The Best Lightweight Jacket Styles to Try This Spring, According to a Style Editor

From stand-collar windbreakers to multi-pocketed suede, these are the transitional styles to try this season

Updated March 9, 2026 3:02 pm EDT
two models wearing lightweight jackets
The lightweight jackets you should be wearing this spring.
Alex Mill/Banana Republic

As insane as it feels to say, spring is right around the corner. For the average man, this should induce feelings of immense joy — so long, seasonal depression! — and a sense of panic, given that your current closet rotation is still primed for sub-freezing temps. This poses a problem, one that can only be solved by the pride and joy of menswear: incredibly blessed, moderately silly lightweight jackets.

We joke, but the depth of killer transitional layers out there is a serious boon for anyone who remotely cares about getting dressed. There are vests and pullovers, anoraks and chore coats — all the styles that you know and love. There are also mysterious lightweight jackets just waiting to be discovered, commandeered and shown off, and, luckily for you, we’ve got all the expert intel on the newest, hottest styles you just have to try this spring.


The Spring Layering Guide


Below, you’ll find four distinct spring transitional layers we’ve deemed too cool not to cop, all available to shop right this instant. They range from sharp suede to chiller windbreakers, and every single one will introduce something special into your spring wardrobe. Happy shopping, and long live lightweight jacket season.

Sophisticated Suede

Is this the year that you invest in a quality suede jacket? With the bumper crop of available styles — a multi-pocketed Banana Republic coat chief among them — it seems like the logical answer would be yes.

Unbreakable Windbreakers

We see you, track star. A sporty windbreaker is particularly advantageous for the fickle showers and gusty winds of March and April — a poppy hue like crimson or olive green should help you stand out from the crowd.

Fresh Field Jackets

Much of modern menswear can be traced back to military origins, and the multi-pocketed field coat is no exception. You don’t have to be battle-hardened to cop a nice olive M65 Ralph Lauren joint, though.

Deep=Pocketed Workwear

Button-front work jackets are a tried-and-tested shoulder season staple, and the latest versions — from trusted outdoor retailers — are leaning into heritage styling like hunting-style pockets and corduroy collars.

Meet your guide

Paolo Sandoval

Paolo Sandoval

Paolo Sandoval is Style Editor at InsideHook, having previously contributed to Valet Mag. An expert when it comes to vintage denim, soccer kits and tailoring, Paolo reports on style, grooming, wellness, menswear trends, celebrity, media and other pursuits tangential to looking and feeling like a million bucks, and is the voice behind the InsideHook fashion newsletter, The Stitch. You can reach him at psandoval@insidehook.com.
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