When Cheryl debuted her solo sensation Fight for This Love nearly two decades ago, she instantly amassed a devoted fanbase she proudly dubbed her "soldiers". Yet, what truly captured everyone’s attention was the look: the striking red military jacket, skin-tight leather leggings, and a sleek black pilot hat. With one salute, Cheryl turned a Napoleon-style ensemble into a nationwide obsession.
While the look might scream circa 2009, the jacket has marched back onto the fashion frontlines this season, reviving all the nostalgia of the pop-fuelled X Factor era.
The military jacket peppered the spring/summer 2026 runways, with designers approaching the uniformed look with a fresh eye. During the McQueen show, Seán McGirr slung the garment over bare silhouettes, left unbuttoned and styled with low-rise trousers. Meanwhile, Jonathan Anderson incorporated the jacket into Dior menswear and Stefano Gallici paired cropped iterations with blossom prints during the Ann Demulemeester show. During the Seán McGirr catwalk, the garment found an unexpected companion in the bumpster silhouette. The jacket was also spotted at Kenzo, Vaquera and Enfants Riches Déprimé.
© Getty Images
© Getty ImagesLong before it made its mark on our sartorial agendas, the once-utilitarian blazer served as the centerpiece of Hussar regiment uniforms during the Napoleonic Wars of the 1800s. Traditional designs featured frogging ornamental braids, gold fringed epaulettes, and structured shoulders.
© Getty ImagesNow, our minds drift less to Bonaparte and more to the mid-2000s, when Christophe Decarnin reimagined the piece for Balmain’s spring/summer 2009 collection, adorning it with crystal embellishments and pairing it with casual denim. Who could forget when Kate Moss layered a cream iteration beneath a leather jacket and micro shorts at Glastonbury Festival in 2005?
Read on below to discover our favourite military jackets to shop this season.
Best military jackets to shop:
© The KooplesButton-Embellished Slim-Fit Denim Jacket
The Kooples
Put a denim twist on the classic military silhouette with this black-washed style that features silver hardware, buttoned shoulders and a flattering slim fit.
© Nili LotanPaola Cotton-Blend Tweed Jacket
Nili Lotan
If you're after a more preppy style then pairing the silhouette with tweed detailing instantly offers an elegant, tailored look. Crafted from cotton-blend tweed, this iteration featured padded shoulders, a satin-twill lining and gold-tone buttons.
© BalmainSpencer Jacket
Balmain
The masterminds behind bringing the military jacket to the fashion frontlines, Balmain’s designs seamlessly blend the uniformed silhouette with a sharp, modern edge.
© ME + EMFitted Military Jacket
ME + EM
This jewel blue design is crafted from wool-blend fabric with a slightly cropped silhouette. The preppy collar feels both modern and classic, and the jacket is finished with structured shoulders.
© MangoWool Jacket With Band Collar And Pockets
Mango
In a tobacco brown hue, this design features a stand-up collar, four patch and flap pockets on the front, and elegant black buttons.
© AllSaintsRummy Wool Blend Funnel Neck Long Sleeve Overcoat
AllSaints
This All Saints design stays true to the classic overcoat style for a sharp look. It features a funnel neck with long sleeves and elegant embroidery on the front.
© ZimmermannDenim Pirate Jacket
Zimmermann
Taken from the brand's Cruise 2026 collection, this tailored denim number features the classic military collar with oversized cuffs and topstitching throughout.
© MonsoonMonsoon x Sarah Corbett-Winder Velvet Military Jacket Red
Monsoon
Available in the classic red hue, this velvet number features frilly trims with gold-tone buttons for a luxe look.
© Veronica BeardLatrell Embroidered Jacket
Veronica Beard
The Latrell lady jacket in navy boasts a collarless design with a cropped, structured silhouette. The garment features delicate black embroidery along the back and sleeves with a looped braided trim.
Cate Band Jacket
Urban Outfitters
Lean into the utility trend with this khaki design. The jacket features a band collar, lapels to shoulders and straight cuffs for an edgy yet refined look.
How we chose:
Price: Our list boasts a myriad of prices, from beloved retail brands to luxury labels.
Style: Ranging from cutting-edge Balmain designs to trendy high street gems, this round-up offers an array of cute styles to note.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
