bombers offer a sportier alternative that's particularly flattering on curvier figures. The ribbed cuffs and hem create definition whilst the relaxed body skims rather than clings. Choose one with a subtle sheen for evening or a matte finish for daytime casual wear.

Overshirts

This hybrid between a shirt and light jacket is having a major moment. Khaki overshirts are brilliant for transitional weather and layering. They work beautifully over thin knits or under heavier coats. The relaxed fit makes them perfect for creating those effortlessly chic off-duty looks we all crave.

Blazer-Style Jackets

For a more polished approach, khaki blazers offer sophistication with a twist. Look for ones with subtle military details—contrast stitching, patch pockets, or brushed gold buttons—to keep them interesting rather than corporate.

How to Choose Your Perfect Khaki

Fit is absolutely everything with khaki jackets. Too tight and you'll look like you're in fancy dress; too loose and you'll appear swamped. The shoulders should sit naturally without pulling, with enough room to layer a thin jumper underneath. The length should hit at your hip bone or just below—any longer and you'll shorten your legs.

Pay attention to the shade of khaki too. Warmer, olive-toned khakis suit those with golden undertones in their skin, whilst cooler, sage-tinted versions complement pinker complexions. When in doubt, hold the jacket up to your face in natural light—the right shade will make your skin glow.

Where to Shop: My Top Recommendations

High Street Heroes

Zara consistently delivers on-trend khaki jackets with excellent tailoring at accessible prices. Their military-style pieces often feature beautiful details like contrast topstitching and quality hardware.

COS offers minimalist interpretations that focus on impeccable cut and premium fabrics. Their khaki pieces tend toward the architectural, perfect for those who prefer clean lines.

Arket creates sustainable options with that Scandinavian aesthetic we all love. Their khaki jackets often feature organic cotton and thoughtful design details.

H&M and Uniqlo provide budget-friendly basics that punch above their weight, particularly their cotton twill options.

Premium Picks

Whistles excels at elevated basics with sophisticated cuts. Their khaki pieces often feature luxe details like silk linings or contrast piping.

Reiss offers contemporary styles with excellent tailoring. Look out for their signature structured shoulders and modern proportions.

Equipment brings that effortless French-girl aesthetic to khaki, particularly in their overshirt styles. The silk blends are particularly lovely.

Theory creates investment pieces with impeccable fits. Their approach to khaki tends toward the minimalist and sophisticated.

Sandro offers Parisian chic with military influences, often featuring beautiful embellishments and unexpected details.

Designer Dreams

Toteme has mastered the art of elevated basics. Their khaki pieces are investment-worthy with perfect proportions and luxurious fabrics.

The Row offers understated luxury with impeccable tailoring. Their approach to khaki is quietly sophisticated and timelessly elegant.

Isabel Marant brings that coveted Parisian cool to military-inspired pieces, often with unexpected details and perfect fits.

Lemaire creates architectural pieces with an avant-garde edge whilst remaining utterly wearable.

Unique Finds

Ganni puts their signature playful spin on utility wear, often featuring unexpected colours or prints alongside classic khaki.

Barbour and Belstaff offer heritage options with incredible craftsmanship, particularly their waxed cotton styles.

Stone Island brings technical innovation to military-inspired design—perfect if you want something truly special.

Stand Studio offers contemporary interpretations with Scandinavian minimalism and excellent quality.

Styling Your Khaki Jacket

The key to styling khaki successfully is playing with proportions and textures. With skinny jeans, add volume with an oversized khaki bomber. With wide-leg trousers, choose a fitted military-style jacket to balance the silhouette.

For colour combinations, think about complementary tones: crisp white, soft cream, deep navy, or rich burgundy all work beautifully. Don't shy away from patterns either—khaki works wonderfully with stripes, florals, and even animal prints.

Layer thoughtfully: a fine knit underneath in colder months, or wear it open over a silk camisole when temperatures rise. The versatility is genuinely endless, which is why every woman should own at least one excellent khaki jacket.

Find Your Perfect Fit with Tellar

Getting the right size in any jacket is crucial, and that's where tellar.co.uk becomes your styling secret weapon. As the UK's leading sizing tool, Tellar matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly—no more guessing games with size guides!

How it works:

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size
2. Use their tellar.co.uk
3. tellar.co.uk
4. Ultimate Guide to Jackets & Best Buys

Care and Maintenance

A quality khaki jacket should last you years with proper care. Most cotton twill versions can be machine washed on a gentle cycle, but always check the care label first. For structured pieces with interfacing, dry cleaning will help maintain the shape.

Store your jacket on a shaped hanger to preserve the shoulders, and consider investing in a clothes brush to keep the fabric looking fresh between wears. If your jacket has a removable belt, store it separately to prevent creasing.

The Final Word

A well-chosen khaki jacket is one of those rare pieces that genuinely improves everything else in your wardrobe. It's the ultimate third piece that transforms any outfit from basic to brilliant. Whether you invest in a designer piece that'll last decades or find a brilliant high-street version to test the waters, you won't regret adding this versatile hero to your arsenal.

Remember, the best khaki jacket is the one that makes you feel effortlessly stylish every time you put it on. Trust your instincts, pay attention to fit over everything else, and prepare to wonder how you ever managed without it.