Style Active Clothing Outerwear
Alexa Casanova
Alexa Casanova
March 10, 2023
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It’s been a long and gloomy winter—but now that spring is (finally) within sight, we couldn’t be more excited to stow away all our winter coats and puffers, and bring in lighter jackets fit for spring. But refreshing your closet for the changing season isn’t as simple as pulling any old jacket off the rack. Dressing for the fickle spring weather is notoriously tricky—the forecast can go from cold and rainy, to hot and humid in no time at all, so the best spring women's jackets are going to be the ones that’ll have your back (no pun intended) through it all.
Best women’s jackets for spring at a glance:
Best bomber jacket: Madewell Denim Bomber Jacket ($148)
Best faux-shearling: Ly Varey Lin Women's Faux Shearling Moto Jacket ($70)
Best vest: Automet Women's Puffer Vest ($46)
Best anorak: Everlane Organic Cotton Anorak ($148)
Best chore jacket: Quince Organic Comfort Stretch Chore Jacket ($60)
Best colorful quilted jacket: Free People Chloe Jacket ($198)
Best trench: Sam Edelman Water Repellent Cotton Blend Trench Coat ($165)
Best shacket: Billabong Any Time Fleece Shacket ($40)
Best rain jacket: Vuori Palisades Rain Jacket ($248)
Best for workouts: Athleta Salutation Ribbed Jacket ($129)
Best fleece jacket: L.L.Bean Women's Bean's Sherpa Fleece Jacket ($99)
Best plaid: Apparis Graham Plaid Coat ($200)
Best statement blazer: Open Edit Oversize Curve Hem Blazer ($79)
Best denim jacket: Free People Opal Swing Denim Jacket ($98)
Best leather jacket: ($120)
Best corduroy: Urban Outfitters Melanie Corduroy Sherpa Jacket ($89)
Best lightweight puffer: A New Day Adaptive Puffer Jacket ($35)
Best linen blazer: Gap Linen-Cotton Blazer ($102)
Best jacket that's as cozy as a blanket: Free People All I Need Cozy Hooded Kimono ($98)
Best camo: Gap Oversized Khaki Shirt Jacket ($86)
In This Article
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01
Which kind of jacket is best for spring? -
02
Which fabrics are best for spring? -
03
The best spring jackets
What kind of jackets are best for spring?
Something lightweight
There are tons of stylish spring jacket options available—from denim and faux leather, to rain jackets, fleeces, and a “shacket,” or shirt-jacket hybrid. Finding the best one for you will obviously depend on the weather where you live, and your own personal style. As a general rule, though, you’ll want to go for a jacket that’s lightweight. A lightweight spring jacket should help shield you from the cold, without becoming overwhelming once the weather starts to heat up. And if it really gets hot, it’s way less annoying to throw a light jacket in your bag than a huge, stuffy puffer coat.
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The more versatile, the better
As much as we’d like to have a full suite of spring jackets at our disposal, the reality is that one or two jackets is all you’ll really need. Which is why you should prioritize jackets that pair well with just about anything in your wardrobe. In other words, you’ll want a jacket that’s versatile enough to be worn casually with jeans and a T-shirt, but can also spruce up a dress and sandals.
A relaxed, layerable fit
We love a cropped jacket as much as anyone else, but as we’re still gently easing into warm temps, you’ll want a spring jacket with a relaxed fit that can be layered underneath if needed for extra coziness. Because like I said, winter might be slower to thaw in some places than others—so a jacket that lends itself to layering ensures you’ll get wear out of it during every phase of spring (and even the fall and winter if you’re lucky!).
What fabrics are best for spring?
Anything durable (or water repellent)
As I mentioned, your spring outerwear choice will totally depend on the weather where you live, the humidity level, etc—but there are certain types of materials that thrive in a spring outfit. For starters you’ll want a jacket made out of a durable fabric (bonus points if it’s fully water repellent). Durable fabrics are great no matter the season, but especially during the spring—when rain is pretty much guaranteed.
