The Best Jackets For Men
Whatever the season, keeping your wardrobe stocked with a versatile range of jackets can help you combat the unpredictability of the elements. Whether you're looking for comforting warmth in the face of a cold snap or water-tight protection when the clouds open, choosing the right fit and materials will keep you feeling free and protected when you're roaming outdoors. We've rounded up some of our favorite jackets so that you can be sure you're equipped for whatever the weather throws at you.
What to Look For
Dressing for bad weather is no game — if you get things wrong you could be in for a chill. We kept our eyes peeled for jackets that offer protection from all the elements, paying special attention to thermal capacity and waterproofing. Even if you want to feel warm and snug, you won’t want to compromise on mobility, so flexible and breathable materials are also a bonus. With those thoughts in mind, we rounded up a few standout jackets. We love the packable puffer from Amazon Essentials, which features a classic style that will keep you feeling toasty without excessive bulk. If you’re looking for a lightweight option to keep you dry during rainy seasons, check out the Watertight II jacket from Columbia. Read on below — your next warm jacket could be just a few clicks away.
Amazon Essentials Packable Puffer Jacket
Thermic minimalism
Keeping yourself warm when temperatures drop doesn’t mean you have to haul a bulky coat around with you all day. This lightweight puffer from Amazon Essentials offers toasty refuge from bitter chills and light rainfall, with a compact and flexible design that will keep you feeling agile on the go. With a wide range of bold primary colors to choose from, this option makes it easy to choose the right jacket to fit your wardrobe.
Pros:
- This airy puffer can be quickly compressed and stored in a handy drawstring carry bag.
- The stand-up collar is delicate on your neck and offers extra protection from the cold.
- Thanks to its thin composition, this slim puffer can be worn as a base layer beneath heftier coats.
Cons:
- The thin outer layer is susceptible to tearing.
Champion Packable Jacket
Wrap up and away
If you’re looking for a lightweight outer layer to stave off wind and damp weather, this breathable jacket from Champion is a great option. Not all seasons call for thick padding and insulation, and this stylish hooded design provides a dependable first line of defense against the elements without being cumbersome. A wide variety of slick styles bring a wealth of color options that are sure to please, whether you prefer bold vibrancy or subtlety.
Pros:
- The breathable material and minimal insulation make this an ideal option for cycling, as you’ll be less likely to arrive at your destination feeling hot and sweaty.
- This jacket has plenty of pocket space, so you’ll have room to keep store all your essentials. That way, you can keep your hands free on the go.
Cons:
- The lack of thermal padding means that this jacket isn’t a good option for keeping out the cold.
Guess Mid-Weight Puffer
Huff and puff
Wrap up cozy and warm with this mid-weight puffer from Guess. If you’re looking for a thermic layer to keep you toasty without the bulk of fleece, cotton, or other substantial fabrics, a puffer jacket could be exactly what you’re looking for. The thick insulation of this design offers a powerful first line of defense against the cold, extending all the way up to the integrated hood to keep your head shielded from the wind and chill.
Pros:
- The substantial length in the sleeves means your hands won’t be left out in the cold.
- Thanks to the flexible fit, you can layer up underneath easily.
Cons:
- Without elastic straps lining the waist and sleeves, this coat is more breathable than other thick puffers but lets in more cold air as a result.
Columbia Watertight II
Downpour deterrent
While some seasons require us to don thick jackets to keep warm, it pays to have a waterproof option on hand when the rain comes. With that in mind, the Columbia Watertight II is a go-to waterproof overlayer. Made with proprietary Omni-Tech material, this jacket keeps moisture out while retaining a light and breathable feel, so you can stay fresh as you battle against the elements.
Pros:
- The adjustable Velcro cuffs on the sleeves and an adjustable drawcord hem offer a flexible fit, so you can tighten up to keep out the rain in a torrential downpour.
- The zippered pocket on each side offers waterproof storage for valuables.
- An additional pocket can be folded outwards for compact self-storage of the entire jacket.
Cons:
- Mesh material lining the pockets can cause some items, like keys, to get stuck or cause damage on retrieval.
Levi’s Big & Tall Washed Cotton Military Jacket
Ready for action
Combat-inspired designs have worked their way into many niches of mainstream fashion for their efficient and dependable design and rugged yet casual aesthetic. This washed cotton jacket from Levi’s is the ideal choice for the changing seasons, with a loose fit that will keep you warm and mobile as you go about your day. The jacket’s stand-up collar gives this option a brawny aesthetic, and it can be adjusted to a range of fits with an adjustable zipper.
Pros:
- Six spacious outer pockets give this jacket its distinctive military look. With so much room, you have plenty of space to store valuables on the go.
- An additional security pocket concealed on the inner lining offers a safe home for wallets and smartphones.
- The generous range of sizes up to 5 XL means that there’s an ideal fit available for all body types.
Cons:
- The snap closures are less durable than those found on the average jacket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I upsize when buying a jacket for cold seasons?
When temperatures drop outdoors, many of us wrap up under our coats with several thermal layers. If you’re planning to wear your jacket alongside substantial jumpers or the like, you may want to size up from your usual fit to accommodate for the added thickness underneath.
How protective are water-resistant jackets against rainfall?
While waterproof options boast total protection against the woes of wet weather, water-resistant outers will only take you so far. These materials will repel light splashes and rain covering, but prolonged exposure to heavy rain is likely to leave you feeling damp underneath.
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