Our Top 12 Lightweight Jackets Are Sleek and Comfy for Cool Summer Nights

Michael Stefanov
·13 min read

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The best light jackets for men are stylish and functional. They're meant to be worn in the spring and summer, unlike the insulated wool or down coats needed for fall or winter. But the category comprises many different types of outerwear. Some pieces are water-resistant and packable for camping while others are made for upscale date nights, for instance.

Regardless, our favorite lightweight jackets will elevate your style, keep you comfortable, and allow your body to breathe in warm weather. Our picks layer well for cool evenings, look sharp for formal events, and prevent water and wind from ruining outdoor activities. Materials tend to include natural fibers like cotton or linen, synthetics like nylon for performance, or blends.

Among the myriad of options available, we've identified the Nobis Fisherman Jacket as the best overall lightweight jacket for its seamless combination of lifestyle and technical attributes. Zip it up for that windy rain shower, wear it open with a slim T-shirt for a refined fit, pair it with a dress shirt, or toss it on before errands for fashionable utility. Each and every one of these versatile and practical jackets ensures that you look great and will stay comfy in any setting.

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Best Lightweight Jackets for Men at a Glance

Best Lightweight Jackets for Men in 2024

Overall Best Lightweight Jacket: Nobis Fisherman Jacket

Nobis Fisherman Jacket is the overall best light jacket for men.<p>Courtesy Image</p>
Nobis Fisherman Jacket is the overall best light jacket for men.

Courtesy Image

The renowned Nobis Fisherman Jacket has been updated with technical nylon for this season. Ideal for warmer temps, it retains its classic silhouette but is now lighter, more breathable, and easier to move in, with a modern, technical look and feel.

It uses durable water repelling (DWR) coating for weather protection, so the jacket is windproof, waterproof, and breathable. Despite all that, it's also machine washable. The pit zip vents keep you cool, and an adjustable hood with moldable in-peak wire customizes to your head shape.

Additionally, the numerous interior and exterior pockets provide ample storage options. Factoring in style, comfort, and utility, this is the best lightweight jacket for virtually any occasion.

$425 at Nobis
$425 at Nobis

Best Canvas Cotton Lightweight Jacket: Taylor Stitch The Shifter Jacket

Inspired by 1970s zip-front trucker jackets, Taylor Stitch The Shifter Jacket melds vintage design with contemporary sheen. Made from durable, 9.5-ounce organic cotton canvas, the piece is finished with a heavy stone wash, so it fades with use over time to personalize every jacket to its wearer.

The jacket features two lower hand pockets, adjustable back tabs, and an unlined interior for lightweight breathability. It's the super stylish jacket you toss on before dates, errands, and most lifestyle activities.

$188 at Taylor Stitch
$188 at Taylor Stitch

Best Packable Shell Jacket: Patagonia Houdini Jacket

Patagonia is well known for sustainability ethos and exceptional technical and lifestyle garments. The brand's Houdini Shell Jacket, perfect for summer outdoor adventures, is a featherweight, 100-percent recycled nylon ripstop with durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, providing weather-resistant protection.

It features a drop-tail hem for movement, an adjustable hood, half-elastic cuffs, and a drawcord hem to seal. The zippered left chest pocket acts as a stuff sack with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop, so you can packed it into a small pouch and clip to a backpack when not in use.

$109 at Patagonia
$109 at Patagonia

Best Tailored Lightweight Jacket: Flint and Tinder Utility Blazer

With the silhouette, lapels, and tailored fit of a blazer, but the feel and utility of a jacket, the Flint and Tinder 365 Utility Jacket pairs effortlessly with a collared dress shirt for formal functions or elevates a T-shirt for day hangs.

It features interior seams detailed with smooth twill tape binding, is unlined for comfort and breathability. The inside pocket provides secure storage. Additionally, it offers three exterior patch pockets for keys, phone, or wallet, three buttons at each cuff, and side button tabs at the waist for a customizable fit. Made with 98-percent cotton and a touch of spandex for stretch, this versatile jacket dresses up or down.

$228 at Huckberry
$228 at Huckberry

Best Chore Jacket: Alex Mill Work Jacket in Linen Canvas

Chore jackets have become quintessential pieces in every man's wardrobe—and certainly deserve to be. The iconic French chore jacket, typically dyed in indigo blue but available in many colors, features a utilitarian design that seamlessly complements any outfit. Its numerous pockets add practicality, and the silhouette is celebrated for its elegance, durability, and historical charm.

