The Best Lightweight Jackets for Men

Armed with the right type of lightweight jacket, you’ll stay plenty comfortable in temperate climates and also dry enough in the event of a surprise shower. But if you don’t have the time to do the research yourself, don’t fret. We’ve looked high and low for the best pieces the industry has to offer, so do yourself a favor and have a gander at what we’ve picked for our best lightweight jackets guide.

What are lightweight jackets for?

As opposed to heavier jackets reserved for fall and winter, lightweight jackets provide warmth, comfort, and protection in a lighter package. This makes them more versatile because most variants can be comfortably worn all year and make movement easier. Lightweight jackets are also popular for traveling as they’re almost always easier to pack and carry than regular jackets. Windbreakers, quilted jackets, and lightweight puffers are some well-known examples that all have various uses, so it’s best to know what you want out of a lightweight jacket (waterproof, warm, breathable, layer, etc.) before you make the final decision.

What to look for in a lightweight jacket

Since many garments can be considered lightweight jackets these days, it’s tough to pin down a certain material or style that you should always be looking for. But identifying what they do best and paying attention to how they’re named by the brand makes selecting one easier.

Variants: If you want something to protect against the wind, then go for a windbreaker. Sometimes windbreakers will be waterproofed, but not always so keep an eye out. If you want something waterproof, then look for something with a waterproof shell or material that’s been waterproofed/is naturally waterproof. Alternatively, if you just want something light but warm, then jackets made with cotton, wool, polyester, and nylon are safe bets (quilted jackets are popular choices), with more synthetic material included in variants meant for more activity. Puffer-style jackets and hiking jackets are also great for staying warm, and they’re lighter than the average jacket making them great for traveling. Trucker jackets are made with denim, corduroy, or some kind of strong cotton fabric and are popular casual wear. There are more lightweight jackets that go by many names, but these are just some examples to give you an idea.

Main Piece or Layer?: Ultimately what defines these two is up to you, but labels will have a clear intention most of the time. If you want a layer, then go for something a bit thinner with a soft and breathable fabric like cotton, fleece, or something synthetic (track jackets, for example), but if you want a main piece then something a bit heftier like a light puffer-style or a quilted jacket is better. There are some hybrids out there, but those will generally be labeled by the company making the jacket.

Patagonia Houdini Jacket

The Best Rain Jacket: The Patagonia Houdini sets the standard in light spring jackets, what with its svelte 3.7oz (105g) weight and its included stuff sack for compact carry. However, just because it eschews the added bulk of other options doesn’t mean that it can’t keep April showers at bay. Rather, thanks to an adjustable hood, a drop-tail back, and a durable water-repellent finish, it makes for an iron-clad defense against the elements. But the cherry on top has to be its Fair Trade Certified fabric. Made from 100% recycled nylon, it just goes to show that you can invest in a quality piece of outerwear while also supporting the planet.

Vuori Idyllwild Sherpa Jacket

The Comfiest Jacket: Based out of North County San Diego, Vuori is a brand that knows temperate weather inside and out, so it goes without saying that they’d be able to put together some solid essentials. And if you’re after a soft jacket that’s great for anything from a lazy afternoon in the park to a chilly morning hike, the Idyllwild Sherpa Jacket has you covered. Made with eco-sherpa fabric that retains heat without feeling cumbersome.

Taylor Stitch The Long Haul Jacket

The Best Trucker Jacket: Trucker jackets are classic pieces that will never go out of style. And The Long Haul Jacket from Taylor Stitch is no exception; it’s made with soft organic corduroy and feels great out of the box. It’s also quite versatile as you can wear it all year with many outfits.

Fjallraven Vardag Anorak

The Best Hiking Jacket: After months spent indoors, spring is an ideal time to get outside and enjoy the added freedom that comes with better weather. If you’re the type who finds yourself filling your time with early adventurous outings or weekend camping trips, Fjallraven’s Vardag Anorak is the jacket for you. Made from G-1000 Eco fabric, it’s robust enough to hold up over the long haul while also plenty weather-resistant to keep you dry during those drizzly seasonal showers. Anoraks are always a good call when you’re looking for a versatile piece of outerwear, and Fjallraven’s is no different.

Filson Ultralight Jacket

The Best Jacket for Travel: When it comes to outfitting your seasonal wardrobe for spring, it’s best to look for items that offer a good dose of versatility. Sure, you can equip yourself with a jacket for every occasion, but you’ll only inconvenience yourself as the temperature changes. Instead, grab Filson’s Ultra-light jacket, an offering that’s as comfortable being worn on its own as it is being layered under a shell. Thanks to its PrimaLoft Gold 60g insulation, it’s impressively packable and even warm when wet. Paired with some moleskin lining for the pockets and collar facing, the result is a jacket that’s as featherweight as it is weatherproof.

Buck Mason Wool CPO Jacket

The Best Wool Jacket: Committed to producing high-quality American clothing that honors its heritage while keeping with the times, anything from Venice-based Buck Mason is a solid bet. However, when it comes to spring outerwear, the Wool CPO Jacket fits the bill perfectly. For starters, it features a silhouette inspired by shirt jackets from World War II, an era when functionality was a top priority and menswear was made to last. Crafted from brushed wool twill and lined with stuffed nylon rip-stop, it’s an essential item for those days when winter seems like it’s decided to stick around just a little while longer.

Noah Quilted Trucker Jacket

The Best Jacket for the City: You don’t have to sacrifice style for function, something that the label Noah has always known, and this is undoubtedly seen in the brand’s Quilted Trucker Jacket. This 100% nylon jacket has two snap pockets and corduroy featured on the collar and the cuffs. So you can brave the colder days and look cool doing it.

Outerknown Daybreak Shirt Jacket

The Best Shirt/Jacket Hybrid: Outerknown is a brand founded specifically for the purpose of furthering sustainability. And the label’s Daybreak Shirt Jacket is another shining example of this mission as it’s made with 100% Econyl recycled nylon. It’s also a blend between a classic button-up shirt and a puffer, making it a unique piece as well. If there’s one thing we can learn from Outerknown, it’s that style doesn’t have to come at the expense of saving the environment.

Relwen Quilted Tanker Jacket

The Best Quilted Jacket: Originally introduced during WWII as a practical piece for American tank crews stationed in Europe, the tanker jacket has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant to this day. Relwen’s Quilted Tanker takes the classic and updates it with modern amenities, including a water-resistant outer, some recycled polyfill, and a peached finish for velvety-smooth softness. So, although it may look like you’re wearing an old family heirloom, in actuality you’ll be enjoying an item that very much keeps with the times. And when you consider that it comes with pocket provisions abounds — from a pair of front zips to some dual quilted utility pouches — it’s never been easier to look good and rock some old-school cool.

Todd Snyder Camel Trak Jacket

The All-Arounder: The Todd Snyder Camel Trak Jacket is a modern take on the track jacket with an elegant design and fabric. Made with Italian camel hair, this jacket is a great layer or stand-alone piece that’s also easy to take with you anywhere. And the vintage style makes it even more versatile, so you don’t have to rock an entire tracksuit (unless you want to).

The Best High-Top Sneakers for a Versatile Wardrobe

Just as versatile as a lightweight jacket is a pair of high-top sneakers. So head on over to our best high-top sneakers guide.