The 16 Best Spring Jackets for Women to Wear Now
Updated: Apr. 03, 2024
These classic, trendy, and simply stunning spring jackets for women are total must-haves for your wardrobe.
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Say hello to your new spring coat
Spring has sprung, and it’s time to pack away all those winter coats, winter boots, and heavy sweaters. As you freshen up your warm-weather wardrobe, it’s a good idea to add a few new spring jackets into the mix to complete your various looks—from casual to dressy—and, of course, stay warm in this transitional season.
So, what are the best spring jackets for women you can buy right now? This spring, you’ll find old favorites reimagined in new colors, fabrics, and styles, as well as trends from previous decades making a comeback. In particular, ’70s and ’90s styles (also called Y2K styles) will be big. That means boho-inspired pieces for the former, and shackets, cropped jackets, and oversized numbers for the latter. There will also be heavy emphasis on athleisurewear. “Technical fabrics and athleisurewear-influenced designs are here to stay,” says trend forecaster Sharon Graubard, founder and creative director of MintModa. “Designers have been incorporating more athleisurewear into their collections for the last several seasons, and that influence will [continue to] evolve.”
What should you look for when shopping?
Aside from trends and personal style, you need to consider two factors: geography and lifestyle. If your area tends to be wet, invest in a sturdy raincoat with sealed seams to protect against the elements. (And don’t forget the umbrella and rain boots!) And if, for example, you’re active, look for a lightweight spring jacket with moisture-wicking properties, which is perfect for early-morning runs.
The right fit is also essential. Unless a spring coat is designed with dropped shoulders, the shoulder seams should sit at the end of your shoulders. It should also button easily, and back vents (if there are any) should lay flat, not spread out. If a jacket feels tight in the arms or chest, do go up one size. This goes for everything from trenches to utility jackets to jean jackets.
How we chose the best spring jackets for women
When it comes to narrowing down the best spring jackets on the market, online reviews were our best friend. If thousands of reviewers gave an item a five-star rating, you’d better bet we were listening. We also included newer coats that deliver on the latest trends, eco-friendly styles, and budget-friendly picks. And, of course, we only chose well-made coats that will last season after season. You’ll definitely want a few of these spring coats for your various fashion needs. Happy shopping!
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Best quilted jacket
J.Crew Quilted Downtown Field Jacket
Quilted jackets are synonymous with spring weather, and J.Crew’s version neatly ties in with another classic style, the field jacket. The result is a modern and fresh-looking spring jacket that will elevate your look. It has a zippered front with a snap placket to keep you warm, as well as snap button cuffs, and it’s made from sustainable cotton. Leaving more than 225 reviews on J.Crew’s site, fans love the “great button detail and pockets galore” and “the perfect fit.” One reviewer even raves: “This jacket is like wrapping yourself in a comfy quilt.”
Pros:
- Midweight
- Made with recycled materials
- Extended sizing
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Best for casual wear
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Best wear-with-anything jacket
Cleobella Asher Leather Jacket
Cleobella Asher Leather Jacket
Made from buttery-soft leather, Cleobella’s sophisticated, belted version of the classic motorcycle jacket has zippered pockets and studded trim. Because it’s in black, it adds a slight edgy vibe to any outfit, and you can wear it with anything and everything—from a tee and joggers to your favorite little black dress. This is definitely the spring jacket for women who abide by the “one and done” rule of style. Even better? Cleobella’s jackets are all handmade, and the company prefers to work with small factories that employ local artisans.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Sustainably made
Con:
- Shouldn’t be worn in the rain
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Best utility jacket
Lucky Brand Cargo Jacket
Lucky Brand Cargo Jacket
This stylish Lucky Brand cargo jacket is the perfect spring jacket for women to wear with jeans, shorts, or joggers. Drawing inspiration from both the classic field jacket and the Y2K fashion trend, this jacket combines style with utility. The clean lines allow you to easily dress it up or down, and the drawstring waist makes it more figure-flattering than other cargo styles. Reviewers rave that this cotton jacket is “super comfortable” and “moves well with the body,” while maintaining a modern look.
Pros:
- Machine washable
- Two waist pockets
Con:
- Can get wrinkled in the dryer
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Best classic trench coat
Frank and Oak The Kapok Trench Coat
Frank and Oak The Kapok Trench Coat
After a decade of being ignored, the trench coat has made a comeback over the last three years. It’s easy to see why, as it’s the perfect topper for work and weekend wear—classic and versatile, and as good for the office or a school run as it is over a cocktail dress. This Frank and Oak trench coat for women is made with a combination of cotton and kapok, a sustainable fabric that is softer and silkier than cotton (and saves 2,000 liters of water during the production process). That unique fabric combo creates a coat that’s both breathable and water-resistant, keeping you dry and warm even on the rainiest, windiest days.
