You may be in the throes of winter looking forward to “jacket weather” just around the corner. Or, maybe you live in temperate climate comfort that allows your best jacket fashion to be on full display all year around. Whatever the reason to shop, the myriad of men’s lightweight jacket choices available to you is nearly endless. The hard part is choosing which style to start with. So before we get to my list of best lightweight jackets for men,let‘s discuss which jackets are going to be on the list.
So what do we consider a men’s lightweight jacket? Any jacket that isn’t overstuffed with down or another of the various insulating fillings is certainly a candidate. Any jacket that doesn’t come with an arctic coldness rating on the tag is definitely worth consideration. Or, anything made out of a material that will keep you protected in somewhat unpredictable chilly weather, such as gusts of wind or showers of rain, is what we’d say is a lightweight jacket.
For instance, we’re talking about the Modern Harrington jacket, which is a zip up cotton jacket with a tab or standard collar. We’d also choose a bomber jacket as a prime example. The bomber jacket has transformed itself over the years into a completely fashionable, yet surprisingly practical way to stay warm.
And, then there are the jean jackets of the world that will never go out of style, and the rain jackets that are a must have to combat relentlessly rainy days. Lastly, we consider the overshirt, which is basically an extra thick button up shirt as the perfect lightweight jacket in disguise.
The number one answer to the above question is versatility. The men’s lightweight jacket is versatile enough to be worn both indoors and out without giving people the wrong impression. It is the perfect piece for layering, too. When days start out chilly, leave the house in a layer of short sleeve, long sleeve, and lightweight jacket, and peel away as you go.
Lightweight jackets are an excellent way to make a statement as well since many of us end up wearing them a good part of the day. A few well chosen jackets in just the right color is a great way to bring a punch of style into an otherwise simple look.
Here’s our pick of the best lightweight jackets any man should have in their wardrobe. Wear these on their own or as a component in your next layered ensemble. But, don’t just choose one. Keep yourself supplied with a few that vary in color and style.
The Harrington Jacket has been cool since its inception in the 1930’s by the Baracuta company. Although changing here and there over the decades, and having been adopted by certain social groups along the way, the Harrington jacket remains timeless due to its simple sophistication and sharp structural design. Originally designed with a plaid interior, Harrington jackets of today may come lined or unlined, with construction in a variety of materials including cotton, polyester, suede, and wool.
A tribute to the original Harrington jacket, Asos has stayed true to tradition with sleek modern lines and true to size fit. The Asos Harrington jacket ($45) features a cotton shell and cotton/polyester blend lining to keep you comfortable and looking sharp in breezy weather.
Another nod to classic Harrington style is the Men’s Cotton Drill Harrington Jacket by Sunspel ($435) .Made from 100% cotton, Sunspel’s Harrington is light enough to throw on over a shirt in warmer weather or on top of a few layers when you need it. Of course, in true Sunspel fashion, this Harrington is made with superb craftsmanship featuring slanted pockets and one pocket tucked away on the inside as well.
Although it claims to be a zip shirt, this particular piece is strikingly Harrington. Besides the bottom cut and shirt like stitching, everything else about this jacket screams Harrington style. The DSTLD Black Zip Shirt ($75) is perfect for any man living in a warm environment all year around because it can be thrown over a t-shirt to provide lightweight protection with a true Harrington look without overheating.
Men have been making bold statements with the bomber jacket for several decades now. But before it served as one important component of a man’s outerwear style it was keeping pilots warm during World War II. Since that time, the materials used and the thickness of the bomber have changed. But the essential look of the bomber jacket has stayed true. When choosing your bomber jacket, look for less lines and detail, timeless colors that coordinate well with other wardrobe components, and quality craftsmanship.
American Trench has adopted every iconic detail of the bomber jacket and modernized it with lustrous looking water repellent ripstop Ventile fabric and purposefully placed lines. While the American Trench Bomber Jacket ($336) not the stuffy bomber jacket of the mid 20th century, this filling-free jacket will still carry you through three seasons, and leave room for layering with a hoodie or long sleeve shirt underneath.
Todd Snyder got together with San Francisco based utilitarian clothing maker Golden Bear to come up with this one of a kind bomber jacket. If you’re looking to make a little more of a statement, the Todd Snyder Camouflage Bomber ($398) will do just the trick. It features subtle camouflage print, tipping at the cuff and color, and full lining.
