The 16 Best Lightweight Jackets for Women and Men
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
There’s nothing more versatile than a great lightweight jacket.
Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan
A lightweight jacket is a travel essential: it covers your bases when you’re planning to be out all day in an environment where it’s cool in the morning and evening but warm at midday, or where weather is unfamiliar or unpredictable. It’s not as heavy to pack as a bulkier coat — and it’s even perfect to wear on the plane. Overall, it’s generally a great pick for transitional weather in the spring and fall.
When shopping for a lightweight jacket, consider the weather in your destination (and in transit). And look for versatile styles that layer easily and are appropriate for a range of occasions to maximize your packing efficiency.
To help guide your search, we rounded up the best packable jackets for women and men in 2023, whether you just need to cover your arms in an air-conditioned airplane cabin or convention center, or you need serious performance for cold, windy, or wet conditions.
Best Lightweight Jackets for Women
Best Overall for Women: The North Face Women’s ThermoBall Eco Jacket 2.0
Why We Love It
This lightweight, shopper-favorite jacket is ultra-versatile, easily transitioning from the trail to the city — and it’s sustainably made, too.
What to Consider
Consider sizing up if you plan to layer heavily under this slim-fitting jacket.
This workhorse of a lightweight jacket is a perennial customer favorite — and a solid contender for your next travel wardrobe go-to. We love that it’s light and easy to move around in without bulk. It has a casual, sporty look, but the cut is versatile enough to wear for a range of circumstances (especially in a color like basic black, although options include more eye-catching versions, including an abstract floral print), so it moves with you seamlessly throughout your travel day.
The quilting pattern guarantees serious insulation for warmth and durability while the jacket stays lightweight and packable. It’s also made with 100 percent recycled fabrics and fill so you can feel good about making a sustainable choice.
Price at time of publish: $210
The Details: XS to 3XL | Black, blue, abstract floral, slate | Returns accepted within 90 days | Recycled nylon
Best Water-resistant for Women: Lole Piper Oversized Rain Jacket
Why We Love It
This water-resistant lightweight jacket is easily packable and ideal for travel.
What to Consider
This jacket runs large so you’ll want to size down.
This lightweight jacket is water resistant, quick drying, and perfect for wet weather. It’s fully seam-sealed so you stay dry even when it’s pouring. The materials are sustainably sourced, and the construction uses no harmful chemicals.
Price at time of publish: $149
The Details: XS to XXL | Oyster, paprika, black, green, white, blue, aloe | Return within 30 days of purchase date | Shell: 100 percent polyester; Membrane: 100 percent polyurethane; Lining: 100 percent nylon
Best Trench for Women: M.M. LaFleur Scotte Jacket
Why We Love It
This lightweight jacket is so chic with a cropped length, removable belt, and cinchable sleeves — and it’s beyond elegant as it’s made with 100 percent silk.
What to Consider
You’ll want to size down for a more tailored fit, and it’s dry clean only.
This take on a trench coat is streamlined and chic, with a cropped length and made from 100 percent silk. The double-breasted jacket has a removable belt so you can change up the look, and adjustable sleeves for a bespoke — and oh-so-stylish — fit, with enough room to layer underneath.
Price at time of publish: $365
The Details: XS to XXL | Khaki | Return for a full refund within 21 days of shipment | Silk
Related:The 12 Best Packable Jackets for Women and Men of 2023
Best Puffer for Women: Patagonia Women's Down Sweater
Why We Love It
This lightweight jacket is equally warm and comfortable — plus it has a built-in stuff sack for travel.
What to Consider
It’s on the pricey side.
This windproof down puffer jacket is lightweight and offers the right amount of warmth for just about everything. The shell is made of nylon ripstop from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution, and it’s insulated with responsible down that’s certified to demonstrate better animal welfare practices in the down and feather supply chain. Two hand warmer pockets have invisible zippers for security, and an internal zippered chest pocket even converts to a stuff sack with a carabiner clip-on loop for travel practicality.
