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Is that a chill in the air? Did I just catch a whiff of…pumpkin spice? Yup, it’s confirmed — fall, aka the best season, is officially here. Dropping temps and unpredictable weather unlock the door for a variety of banging outerwear options, the best lightweight jackets chief among them.
Lightweight jackets are perfect for keeping you warm and comfortable during the erratic highs and lows of autumnal weather patterns and questionably air-conditioned offices. Designed to be worn over tees and button-downs alike, the best lightweight jackets keep you snug without weighing you down.
Because the time of year when they’re really useful, it can be difficult to justify dropping a big chunk of change on a lightweight jacket, but there are tons of amazing options under $100 — a reasonable price to spend in our books. There are a variety of styles, from the tough-as-nails trucker to the modern athletic zip to the tried-and-true chore coat, and an even bigger pool of brands, with everyone from lululemon to Gap to Universal Works throwing their proverbial hat in the lightweight jacket ring.
To help you separate the wheat from the chaff, we’ve researched, tested and procured a variety of lightweight styles all under $100, for your seasonal wardrobe. Below, the best lightweight jackets under $100 to wear this fall.
The Best Lightweight Jacket Under $100:
Lululemon Expeditionist Jacket
The nylon-blend Expeditionist Jacket is a perfect example of what lululemon does best — taking key performance-based features, like underarm vents for added breathability and secure zipper pockets across the chest and front, and incorporating them into a handsome lifestyle piece that you’ll want to take everywhere.
J.Crew Stretch Corduroy Trucker Jacket
Move over, James Dean. There’s a new rebel in town.
Dickies Insulated Eisenhower Front Zip Jacket
Contrary to popular belief, Dickies isn’t just for the 50-year-old workmen and 20-something skaters. The Eisenhower Jacket is sartorial proof — with a casual fit and retro oversized collar, it’ll look great on literally anyone.
Vuori Daybreak Windbreaker
Vuori’s recycled layer is so light that you’ll barely know it’s there — until the surprise drizzle leaves your buddies soaked and you glad you copped up.
Gap Utility Jacket
We don’t know what’s better — the savings on this Utility Jacket from Gap, or all the stuff that you’ll be able to fit in its copious amount of pockets.
Wrangler Blanket Lined Solid Denim Jacket
Yeehaw! You might know Levi’s as the official denim jacket, but Wrangler’s Blanket style is just as (if not more) solid, with crispy lined denim and an OG cowboy cut that sits high and wide across the chest.
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket
Packable, 3D cut and stuffed with ultra light, Responsible Down Standard certified filling, Uniqlo’s Down Jacket is the layering rendering of having your cake and eating it too.
Todd Synder x Converse Jack Purcell Varsity Jacket
The bomber jacket typically skews one of two ways: the style either lean into its military origins or bounces across the continuum for a streetwear-inspired look. Todd Synder and Convers have somehow managed to capture both in one lightweight jacket.
Outdoor Research Apollo Rain Jacket
For $100, you won’t find a better rain jacket than the Apollo.
Everlane The ReNew Quilted Liner Jacket
Everlane’s ReNew filling is quite an innovative material, utilizing 100% recycled material for a snug and cozy fit.
Rhythm Mechanic Cord Jacket
We’re gonna need a bigger boat (for all that corduroy).
Universal Works Bakers Jacket
Universal Works’ modern menswear is a cut above, especially when it comes to their transitional outerwear. The chore-esque Bakers Jacket is one of the finest layers we’ve seen, on account of it’s authentic horn buttons and perfectly placed pockets.
The North Face Gordon Lyons Full Zip Jacket
We might not trust that a heavyweight, sweater-knit fleece jacket under 100 bucks was legit if it was from another brand — the prospect seems too good to be true — but this is The North Face we’re talking about.
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