By Nicole Ng – published
About five years since the low-rise denim and tiny shoulder bags characteristic of Y2K style took the internet by storm, we’re seeing fashion trends gradually morph into something a little edgier.
The fashion crowd on TikTok is already on it of course, with videos featuring Napoleon jackets—a quintessential fashion staple in the noughties—racking up thousands of likes in recent months, cementing the incoming shift in trend cycles.
A look from Alexander McQueen’s spring/summer 2026 runway featuring a printed Napoleon jacket.
Photos: Launchmetrics/ Spotlight
Curiously, the jacket simultaneously made an appearance on the recent spring/summer 2026 runways. It was a mainstay at Alexander McQueen, where a white and grey iteration was first paired with a strappy top and low-slung denim, then in a floral print with matching shorts, and again in black and gold matched with black denim. And at Ann Demeulemeester, seven different versions were made in black, white and red.
Related article: All The Biggest Spring/Summer 2026 Runway Trends You Can Already Wear
What Are Military Jackets?
The military jacket, sometimes called a Napoleon jacket, sports distinctive features like prominent shoulders, metallic buttons, epaulettes and intricate embroidery. During the 2000s, it was often spotted on off-duty models and others in the fashion circuit who would pair it with skinny jeans, large sunglasses and a whole lot of attitude.
Ann Demeulemeester’s collection saw different Napoleon jackets paired with casual separates.
Photos: Launchmetrics/ Spotlight
How Are Military Jackets Styled In 2025?
Its comeback in 2025 will likely see an updated take on styling, incorporating trends from this decade like oversized pieces. On TikTok, for example, the jacket is teamed with loose T-shirts, baggy denim, fringed bags and pointed-toe boots, instead of tight-fitting denim.
Right now, military jackets on mainstream retailing platforms are few and far between, but we’ve rounded up the best ones we could find so you can relive the nostalgic style.
Related article: Why 2000s It Bags Are Making A Huge Comeback
BAZAAR’s Best Military Jackets To Shop Now
1. Rummy cropped jacket, $735, AllSaints
Photo: Courtesy of AllSaints
AllSaint’s version sports a tone-on-tone colourway and is slightly cropped with a boxy fit for a more relaxed look.
2. Utility military jacket, $184, Joe Browns at Next
Photo: Courtesy of Next
The muted khaki hue dresses down the formal style of the jacket, though its signature streamlined look is retained. Plus, it has a fun lining too.
3. Leara jacket, $2,640, Khaite at MyTheresa
Photo: Courtesy of MyTheresa
Khaite has reimagined the military jacket in a cropped silhouette for a more modern and casual look.
4. Joni jacket, $2,885, Nili Lotan at Farfetch
Photo: Courtesy of Farfetch
If you find the bells and whistles that come with the maximalist style a bit much, this one from Nili Lotan is more pared back, making it a versatile wardrobe staple.
5. Fitted military jacket, $3,675, Ralph Lauren Collection at Farfetch
Photo: Courtesy of Farfetch
The fitted look of this jacket will keep you snatched, and it’s complete with buttons and gold and red accents for some drama.
Related article: The Best Women’s Workwear To Shop Now, According To A BAZAAR Editor
6. Buttoned fitted jacket, $2,168, Il Tabarro at Farfetch
Photo: Courtesy of Farfetch
This one by Il Tabarro is a cooler take on your regular blazer for work, with contrasting gold buttons and subtle detailing at the cuffs.
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