The 15 Best Shackets for Travel in 2023
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For style, comfort, and value, shackets are our go-to for traveling.
They're warm, they're stylish, and they feature plenty of pockets — the shacket is the latest trend in travel fashion, and we're absolutely here for it. Comfortable to wear on an airplane (so you don’t need to pack it), you can even slip a shacket under an overcoat when flying to a destination that’s colder than your origin spot.
Celebrity stylist Sarah Slutsky also notes the versatility of the shacket. Living between upstate New York and New York City, Slutsky has an arsenal of these shirt-jacket hybrids for everything from painting and hiking in the country to client meetings and evenings out in the city. “While I do believe this is a piece that can go with anything, I think it's important to consider that, even for an oversized piece, proportion and fit still can make or break. I try to maintain balance by pairing with a more fitted piece underneath,” Slutsky advises.
Keeping this expert advice in mind, our top choice is the Outerknown Cloud Weave Shirt Jacket with its oversized, fun fit. Its light cotton and colorful plaid add a little bit more flair to the shacket’s outdoorsy look as well. But, whether you’re looking for functionality first — think passport-sized pockets — or sleek styles instead, the shacket is working overtime for a space in your travel wardrobe.
Best Overall: Outerknown Cloud Weave Shirt Jacket
Why We Love It
This classic shacket is breathable and light, perfect for any weather.
What to Consider
It arrives feeling a little stiff, so you may want to break it in before a long trip.
This comfortable and cute oversized shacket is so soft, you'll want to wear it even on the longest travel days. It's designed with a boxer fit and two oversized chest pockets that are perfect for storing your phone, passport, and other travel essentials. You can choose from five different colorways, from a perfect bubblegum pink to the more versatile birch optic plaid. Made with recycled and organic cotton, you'll want to wear this shacket year-round for an extra layer of cozy comfort for long days at the airport or cool nights out.
Price at time of publish: $248
The Details: XS to XL | 100 percent organic cotton
Best Budget: Bagatelle Collection Faux Suede Button Down Shacket
Why We Love It
This stylish, thigh-grazing shacket has the chic look of a leather jacket without breaking the bank.
What to Consider
While the lightweight faux suede is great for layering, this shacket probably won’t keep you as warm as a true fall jacket.
This Bagatelle Collection shacket’s relaxed fit is the epitome of “I just threw this on!” The fabric does have a little stretch, giving it an advantage when layering over chunky sweaters and added comfort tucked under a longer coat.
The shacket hits mid-thigh so it might not tuck so easily into a shorter skirt for a shirt-like look, though its light weight could pair perfectly with a maxi. As a bonus, the two large, passport-sized front pockets can help you breeze through airport security on your next trip. Since it has a longer cut (compared to a typical shacket), be mindful of where you sit to keep the wear and tear on the back of this piece to a minimum.
Price at time of publish: $15
The Details: S to XL | Polyester, spandex
Best Sustainable: Alex Crane Kite Jacket
Why We Love It
It's made of plant-based and biodegradable materials.
What to Consider
This is a unisex shacket, so choose your size accordingly.
This breathable button-up shacket is made of 100 percent sustainably-grown French linen that wont wrinkle even when packed into the smallest packing cubes. Dyed with organic, GOTS-certified pigments, this light top is the perfect extra layer for any trip. While this is a unisex shirt, it should still have a nice, boxy, oversized fit that's perfect for throwing over your favorite top. Plus, the deep smock pockets are perfect for storing all of your on-the-go items.
Price at time of publish: $195
The Details: XS to L | 100 percent linen
Related: The 12 Best Sustainable Activewear Brands of 2023
Best Quilted: Dickies Women's Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket
Why We Love It
Lined, 100 percent cotton, and quilted? This country-chic shacket is a cozy favorite.
What to Consider
The double layered shacket may be best for cold weather destinations.
If you want to feel like you're wearing a blanket while still looking polished, consider this soft and insulated quilt shacket by Dickies. Not only will the brushed flannel and cotton shell keep you warm, it's also water repellent with a durable and breathable interior lining. Unlike more square-shaped shackets, this one is designed with a princess seam giving a more tailored silhouette that pairs with any bottoms whether you're on a camping trip or heading to the airport.
Price at time of publish: $45
The Details: S to XXL | 100 percent cotton shell
Best Long: Good American Long Plaid Sherpa Shacket at Shopbop
Why We Love It
A win for ultimate coziness overall, this doubles as an ideal plane blanket.
What to Consider
This shacket doesn’t pack easily since it’s so long and heavy.
