IN DEFENSE OF THE TRUCKER JACKET

The first time I wore a trucker jacket was when I moved to Austin, Texas, maybe 10 years ago. I got the idea while watching a local, amateur league baseball game. The home team was called the Texas Playboys, and after the game, the pitcher slid a trucker jacket on over his woolen jersey. I thought, “Does this guy think he’s on the set of Field of Dreams or something?”

The truth was, he looked effortless and just plain cool. And so, I conceded. A few days later, I snagged one at a local thrift store. I’ve been wearing them ever since.

Like that pitcher, I don’t care too much about what people think. And it doesn’t much matter what I wear it with. I just know it looks cool and is ready for anything. Right now, it’s in the passenger seat of my truck, playing sidekick in my nonexistent buddy film, ready for action.

That’s the power of this garment: It allows you to be any character you want. Wear it over a plain white tee and channel your inner Kerouac. Pair it with baseball cap and bam! you're a long-haul trucker. You can even toss it on over a denim button-up for that Paul Bunyan: Time-Traveling Lumberjack vibe.

Of course, it’s ridiculous to think that a simple jacket could be so transformative. But, how do you feel when you wear an old cowboy hat or pocket your grandfather’s knife? You feel cool as hell. And here’s the best part: Anyone can pull off the trucker jacket. It pairs well with everything—not just toothpicks, denim and heartbreak.

I’ve worn mine at weddings, in the yard, on work trips. It’s iconic, dependable and fits any role. I like to think of it as the Samuel L. Jackson of jackets. Samuel L. Jacket, if you will. Some days are mountain epics and others are meet-cute rom coms, but no matter the part, the trucker jacket works.

So, forget about those who ask us who we think we are. Open your closet, look deep inside and choose what allows you to be whatever badass version of yourself you want to be today. For me, nine times out of 10, it’s the trucker jacket.