The 7 Best Men’s Spring Jackets to Scoop in 2024

The 7 Best Men’s Spring Jackets to Scoop in 2024

Lightweight coats, heavy on style
best men's spring jackets in 2024

By Megan Collins | Last Updated: Feb 6 2024 | 11 min read

Looking for the light jacket of your dreams this season? Check out the #SGapproved roundup of the best men’s spring jackets curated by the team at Style Girlfriend.

This time of year, it’s all about shrugging off your cold weather wardrobe. From stowing away your winter boots and puffer jackets to swapping your wool sweaters for lightweight cotton hoodies.

One of the best parts of early spring style? Going lighter with your outerwear.

Today, that means sharing the seven best spring jackets for guys to snag this season. Obviously you don’t really need them all, but I want you to have options! Because layering new and interesting light outerwear over your spring wardrobe is an easy way to make an outfit look totally fresh.

Plus, these jackets are (generally!) more affordable than their winter counterparts. So making a splurge here and there feels totally reasonable.

Below, the best men’s spring jackets every guy needs this season:

The Harrington jacket: Ugg Classic Mini boot (Ugg, $150)

↓ Jump to review

1. the overshirt

Why a men’s overshirt is a spring essential:

When it comes to men’s lightweight jackets, the overshirt bridges the gap between jacket and shirt, perfect for layering when temperatures transition. Also known as a shirt jacket or shacket, the overshirt is lightweight and versatile, adding texture and personality to any outfit.

The perfect fit:

Similar to a casual shirt you’d wear untucked, but with slightly more room for layering. The arms shouldn’t restrict movement, even with a sweater or hoodie underneath. The length can vary depending on the style, but you don’t want it extending much past the bottom of your butt.

Choose a more fitted style for a sharper look, and a roomier, more relaxed fit for a laid-back vibe.

How to Wear it:

Unbuttoned over a t-shirt and jeans for a breezy weekend look. Add chinos and loafers or chukka boots for a smart casual approach. For cooler spring evenings, layer an overshirt over a turtleneck for a sophisticated oomph.

Shop overshirts

2. wax jacket

Why a waxed canvas jacket is a men’s spring outerwear essential:

Rain or shine, the wax jacket tackles unpredictable spring weather with rugged charm. Breathable and water-resistant, it elevates casual looks while offering protection from unexpected downpours.

The perfect fit:

Think: relaxed, yet refined. Shoulders shouldn’t bunch, sleeves hit mid-wrist, and the length skims your hips for a clean balance. Layer seamlessly over tees, sweaters, or light knits.

How to Wear it:

Elevate everyday tees and hoodies by layering this jacket on top.

For an easy weekend outfit, pair your waxed jacket with dark denim and your favorite sneakers. Or, go full country gentleman with chinos and laced boots.

Shop wax jackets

3. Workwear jacket

Why a workwear jacket is a spring essential:

Built for function and style, the workwear jacket offers a rugged yet refined edge for spring layering. Durable canvas or denim shrugs off light rain and wind, while timeless silhouettes add effortless cool.

The perfect fit:

Tailored, but with comfort in mind. Shoulders sit naturally, sleeves allow for layering underneath, and the length falls at the hip or mid-thigh depending on the style. Opt for a relaxed fit for easy movement, or a slimmer profile for a contemporary twist.

The reason for a more tailored fit? Since the jacket is already casual, you want it to read as still pulled-together, not sloppy.

How to Wear it:

Contrast is king. Meaning? Yes, you can wear your workwear jacket with casual workwear pants but I’d suggest offsetting the coat’s utilitarian nature with more sophisticated pieces like a cashmere turtleneck and dressy trousers.

For weekend adventures, pair your workwear jacket with slim-fit light rinse jeans and loafers.

Shop workwear jackets

4. Denim chore coat

Why a denim chore coat is a spring essential:

The chore coat has officially moved from trend to wardrobe staple in a man’s closet.

And a denim chore coat combines two spring classics into one. You can wear a chore coat in so many ways, and it comes in all kinds of styles, from loud to subtly sophisticated.

The perfect fit:

The best chore coats don’t fit too snugly, though you also don’t want to be swimming in it. The bottom will hit below your waistband.

The boxy cut allows for bulky layers underneath, making it a great option for late spring and early fall when you need more warmth from your outfit.

How to Wear it:

The chore coat is decidedly casual, especially a denim style, so don’t try to dress it up too much. This is not a jacket you can wear over a sport coat.

Instead, keep things cool and casual. Wear it with jeans, chinos, or twill pants.