Alex Mill is known for its modern take on chore jackets, and the brand's Work Jacket in Linen Canvas is crafted from lightweight linen and cotton. When a blazer is too tailored and a shirt jacket is too casual, this jacket is the perfect choice. Its hard-wearing, handsome design ensures you can wear it all day, every day this summer.

$215 at Alex Mill
$215 at Alex Mill

Best Technical Performance Light Jacket: Aether Storm All-Weather Jacket

Aether is renowned for seamlessly blending form and function, and crafting exceptionally high-quality performance garments with a stylish, streamlined aesthetic. The Storm Jacket, new for this season, is weather resistant as a windbreaker and as waterproof as a coat.

Aether Storm All-Weather Jacket uses high-density, three-layer fabric to keep you cool and dry, blocking outside moisture while allowing sweat to escape. The jacket can also be packed away into its own carry pouch.

$395 at Aether
$395 at Aether

Best Shirt Jacket: Buck Mason Herringbone Twill Fatigue Shirt

An overshirt, shirt jacket, or "shacket"—whichever term you prefer—sits comfortably between button-up and jacket, offering more heft and durability than a plain shirt, with extra pockets for added utility. It looks fantastic when worn open over a T-shirt,  especially with a flat hem that gives it the "jacket" look.

Buck Mason Herringbone Twill Fatigue Shirt, our favorite shacket, pays homage to WWII-era military-style fatigues, featuring a relaxed fit. Crafted from light cotton twill with a herringbone weave, the garment-washed jacket has a lived-in feel. It also boasts two large front pockets, a back yoke panel for mobility, felled seams, and button-front closure.

$198 at Buck Mason
$198 at Buck Mason

Best Harrington Style Lightweight Jacket: Todd Snyder Cropped Linen Harrington Jacket

A Harrington jacket is a lightweight, waist-length jacket, characterized by its buttoned collar, elasticated cuffs, and waistband. Designed in 1937, it's since evolved into a menswear staple.

Todd Snyder Cropped Linen Harrington Jacket, new for this season, embodies these timeless and versatile elements ,while infusing a modern twist with its sophisticated espresso color and 100-percent linen construction. Raglan sleeves and a versatile two-way zipper enhance style and functionality, while military-inspired hand pockets with vertical welts and button-through flaps add utilitarian charm. This jacket effortlessly elevates any warm-weather ensemble.

$398 at Todd Snyder
$398 at Todd Snyder

Best Waterproof Jacket: Kuhl Stretch Voyager Jacket

The lightweight Kuhl Stretch Voyager Jacket combines breathability with advanced waterproofing. The unassuming, streamlined jacket is made from ultra-lightweight polyester that feels comfortable against your skin.

Stretch fabric provides freedom of movement, and the signature hood design, complete with a reinforced brim, provides added protection. Reflective trims add visibility for safety, making this your go-to jacket for rainy summer walks or runs.

$179 at Kuhl
$179 at Kuhl

Best Lightweight Field Jacket: J. Crew Garment-Dyed Field Jacket

Many menswear staples have their roots in military history, and J. Crew Garment-Dyed Field Jacket is no exception. Based on the M51, a U.S. Army-issued jacket from 1951, this modern version is crafted from sturdy 100-percent cotton.

It features adjustable drawcords at the waist and hem, patch pockets, and a front zip closure with a snap placket. Each jacket is garment-dyed to achieve highs and lows of color at the seams, which, based on wear, fades over time based on the wearer's unique habits. Offering a hip yet elevated vibe, it can easily be worn with a T-shirt or an Oxford shirt.

$160 at J.Crew
$160 at J.Crew

Best Jean Jacket: Levi's Trucker Jacket

Since its inception in 1967, the original Levi's Trucker Jacket has been synonymous with cool. With heritage, authenticity, fit, and panache that few imitators can match, this wardrobe essential adds style to any look and transcends seasonal trends, all at a great value.

Made from 100-percent cotton denim, the non-stretch fabric and classic design feature a point collar, button-flap patch pockets at the chest, and welt side pockets for timeless appeal. As it ages, natural fading and stains only enhance its character.

$98 at Levi's
$98 at Levi's

Best Lightweight Bomber Jacket: Everlane The Bomber

What sets Everlane The Bomber apart from traditional nylon bomber jackets is its lightweight construction, which eschews bulky insulation for a sleek, streamlined silhouette.

