5 of Our Favorite Lightweight Men’s Jackets for Spring
It’s time to hang up your heavy winter coats—spring is here, and so is light jacket weather.
It’s time to hang up your heavy winter coats—spring is here, and so is light jacket weather.
There’s a certain satisfaction in saying goodbye to heavy outerwear once winter is over. But since the weather in spring is rarely all bluebird days, smart layering is key—which is where the light jacket comes in. Some are featherlight, making them easy to stash or throw over a shoulder when the sun is shining. Others come lined, and some have wax finishes to keep out moisture when storm clouds loom. Whether your town still has snow on the ground, or the blossoms are blooming, pick up one (or a few) of these lightweight jackets to help you layer in style.
The Inspector Jacket is about as stylish as windbreakers get. It carries the subtle western detailing found throughout Howler Bros’ clothing, and the insignia over the left chest features lasso lettering and a cow skull with surfy rancher vibes. (The company is based in Texas, and the founders surf, so it tracks.) The jacket feels as light as a long-sleeve shirt, but it keeps you well-protected from the wind. I throw it on when I’m headed to check the surf, or when I’m taking the dog for a quick walk. Put a sweatshirt underneath and you’ll be properly bundled.
Howler Brothers HB Inspector Jacket
A go-everywhere jacket for spring. Year after year we rely on Howler Bros to deck us out with handsome, versatile duds we need in preparation for the rising temperatures ahead. This year is no exception, and our Lone Star State buds didn’t disappoint (no surprise there). Their warm weather lineup pays tribute to the water-based pursuits of fishing, surfing, and sipping tequila around the bonfire as waves crash in the distance. Made to handle the unpredictability of changing weather, the HB Inspector Jacket packs western style details into an easywearing, lightweight layer.
Huckberry touts Flint and Tinder’s Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket as one of their best sellers, and for good reason. The wax coating provides a barrier against wet weather, and the wool lining adds an insulating layer for chillier days. The look is ruggedly handsome—I feel like Robert Redford every time I put mine on—but it’s equally at home around a fire on a camping trip as it is in the office (if we ever go back). It’s hard to imagine this jacket ever wearing out, and in fact, over time, the wax coating will help it to wear in. For a jacket that feels like it’ll last a lifetime, the price point is startling low. These come without the lining, too, if you don’t need it. Order one true to size and look and feel amazing.
Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket
An icon of style, now flannel-lined for warmth and comfort. Tough, timeless, and made in the USA, this top-seller is constructed with a waxed and weather-resistant Martexin 7 oz. sailcloth, which like selvage denim or finely tanned leather, will only get better with age. Every time you hoist a beer, tie your boots, or ride your bike, your movements will lighten the color of the waxed fabric in the creases and bends to create your own unique wear patterns. It's truly a thing of beauty, and why every guy needs a Waxed Trucker in their closet. And unlike most of the other Waxed Truckers on the market, this jacket is soft out of the box, and can even be worn only with a tee underneath since both the body and sleeves are fully lined with soft blanket lining that feels great on the skin. For the price, you simply can't beat the quality, construction, and versatility of this bad boy.
The Waxed Flight Jacket from Flint and Tinder is the perfect layer to throw on over a t-shirt. Like their trucker jacket, it comes waxed to ward off drizzle, light rain, and wind, but it’s much lighter, which makes it the perfect grab-and-go jacket. The style is a play on the time-tested Air Force jackets of yore, but it’s a little more clean cut. Smartly placed pockets give you just the right amount of cargo space to stash your stuff. If you’re looking for a daily driver, this is it. If you need a little more warmth (and want to skip the wax feel), order their quilted version.
Flint and Tinder Waxed Flight Jacket
A lightweight jacket for transitional weather, built with a durable waxed shell and chambray lining—inspired by classic Air Force flight jackets. For their most versatile jacket, Flint and Tinder looked to the sky. Taking cues from the storied U.S. Air Force jacket worn over the years by the likes of Chuck Yeager and Neil Armstrong (Ed note: not to mention Steve McQueen in The Great Escape and Ryan Gosling in Drive), they designed the Flight Jacket to be a comfortable coverup in a wide range of temperatures. Which is perfect, because the clean-cut, classic style looks sharp over anything from a simple t-shirt to a tucked-in buttondown. No more wondering whether or not it’s jacket weather as you head out the door—just grab your Flight Jacket and go.
Everyone should own a bomber, if not two. Pendleton’s name precedes it, but their Pinehurst Bomber, made of tough canvas and fitted with brass rivets, feels like a piece of refined workwear. It’s pretty much exactly what you’d expect from the classic fit, with a few exceptions: the material is water-repellent (and you could even wax it if you wanted), the cuffs are buttoned instead of ribbed (so you can roll them up), and the raglan sleeves add durability—and just look great. I like to wear my bombers a little more fitted than other cuts; if you’re the same way, I’d recommend sizing down with this one.
Pendleton Men's Pinehurst Canvas Bomber Jacket
Made from water-repellent cotton canvas, this baseball jacket will keep you dry and comfortable in classic Pendleton style.
Patagonia’s Nano Puff Jacket is super lightweight, and it’s water and wind resistant to boot. It packs up into itself, which makes it super easy to stash in a backpack for day hikes—but it’s also right at home in a city setting. I love buying from Patagonia for a few different reasons: the look is timeless, the company donates one percent of its annual sales to nonprofit partners in support of environmental solutions, and—this might be the best part—they’ll repair any damaged goods free of charge. When a dog bit through the sleeve of my puff jacket, they patched it up and sent it back good as new. Buy one and see if you can’t run it into the ground.
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Protect yourself from the elements without getting weighed down in this incredibly lightweight quilted jacket coated with a durable water-repellent finish. The weather-resistant ripstop shell is also environmentally conscious, thanks to recycled fabric and partially recycled PrimaLoft® insulation that's warm and compressible for easy packing.
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