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Even if you think you don't need a midlayer jacket, trust me, you do. When it's cold outside and you've gotta bundle up one way or another, you basically have two options.
The first is to put on a single, super-heavy, super-bulky coat. The kind of coat that brushes up against passersby because it's so damn large and puffy, and perhaps even has a fur trim on the hood that does nothing but collect dirt and debris, the kind of coat that you're sweating in the moment you step inside. The second option is to use a few thinner, sleeker layers for a slim, non-bulky silhouette that still does the job of keeping you warm. To achieve the latter, you need a midlayer jacket.
It's what it says on the label. The midlayer jacket is meant to be worn under your top layer, over your base layer, insulating you without being thick or bulky. The perfect midlayer jacket should fit seamlessly between other layers, so as to not give you a too-tight feeling. And it should be warm but not too warm, lest you overheat. Because it's not the top layer, you don't have to opt for a style that's waterproof, but you certainly can, if you want to wear your midlayer jacket as a top layer down the line. Whichever way you wear it, shop the 10 best midlayer jackets on the market below.
Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Jacket
Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Jacket
Pros
- Very breathable
- Durable for hikes and treks
Cons
- One of the pricier options
We take Arc'teryx very seriously around here. The Gamma makes for the perfect midlayer jacket—it's lightweight yet warm, breathable and wind-resistant, and the flexibility of the soft shell allows you to move as you please.
| Colors | 4 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-2XL |
| Materials | 86% Nylon, 14% Elastane |
Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Fleece Lined Jacket
Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Fleece Lined Jacket
Pros
- Has a hood
- Plenty of pockets
Cons
- Stand collar is difficult to stay down
I lived in Canada for five years, and when I tell you that Helly Hansen is Canadians' secret weapon to surviving the cold, I'm not joking. This fleece-lined jacket makes for the perfect midlayer, thanks to its flexible shell and breathable tech.
| Colors | 3 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-4XL |
| Materials | 100% Polyester |
Bonobos Lightweight Hybrid Jacket
Pros
- Easy to dress up or down
- Plenty of flexibility in the arms
Cons
- Dry clean only
Bonobos does a midlayer so well, it's worthy of being your top-layer, too. This flexible, lightweight jacket is juuust the right weight, so you'll never feel cold and you'll never be too hot, either.
| Colors | 2 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-L |
| Materials | 77% Recycled Polyester; 23% Spandex |
Vuori Venture Track Jacket
Vuori Venture Track Jacket
Pros
- Has 4-way stretch and UPF 30+
- Anti-odor tech
- Water resistant
Cons
- Basic look
For an infallible option, turn to Vuori. You can layer this under other jackets when the weather calls for it, but when it's warm enough, this will serve you perfectly well on its own, too, thanks to the soft, flexible fabric that's designed to move with you.
| Colors | 5 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 2XS-3XL |
| Materials | 88% Polyester, 12% Elastane |
Tommy Hilfiger Active Soft Shell Windbreaker Jacket
Tommy Hilfiger Active Soft Shell Windbreaker Jacket
Pros
- Available in Tall fits
- Chic look
Cons
- Runs small
Just the right weight and warmth, thanks to a breathable outer shell and a soft fleece lining. And the simple, chic look of this midlayer jacket doesn't hurt, either.
| Colors | 17 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-4XL |
| Materials | 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex |
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket
Pros
- Has warm down filling
- Not bulky
Cons
- Runs slightly short
You might think this option is too puffy to be a midlayer, but trust me—it isn't. This jacket is how I get through New York City winters and springs and falls. It's super thin, super lightweight, and super warm.
| Colors | 4 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 2XS-3XL |
| Materials | 100% Nylon |
Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 Full Zip Fleece Jacket
Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 Full Zip Fleece Jacket
Pros
- Available in Tall fits
- Lightweight yet cozy
Cons
- Buyers report the zipper is prone to getting stuck
This is soft as hell, and stretchy, too—just what you want from a midlayer jacket. Wearing this will become a habit in no time.
| Colors | 30+ |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-6XL |
| Materials | 100% Polyester |
Loro Piana Reversible Windmate Storm System Blouson Jacket
Loro Piana Reversible Windmate Storm System Blouson Jacket
Pros
- Nylon side treated for storm protection
- Looks and feels great
Cons
- $$$
Whether you wear this one cashmere-side up or nylon-side up, you're in good hands. How could you not be with Loro Piana? This is an understated, high-quality basic that'll keep you warm and chic.
| Colors | 3 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | IT 46-IT 56 |
| Materials | 100% Nylon, 100% Cashmere |
Malbon Weston Quilted Reversible Liner Jacket
Malbon Weston Quilted Reversible Liner Jacket
Pros
- Cool, contemporary look
- Deep pockets
Cons
- V-neck doesn't offer much neck warmth
An infallible classic that looks good by itself, whether you wear it with the green side or the neon orange side showing. With a quilted design and deep pockets, you're in good hands—or sleeves.
| Colors | 1 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-XL |
| Materials | Nylon |
Snow Peak FR Stretch Jacket
Snow Peak FR Stretch Jacket
Pros
- Plenty of pockets
- Fireproof and water-repellent
Cons
- On the pricier side
From Snow Peak comes a stretchy, lightweight jacket that's not only water-repellent, but also fireproof. So go forth towards all your winter adventures without fear, so long as this is your midlayer.
| Colors | 2 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Materials | 96% Polyester (49% Recycled), 4% Aramid |
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
When it comes to midlayer jackets, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these midlayer jackets are the ones that are simply the best.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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