Some people say that goodbye to winter is goodbye to 'real dressing'. And they'd be forgiven for thinking so. With warmer weather comes a lighter wardrobe, and that means far less opportunity to layer and combine your clothes. However, we'd argue that the transitional period is the best of both worlds, and best of all, fertile ground for lightweight jackets.
To avoid sweating through your heavier coats now that going outside is back on the cards, we've rounded up a list of the best transitional jackets for men to shop in 2021. And there's no down padding in sight.
The functionality of lightweight jackets not only makes them a staple of any well-rounded wardrobe, but it also makes them ideal for layering. Now a foundational element of the world’s fashion circuit, these lightweight staples promise to look great anywhere, anyhow.
Shop some of our favorite lightweight jackets below.
Converse x Kim Jones Burnt Olive Parka
Burnt Olive Parka
Kim Jones
Kim Jones' ability to transition between high-end luxury and pure streetwear is astounding and it's on full show for his recent collaboration with Converse. Aside from a reworked Chuck Taylor, this lightweight hooded parka is the star of the show.
Gramicci Packable Anorak Parka
Packable Anorak Parka
Gramicci
Somewhere between your favorite hoody and a functional anorak, you'll find the Gramicci Packable Parka. This navy blue number is super-lightweight and packs into its pocket so you can whip it out when the time's right.
Needles Penny Jean Jacket
Penny Jean Jacket
Needles
Needles comes with the type of lighweight jacket that really gets us excited for the changing seasons. This immaculately cut piece boasts a range of topstitched pockets and a satisfyingly boxy shape with enough space for a few layers underneath.
Stone Island Stretch-Shell Jacket
Stretch-Shell Jacket
Stone Island
While you could argue that Stone Island’s affinity with innovative materials makes it a winner all year round, we think it really comes into its own during the transitional period. This lightweight shell jacket is thin enough to present great layering possibilities and the shell is completely weather-resistant.
Moncler Carion Orange Shell Jacket
Carion Orange Shell Jacket
Moncler
Away from all of the wet-look padding and Genius collections, Moncler coats are truly functional pieces and the Carion Jacket is evidence. Resplendent in orange, the shell jacket features two large patch pockets to the chest, slant pockets to the waist, and adjustable pulls to the hood and waist for a customizable fit.
C.P. Company Overshirt
Overshirt
C.P. Company
In line with the changing weather, it’s now possible to switch up the silhouettes of the jackets you’re sporting. C.P. Company shows that a shirt jacket is one of the more versatile new possibilities with this minimal, technical wonder featuring a contrasting zip and lens logo to the arm.
Palm Angels Monogram Denim Jacket
Monogram Denim Jacket
Palm Angels
How we’ve missed the denim jacket. Luckily for us all, the denim jacket is back on the menu and this Palm Angels number celebrates that in a big way. An all-over monogram print details the classic indigo construction for a hard-wearing top layer or a highlight mid-layer.
GAP Coach Jacket
Coach Jacket
GAP
Some styles stick around season after season and the coach jacket is one of them. This minimal take on the versatile transitional jacket from GAP is ideal for layering thanks to its easily styled natural tone and lack of details.
Nike ACG Tuff Nuggets Rain Jacket
ACG Tuff Nuggets Rain Jacket
Nike
The temperature may well be rising, but the rain usually sticks around for a while longer. We’re looking to Nike ACG to walk us through the showers with the Tuff Nuggets Rain Jacket. A super-lightweight waterproof is a serious ally during the transitional period as you can easily pack it away when it’s not needed.
BODE Oatmeal Plaid Jacket
Oatmeal Plaid Jacket
BODE
Brighter, drier days mean that you needn’t worry about ruining a masterpiece jacket. BODE’s flawless new collection features several jackets which fall under that category, one bing this Oatmeal Plaid number. As far as transitional jackets go, this is near enough the pinnacle: understated, masterfully tailored, and good fun, too.
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