Price at time of publish: $279
The Details: XXS to XXL | Black, pink, green, navy, white, mauve, blue-gray | No set time limit for returns | 100 percent post-consumer recycled nylon
Best Denim for Women: Madewell Oversized Denim Jacket
Why We Love It
Perfectly oversized in a goes-with-everything wash, this denim jacket will travel with you everywhere — year after year. Plus, it comes in an inclusive range of sizes.
What to Consider
Plan to layer for extra warmth as needed.
This oversized jacket is a bestselling fan favorite, made in a classic indigo wash with a cool trucker jacket silhouette that feels both ‘60s vintage and timeless. Made of 100 percent cotton non-stretch denim, it has deep interior pockets to keep your phone or other essentials safe while traveling through congested conditions. It’s machine washable for easy wear and maintenance — and it goes with just about everything.
Price at time of publish: $138
The Details: XXS to XXL (standard) and 1X to 4X (plus) | Medium wash | Refund or exchange within 30 days of purchase |100 percent cotton
Best Bomber for Women: Alo Blaze Bomber
Why We Love It
This bomber is as comfy as it is cool, with tons of pockets and a cozy faux-shearling collar.
What to Consider
We wish the size range was a bit more inclusive.
This sleek bomber jacket manages to be lightweight and cozy at the same time, with an oversized fit and tons of pockets (including snap pockets on the sides) that are useful for stashing essentials on the go. A soft faux-shearling flap collar adds to the warmth and edges up the style, too. The lightweight ripstop fabric holds up against travel conditions, and the relaxed fit leaves room for layering underneath. Bonus: it’s machine washable, too.
Price at time of publish: $159
The Details: XS to L | Black, espresso | Returns accepted within 30 days for full refund | Lightweight woven and ripstop fabrics
Related:The 10 Best Women’s Winter Coats and Jackets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best with Hood for Women: Bernardo Neo Active Double Up Hooded Puffer
Why We Love It
Equally warm and chic, this jacket packs up tidily for convenient travel.
What to Consider
Expect a slim fit on this tailored jacket; it runs small.
For how lightweight it is, this hooded jacket packs a punch for warmth when you need it: it has a sustainable recycled filler that’s warm without being bulky. And it’s super packable, with a zip-off vest design, stand collar, and neoprene panels that make it easy to move around in. Zipper pockets add a dose of extra security for all your essentials.
Price at time of publish: $99
The Details: XS to XXL | Black, chocolate, russet brown, violet, navy, peppercorn, liquid metal, rose brown | Free returns and exchanges within 15 days of ship date | 100% percent polyester shell and lining
Best Quilted for Women: Halfdays Nellie Packable Puffer Jacket
Why We Love It
Versatile and sustainably made, this lightweight puffer packs into itself and doubles as a travel pillow.
What to Consider
Expect a boxy, oversized fit. Size down if you want something more fitted.
Made with sustainable fabrics, this oversized puffer looks substantial, but it’s actually lightweight and supremely packable. It even packs into itself and multi-tasks as a travel pillow. A strap slides over your suitcase handle or snaps it to a backpack. And it’s warm, too: a wind-resistant shell with recycled insulation takes the sting out of the draft and keeps cold air out. We also love the relaxed, oversized fit that gives you room to layer and wear for year-round adventure. Choose to customize the fit with an adjustable hem and snap cuffs, and zippered pockets keep your belongings secure during travel.
Price at time of publish: $195
The Details: XS to 2X | Back, red, blue, sage, bright green, sand, orange, pink | Returns within 15 days of receipt of order | 55 percent nylon, 45 percent recycled nylon (shell); 100 percent recycled PET bottles (insulation)
Best Lightweight Jackets for Men
Best Overall for Men: Public Rec All Day Every Day Jacket
Why We Love It
Comfortable, warm, and versatile, this sleek jacket works for travel days, work, and everyday lounging.
What to Consider
It may be challenging to get the right fit, so look at size guides and reviews to determine what size will be best for you.
