These Jackets Are Made for Layerin’

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Even if you think you don't need a midlayer jacket, trust me, you do. When it's cold outside and you've gotta bundle up one way or another, you basically have two options.

The first is to put on a single, super-heavy, super-bulky coat. The kind of coat that brushes up against passersby because it's so damn large and puffy, and perhaps even has a fur trim on the hood that does nothing but collect dirt and debris, the kind of coat that you're sweating in the moment you step inside. The second option is to use a few thinner, sleeker layers for a slim, non-bulky silhouette that still does the job of keeping you warm. To achieve the latter, you need a midlayer jacket.

It's what it says on the label. The midlayer jacket is meant to be worn under your top layer, over your base layer, insulating you without being thick or bulky. The perfect midlayer jacket should fit seamlessly between other layers, so as to not give you a too-tight feeling. And it should be warm but not too warm, lest you overheat. Because it's not the top layer, you don't have to opt for a style that's waterproof, but you certainly can, if you want to wear your midlayer jacket as a top layer down the line. Whichever way you wear it, shop the 10 best midlayer jackets on the market below.

Gamma Lightweight Jacket

We take Arc'teryx very seriously around here. The Gamma makes for the perfect midlayer jacket—it's lightweight yet warm, breathable and wind-resistant, and the flexibility of the soft shell allows you to move as you please.

Crew Midlayer Fleece Lined Jacket

I lived in Canada for five years, and when I tell you that Helly Hansen is Canadians' secret weapon to surviving the cold, I'm not joking. This fleece-lined jacket makes for the perfect midlayer, thanks to its flexible shell and breathable tech.

Lightweight Hybrid Jacket

Bonobos does a midlayer so well, it's worthy of being your top-layer, too. This flexible, lightweight jacket is juuust the right weight, so you'll never feel cold and you'll never be too hot, either.

Venture Track Jacket

For an infallible option, turn to Vuori. You can layer this under other jackets when the weather calls for it, but when it's warm enough, this will serve you perfectly well on its own, too, thanks to the soft, flexible fabric that's designed to move with you.

Active Soft Shell Windbreaker Jacket

Just the right weight and warmth, thanks to a breathable outer shell and a soft fleece lining. And the simple, chic look of this midlayer jacket doesn't hurt, either.

Ultra Light Down Jacket

You might think this option is too puffy to be a midlayer, but trust me—it isn't. This jacket is how I get through New York City winters and springs and falls. It's super thin, super lightweight, and super warm.

Steens Mountain 2.0 Full Zip Fleece Jacket

This is soft as hell, and stretchy, too—just what you want from a midlayer jacket. Wearing this will become a habit in no time.

Reversible Windmate Storm System Blouson Jacket

Whether you wear this one cashmere-side up or nylon-side up, you're in good hands. How could you not be with Loro Piana? This is an understated, high-quality basic that'll keep you warm and chic.

Weston Quilted Reversible Liner Jacket

An infallible classic that looks good by itself, whether you wear it with the green side or the neon orange side showing. With a quilted design and deep pockets, you're in good hands—or sleeves.

FR Stretch Jacket

From Snow Peak comes a stretchy, lightweight jacket that's not only water-repellent, but also fireproof. So go forth towards all your winter adventures without fear, so long as this is your midlayer.

Why You Can Trust Esquire

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to midlayer jackets, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these midlayer jackets are the ones that are simply the best.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

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