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 Images
Long 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:
© 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.
© 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.
© 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.
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.
© Free PeopleLotty Jacquard Band Jacket
Free People
This jacket features a streamlined, band-style silhouette crafted from a jacquard fabric. It's the perfect pattern for spring.
© ME+EMStretch-Cotton Fitted Military Jacket
ME+EM
In a light walnut hue, this garment is crafted from organic cotton twill and features ornate buttons and a mandarin collar.
© NILI LOTANHadley Cropped Wool-Twill Jacket
NILI Lotan
This style has a structure silhouette with padded shoulders crafted from wool-twill. The gold-tone buttons add a chic touch.
© ASOSShrunken Drummer Style Jacket
Asos
This jacket is the perfect denim option as the weather begins to warmup. The gold buttons add a playful twist to the otherwise classic style.
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.
