Be it winter to spring, spring to summer, or summer to fall, there lies a transitional sweet spot for lightweight outerwear. You know, the time when temperatures can turn on a dime and the evening chill comes for the unprepared. To make sure that's never you, we gathered the best light jackets for men on the market right now so you can make it through spring without fear of meteorological retribution.
The only thing better than these jackets is the sheer amount of layering options they provide. There’s a silhouette for everyone, be it a beloved heritage harrington jacket, a rain-ready shell, or the humble overshirt. And for reaching peak layering potential, expect season-appropriate materials from seersucker and linen to fancy cotton blends. In short, the market for lightweight jackets is so much more than a slick nylon jacket (although there are plenty of those, too).
The Harrington jacket is a classic piece of outerwear that is by and large resilient to trends. Originally crafted as a wind and water-resistant jacket for golfing, its taken on a life of its own beyond the fairway thanks to its functionality and downright flattering proportions. They’re usually made from a lightweight fabric like poplin or gabardine, feature elastic cuffs and waists, and are cut roomy and cropped. Cooler months bring about offerings with extra heft and insulation, but lighter, unlined versions are better for the warmer seasons. They’ve got a preppy feel, which makes them great with a button-down shirt and slacks, but can look ultra cool oversized with a graphic tee and baggy jeans.
Sitting at the intersection of utility and athleisure is the track jacket. Beloved by footballers (not the American kind), UK rappers, and literal track athletes, the track jacket feels a little more polished than a sweatsuit and far easier to wear. They’re just as comfortable as sweats but feel miles cleaner. You can zip ‘em up for a full turtleneck effect, or leave ‘em wide open to show off that vintage band tee. Sure, they look good with a pair of jeans, but there's no stopping you from getting a matching pair of track pants for the full effect.
Originally issued to British troops as part of their uniform in World War I, the trench coat has found a second career in civilian life. While double-breasted and belted versions serve as the de facto uniform for private eyes in noir films, the modern era hasn’t lost its lust for the classic coat. The trench should easily earn a place in your light jacket rotation for how versatile it is, capable of going over a suit jacket thanks to its extended silhouette. It can also pair equally as well with a sweatshirt and jeans. Trenches often are built with removable linings, so you can continue to wear them throughout the year. Think of it this way: Trench coats are like multi-bit screwdrivers—you’re never without a solution.
Whether you call it an overshirt, a shirt jacket, or a shacket, the point is this piece of clothing is an easy layering piece that's easy to tailor to your own personal style and budget. You get the extra protection of a jacket with the lightness of a shirt—the best of both worlds. Overshirts are often cut in a relaxed silhouette, which plays nicely for this golden era of baggy pants, but also for layering (it’s in the name, after all). Overshirts often come with a few pockets for whatever trinkets you happen to find on your vintage-hunting excursions and often look almost exactly like a regular shirt. If you’re wondering: Yes, you can just wear another button up over your existing button up.
If there was a jacket that can currently go anywhere and do anything, it's the chore coat. They're about as versatile as jackets come, and are staple for a whole range of stylish folks. More relaxed as a blazer but just as sharp, today you'll find a lot of brands offering chore coats in lightweight fabrics perfect for the transition from spring to summer, and summer to fall. In other words: They’re all-purpose jackets that work just as hard as you do.
Technical windbreakers and rain shells used to be garments typically reserved for the outdoor set, but the inherent use of these jackets have a lot of value off the trail, too. Nowadays, brands are savvy about making gorp-y shells that not only look fly, but don’t feel like you’re wearing a trash bag. Hell, some of them are even light enough to pack into themselves so you can keep them on your person or in your workbag for when the weather goes south. Be sure to look for ones treated with water-resistant or water-repellent coatings to ensure the maximum value — and to get an all-around technical jacket that looks just as good as it performs.