Flint and Tinder Flannel Lined Denim Trucker Jacket Review: Their Most Underrated Product

For a brand that makes perhaps the industry’s most popular waxed canvas jacket, and a brand that’s defined by casual Americana style, it’s weird that it took so long for Flint and Tinder to release the Flannel Lined Denim Trucker Jacket.

But I respect that they came out with something more interesting than a bog-standard type 3: it’s got a contrast collar reminiscent of the old Lee Storm Rider jacket and it’s lined with flannel — there are surprisingly few lined denim jackets on the market, so this is the rare solid option for winter.

Let’s go over the pros, cons, cons-truction, materials, sizing, and if I think it’s worth $288.

Pros and Cons of the Denim Trucker Jacket

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick summary of what I think makes the Flannel Lined Denim Trucker Jacket stand out, and a couple of potential drawbacks:

Why it’s the best:

• Exceptional Comfort: The Japanese blanket lining and soft-yet-sturdy denim make it incredibly comfortable out of the box
• Mostly Natural Lining: This brand is always polyester-dominant with their lining, so I was happy to find this is 55% cotton (and 45% synthetic)
• Practical Design: Well placed hand-warmers, dual breast pockets, and an internal phone pocket provide more functionality than most denim jackets
• American Made: It’s 100% American-made with Cone Mills denim, an icon of US workwear
• Warmth: This jacket is warm! It’s hard to find a denim jacket you can wear in colder weather.
• Great Fit: The sleeve length is spot on, and the overall cut is comfortable yet flattering

Downsides, but not dealbreakers:

• Availability: This jacket is often sold out due to high demand
• Synthetic Materials: Guys who love denim jackets tend to prefer as few synthetics as possible, and the lining is 45% synthetic
• Contrast Collar: I love the pop of color, but you might prefer a more minimalist look
• International Shipping: I’m based in Britain and ordering the jacket can be complicated by customs and shipping 

How I Tested This Jacket

“Best jacket of the year” — big claim, right? It is hard to know without trying every single jacket out there. But, I’ve tested a lot of jackets this past year both offline and on my YouTube channel, including jackets (or jacket-thick “shackets”) from Iron Heart , UES, A New Medium, Rogue Territory, Naked & Famous, and more. Including others from Flint and Tinder.

So at a certain point, I developed a sense for what makes a jacket truly good. And with the Flannel Lined Denim Trucker, I could feel the value of this jacket as soon as I put it on.

Details

Let’s get into the specifics of what makes this jacket special.

• Exterior: The exterior is a 12.75 oz, 100% cotton denim in a “dark medium wash”; so it’s not raw, but it’s not super pre-faded
• Lining: 7 oz Japanese blanket lining, which is a blend of 55% cotton, 25% acrylic, and 20% polyester
• Collar: 8-wale corduroy collar
• Features: hand-warmer pockets, dual breast pockets, an internal phone pocket, and cinch tabs at the waist for an adjustable fit
• Origin: U.S.A.

Materials

The Flannel Lined Denim Trucker Jacket’s design is inspired by the classic 1950s Lee Rider jacket, updated with a more modern silhouette (so it’s less midriff-y than many mid-century pieces), and it features the characteristically solid buttons and rivets I’ve come to expect from Flint & Tinder.  

When I try a new jacket, I look for certain criteria. First of all, the moment you put the jacket on, it has to feel good instinctively. The Flannel Lined Denim Trucker hits the spot. It just feels good. That Japanese blanket lining is ridiculously comfortable.

The hand-warmer pockets? Check. And they’re in the perfect spot that’s not too high, not too low — something I’ve complained about in other Flint and Tinder reviews.

The sleeve length is perfect too — when my arms are down, the cuffs sit right at the top of my wrists, which is exactly how I like it.

It really ticks all the boxes for me: it’s sturdy, durable, and looks like it will only get better with age.

The Denim

The exterior is 12.75-ounces of fine, sturdy denim — that’s about the weight of your average jeans, maybe a hair thicker.

Unlike some waxed jackets that can be stiff or unpleasant for indoor wear, I can comfortably sit on the couch with this one. Not just because it’s unwaxed, but because the denim has been pre-washed to add some softness without making it obnoxiously distressed.

It’s really important to note that the denim isn’t just American, it’s 100 percent cotton and woven by North Carolina’s Cone Mills, perhaps the most important and historically influential denim mill that’s in operation today.

The Lining

The inside features a Japanese “blanket lining,” and I’ll be honest: I wasn’t expecting it to be this nice. Flint and Tinder’s a solid brand but they tend to value elements like “value” or “USA-made” more than Japanese sourcing or limiting synthetics.

I assumed the lining would be polyester-lined like their bestselling Waxed Trucker, but it’s not: this 7 oz blend is 55% cotton, 25% acrylic, and 20% polyester, and offers a beautiful, soft, worn-in feel, much like an old blanket. It has a slightly textured, ‘bubbly’ appearance that adds to its warmth.

Features

Aesthetically, the contrasting 8-wale corduroy collar is a really cool touch. I’m a fan of denim jackets with contrasting corduroy collars. Iron Heart makes a similar one that I reviewed.

One thing I consistently appreciate about Flint & Tinder’s gear is that the rivets and buttons are solid.

When we look at the additional features, you’ve got two unlined breast pockets (Huckberry’s standard waxed trucker has just one), and you also get the double hand-warming pockets.

Inside, beneath the blanket lining, there’s an additional unlined phone pocket. True to the classic 1950s trucker style it’s modeled on (though modernized), it features cinch tabs (or waist adjusters) at the bottom, which is always welcome — slimmer guys can use them to bring in the waist for a more flattering look.

Sizing

• Fits similar to other jackets from the brand
• My usual Medium fits well: I’m a 41-42-inch chest, 6 feet tall, and weigh around 170 pounds

Now, let’s talk about sizing. I’m 6 feet tall and usually weigh around 80 kilos (about 176 pounds). I was down to about 167 pounds after being ill with COVID. Even with that weight difference, this jacket in a size medium still fits me really well.

My chest is usually around 41-42 inches and my usual Medium is just right with this piece. I’ve been talking a lot about Japanese brands like Iron Heart, so just note if you’re used to their sizing, order this jacket in a size smaller. (Japanese folks tend to be a little lighter weight.)

Is it Worth It?

So, why do I genuinely feel this is one of the best jackets of the year?

• Exceptional Value for a US-Made Jacket: Coming in at $288, for a jacket of this quality, with lining, and made in the USA, I think that’s pretty good value. You really can’t go wrong at that price point.
• The Ultimate All-Rounder: It’s super comfortable, versatile enough to go anywhere, and rugged enough to take a beating (without worrying about buttons falling off or needing to rewax it). It’s warm but not too warm, has ample pockets, and just looks great. What more could you want?

The Flint and Tinder Flannel Denim Trucker jacket goes for $288 (as of the date of this post). I live in England; be warned if you’re outside the US, it can sometimes be a bit difficult with customs and international shipping. I’ve had people ask me about this before, and it’s not always a straightforward process.

Sometimes Huckberry items fly under the radar. Everyone knows the famous waxed trucker (“Last of Us” one), but this Denim Trucker is a seriously underrated hidden gem. If you can get your hands on it, do it.

Wrapping Up

If you are looking for a denim jacket that’s warmer than usual but still appropriate for mild days, look no further. When I first made my video about this piece, the Flannel Lined Denim Trucker was sold out, but at the time of writing, it’s back on Huckberry.com. I’m not telling you what to do, but if you like the sound of this jacket and it’s available in your size, I wouldn’t wait.