The Best Lightweight Men’s Jackets for Spring 2025

Word by Tony Wilkes


Dressing for spring can be tricky. Some days start cold; you put on your winter coat, then roast on the commute. Then, there are days that start mild and end with a sudden chilly snap. The answer is a lightweight layer that works for either scenario – warm and adaptable, but still stylish. Interested? Here are the best men’s spring jackets to invest in now.

The Suede Jacket

We’ve already sung the praises of the classic leather jacket. But what about its cousin? According to style analysts, interest in suede grew by 128% year on year over the October–December period. A designer fixture for spring 2025, suede jackets are supremely luxurious thanks to their texture, and can be easily worked into all kinds of outfits. You won’t go wrong teaming them with staples (jeans, of course) or even with suit trousers instead of a blazer. And, like a good pair of leather shoes, a suede jacket will only get better with age.

The Utility Jacket

The key word here is practicality. Expect several deep pockets, useful zips, clever hidden features, and hardwearing technical fabrics. At this point in 2025, you’ll likely have seen men in barn jackets. Prepare to see more. Barbour’s waterproof wax styles, crafted by hand in England, are the classic (the brand’s profits rocketed by 26% last year, so they’re more popular than ever). For more fashion-focused options, look to Dries Van Noten, Agolde x RSVP and Jacquemus and newer brand arrivals Mordecai and Lemaire. Lightweight, weatherproof and pleasingly versatile, a good utility jacket is the ideal companion for modern city living.

The Denim Jacket

We all know the appeal of denim. It’s warm, durable, ages beautifully – and, per your favourite pair of jeans, is completely timeless. But perhaps you’re wondering how best to style one. You could double it up, as seen at Rhude, Fear of God and MM6 Maison Margiela. Or, if you’re not quite ready to take the plunge, you can layer one easily over a sweatshirt, tank top or hoodie, paired with simple chinos or cargo pants. Elsewhere, team it with smarter, elevated items: a crisp button-down shirt and tailored trousers perhaps, complete with leather sneakers or loafers.

The Shirt Jacket

Work jackets. Chore jackets. Shirt jackets. Shackets. All mean the same. Derived from the hardwearing uniforms worn by railwaymen – and traditionally blue (where we get the phrase ‘blue-collar worker’), shirt jackets are designed to be lived in. They’ll always look great over a simple T-shirt, but on cooler days a crewneck sweater – nothing too bulky – will also work nicely. For smarter occasions, a cashmere overshirt like this exclusive from Paul Smith can be worn with matching wool trousers as a relaxed alternative to tailoring.

The Gilet

Much like belt bags, slides and the humble fleece (all once unfashionable practicalities), gilets are now the height of style. Thanks to the development of technical fabrics, they’re not only sharp and sophisticated but lightweight, breathable and – when you need it – warm. That you can wear a gilet over a shirt or sweater is no surprise, but have you thought of your tailoring? A sporty vest is a great way to dress down more structured pieces, and can be worn both over and under your blazer. No wonder they’re offered by sartorial powerhouses like TOM FORD, Prada and Giorgio Armani.

Harrods Stories

Bringing you a weekly dose of everything from expert styling tips to dinner party solutions