When the sun starts to show its face and you’re thinking more about barbecues than boots, jackets probably aren’t top of mind. But spring and summer are actually prime seasons for stylish, lightweight outerwear. This is when jackets go from bulky winter essentials to breezy style statements — the kind you can toss over a tee on a cool evening or take with you for dinner by the beach.
Forget the heavy layers. These are the jackets that let you breathe, move, and look effortlessly sharp without sweating it out. Below, we’ve picked our favourite outerwear pieces for the warmer months — from classic waxed jackets to smart suede bombers.
Cropped Worker Jacket
Top Picks:
- Carhartt WIP Detroit Jacket
- Arket Cotton Canvas Jacket
- Dickies Jacquard Eisenhower Jacket
- Brixton Mechanic Garage Jacket
These short, boxy jackets are the new go-to for fans of workwear. Think rugged canvas, cord collars, and a tough but cool vibe. Carhartt’s Detroit Jacket is the standout, and the more worn-in it is, the better it looks.
Pair it with straight-leg jeans, chunky boots or clean sneakers, and top off with a beanie or baseball cap depending on the day.
Gore-Tex Shell
Top Picks:
- Haglöfs Kaise Men’s Gore-Tex Jacket
- Salomon Outline 3L Gore-Tex
- Arc’teryx Beta SL Gore-Tex Jacket
- Patagonia Triolet Jacket
The Gore-Tex shell is the ultimate all-season piece. Light, waterproof, and made to last — it’s perfect for layering or rocking solo. If you’re into the outdoorsy ‘gorpcore’ trend, this is your best friend.
Arc’teryx is the king of cool here, but don’t miss options from Patagonia, Haglöfs, or Salomon for fresh takes.
Lightweight Puffer
Top Picks:
- Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket
- Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket
- Montbell Superior Down Jacket
- Gant Light Down Jacket
Heavy puffers are out. Lightweight ones are in. These slimmed-down versions are perfect for those chillier spring mornings without overheating you.
Go for a hoodless design for cleaner layering, and brands like Taion, Montbell, and Patagonia deliver great warmth with minimal bulk.
Quilted Liner
Top Picks:
- Arket Upcycled Down Liner Jacket
- FRIZMWORKS M1965 Quilted Liner
- Carhartt WIP Skyler Liner
- Norse Projects Military Liner
A quilted liner is your low-key layering hero. It adds warmth under light outerwear or works as a stylish stand-alone jacket. No collar, classic stitch pattern — it’s simple but strong on style.
Stick to olive for a classic vibe or go bold with orange. Either way, it adds visual interest without overdoing it.
Barn Jacket
Top Picks:
- Velasca Gromo
- Barbour OS Peached Bedale
- Kestin Strathblane Jacket
- Gant Spring Decker Jacket
Call it a barn jacket, field coat, or shooting jacket — either way, this piece is all about smart, casual functionality. Mid-length, cord collar, and roomy pockets are the signature details.
Skip the tweed unless you’re dressing for a countryside wedding. Keep it chill with jeans and sneakers for everyday wear.
Waxed Jacket
Top Picks:
- Billy Reid Hunting Jacket
- Barbour Spey Wax Jacket
- Belstaff Racemaster Jacket
- Nili Lotan Kylian Waxed Jacket
A waxed jacket is a British icon. Windproof, rain-resistant, and made to age beautifully. Choose one with a trimmer fit for everyday versatility.
Barbour leans classic countryside, Belstaff brings biker edge — both are worth investing in depending on your style.
Minimalist Leather Jacket
Top Picks:
- Wax London Kendal
- Reiss Cast Leather Bomber
- Kingman Padded Leather Jacket
- Polo Ralph Lauren Leather Jacket
This year, it’s all about clean-cut leather. Skip the biker zips and studs, and go for a sleeker, more grown-up look. Think soft lamb leather, classic collars, and cropped fits.
Pair a brown version with cream trousers and loafers for a fresh spring combo.
Suede Bomber
Top Picks:
- Reiss Leather-Sleeve Suede Bomber
- Velasca Notaresco
- Luca Faloni Classic Bomber
- MR P. Suede Bomber
Bomber jackets are timeless, but suede takes them to the next level. Softer, sharper, and way more versatile than the usual shiny nylon. Great for date nights or semi-formal occasions.
Keep it dry, brush it often, and your suede will stay smooth and stylish for years.
Unstructured Twill Blazer
Top Picks:
- SIRPLUS Bay Green Blazer
- Drake’s Games Blazer Mk. I
- MR P. Stretch-Cotton Twill Blazer
- Universal Works London Jacket
Somewhere between a blazer and work jacket, this hybrid is a closet MVP. It’s smart enough for dinners and weddings, but casual enough for the pub.
Pair it with matching trousers and a white tee for a laid-back take on tailoring. Or dress it down with selvedge denim and boots.
Spring and summer are all about versatility — and these jackets prove you don’t need to sacrifice style for comfort. Whether you’re chasing the gorpcore vibe or leaning into classic British charm, there’s a lightweight outerwear piece here for you.