Shop the coat

5. Harrington jacket

And before you say anything…yes, that’s a lot for a light jacket, but it’s iconic and you’ll have it forever!!

Why a Harrington jacket is a spring essential:

You may not know its name, but you’ve definitely seen this jacket. You might even own one. The Harrington jacket is the perfect outerwear for constantly-shifting weather. Not too heavy, not too flimsy.

The style got its name from Ryan O’Neal’s character, Rodney Harrington, on the 1960s precursor-to-Beverly Hills, 90210 prime time soap, Peyton Place.

It’s since grown to signify a rebellious cool factor, after icons like James Dean, Elvis Presley, and Steve McQueen adopted it as their outerwear of choice.

The perfect fit:

A Harrington jacket is usually made of a lightweight material like cotton, polyester or wool.

It’s meant to hit at the waist, with the waistband sitting on your belt. If it rests above that, it’s too small. If you find it hanging well below, you’ll want to go for a smaller size.

As for the cuffs, look for a sleeve length that finishes at the wrist, not above or below.

How to wear it:

Clean and simple, but never boring, the Harrington jacket is the perfect topper to any casual to business-casual look.

No, you can’t wear it with a suit, but pretty much anything else in your wardrobe is fair game.

Shop Harrington jackets

6. Bomber jacket

Why a bomber is a spring essential:

While we love us some winter jackets (so cozy!), they can get a bit…well, bulky.

When it comes to the best spring jackets for men, we want styles that can defend you from the springtime elements without weighing you down.

Meaning? Look no farther than the de-puffed nylon bomber.

The Perfect fit:

While nylon bombers of the past may have looked (and felt) more like trash bags, the newest bombers have been slimmed down for a style that’s dare we say chic.

Made of lightweight material like nylon (or treated cotton, for some styles), you’ll love the fashion-meets-function duality of the new and improved slim bomber styles.

How to Wear it:

The great thing about these new bombers is how easy they are to pack down.

Throw one on in the morning if the weather report calls for bad weather, then crumple it up and toss it in your bag when the clouds inevitably clear in the afternoon.

Shop bomber jackets

7. the leather jacket

…again, expensive, yes, but you’ll have it forever!

Why a leather jacket is a spring essential:

Jacket styles may come and go, but a leather jacket is forever. If your coat closet is in need of a leather jacket (or, ahem, a new one…hey, no judgment here), consider a fresh style for your next outerwear purchase.

The Perfect fit:

If you have visions of The Fonz dancing in your head, don’t worry.

A leather jacket looks perfectly modern (not to mention surprisingly polished), even in a classic silhouette like the Happy Days star’s legendary bomber.

Just don’t ruin it with a fit that’s too big, or one that’s too tight. Aim for a size that fits close to the body with room for a thick sweater underneath, allowing you to layer just a little bit of bulk as needed.

How to Wear it:

In classic black, you can pair this jacket with jeans and a tee, or dress it up with trousers, shirt and tie.

In short, don’t be afraid to wear this outerwear staple everywhere.

Shop leather jackets

***

Honorable mention: the knit blazer

Why a knit blazer is an almost-spring essential:

Okay, okay, we might be pushing it by calling knit blazers (basically a structured cardigan) “outerwear.”

But! They’re an outer layer that you wear, and it’s important for guys to have in their spring wardrobes, so we’re standing by this rec!

Soft, light, and wrinkle-resistant, a knit blazer is indeed just what your spring wardrobe needs.

The light feel and wrinkle-resistant fabric makes this piece a must for any guy who wants to feel comfortable and look polished at the same time. Hello-o-o business casual workplace!

The perfect fit:

The modern, unstructured knit blazer features a more form-fitting cut, so you still look pulled together, even in casual wear.

How to wear it:

Yes, a knit blazer is perfect for both business and business casual wear, but don’t be afraid to mix things up. Try yours with jogger pants or denim on your next date night or travel day.

***

Want help finding the best spring jackets for you?

Having a wardrobe that makes you feel like a million bucks does a lot for your confidence, but it can feel like a slog to build.

If you’re ready to invest in the best new spring jackets AND other new clothes for your wardrobe this season but dread the thought of shopping for them…consider having Team SG shop for you!

We’ll curate an online shopping list just for you that fits your budget, your body type, and your lifestyle.

Let us rescue you from shopping fatigue and sartorial apathy. You’ll receive personal attention and care that will make you feel like the best version of the awesome guy you already are!

Ready to seriously improve your closet and your confidence? Give us a shout.

***

I started Style Girlfriend to help guys look, feel, and act their best.