While this lightweight jacket has an athleticwear vibe, it’s also polished enough to dress up for a sleek, put-together look that goes everywhere. It’s tailored with clean lines, and makes for an easy layering piece over T-shirts or under bulkier pieces for more warmth. Pair it with the matching joggers, jeans — or just about anything.
Made from a blend of nylon and spandex, it’s comfy and holds up to rigorous use, and it’s easily machine washable. Plus, it’s packed with secure pockets for stashing essentials on travel days: two front pockets and a chest pocket all feature zippers.
Price at time of publish: $128
The Details: S to XXL | Heather navy, charcoal, black | Free returns within 45 days | 88 percent nylon, 12 percent spandex
Related:The 12 Best Ski Jackets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Bomber for Men: Everlane Bomber Jacket
Why We Love It
This cool updated take on a flight jacket is sustainably made and water resistant — and you have a whole year to exchange it if you have any issues.
What to Consider
This lightweight jacket isn’t enough protection on its own for serious wind or chill.
This sustainably made take on a flight jacket is a low-risk proposition: if you have any quality issues, you have a full 365 days to swap it out for a replacement. Made of a recycled water-resistant cotton-polyester blend, this lightweight jacket has magnetic closure pockets for security while traveling. And it’s machine washable, too.
Price at time of publish: $148
The Details: XS to XXL | Black, navy, khaki | Returns accepted within 30 days of ship date; a replacement for any damage within 365 days | 68 percent cotton, 32 percent recycled polyester
Best Trench for Men: Bonobos The Mac Jacket
Why We Love It
This water-resistant trench is timeless and versatile, and it’s machine washable.
What to Consider
This trench is available in just one classic color.
This polished trench coat is as practical as it is smart-looking. It’s water resistant for rainy days, just sporty enough to be versatile, and plenty professional for a business trip. It buttons at the center, and the body and sleeves are partially lined with an interior pocket for keeping essentials close, and tabs at the sleeve cuffs complete the look. For maintenance, this lightweight jacket goes right into the machine (wash cold on gentle and tumble dry low).
Price at time of publish: $289
The Details: S to L | Khaki | Return or exchange within 45 days of order shipment | 100 percent cotton
Best Puffer for Men: L.L.Bean Men’s Mountain Classic Puffer Jacket
Why We Love It
Packable, practical, and accessibly priced, this jacket is a fan-favorite for good reason.
What to Consider
You’ll need an additional outlet layer for cooler conditions.
This lightweight puffer is seriously performance-minded, with a water-resistant polyester shell that keeps rain and water out for outdoor activities. It’s eminently packable and practical, and can be machine washed and dried. It has lightweight insulation that makes it perfect to wear alone in warmer conditions or as a mid-layer when the weather is cold. Hand pockets have snap closures for secure storage, and a stand-up collar keeps your neck out of the draft.
Price at time of publish: $99
The Details: S to 3XL in regular or tall | Barley, black, gray, blue | Return within one year for a refund | Polyester
Related:The 15 Best Puffer Jackets of 2023
Best Denim for Men: Levi’s Vintage Relaxed Fit Trucker Jacket
Why We Love It
This iconic jacket has a relaxed fit and serves a wide range of travel and layering purposes — plus, it will last for decades.
What to Consider
This jacket is washable, but do so sparingly to preserve its life (spot clean instead when that will do).
There’s nothing more classic or versatile than a denim jacket — and it serves just about every travel purpose (save for formalwear). This version has a broken-in, ‘90s-inspired vibe, with a boxy silhouette and roomy shoulders and sleeves. Inside pockets are spacious enough for a smartphone, wallet, and even a snack.
Price at time of publish: $98
The Details: XS to XXL | Black, faded black, medium wash, light wash | Return or exchange within 60 days of purchase | 100 percent cotton
Best with Hood for Men : Orvis Men's PRO Insulated Hoodie
Why We Love It
While lightweight, this hooded jacket is seriously protective against strong winds and cold.
What to Consider
The fit on this jacket runs on the smaller/slimmer side, so you’ll want to size up.
