As much as we’d like to swerve hard off the summer freeway onto the leafy streets of autumn, this time of year boasts one redeeming quality: light jackets for men, the not-so-secret solution to every between-seasons head-scratcher confounding your closet right now. We don’t blame you (or your wardrobe) for the confusion. Temperatures may have climbed down from their early-July peak, but they haven’t quite dropped to full-on puffer territory. In our neck of the woods, most days start off chilly, warm up considerably by the afternoon, and plummet who-knows-how-many degrees in the evening. Those fluctuations are a nuisance, generally—and absolutely debilitating for your T-shirt rotation, specifically.
If reading that just made you break out in a cold sweat, relax: the right lightweight jacket will help you navigate seasonal whiplash like the weather-agnostic A-lister of your choice. Fancy yourself a rugged outdoorsman type? There’s a trucker jacket calling your name. Looking to stave off chilly gusts on early-morning jogs? Try a next-gen windbreaker. Just hoping to ID a layer with a little more warmth than an Oxford-cloth button-down? A shirt-jacket hybrid (or overshirt, in industry parlance) can do everything the former does, with minimal added bulk. Whatever the forecast, whatever the context, the five jackets below have your back, front, and sides.
5 of Our Favorite Light Jackets Right Now
Shop By Style: Harrington Jackets | Work Jackets | Denim Jackets | Shirt Jackets | Windbreaker Jackets
Harrington Jackets
The Harrington jacket is a classic jacket that you probably associate with style god Steve McQueen and hence, his legions of stylish followers. Originally crafted as a wind and water-resistant jacket for golfing, it’s 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, much like a bomber jacket. In cooler months, lined versions provide 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.
Work Jackets
Jackets built for withstanding hard manual labor might not sound like the kind of thing you wear in the transition from summer to fall. But it turns out they’re actually the perfect layer to do just that. They’re often built with sturdy canvas or denim which provide structure and a beautiful drape. Whether it’s a chore coat or a cropped style like the classic Dickies Eisenhower jacket, work jackets are time-tested silhouettes that are like cheat codes for looking more rugged. Just make sure to opt for a style that doesn’t come with a heavy winterized lining.
Denim Jackets
Trace menswear history and you’ll find that a heap of stylish dudes have something in common: a denim jacket. Thanks to guys like James Dean and Ryan Gosling, denim jackets have transcended their utilitarian origins to become certified style grails, inspiring countless generations of drip seekers to don the same hip-length trucker jackets. Denim is the perfect medium for getting fits off during the temperate season and, unlike most other fabrics, actually gets better with age. Their western connotations make them perfect with worn-out jeans and cowboy boots, but they also look great over a plain tee, a pair of chinos, and loafers (a.k.a., the perfect transitional outfit).
Shirt Jackets
The best way to layer without wearing a jacket is to wear a shirt. Stick with us here. Overshirts are like Hannah Montana. Again, stick with us here. You get the extra weather protection of a jacket with the lightness of a shirt—the best of both worlds. Overshirts are often cut in a relaxed silhouette which is great for this golden era of baggy pants, but also for layering (it’s in the name, afterall). 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.
Windbreaker Jackets
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.
