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10 Best Lightweight Jackets for the Modern Man
A lightweight jacket is a must-have in every man’s closet. Practical, easy to style, and seasonal – the best lightweight jackets come in many forms. From bomber jackets and parkas, to track jackets and Harringtons – the choices when it comes to springtime jackets can be overwhelming.
From the level of insulation to the most flattering cut for your body type, jacket shopping can be far from straightforward. After all, outerwear can easily be the most expensive category in any man’s wardrobe – so it’s vital that you make the right choice. Thankfully, we’ve taken the hard work out of the retail experience!
Whether you’re looking to splash out on a designer piece or a cheap and cheerful solution to your cover-up woes, we’ve compiled a list of our top lightweight jackets to keep you warm and stylish all season long. Packed with handy little tips and suggestions, we’ve tried to take the guesswork out of purchasing the best lightweight jackets.
Layer Up with Confidence: 10 of the Best Lightweight Jackets
Best Buy
1. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
When it comes to the best lightweight jackets, it doesn’t get much better than this. Described as “simple and unpretentious,” the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket is the perfect option for those with a passion for outdoor activities. Featuring three-tier H2No® Performance Standard technology for exceptional waterproof and breathable performance, the 3L Jacket is sure to provide all-day comfort and long-lasting waterproof durability.
Coming in eleven different shades, this jacket also boasts a zip-fastened closure, a built-in hood, and two zip-fastened pockets – making it the perfect practical option. In addition, this lightweight jacket is also Fair Trade Certified™. In fact, 83% of the Patagonia line is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, making it a great brand for any man who likes to shop ethically.
Reasonably priced yet high-quality, this is certainly a jacket that’ll stand the test of time while providing all the seasonal protection one could need from a lightweight jacket.
2. Moncler Jersey Track Jacket
Okay, now from our practical pick to our jacket splurge piece. For those who love a sports-luxe or even streetwear aesthetic, a track jacket could be the ideal solution to your lightweight jacket needs. Comfy and stylish, a track jacket can easily add a branded element to any look with minimal effort. This Jersey Track Jacket is the perfect example of this.
Designed in a dark navy the high-neck track jacket features a down quilted shell front, two-way zip fastening, and stripe logo sleeve trim – adding a fun pop of color to the lightweight jacket. Completed with two zip-fastened pockets, this track jacket is a fantastic option for any label-lover.
However, coming in at an eye-watering price, this lightweight jacket is certainly not the responsible pick for those watching the pennies.
3. UNIQLO Cotton Ribbed Blouson
Simple and classic – the blouson jacket is a timeless piece of design. Recognized by a drawn-tight hem that causes a blouse-like overhang on the waistband, the Blouson jacket is a smart option for men looking to play with proportions in a flattering way.
Coming in three stylish colors, this jacket from UNIQLO is designed in lightweight cotton and features a zip-fastened front, two pockets, and ribbed trimming. Easy to style, this lightweight jacket can transition you from day to night with the change of a shirt.
This a great option for those looking for a flattering lightweight jacket that won’t break the bank.
4. Nike Sportswear Windrunner
Looking to “reduce their waste at every step of production”, Nike created the Sportswear Windrunner Jacket with recycled materials and efficient construction methods. Ideal for a sportswear lover with an environmental conscience, this lightweight jacket is a great option.
Coming in two colors, the Sportswear Windrunner Jacket features a two-tone design, zip-fastened front, and two zip-fastened pockets, and is completed with a drawstring hood. This lightweight jacket is the perfect addition to any sportswear lover’s spring closet.
5. Taylor Stitch The Lombardi Jacket
For those whose style leans more on the “hipster” side, this waxed jacket from Taylor Stitch is a great lightweight jacket option. Coming in two shades, the Lombardi Jacket features a “rugged construction” and waxed finish – adding a waterproof coating.
Featuring a snap button front closure, single chest pocket, two weld handwarmer pockets, and two further interior pockets – this waxed lightweight jacket is a brilliant option for men looking for an everyday outerwear option that is easy to style. Try teaming the Lombardi Jacket with skinny jeans, a plain white tee, and Chelsea boots for that modern gentlemen’s look.