And we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the pockets. It has two magnetic ones in the front, as well as one hidden interior chest pocket that can hold your wallet, passport, or keys.
Pros:
- Water-resistant and wind-repellent
- Magnetic snaps on the front welt pockets
- Sustainably made
Con:
- May be too long for petites
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Best modern trench coat
Outerknown Baker Trench Coat
With its streamlined silhouette and lack of a collar, this unlined double-breasted Outerknown trench is the perfect spring jacket for minimalists. It boasts a drop shoulder, relaxed cut, convertible neckline, back vent, and belted details at the cuff, and its knee-length style adds to its slightly casual air. Plus, it’s machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about dry-cleaning chemicals or prices.
An eco-friendly choice, it’s made with 75 percent recycled polyester created from plastic bottles and raw-material waste. The brand also has its own fair labor program and is a Fair Trade member, so the factories they work with have healthy environments, implement safe working conditions, and ensure that workers receive fair compensation.
Pros:
- Made with recycled plastic bottles
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Not water-repellent
- May be too long for petites
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Best multipurpose jacket
M.M. La Fleur The Britt Parka
M.M. La Fleur The Britt Parka
Whether you’re heading on a bike ride or brunching with friends, this lightweight M.M. La Fleur cropped hooded parka that’s made with a water-repellent, recycled nylon fabric can protect you from the elements. It also features a drawstring hood and an internal drawstring that creates waist definition while keeping wind away from your torso. You can also stow your keys, your phone, and a protein bar in the large front zippered pocket.
And get this: This spring parka does double duty as a crossbody bag. Yes, you read that right—it can literally transform itself into a usable bag. Or, when you’re traveling, you can fold it into its central pocket so you have more room in your luggage for other clothes.
Pros:
- Water-repellent
- Machine washable
- Can be turned into a crossbody bag
Con:
- May have to iron it after it comes out of the dryer
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Best denim jacket
Wrangler Authentics Denim Jacket
It’s safe to say that we all grew up with some iteration of the classic denim jacket. Wrangler’s new Authentics version is designed for a woman’s body, and the denim has stretch built in, so it moves with you, not against you. It comes in five shades and has two outer and inside pockets. But don’t take our word for it—listen to the 9,000-plus five-star reviewers on Amazon who adore this spring jacket for women. “Best denim jacket!” writes one happy customer. “It hits right at the waist and has an overall slimming effect due to the cut as well as the seams.” Looking for something for guys? Head on over to this list of the best jean jackets for men.
Pros:
- Stretch denim
- Available in white, black, and three denim rinses
Con:
- While the inside phone pockets are nicely sized, the outer flap pockets are smaller
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Best reversible jacket
Splendid Botanical Reversible Jacket
There’s a lot to say about this adorable spring jacket from Splendid. For starters, it combines a few of our favorite spring styles—quilting, a bomber silhouette, and denim. But don’t be fooled: It’s not actually denim but a soft chambray fabric in a slightly blousy silhouette that tapers to an elasticized waist. That makes it more feminine and even easier to wear. But the coolest part is that this jacket is reversible. Turn it inside out for a floral look that looks offers a romantic vibe when worn over a spring or summer dress.
Pros:
- Two deep slash pockets
- Stand-up collar
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Not water-resistant
- May need to be ironed or steamed after cleaning
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Best eco-friendly jacket
Frank and Oak The Skyline Reversible Maxi Bomber
This sporty, chic longline jacket from Frank and Oak combines two classic spring looks—the bomber and the quilted jacket—and puts one on each side for reversible wearing, depending on your mood and your ensemble. Wind-resistant and water-repellent, it’s made from recycled bottles and animal-free Thermore Ecodown insulation that keeps you warm when spring weather dips from 70 to 40…all in one day. Plus, the almost-knee-length cut makes it skirt- and dress-friendly too, there are pockets on both sides, and the jacket is trimmed with ribbed cuffs and collar.
Pros:
- The lining is made from recycled materials
- Cruelty-free
- Machine washable
Cons:
- May not pair well with dressy clothing
- Needs to be tumble-dried on low
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Best upscale shirt jacket
Scully Rich Lamb Lined Snap-Front Leather Shirt Jacket
The shirt jacket was a ’70s staple, and just like the wide-legged jeans and graphic tees that designers are currently reimagining, this style is back and better than ever. For this piece, Scully uses ultra-soft lambskin to create a refined and stylish snap-front jacket that also has two snap-front pockets. The sleek, almost princess cut tailoring and the mid-hip length add a touch of sophistication to its silhouette. Because it was designed to mimic a woman’s curves, it could add some flair to a maxi dress, be used in place of a blazer over a shift dress, or worn with a cotton knit top and jeans or leggings.
