Spring clothing is a lot like spring weather: It can vary greatly depending on the day. This sort of between-season state can make it challenging to get dressed, especially if you live in a place that truly experiences all four seasons. Every day seems to be a question of, “What do I wear?” Our answer to that question: a lightweight jacket.
Lightweight jackets are a perennially popular choice for the spring due to their versatility. “Many people are searching for options that can be easily thrown on for a morning commute but won’t weigh you down or be cumbersome to carry when out later in the day,” says Jen Gross, merchandising buyer for men’s outerwear at Macy’s. “Light layers are the best solution this particular season, regardless of if you want a more casual or dressy look.”
While some shoppers know exactly what pieces they want to add to their fashion arsenal come spring, others might still be trying to find their personal style. If you’re in the latter camp, Justin Holiwell, who shares men’s style and fashion tips on his Instagram, echos the advice of fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto to just “copy, copy, copy, copy.” Start saving fashion looks you like on Instagram or Pinterest, find people with similar body types to you to get ideas on new silhouettes to try and look for the common threads between the looks you find yourself gravitating towards.
And after you’ve found key pieces to act as building blocks for your style, you can start experimenting more and more. “Once you start slowly putting these looks together, that are pretty much laid out for you, you’ll start building that confidence yourself where you’ll start drifting out on your own like, ‘Oh, maybe I’ll add this or I’ll change these pants out for these pants,’” says Holiwell.
Jackets themselves make a great fashion gateway, since you can totally change the mood of your outfit by pairing different colored, textured or shaped jackets with the same simple base layers. However, outerwear in general tends to be more pricey than other wardrobe basics, so consider how certain styles might fit into your overall wardrobe and if they’re something you’ll be able to wear year after year.
With this price consideration in mind, we’ve rounded up a selection of top-rated and stylist-recommended lightweight jackets under $150 that will keep you looking fashionable this spring without totally breaking the bank.
Lightweight jackets for women
A trench is a timeless spring staple that will never go out of style. This double-breasted trench is water-resistant and comes in classic beige and thyme green colors. Not only will it keep your inner layers protected from unpredictable spring weather, but it will also help even your most basic outfits looks effortlessly chic.
For a more utilitarian look, grab this cropped chino jacket from Madewell. Available in neutral Dark Oat and light blue Faded River colors, this jacket has both snap-front buttons and a zipper enclosure so you can wear it open on warmer days or keep everything zipped up on cooler ones.
If you love a black leather jacket during the fall, try a lighter-colored version for your spring wardrobe. This faux leather jacket from Levi's is inspired by '90s style and is even machine-washable for easy cleaning.
Shackets are ideal for transitioning between seasons since they can be layered under heavier jackets or worn solo on sunnier days. This Treasure & Bond jacket comes in an olive green or light blue chambray color, perfect for a laid-back look that still has a pop of springtime brightness.
Vibrant colors and pastels are always welcome for spring. In a stunning bright green, this cropped faux leather jacket is perfect for maintaining a slightly more edgy spring wardrobe. You can also grab it in a two-tone brown and orange combo for something more neutral.
If neutrals are more your style, try mixing it up with a print for spring. While floral prints are a seasonal staple, this checked pattern works for transitional weather in both spring and fall.
Harrington jackets are a style that has been around for decades, but with everything old being new again, now is the perfect time to grab a modern version. Try this faux leather Harrington option, which is cut with an oversized, relaxed fit.
“If I am going to a business meeting or to dinner, I always layer with a cool jacket or oversized blazer.” says celebrity stylist Erin No?l. Great for the office or your next weekend outing, this oversized twill blazer can be styled with a baseball cap, jeans and tee for a relaxed, casual look or paired with your favorite linens, trousers and sandals for a beachy vibe that will have you ready for the Hamptons.
Reminiscent of your favorite spring picnic blanket, each colorful Urban Renewal jacket is made from vintage and deadstock?fabrics to create an upcycled one-of-a-kind jacket that's all your own. This patchwork and printed jacket is sure to be a head-turner in your spring fashion lineup, perfect for people who love statement pieces that easily add personality to basic looks.
No?l also advises that your choice of jacket should work for where you live and your lifestyle.?“Fabric is also a great indicator of how often you will wear a jacket," says No?l. "In Southern California we don’t get a lot of rain, but if you live in New York City you may want a water-resistant or -repellent option.” This L.L.Bean jacket is ready to handle your next outdoor adventure or just help keep you dry and comfortable while you tackle daily errands.
An Underscored editor favorite, this fleece jacket is cozy enough to help you stay warm on windy days but can also be paired perfectly with a tank top come early summer. It's available in so many cute colors too.
We’re convinced that denim jackets will never go out of style. The boyfriend fit of this pilcro jacket will pair well with the Canadian tuxedo style you’ve been hoping to try or help pull together some of your favorite basics.
Whether you’ve been consistent with your workouts or you’re looking to start again, you’ll need a quality jacket to get active in. The Lululemon Define Jacket is made from a super-soft, breathable fabric that you’ll need to properly transition into warmer temps.