Breathable fabrics
Breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are always a good idea during the warmer months. A cotton or linen jacket will deliver that light layer of warmth that you’re after, while still keeping you cool as the temperatures rise throughout the day. Plus, they’re super comfortable too, which is crucial. This doesn’t mean you have to steer clear of synthetic fabrics though, because there are plenty with moisture-wicking benefits that truly come in handy during the spring—like polyester and nylon. Rayon is another favorite for its lightweight feel, but it’s not quite as breathable as the others.
To spare you the work of having to find all of these stylish spring jackets yourself, we rounded up the best of the best you’ll want to wear this season and beyond.
The best spring jackets for women
Best bomber jacket
Available sizes: S-XXL
Combine the retro look of a varsity jacket with the relaxed, casual appeal of denim, and you’ll get this cool Denim Bomber Jacket. Made of 100 percent cotton denim, the timeless jacket can be layered or worn alone—making it an ideal transitional piece in anyone’s wardrobe. We love the snap buttons and ribbed striped cuffs that give it a quintessential varsity style.
Color: Worn Indigo
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Best faux shearling
Originally $100, now $70
Available sizes: S-XL
This faux shearling jacket from Amazon has a high-end, fashion-forward look without the price tag to match. Made of a faux suede material and finished with a faux shearling lining, this plush jacket will keep you toasty even on the chilliest spring days—and makes for a stylish top layer over warming sweaters and hoodies, too.
Colors: 10
Best vest
Available sizes: XS-XL
Amazon shoppers love the minimalist look of this puffer vest, and the fact that it has roomy pockets for added warmth and storage. What’s more, the fit runs big, according to reviews—giving you plenty of room to layer hoodies and sweaters underneath, or size down for a more fitted look over a lighter layer.
Colors: 8
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Best anorak
Available sizes: XXS-XL
The perfect marriage between fashion and function, this organic cotton canvas anorak by Everlane adds a utilitarian flair to any outfit. The modern, workwear-inspired silhouette is designed with roomy front pockets (always a huge plus), a hood, and pull tab zip closures making it a practical addition to your spring jacket lineup.
Colors: 3
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Best chore jacket
Available sizes: XS-XL
According to reviewers, you can’t beat the quality of Quince’s Chore Jacket for the price. It’s made of a cotton twill fabric and a pinch of spandex to give it a flexible, stretchy fit, and is double-brushed for peak softness. It also has a regular fit, and works with just about anything in your closet—whether you’re layering over a sweater or hoodie, or tossing it over a lightweight tee.
Colors: Tobacco, Navy
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Best floral print
Available sizes: XS-XL
We know what you’re thinking: florals, for spring—groundbreaking. But this quilted jacket from Free People is a fresh take on the floral print trend. Cut into a dolman-style silhouette, the Chloe Jacket has a comfortable, slouchy fit that feels like you’re wearing loungewear, but immediately spruces up a spring outfit. Plus, it’s warm—but not overwhelmingly so—making it perfect for fluctuating spring temperatures.
Colors: Candy Combo, Night Combo
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Best trench coat
Available sizes: XS-XL
Trench coats are a closet classic for a reason. Sam Edelman’s water repellent version is a favorite among Nordstrom shoppers for its timeless look, and the mid-weight cotton and polyester material that’s great for spring weather. Fancy it up with a dress and heels or make it casual with jeans and a sweatshirt—there’s no shortage of ways to wear this stylish staple.
Colors: 3
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Best shacket
Originally $100, now $40
Available sizes: XS-XL
This Billabong Shacket is made of a plush fleece material that delivers just the right amount of warmth for cool, spring days, but can also be worn unbuttoned over a tank top or cropped tee for a versatile look. “LOVE this jacket…it’s my new staple,” wrote one happy Nordstrom shopper in a 5-star review. “It goes with anything and is so comfortable!”
Colors: 4
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Best rain jacket
Available sizes: XXS-XL
You know what they say…April showers bring May flowers—so you might as well invest in a trusty rain jacket to your closet. Vuori’s Palisades Rain Jacket is as durable as it gets, offering three layers of waterproof protection, a shaped, adjustable hood, along with a snap and zipper closure for added security. And with its recycled performance material, it looks really good, too!
Colors: Chestnut, Dark Oregano
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Best for workouts
Available sizes: XXS-3X
Athleta’s best-selling Salutation Ribbed Jacket boasts a sleek silhouette that looks good on everyone. The nylon-spandex blend is extremely comfortable, and offers a light layer of warmth that’ll serve you well on springtime #HotGirlWalks, yoga classes, and coffee shop runs alike. Plus, it has over 200 5-star ratings on the Athleta site, so you know it’s worth the hype.