The Everlane Cotton Bomber ($88) is the absolute ideal for layering thanks to its all cotton shell and mesh lining. The minimalist design of this jacket offers itself as a piece that can be layered with a number of pieces in your wardrobe. The fabric has the slightest sheen for a sleek injection to an otherwise understated look.
Since Levi Strauss invented the denim jacket piggybacking on his boundless success with denim trousers, this work attire focused jacket hasn’t stopped its parade of fashion success. It has adorned the shoulders of the famous, the unfamous, and the infamous alike for well over a century. And, while versions of the classic jean jacket consistently come and go as fads live and die, the traditional silhouette has always been in style.
When considering the wash of your denim jacket, you’ll need to take your personal style into consideration and how often you intend to wear it. If the jacket you choose is intended to be worn many times a week, a dark wash will provide the most versatility. Second to that is a medium wash, which is a little less formal but still very versatile. Light washes scream super casual, so it’s best to purchase this color if you’re sporting the most casual of looks often. Black and grey wash are great choices, but beware they won’t do well with brown tones.
Returning back to the classic Levi’s style of the late 19th century the Levi’s Men’s Denim Trucker Jacket ($90) is the epitome of working class style. No matter who you are, your age, or where you live, this denim jacket is made for you. Best yet, it comes in an almost limitless selection of colors and washes to suit your every mood.
This J.Crew Classic Denim Jacket ($98) is all style and fit. With tight angular lines, and rich dark color, the classic denim jacket will keep you looking cool year after year while fads come and go. Whether you’re looking for functionality or hoping to step up your style, the J.Crew denim jacket will give you everything you’re looking for in a denim jacket.
Made with the utmost quality in mind, The Taylor Stitch Long Haul Denim Jacket ($188) is made with selvedge raw cloth denim, the highest quality and wear resistant denim fabric available. This jacket is 100% made in California from denim manufactured in North Carolina. It’s dark hue is a natural choice for your wardrobe in terms of versatility and simple sophistication. Pair this jacket with casual attire and when you’re ready to go out.
More than a fashion statement, and more of a must-have, your next rain jacket doesn’t have to be boring. Instead of grabbing the prototypical oversized jacket that resembles more of a garbage bag than a statement of style, try these options on for size.
Danish rainwear expert RAINS offers the RAINS Classic Jacket ($95). This statement piece of a rain jacket can be worn everyday or just when you most need it. It’s matte finish reveals understated appeal, while strategically placed venting under the arms and on the back block rain out while allowing fresh air in. Welded seams means you’ll get the utmost rain protection with added durability, and a drawstring hood can keep you snug in a downpour.
Another expert in rainwear, Swedish rain gear maker, Stutterheim offers a lightweight rain jacket option this year that can travel with you easily. Store it away just until you need it, then throw it on to keep you bone dry. This Stutterheim Stenhamra Lightweight Jacket ($109) features open ended raglan sleeves, oversized button flaps, adjustable hood, and sleek matte black design.
Built tough for the trail, but fashionable enough to wear on the street, the versatile Men’s Cyclone Rain Jacket by Penfield ($140) will hold up in the rain as long as you do. Look for three-layer laminated fabric with branded seam tape for ultimate weather protection, two-way center front zip, and velcro cuffs to keep you protected and dry.
There is so much to love about the overshirt: its versatility, its stylish ease, its comfort, and crucial role as a layering piece. If you don’t yet have an overshirt in your closet, now is the time to get one. Wear an overshirt if you just need an extra layer over your shirt when weather gets unpredictable. Or put it under a jacket to provide extra warmth on a chilly night.
Todd Snyder’s CPO Overshirt Jacket ($268) is one layering must have for your wardrobe. It’s broken in look will leave you feeling you’ve owned this piece for ages, but its construction will tell you it has ages more of life left to give. Fashioned after naval attire of yesteryear, this overshirt will keep you comfortable as a final layer or under a coat.
A Days March has come back with their A Days March Original Overshirt ($180), but this time in a sturdy wool option. Understated and warm, this fashionably functional piece does well as a jacket or another lay in your outerwear ensemble. Solid construction combined with the integrity of this wool fabric means your overshirt will be around to work for you as long as you need it.
The perfect balance between subtle sophistication and straight up workwear utility, the Drapeau Noir Lambswool & Cachemire Overshirt ($200) is a striking piece to add to your jacket collection. Wear it every day during chilly weather, or save it for the perfect moments. Either way, you won’t regret this high-quality purchase.
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