Transition Into Spring with the 5 Best Light Jackets for Men

As the seasons change and the temperatures rise you don’t always neat a heavy coat. Here are some light-weight jacket options for guys.

As the weather transitions into unpredictable, in-between seasons, a lightweight jacket is a must for guys. It’s the perfect piece for when the snow starts to melt away but isn’t quite warm enough for just a t-shirt yet. 

Plus, light jackets usually have some properties that make them great for all sorts of weather.

The best light jackets for men combine function (first and foremost) with comfort and fashion. For this roundup, I searched across dozens of brands, styles, and materials to find pieces that work best for each scenario.

Whether you’re heading to a brunch date, dinner, or walking out in a storm, these will do the trick.

Quick Take

Here are our recommendations from the list:

Read on for more info and the complete list…

The 5 Best Light Jackets for Men

These lightweight jackets are perfect for every scenario you may encounter, rain or shine.

Arc’teryx Atom Hoody

The Atom Hoody takes outdoor gear to the next level from the brand known for high-end, engineered pieces. This jacket is made with signature Coreloft insulation, which is warm while not being bulky.

This hoodie is the perfect versatile jacket — it can be used to layer or on its own as long as it’s not absolutely freezing outside. Perfect for the outdoors, the shell is water resistant, and there are breathable side panels for if you’re getting a light run in.

I’m personally a fan of all the colors they offer. Of course, they have standard black and gray, but there are also some more unique colors that would be fun to wear around.

Bonobos Lightweight Hybrid Jacket

Bonobos’ Lightweight Hybrid Jacket brings versatility to a pretty stylish piece. It features a puffer design in the front area paired with wind- and water-resistant fabric in the sleeves and back side.

Although it’s only available in blue and gray, I’m a huge fan of the gray-white combination that almost makes it look like a space suit.

This jacket is great for when you’ll be in multiple places within a few hours — it’s able to hit a few holes of golf and then go to drinks afterward, and its performance material is up for the job.

Polo Ralph Lauren Bi-Swing Jacket

The Bi-Swing Jacket is about as classic as you can get. (I’m pretty sure my grandfather always wore this exact jacket and looked good, if I do say so myself.)

This timeless piece screams sophistication and can be worn with just about anything and still look good.

The iconic full-zip silhouette comes in black, navy, and khaki and features a plaid interior lining. The microfiber shell is soft but also durable against the elements.

If you’re someone who wants a no-fuss, simple jacket, this is perfect for you.

Lululemon Warp Light Packable Jacket

The Warp Light Packable Jacket is made for the guy who’s always on the move. It’s designed for training and workouts and thus has features that equip it for just about anything.

It has a water-repellent fabric made from recycled polyester and it also has a nice stretch. Zipper hand pockets ensure that your valuables will stay put, and it also has a handy hidden phone sleeve.

If you’re going from place to place and worried about transportation, this jacket can actually pack into the back pocket. Added reflective accents across the neck and back sleeves give extra protection for those late-night runs.

Nike Sportswear Windrunner

The Sportswear Windrunner is a modern rendition of a classic jacket; this piece has also experienced a huge resurgence in popularity in recent years in the basketball community.

It has a unique chevron design across the front with the classic “NIKE” logo embroidered on the left chest. Made from 100% recycled polyester, this piece is one of the best lightweight men’s jackets while also being great for the environment.

I love Nike’s commitment to sustainable materials, and this jacket has an average of 4.8/5 stars for a reason. Zippered pockets also provide ample storage for phones, wallets, and keys.

Stay Light in Style

Finding the best light jackets for men can be a tough job; there are so many brands, fabrics, and cuts to choose from. While no singular lightweight jacket is perfect for everyone, there are definitely features and materials to look out for if you’re getting this for specific occasions.

Dressier scenarios and meetings call for elegant pieces like the Bonobos Lightweight Hybrid Jacket or the Polo Ralph Lauren Bi-Swing Jacket. For more athletic events, like exercise or hikes, you need performance features from brands like Nike, Lululemon, and Arc’teryx. 

Whatever your needs, I think one from this list will do the job.

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