Colors: 3
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Best fleece
Available sizes: XXS-XL
This plush fleece jacket by L.L.Bean is a year-round favorite—it makes for a great single layer of warmth on cold spring days, but can just as well be worn with thick knits and sweaters underneath during the fall and winter. What’s more, it has over 800 (!!) 5-star reviews, so L.L.Bean shoppers are clearly loving it, too. “Very happy with this purchase,” wrote one shopper in a 5-star review. “Great fit, warm and comfortable, and a cool color!”
Colors: 6
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Best plaid
Originally $342, now $200
Available sizes: XS-XL
This gorgeous plaid coat takes a classic fall and winter pattern, and gives it a fresh, springtime makeover. The pea green shade adds color to an outfit, without being too over the top, making this a coat that neutral lovers and color enthusiasts can fall in love with. Even better, the shirt-jacket silhouette is casual enough for daily wear.
Color: Pea Green Plaid
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Best statement blazer
Available sizes: XXS-XL
Spring is the perfect time to whip out some pastel outerwear, and this Open Edit blazer is as cute as it gets. The ever-so-slightly oversized blazer adds structure to any ensemble, while the playful lavender color delivers that dopamine hit we’ve been waiting for all winter.
Colors: 3
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Available sizes: XS-XL
This denim jacket from Free People is the spring wardrobe essential we didn’t know we needed. The neutral ecru color pairs well with just about anything in your closet, while the dropped shoulders give it a relaxed, slouchy silhouette that’s perfectly oversized—great for layering underneath or tossing on top of a T-shirt or blouse. Reviewers say the denim material is soft and comfortable, too!
Colors: 5
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Best leather jacket
Available sizes: XXS-XL
Pale leather is always on the menu for spring, and this Vegan Leather Moto Jacket by Abercrombie & Fitch is a stellar choice. The vegan leather material feels soft but plenty durable, and is cut into the classic biker silhouette—side and sleeve zips, buttoned lapels, and all.
Colors: 7
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Best corduroy
Available sizes: XS-XL
This corduroy jacket has a sherpa fleece lining for added warmth and coziness—making it a must-have for deceptively chilly spring days. Designed with a relaxed fit and cropped right at the waist, it features a button snap closure, two breast pockets, and two side front pockets for a classic and functional look.
Colors: Ivory, Brown
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Best lightweight puffer jacket
Available sizes: XS-XXL
This lightweight puffer jacket from Target is the ultimate transitional piece. For starters, it’s made of a lightweight recycled polyester material that’s warm but not too warm. But what’s even cooler is the sleeves can zip off (hold for applause) allowing you to shed layers as needed. The color is giving us big time “Viva Magenta” vibes too!
Colors: Red, Blue
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Best linen blazer
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
Linen and warmer weather are the ultimate power couple. This linen-cotton blazer from Gap is beautifully lightweight and breathable, but still adds a bit of fanciness to an outfit. Plus, there’s no limit to the ways you can style it—keep it mellow with wide leg linen pants, dress it up with a breezy dress, or keep it casual with jeans and a T-shirt.
Colors: 3
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Best jacket that's as cozy as a blanket
Available sizes: One Size
For outerwear that wears like your coziest couch blanket, look no further than this stylish kimono from Free People. The oversized silhouette features a wide shawl collar, draped (and dropped) sleeves, an open front, along with two huge front pockets that can accommodate all of your can’t-live-withouts. The only thing we love more than the comfortable design is the bright pink color that’s the antidote to our winter blues.
Colors: 7
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Best camo
Gap, Oversized Khaki Shirt Jacket with Washwell — $86.00
Originally $108, now $86
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
Made of a durable cotton, hemp, and spandex blend, this camouflage shirt jacket from the Gap has the structure of a casual spring jacket but the relaxed, comfortable fit of a button down. According to reviews, Gap shoppers love the comfortable, oversized fit, and the fact that it only gets softer with every wash.
Colors: 3
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Tags: Active Clothing, Outerwear, Well+Good SHOP
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