This lined, texture-rich faux-shearling shacket is the perfect long style for a flight. Heavyweight, but flexible enough to drape like a blanket, it’s the travel coat you will not be storing in the overhead.
The jacket buttons up with a hidden flap and has an oversized fit that falls past the knees. Heading on a camping trip to hang out by the fire in your pajamas? One of the best things about a long shacket is that it can double as a robe on your travels so you’re just as comfortable and cozy as you’d be at home in your living room.
Price at time of publish: $195
The Details: 00/0 to 7/8 (5=2XL) | 100 percent polyester
Best Cropped: Aritzia The Ganna Cropped Shirt Jacket
Why We Love It
The unique shape is perfect for any outfit.
What to Consider
The shacket is dry clean only.
If oversized or boxy shackets aren't your style, consider this tailored and cropped version — perfect for pairing with skirts or high-waisted bottoms. The shacket is made of plush merino wool that will keep you warm, but the shorter style isn't too confining if you want to wear it during the spring or fall. The unique, rounded hem is longer in the front and back, perfect for layering, and deep pockets will make this your go-to travel shacket. Choose from six different colors and plaid varieties to elevate your favorite fits.
Price at time of publish: $178
The Details: XXS to XL | 100 percent wool
Related: The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Fleece: Alo Micro Sherpa Envy Shacket
Why We Love It
You'll feel like you're wearing a blanket.
What to Consider
The size options are limited.
We usually reserve fleece for winter, but this open shacket could easily be worn on cool nights around the campfire or lakeside. The shacket features deep side pockets, cuffs with snap buttons, and darted sleeve details, giving wearers an oversized look without being too baggy. You could also size down for a more fitted look as your normal size will hit below the hip. Choose from black or white in ultra-soft micro fleece for a versatile shacket you won't want to take off.
Price at time of publish: $158
The Details: XS to L | Micro fleece and jersey
Best Flannel: Yeokou Women's Fall Color Block Plaid Flannel Shacket Jacket
Why We Love It
There are so many color options, we want to collect them all.
What to Consider
This shacket can only be hand washed.
For fall travels or year-round camping adventures, this is the perfect versatile flannel shacket. You can wear this open on top of any outfit or tied around your waist for just a hint of style. The blocky flannel design comes with a variety of colors for an added pop of fun and the mid-length is great whether you want to tuck it in or leave it loose. The shirt is also lighter than expected despite the high quality fabric, so you can truly wear this as an extra layer all year round.
Price at time of publish: $42
The Details: S to XXL | 95 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex
Best Denim: Levi's Essential Western Denim Shirt
Why We Love It
It can be worn open as a shacket or closed as a simple denim shirt.
What to Consider
The denim is non-stretch, so you may want to order a size up.
The 90s are back with this classic Western Denim Shirt from Levi's. We love the workmen’s utility style of this button-up shacket. The flexible and durable fabric is made to last for years to come, so you can wear this throughout all of your travels. The lighter denim is a great top layer for swimsuits and summer dresses and can easily transition into your cool-weather wardrobe. The two chest pockets also snap closed to make sure you won't lose any important items.
Price at time of publish: $78
The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent cotton
Related: The 13 Best Cashmere Essentials for Travel of 2023
Best Leather: Quince Leather Shirt Jacket
Why We Love It
This shacket is the perfect addition to your sleek look.
What to Consider
It's quite oversized, so you may want to size down for a more fitted look.
A black leather jacket is timeless and this Quince shacket is perfectly relaxed and hits below your waist for an effortlessly chic look. It's made of 100 percent sheep leather that is not only soft, but biodegradable and tanned in a Leather Working Group (LWG) certified tannery. It features dropped shoulders and a rounded hem for a nice, oversized style that comes in both black and mushroom (cream) that pairs with just about any outfit.
Price at time of publish: $170
The Details: XS to XL | 100 percent leather; 100 percent poly satin lining
Best Lightweight: Dokotoo Womens Color Block Button Down Shirts
Why We Love It
It comes in 15 different eye-catching colors with color-block options.
What to Consider
The light material is prone to wrinkling.
This lightweight shacket has an oversized, relaxed feel and the fun colors and breezy material is perfect for layering over floral dresses, swimsuits, and more. It hits around the upper thigh with a thin design that’s very packable, but can be prone to wrinkles. An ideal layering piece, this lightweight shacket is an excellent entry into shacket styling as it layers over or under your favorite looks with a cotton material that is not too bulky. We love the fun color-block design and deep chest pocket for convenience while traveling.