This jacket is a little on the higher end, but it’s sure to stand the test of time in any man’s wardrobe.
6. Lululemon City Excursion Jacket
If you’re looking for a clean and modern take on your outerwear, this lightweight jacket from Lululemon might be the option for you. “Inspired by the classic jean jacket,” the City Excursion Jacket is constructed with technical fabric, protecting from light wind and rain.
Designed in a classic fit, the lightweight jacket features secure pockets for your essentials, an interior pocket for your phone or passport, an additional gadget pocket to keep your tunes going, and even underarm gussets for increased mobility.
This light jacket is available in two shades, providing more options for you to create a modern yet minimalistic look.
7. Saturdays NYC Lightweight Insulated Jacket
First appearing in the Fall 20 Established Capsule, the Lightweight Insulated jacket does what it says on the tin. Providing plenty of seasonal warmth for transitional and colder months, this lightweight jacket combines a waterproof finish with a mid-weight fill.
Available in two tones, this jacket features a zip-fastened front closure, classic shirt-style collar, elastic-bound waist and sleeve seals for heat conservation, and a reflective Saturday NYC logo print back panel.
This lightweight jacket may fall more on the pricey side, but it’s certainly an item that will become a new favorite in your closet.
8. Alpha Industries MA-1 Bomber Jacket
If you’re looking for a lightweight jacket with less of a bulky silhouette, we might have the solution. This MA-1 Bomber Jacket boasts a slim-fit construction, adding a flattering outerwear option.
Available in four colors, this lightweight bomber jacket features a zip-fastened front closure, ribbed trimming, three zip fastened pockets, and a logo tag sleeve detail. Ideal for adding a slim-line aesthetic to your closet, this lightweight jacket is a must-have piece.
This bomber jacket is the perfect option for men with a more youthful aesthetic.
9. Polo Ralph Lauren Embroidered Logo Jacket
Honestly, who doesn’t love classic American design? This Embroidered Logo Jacket from Polo Ralph Lauren is a great lightweight jacket for men looking for a more understated solution to their outerwear issue.
Designed in black polyester, this Harrington-style jacket features a classic collar, zip-fastened front closure, two zip-fastened pockets, and an elasticated hem. Completed with the brand’s embroidered logo on the chest, this lightweight jacket is a piece that should be in every man’s capsule closet.
This jacket is a cost-effective way to invest in classic design without entering your overdraft.
10. Dunhill Harrington Point-Collar Technical Jacket
Finally, for those looking to drop some serious money on their closet, we present the Harrington Point-Collar Technical Jacket from Dunhill. Designed in navy blue, this lightweight jacket focuses on the “label’s refined sensibility” that’s captured in details such as a gold logo zip-pull and lustrous jacquard-twill lining.
Completed with a neat point collar, this lightweight jacket is shaped for a streamlined silhouette. Ideal for those looking for a wardrobe classic updated for the modern age, this Harrington jacket is bound to turn heads.
However, coming in at a bank-busting $950, this lightweight jacket is certainly the most pricey item on the list. But if you can drop the dollars for the piece, you will surely not regret your decision.
Lightweight Jacket FAQs
A lightweight jacket is essentially a jacket that protects from seasonal elements within a design that isn’t bulky or cumbersome to wear. It also refers to the outwear that has a fill-power number usually around the 600 mark.
As a result, many designs of jackets can be considered as lightweight jackets. From bombers and Harringtons to track jackets and puffers.
Lightweight jackets can also offer a range of additional benefits; they can be easily packed, layer them under other jackets for added warmth, and most importantly, they’re commonly made with water-resistant finishes.
No. What constitutes as a lightweight jacket isn’t based on its waterproof status, but its weight and density.
The right lightweight jacket can not only provide you with protection from seasonal weather but also stand the test of time in your closet. From bomber jackets to puffa coats, many lightweight jackets are considered wardrobe essentials, so parting with serious money for a jacket that’ll stand the test of time isn’t a bad idea.
