5 of Our Favorite Lightweight Men’s Jackets for Spring

It’s sayonara to bulky outerwear. Winter is over, and spring has sprung. But since the weather this time of year is rarely all bluebird days, 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.

Flint and Tinder Donegal Trucker Jacket

The trucker jacket is one of those true American classics. Some might say don’t mess with a good thing, but Flint and Tinder managed to take things in a new direction. The Donegal trucker jacket features the same silhouette and clean lines as a Levi’s type III—a gold standard in outerwear—but the fabric is a welcome update. It’s woven with small neps, essentially knots of fiber that create depth, texture, and an overall rugged look. But unlike denim, which can take more than a few outings to feel lived-in, the fabric is soft out of the box for instant comfort.

Howler Bros Inspector Jacket

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.

Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket

In his book Why Architecture Matters, author and architecture critic Paul Goldberger likens the tidiness and balance of a well-proportioned building to an excellent plaid. Taylor Stitch’s Ojai jacket, one of the San Francisco company’s workhorse pieces, comes in a garnet wool plaid that is indeed excellent. The gray, black, and red patterning is rich and complex without being loud or clumsy. It’s more of a shirt jacket than a jacket jacket, but its weight makes it a very comfy layer. For die-hard denim heads, there’s also the Sawyer wash.

Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket

Huckberry touts Flint and Tinder’s flannel-lined waxed trucker jacket as one of its 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 campfire as it is in the office (for anyone who’s headed 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. Order one true to size and look and feel amazing.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

Patagonia’s Nano Puff Jacket is super lightweight, and it’s water and wind resistant to boot. It packs 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.

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