Whether you want to play with trending styles or move beyond them, No?l says that fit is most important when shopping for a jacket. Your pick should be flattering (which, of course, means something different for everyone), easy to move in, versatile in your wardrobe and a good color. Something like this bomber jacket from Marine Layer will always look chic, and the cropped, slightly boxy fit is great for pairing with high-waisted pants and a comfy tee.
Be prepped for oncoming wind and rain with this lightweight Lululemon jacket, which is water-repellent, windproof, softly lined and available in five colors.
This hooded kimono-cut jacket is perfect for keeping cozy at home or for a comfy, casual on-the-go look. Opt for a bold look in colors like Kelly Green or Hot Pink or go for more muted neutrals like Sand, black and Tobacco.
If you sport a crop year-round, check out this quilted shirt jacket from Madewell. Add it to your favorite pair of high-waisted pants for a streamlined and chic look.
Lightweight jackets for men
Finding universal staple jackets will help prevent you from feeling like you need to totally revamp your wardrobe every season. Holiwell recommends considering the color palette of what you're buying, too. Brighter spring colors might be harder to wear year-round while more muted or neutral colors, like the navy tone of this chore jacket, can be worn throughout many seasons and spiced up with colorful scarfs and bandanas for extra flair. Investing in staples will also help save you from running out of precious closet space.
Holiwell notes that, along with chore jackets, Harrington jackets have seen a big revival in men's fashion, marking a return to functional and fashionable workwear style pieces. "[The] overarching theme is like less dated, and kind of just not a lot of ornate things— pretty plain," says Holiwell. "They don't have a lot of embellishments or anything like that, and especially no logos everywhere, which is probably the main thing." This Levi's option comes in two colors and looks great with jeans or a pair of relaxed slacks.
For more workwear-inspired options, you can also try out a utility jacket like this one from Cos. With three roomy front pockets and chic button closures, this jacket is the perfect piece for polishing and elevating your go-to casual looks.
Outerwear can quickly get expensive and buying new clothes season after season is not the most sustainable choice. Before you add something new to your cart, Holiwell advises making your first stop a secondhand shop or site. "If you have like something in mind that you're looking for, try finding it on Depop secondhand," advises Holiwell. "And [if] that doesn't happen, then maybe going to buying something totally new." This Rhythm trucker jacket is a great option to buy new since it's made to get better wear after wear, so you'll be able to love it for years to come.
A unisex and timeless piece, a trench is almost always a good addition to your wardrobe. This mid-body length of this option from Quince gives the jacket a more casual feel and you can grab it in a classic khaki color or a deeper navy.
"Bomber jackets have been a popular menswear choice for many of our customers this season," says Gross, and adds that this Tommy Hilfiger option is "a perfect balance of comfy and casual, but also classic enough to also never go out of style."
In addition to being functional for the weather, layers can also help give you a more flattering silhouette too. "For guys who are getting a little bit older and might not be as comfortable with, showing off like every part of their body, the layers can kind of offer you a little bit of depth when you have to hide some of those things," says Holiwell. Additionally, Holiwell adds that jackets, like this two-tone option, help give your outfits more interest, which can elevate your look beyond just a simple T-shirt and pants.
Available in three color options and sizes up to 2XL, this Tommy Hilfiger Jacket is "a classic option that is stretchy and comfortable to wear over an outfit and can pair well with both casual and dressier looks depending on how it’s worn," says Gross.
This sleek, single-breasted coat pairs wonderfully with a crisp button-up or a simple tee, making it suitable for office wear, special events or for spiffing up your casual, around-town looks
For a more military-style look, opt for this Levi's jacket in a solid neutral or eye-catching camouflage print. Gross adds that this jacket is "lightweight and great to throw on for any casual look."
For an effortless wardrobe staple, Gross recommends this Calvin Klein jacket. It's water-resistant, which makes it a great layering piece for surprise spring showers and beyond.
We asked male Underscored staffers about their favorite fashion essentials, and one item kept coming up: Levi's denim jackets. This staple can take you from fall to spring and summer, and is available in seven different washes. One for every day of the week, basically.
Act fast: Bomber jackets are the trend to hop on, according to No?l. We love that this one by Everlane is available in five versatile colors, features a two-way zipper and is made from a recycled, water-resistant polyester blend.
Carhartt is easily one of our favorite outerwear brands, especially for men’s pieces, so it’s no surprise we’re big fans of this rainy-day-friendly jacket.
Want something with a little more warmth? This Sherpa-lined utility jacket is a shopper favorite, with plenty of pockets and even a cozy hood.
Wearing some texture, like corduroy, is a simple way to add a bit of dimension to an otherwise mundane outfit, per our stylist. According to reviewers, this work shirt is relatively thick, making it great for barely warm weather.
This L.L.Bean overshirt would layer perfectly under a denim jacket or over a T-shirt in warmer weather.
If you don't already have a reliable rain jacket, now is an excellent time to snag one. This REI jacket with a hood was our favorite cheap-but-still-pretty-good pick in our rain jackets testing.
This golf jacket comes in tons of bright colors and sizes that are perfect for office-casual wear.
Made of vegan suede, this Banana Republic jacket is an upgraded bomber that is perfect for casual office wear or a polished fit for a night out.