This packable jacket is built for performance — and holds up against harsh conditions, despite being so lightweight. It’s insulated for optimal temperature control while allowing significant mobility, and the ripstop nylon shell holds up against rugged conditions. Plus, an internal zippered security pocket doubles as a reversible stuff sack, so it’s ideal for travel.
Price at time of publish: $249
The Details: S to XXL | Granite, black, camo | Refunds accepted by mail or in store | Ripstop nylon shell, PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation in body, hood, and arm, Polartec Alpha insulation in side panel and under arm
Best Quilted for Men: Patagonia Nano Puff Water-Resistant Jacket
Why We Love It
This fan-favorite jacket is built for performance and for packing, too, with its own built-in stuff sack and carabiner.
What to Consider
Threads may have a tendency to pull.
This performance-driven jacket is water resistant and retains almost all of its insulating capability — even when it’s wet. The insulation is made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled content, so it’s not just efficient but sustainably made, too. The windproof and moisture-shedding recycled polyester ripstop shell holds up durably against rugged conditions. Elasticized cuffs and an adjustable drawcord also help keep wind out and warmth in. Zippered hand warmer pockets are both secure and cozy, and a zippered internal chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack with a carabiner clip-in loop.
Price at time of publish: $229
The Details: XS to XXXL | Black, navy, gray, dark gray, green, yellow, blue | Recycled polyester
Best Water-resistant for Men: Columbia Men’s Watertight lI Jacket
Why We Love It
This seriously waterproof jacket packs easily, and comes in a huge range of colors and inclusive sizes.
What to Consider
This jacket might not be warm enough for colder weather, so we recommend sizing up and layering underneath.
This breathable and fully seam-sealed lightweight jacket takes rain protection seriously to keep you dry even in formidable rain. It has an attached, adjustable storm hood and zippered hand pockets. And it’s supremely packable, too, stuffing conveniently into its own hand pocket to store away.
Price at time of publish: $75
The Details: S to XXL (standard), 1X to 6X (big), LT to 5XT (tall) | Navy, black, gray, graphite, red, olive, azul, bright aqua, raisin, gold | Returns within 60 days of purchase | 100 percent nylon
Tips for Buying a Lightweight Jacket
Consider the weather
Lightweight jackets aren’t just for warmer weather, but they’re also ideal for transitional or unpredictable weather. Specifically, consider whether your destination might have rain. If so, look for hoods and water-resistant fabric to keep you protected and dry. If it’s very humid in your destination, prioritize breathable fabrics.
Prioritize packability
Packability isn’t just about streamlined weight and bulk. It’s also about choosing fabrics that come out of your suitcase looking their best, without losing shape, wrinkling, or creasing.
Look for versatile styles
The utility of a lightweight jacket lends itself to being a staple of a travel wardrobe, with the potential to wear throughout an entire day as a layering piece. Make sure your jacket works with your travel wardrobe and personal style and that the jacket is appropriate for a variety of occasions — so you can take it, say, from sightseeing straight into dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a lightweight jacket?
The best material for a lightweight jacket is one that doesn’t wrinkle or crease, and that offers breathability in a variety of weather conditions. Cotton and cotton blend fabrics are ideal for dry conditions, whereas nylon can provide performance in the rain.
How do I wash a lightweight jacket?
Wash your jacket according to the instructions specified on the label. Some of the jackets on our list may be machine washed and dried, while others require fussier care such as hand washing, spot cleaning, or dry cleaning when necessary.
How do I pack a jacket?
Zip or button the jacket to close it before folding the sleeves over the front so it’s roughly square in shape, and then fold in quarters from there. Some of the jackets on our list come with their own stuff sacks for easy packing. Or you may choose to wear your jacket on the plane to save luggage space (and keep warm in transit).
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Alesandra Dubin is a career travel and lifestyle writer and product reviewer. She’s also a frequent traveler with plenty of hard-earned packing experience.
Related:The Best Ski Jackets for Men and Women
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.
For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
