13 Travel Jackets for Your Next Getaway

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When it comes to traveling, it’s always better to be over-prepared, especially when it comes to outerwear. The best travel jackets aren't fussy—you want something that won't crumple too badly if you have to use it as a pillow for a mid-trip nap. But an elevated travel jacket can also be the piece that pulls together a cozy on-the-go look, adding some structure and style to your sweats.

There are a few key considerations to keep in mind when you’re picking out the right layers for your next trip. First, of course, is location: If you're going to the beach, you won't need a coat, but you shouldn't forgo a lightweight option like a denim jacket. Second is practicality. Delfina Pinardi, co-founder of BLAZÉ Milano, swears by a blazer when traveling, but suggests that the best options are all about the details. “[Look for] internal pockets to include every item you would like to carry, from a phone to lip-gloss and credit cards,” she says.

Material also tops her list of concerns. A travel jacket can experience wear and tear as it’s stuffed in a travel tote or run through security. It has to be meticulously made. Options from durability-minded brands like Patagonia are perfect for the rugged traveler, while a luxe option from the likes of Khaite or Miu Miu is worthy of your more decadent getaways.

Grosgrain-Trimmed Quilted Shell Jacket

For a long flight or bus ride, you'll want a soft, squishy jacket that can double as a pillow if the need arises. This quilted jacket can be easily packed, layered, or worn solo depending on the temperature.

Size: XS-XL

Material: 100% Polyamide

Sahariana Nariida Maya

For travel, Pinardi suggests a denim blazer with a matching pair of jeans for a comfortable and put-together look. Of this blazer, she says, "It fits for every single occasion, from a dinner out with friends with a more elegant look to running errands with leggings and a pair of sneakers."

Size: 00-IV

Material: 100% Cotton

Atis Coat

To avoid paying fees for overweight luggage, you may occasionally need to pile on all the layers you can. This oversized style from The Row is not only soft and comfortable, but is big enough to fit a few items underneath.

Size: XS-L

Material: 95% Wool, 5% cashmere

Off-White Drop Shoulder Jacket

If the plan is to swap your sweats for a dressy look post-flight, this jacket easily transitions from casual to more formal occasions. Pack a skirt or trousers and a button-down in your carry-on and you'll be good to go.

Size: XS-3XL

Material: 60% Recycled wool, 40% polyester

Women's Nano Puff® Hoody

This hooded jacket from Patagonia is so easy to fold into a travel pack. Throw it in your carry-on before you leave the house, and only pull it out once the A.C. on your flight is blasting.

Size: XS-XXL

Material: 100% Recycled polyester

The ReNew Anorak

This durable anorak serves as an outer layer that will help keep wind and water at bay—useful for a vacation with rain on the forecast.

Size: XXS-XL

Material: 100% Recycled polyester

Reviewers say: "I bought this for an upcoming trip to Iceland, for my less adventurous city activities. It’s oversized and slouchy and cool, but also practical. Lots of room for layers underneath but also looks good without them."

Scarf-neckline felt jacket

It's a scarf! It's a jacket! This design from Toteme is not only a showstopper, it's versatile. You can wrap the scarf detail around your neck for added warmth, or wear it open when you start to heat up.

Size: 32-44

Material: 88% Wool, 12% polyester

Veda Allen Jacket

A leather jacket is a wardrobe essential, especially when traveling. It's tough enough to handle whatever wear and tear your day might have in store. Once at your destination, it's a style you can break out for daytime strolls or nights out.

Size: XS-XL

Material: Leather

Barbour Beadnell Waxed Cotton Jacket

British label Barbour is known for making workhorse jackets for outdoor activities. This wax-coated cotton-jacket is a mid-weight style that you can layer with a down jacket or sweater depending on the weather.

Size: 0-18

Material: 100% Cotton with waxed coating

Reviewers say: "I was waiting to write a review on this jacket until after I got back from my yearly autumnal visit to New York. Now that I've returned, I can say this jacket was perhaps one of my best investments yet. The temperature ranged from 45-65 and we experienced rain and sun alike. I wore this jacket during nature hikes in the rain and windy walks on the beach. It performed outstandingly well."

Tibre quilted padded glossed-shell down jacket

If you're headed for the slopes in Aspen or the Alps, a warm jacket is a must. This down style is one you can comfortably wear on the plane, but also break out once you're on the mountain.

Size: 00-5

Material: 100% Polyester

Thais Jacket

A casual weekend away requires considered packing; you've got to keep things light. This wool blend jacket is a mid-weight style that will keep you warm whether you're driving or taking a train. The neutral gray hue can be styled a plethora of ways.

Size: XXS-3XL

Material: 70% Wool, 30% polyamide

Garment-Dyed Gabardine Blouson Jacket

Leave it to Miu Miu to create a cropped jacket that's cute enough for breaking out at a fashion show, and comfortable enough for wearing through an entire red-eye. If you're headed to fashion week, this may be the jacket you want to wear on your way to Milan.

Size: IT 36-50

Material: Cotton

Mel Jacket

New York-based label Alex Mill is known for practical pieces with a slightly preppy twist. This cotton jacket is relatively lightweight, making it easy to throw in your bag or over your shoulders if you're not immediately in need of putting it on.

Size: XS-XL

Material: 50% Recycled cotton, 50% cotton

Reviewers say: "I stalked this jacket for months and it finally came back in stock on the color and size I wanted and I love it! It's slightly lighter weight than I anticipated, but that almost makes it better for layering on the wild New York fall days. I like the herringbone stitch and corduroy details."

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