These Lightweight Jackets Are Perfect for Summer Layering

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Even though summer usually means fewer clothes than usual, there’s always a chance for a chilly night or a breezy day where you might need a little more coverage. That’s why picking up a little summer jacket is essential—and no doubt, that’s why you’re here. I scoured the market for options that are thin enough to wear over a T-shirt without overheating, plus looked for summery colors and prints. It’s also a season for workwear silhouettes and collarless cardigan styles, according to spring and summer trends that we’re seeing both on the runways and on the street.

The range is wide, and the possibilities are endless, from classics like Carhartt to luxe options from Celine and Nili Lotan. Below, shop the best summer jackets to wear all season.

Fast Lane Denim Moto

This cropped staple from Free People offers a little more edge than the usual denim jacket.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Alchemy

Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane

Cropped Pocket Jacket

This yellow-green number from Zara is the ideal mod addition to any dinner date dress.

Sizes: XS-2XL

Colors: N/A

Materials: 76% polyester, 18% viscose, 6% elastane

Arcade Jacket

Still Here is known for its denim, and the addition of jackets has our team super excited. This white version with a red collar will go with denim shorts.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Milk, Classic Blue, Khaki

Materials: 100% cotton

Detroit Jacket

Everyone’s doing a field jacket these days, but nobody can say they’re the OG like Carhartt.

Sizes: XS-3XL

Colors: Carhartt Brown, Black, Natural

Materials: 98% cotton, 2% spandex

Customer review: “This jacket is exactly what I was looking for. I love it. It’s comfortable, light, sturdy. I liked it so much I just bought another one.”

2-Button Lambskin Leather Blazer

This chocolate brown leather blazer from Jild has a classic straight fit and comes in a variety of colors.

Sizes: XXS-4XL

Colors: 9 options

Materials: 100% leather

Customer review: “I never write reviews, but this is hands down my favorite purchase from Amazon in 12 years! The leather is exquisite. Color is dead on, and I amAlready ordering other colors. The price allows you to indulge. Do it!”

String W Jacket

We had to throw in a rain jacket here because you never know what thunderstorms summer will bring...

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Powder, Black, Night, Storm, Fire

Materials: 100% polyester with polyurethane coating

Customer review: “The color, material, quality, zipper, construction, pockets! I love everything about it!”

Cotton-Nylon Anorak Jacket

This light-as-air windbreaker is great for workouts and brisk walks on the beach.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Green

Materials: 77% cotton, 23% nylon

Ramona Jacket

This light quilted cropped jacket has delicate embroideries and pairs great with trousers, and even better with ripped denim for a contrasting look.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Cream White/Multicolor

Materials: 56% viscose, 44% cotton

Mati Cropped Padded Bomber

We love The Frankie Shop for classic pieces at a great price, and you can wear this cropped bomber with shorts or with a floor-length dress for a city-chic feel.

Sizes: XS/S-M/L

Colors: Olive

Materials: 100% polyamide

Double-Faced Canvas Cropped Jacket

This short jacket from Tory Burch comes in three colors and is lightweight enough to add to your packing list.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Vermillion, Ice Flow, Summer

Material: 100% polyester

Customer review: “Nice color, travels well. Great jacket for summer!”

Paige Jacket

The cardigan jacket is a must-have for summer, and we’re a fan of Nili Lotan’s well-priced luxe take.

Sizes:

Colors:

Materials: 57% cotton, 33% polyamide, 8% polyester, 2% other fiber

Annabel Jacket in Lightweight Leather

Leave it to the original NYC cool brand Proenza Schouler to deliver the summertime spin on a leather jacket.

Sizes: 0-12

Colors: Black

Materials: 100% lambskin

Oversized Button-Front Jacket

H&M’s prices are hard to beat, and this button-front collarless jacket comes in a few on-trend colors including this ice blue.

Sizes: XS-XXL

Colors: Light Blue, Black, Black Washed

Materials: 100% cotton

Point Sur Denim Trucker Jacket

I’m here for the new era of J. Crew, and this oversized denim jacket has the best wash I could find out there.

Sizes: XXXS-3X

Colors: Martin Wash

Materials: 100% regenagri®-certified cotton

Customer review: “I bought this jacket in store and loved the slight oversized fit. The perfect wash to wear all summer.”

The Denim Barrel Jacket

Everlane’s consciously made simple basics have us hooked. And the brand has yet another collarless jacket to add to your wishlist, this one in denim.

Sizes: XXS-XXL

Colors: Calico Ecru, Cocoa, Black

Materials: 100% organic cotton

Customer review: “It’s perfect with skirts, pants — skinny or wide. It can be dressy or casual.”

Collared Cotton Jacket

This relaxed, preppy style from the beloved COS also comes in a few colors, but I love this navy for pairing with light denim or white pants.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Navy

Materials: 100% cotton

Teddy Jacket

When it comes to skater-chic style, we don’t trust anyone but CELINE to deliver. This lightweight satin bomber has a retro feel and is the investment piece to end all investment pieces.

Sizes: 34-44

Colors: Rouge Imperial

Materials: 100% polyamide

Drawstring Waist Jacket

Another Zara jacket, this time in an oversized fit with a drawstring waist to wear as is or snatch at your waist.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Black

Materials: 93% viscose, 7% polyester

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