Pros:
- Immediately dresses up whatever you pair it with
- Snap front and snap-front pockets
- Fully lined
Con:
- Shouldn’t be worn in the rain
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Best dressy coat
Rachel Parcell Corded Lace Trench Coat
Whether you have a fistful of wedding, engagement party, and graduation party invitations, or you’re looking for a femininely styled spring coat, this pretty lace trench does the trick. Done in a soft, pastel pink, this Rachel Parcell number has all the classic details of a trench—front and back flaps, double-breasted style, notched lapels, a tie waist, button accents at cuffs—but it also boasts gold-tone and ladder-work trim for an upscale look that will go beautifully with wedding attire or other dressy ensembles.
Pros:
- Feminine detailing
- A neutral hue that works well with any color dress or shoe
Cons:
- Must be dry-cleaned
- Fragile material
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Best designer-style shacket
Ave Les Filles Long Tweed Shacket
Add a touch of style to anything in your wardrobe with this colorful tweed shacket. Yes, this style has been upgraded to look like an upscale designer item. The tweed is done in pink tones with flecks of gray, orange, white, and a deeper pink. Cut slightly oversized, this pretty spring jacket for women pairs perfectly with your favorite pair of jeans and a button-up, or over a work dress for a picture-perfect business casual outfit.
Pros:
- Nubby midweight fabric
- Snap front
- Multicolored flecks let you pair it with a variety of hues
Cons:
- Only the sleeves are lined
- Tweed is a delicate fabric
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Best hoodie
Sweaty Betty Sand Wash Zip Through Hoodie
U.K. brand Sweaty Betty made a name for itself creating yoga and running gear designed by women, for women. We love this zippered hoodie because it’s sophisticated enough to be worn out on the town, not just to the yoga studio. Made with 58 percent recycled fabric, it features elasticized bungee cords to cinch in the waist, flattering princess seams, and a raglan sleeve that ends in a ruffle. One reviewer writes, “I am curvy, and it fits my body shape well—I have had countless compliments on it,” while another raves, “It’s lightweight, and the fabric feels and looks premium.”
Pros:
- Inclusive sizing
- Available in two colors, light beige and cedar pink
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Must be air-dried
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Best vegan jacket
I Love Tyler Madison Kamala Silk Bomber Jacket
Add a touch of luxury to your spring jacket collection with this vegan silk bomber jacket that comes in black or a cool mustard color with a gold-tone zipper. It has a ribbed neckline and cuffs, and the lining adds a bit of warmth on chilly days. Finished with a ribbed waistband and cuffs, this refined jacket would look fabulous with faux-leather leggings or a mini skirt, and it’s roomy enough to be layered over a lightweight sweater. But our favorite part may be that the vegan silk can be popped into the washer to clean.
Pros:
- Made from a vegan silk polyester-spandex blend
- Relaxed fit
- Machine washable
Cons:
- May need to be ironed
- Not waterproof or water-resistant
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Best jacket for travel
Calvin Klein Double Breasted Belted Rain Jacket
This Calvin Klein mid-thigh trench coat for women is styled just like the classic-length trench, but it has the added appeal of a removable hood. Stylish and weather-conscious, it has a double-breasted closure to keep you warm and looking good at the same time, and it works with both casual and dressier ensembles. That makes this spring coat versatile for travel, but what puts it over the top is that it’s wrinkle-resistant, so you can pack it in your bag and not worry about it looking like a mess when you take it out. According to reviewers, it’s also surprisingly warm, for when temperatures dip at night.
Pros:
- Doesn’t wrinkle
- Water-repellent
- Available in seven colors
Cons:
- May be too short for women over 5’7″
- Might be too warm in certain climates
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Best on-trend jacket
Free People Ruby Long Shirt Jacket
Free People has turned the trendy shacket into a long fleecy coat, complete with cool details like drop shoulders, elbow patches, oversized chest pockets, and a long shirt-tail hem. It’s trimmed in a soft knit, while the body is made from synthetic Sherpa material. It’s a fun spring coat that goes well with weekend wear and athleisurewear, over sweaters or under a lightweight coat for extra warmth. You can also try it with skinny jeans and a tee, or belted with a long scarf, joggers, and sandals.
Pros:
- Great for breezy spring weather
- Machine washable
Cons:
- May be too long for petites
- Not wind-resistant or water-repellent
Originally Published: May 11, 2022