This modern take on the iconic MA-1 flight jacket is crafted from a durable, recycled polyester blend that's water resistant and enhanced with magnetic closure pockets. Whether paired with an Oxford shirt or casually draped over a simple white T-shirt, its versatility knows no bounds.

$148 at Everlane
$148 at Everlane

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Lightweight Jackets

I vary my jacket choice significantly based on the occasion—and found all the above jackets to be the best for their respective activities. All were breathable, lightweight, and stylish. The best rain jacket wicked away moisture and kept me dry during a downpour. The field jacket’s numerous pockets were best for functionality. The tailored jacket looked great with a T-shirt or collared shirt. While all of the above jackets were selected with style in mind, there are some key considerations when choosing the lightweight jacket.

Utility

When choosing a men's lightweight jacket, consider the utility and convenience of its details. Evaluate the number and placement of pockets to ensure they meet your needs. Look at the types of closures, such as zippers, buttons, or snaps, and choose the most convenient. Decide if you want a jacket with a hood for extra protection against unexpected rain.

All jackets should have some pockets, even the most tailored ones, as storage for your wallet, phone, and keys is essential. Some have numerous pockets with zippers, while a classic denim jacket might only have two pockets. Your specific intended use will help gauge how many utilitarian features you need.

Material

When looking for a lightweight jacket for summer, consider materials that provide comfort, breathability, and durability. Ideal choices include cotton, which is breathable and versatile; linen, known for its excellent airflow and lightness; and nylon, which is lightweight, durable, and often water-resistant. Polyester is another good option due to its quick-drying and lightweight properties.

Blended fabrics, such as cotton-polyester blends or nylon-spandex blends, balance breathability, durability, and stretch. Additionally, some brands have proprietary technical fabrics and membrane shells that provide breathability while protecting against the elements, making them perfect for active or unpredictable conditions.

Weather Resistance

When selecting a men's lightweight jacket for outdoor activities, water- and wind-resistant (or repellent) attributes are essential to protect against the elements. For example, cotton or cotton canvas is durable but not necessarily built to withstand rain or wind.

Look for synthetic technical performance fabric, like nylon or polyamide that provides waterproofing, wind resistance, and breathability. Additionally, look for sealed seams that shield against the various moods of Mother Nature, ensuring you stay comfortable and protected.

Some technical jackets feature proprietary textiles with moisture-wicking attributes that keep you dry by pulling sweat away from the skin. Overall, these textiles provide comfort and protection to endure the elements, whether you're facing warm, dry days or windy rain showers.

Fit

The best lightweight jacket should be fitted but not overly tight, allowing your chest to breathe and providing enough space for proper base layers underneath. Additionally, the sleeves and torso length should facilitate motion and comfort without being too long. The overall length should generally stop right below your waistline.

When selecting a style that can be dressed up or down, such as a bomber jacket, denim jacket, or utility blazer, ensure the jacket fits well in the shoulders and torso. It should be slightly loose to allow for layering but not overly baggy. This balance ensures comfort and versatility, making your jacket suitable for various occasions.

Breathability

In the warmer months, you need to select jackets that allow airflow and breathability. Naturally breathable and lightweight materials such as cotton or linen are ideal for lifestyle jackets, offering proper ventilation and helping to maintain a consistent body temperature.

Technical jackets have also evolved significantly, with synthetic membrane textiles now providing an effective barrier against rain while maintaining breathability. The jacket should have minimal lining, if any, and absolutely avoid any insulating fill, synthetic or otherwise.

Why You Should Trust Us

In addition to writing for Men's Journal, I have covered topics ranging from menswear, fragrances, watches, grooming, and styling for InsideHook, Robb Report, Esquire, and Men's Health. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers. I also conceptualized and wrote many fragrance stories for Esquire and a significant portion of the grooming pages.

I have always tried to add a timeless element to whatever I have written, as although trends are interesting and relevant to a degree, my heart has always been drawn to more perennial guidance and themes. My obsessive-compulsive tendencies are both a blessing and a curse, and while I often delve into researching items to the point of exhaustion, it's this approach that often positions me as a go-to person for advice. Whether it's about coats, colognes, or turntable needles, people recognize that I've done the legwork. I enjoy inspiring others around me to seek out their unique interests in things that might make their life better.

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