Price at time of publish: $35
The Details: S to XXL | 100 percent cotton
Best Luxury: Missoni Anorak Multicolor
Why We Love It
Stunning Missoni chevron adds a cool textured look to a classic wool shacket.
What to Consider
The price is steep but it’s an investment we see ourselves wearing for years to come.
Okay, we know it’s a splurge, but this knit button-up Missoni shacket certainly makes an outfit. When packing, sometimes a statement piece is all you need to freshen up your wardrobe for a new destination and the classic chevron here adds an exciting textured effect.
Primarily made of wool, this shacket is also an ideal pick for both fall and spring weather. It fits true to size with a lined, boxy denim jacket cut hitting on the waist so it’s not too heavy or bulky on the body — great for sprinting through terminals.
Price at time of publish: $2,520
The Details: 4 to 10 | 77 percent wool, 20 percent cotton, 3 percent polyamide
Related: The 13 Best Peacoats for Women of 2023
Best Reversible: Love Tree Women's Reversible Corduroy Plaid Flannel Shacket
Why We Love It
You get two shackets with one piece meaning it’s doing (at least) double-duty in your travel wardrobe.
What to Consider
The arms run short, so consider sizing up or plan to cuff your sleeves.
Get the best of both worlds with this reversible shacket that flips from corduroy to flannel, saving you packing space by providing two fun looks in one. Both sides feature deep pockets with two button-up chest pockets on the corduroy side and two side pockets on the flannel side. Both layers are so fun and stylish, you'll feel comfortable no matter which one you're wearing.
Price at time of publish: $45
The Details: S to XL | 90 percent polyester, 10 percent nylon
Best Corduroy: Dokotoo Womens Corduroy Button Down Shirt
Why We Love It
Corduroy is a quintessential texture for all seasons, and this is a lightweight option.
What to Consider
It's a warm shacket and may be best for winter travels.
This fashionable button down corduroy shirt is perfect for layering and keeping warm. The soft and durable fabric comes in more than a dozen varieties of plaid to match with your favorite fashion staples. The cozy button sleeves are also great to roll up or wear closed for extra warmth. While the fabric may be thinner than other shackets, it's perfect for packing or wearing on-the-go without feeling too bulky.
Price at time of publish: $50
The Details: S to XXL | 100 percent polyester
Most Versatile: Carve Designs Fairbanks Supersoft Shirt
Why We Love It
The organic cotton, polyester blend makes this shirt feel like a blanket.
What to Consider
The brand recommends you lay it flat to dry instead of using a machine.
Perfect for layering or wearing on its own, this Carve Designs Supersoft Shirt will be a wardrobe staple year-round. You can dress it up with a pair of dark wash jeans or go casual with a pair of shorts or joggers for an airport ready look you'll still feel comfortable in. There are three color and patterns to choose from to suit your style, but each features a large chest pocket, stylish, shirttail hem, and button front closures, so you can wear this open or closed.
Price at time of publish: $84
The Details: XXS to XL | 60 percent organic cotton, 35 percent recycled polyester, 5 percent spandex
Tips for Buying a Shacket
Consider packability
Ideally a shacket is the perfect travel companion, allowing you to transition seamlessly from the weather in your origin to your destination, and on your mode of transportation as well. Do note that bulkier options, while doubling as blankets on the road, are not the easiest to pack.
Choose materials carefully
As we noted, bulkier, warmer materials tend not to be as foldable into a suitcase or carry-on but will definitely serve you well as a transitional layer during your travels. Lined shackets are ideal for both comfort and an added layer of warmth on the plane.
Think about care requirements
How often are you wearing your shacket? If it’s your perfect fall go-to, on the road and beyond, you might want to consider if you can throw it in the washing machine. A lightweight denim shacket is pretty easy to care for in a washer-dryer while your leather or sherpa one may be dry clean only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shacket?
Shacket is a portmanteau of the words shirt and jacket. It describes a shirt-style button-up that’s not quite as heavy as your standard jacket, but not as lightweight as a normal shirt.
How do I style a shacket?
Remember Slutsky’s advice: fit and proportion are everything, so an oversized shacket is best paired with a fitted layer underneath. She wears her shacket over everything from jeans and a sweater to a cocktail dress — and you can, too. A shacket also transitions well into colder climates with a lightweight option slipping nicely under an overcoat.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this story, freelance commerce writer Nneya Richards spoke to celebrity stylist Sarah Slutsky. She and T+L writer Taylor Fox took a deep dive into popular, travel-friendly shacket styles and tested out a few of their own.
Related: The 15 Best Puffer Jackets of 2023
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