What Jackets Should You Wear This Spring? Here’s What Fashion Pros Are Reaching For—From $98

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Longer days. Fresh blooms. Rainy mornings. Outdoor walks. Iced coffee. Lighter layers. These are just a few things Women’s Health editors look forward to as spring rolls in—especially the last one. As active, outdoorsy city gals, having the right gear to move through the season in style (and comfort!) is key. That’s why we’re refreshing our closets with the perfect spring jackets—and we think you should, too.

Best Spring Jackets for Women

If you don’t know where to start on your shopping journey, the editors at WH have you covered. We’ve collectively tested upwards of 20 spring jackets from the season’s most popular brands to narrow down the nine best picks to shop this year, with our absolute favorite being the Canada Goose. To find the best spring jackets for women, we looked for a few different things: style, fit, materials, layering abilities, and breathability. And, we wore them with tons of different clothes, like sports bras, leggings, and and workout topsto accommodate athletic lifestyles.

What to Consider

Materials

You want to make sure your spring jacket is lightweight yet durable enough to get you through unpredictable weather. That means paying attention to the materials. While we prioritized some stylish picks for days or nights out, a lot of the jackets on this list are breathable, water-resistant, and able to handle everything from light rain to gusty winds, especially if you’re in a spot where spring weather fluctuates. Here are some key materials to look for in a quality spring coat:

• Nylon: Nylon makes a jacket lightweight, durable, and resistant to wind and water—perfect for unpredictable spring weather. It also dries quickly and adds breathability, so you stay comfortable during outdoor activities or sudden rain showers.

• Cotton: Cotton adds softness and breathability to a jacket, making it super comfortable for everyday wear. While it’s not the most water-resistant, it’s great for mild, dry days and offers a relaxed, casual feel.

• Polyester: Polyester adds durability and structure to a spring jacket, preserving its shape over time. It’s also low-maintenance and wrinkle-resistant.

Use

Make sure you’re opting for a spring jacket that fits your day-to-day needs. If you need something that can withstand rain and wind, go for an outdoor-equipped jacket made to handle the elements, like the Arcteryx option on this list. On the other hand, if you’re in the market for something great for a night out or a day boppin’ around the city, the Abercrombie Bubble Hem Vegan Suede Bomber Jacket is a great option, as it’s made from stylish suede rather than performance fabrics.

How We Chose

To begin our testing for the best spring jackets in May 2025, I made a list of 20-plus brands that sell lightweight coats. Drawing from WH Style and Reviews Director Christian Gollayan’s recommendations and leveraging our team’s expertise in outdoor apparel, we researched and refined the selection process. After each editor chose their coat, we spent three months testing them. Timed perfectly with the start of warmer weather, editors took their jackets home for real-life trials in New York City. Some even traveled to colder climates like Colorado and upstate New York, where the climates are just a bit colder, which gave us some diversity in our testing. For the 2026 update to this spring jacket guide, we re-tested our original picks to make sure they held up in terms of durability and added some new favorites.

During the evaluation process, we considered factors like style, fit, warmth, pocket depth, zipper count, ease of movement, breathability, hood design, wearability, and overall comfort around the arms and armpits. Our team explored a diverse array of jackets, spanning from cute lightweight puffers to raincoats that double as lightweight ski layers for year-round use. Then, we got together to deliberate. We narrowed down our list of brands to just nine choices, incorporating feedback from editors who shared insights into some of their fave brands and preferred styles.

Canada Goose Cypress Hoody

Yes, it’s the priciest jacket on this list—but trust me, the Canada Goose Cypress Hoody is 100% worth the splurge. It’s the kind of jacket you’ll reach for constantly because it works for unpredictable spring weather and many occasions. Wear it as a light layer on milder days or throw it over a sweatshirt and base layers when the temps dip. It’s built to handle wind, snow, and light rain, so no matter the forecast, you’re covered. That’s exactly why it earned the top spot on our list.

A few standout features we love? The adjustable hood with drawcords (a must for chilly or rainy days), plus a reflective strip on the back so you stay visible at night. If you’re traveling, it’s super convenient—this jacket packs into one of its own pockets and even has removable backpack straps that convert into a crossbody strap when packed up. And if it gets a little dirty? Just toss it in the wash on a cold cycle without stressing.

There are also plenty of thoughtful extras: a two-way zipper for easy movement, zippered hand pockets to keep your fingers warm, and a lightweight, breathable 100% nylon build. It’s also insulated with 750 fill power goose down for serious warmth without the bulk. So yes, the price tag’s higher, but once you try it you’ll get why it’s totally worth it.

Read More: Best Winter Coats For Women

FP Movement

Hit the Slopes Jacket

After trying upwards of 30 fleece jackets, Free People’s super-soft Hit The Slopes Jacket was our absolute favorite of the bunch. It combines everything I look for in a fleece—stylish, great for layering, and with multiple pockets. Style contributor Kristen Saladino loves the colorblock option, but there are tons of cute variations like printed versions and pullovers. While the jacket is made for après-ski, it’s a great transitional jacket for spring since the fleece material provides just enough warmth on chilly mornings or evenings without causing me to overheat in the middle of the day.

This jacket is made from 100 percent polyester, which means it’s super durable. Even after running it through the wash multiple times and wearing it out in the rain, it holds its shape nicely and looks brand new with every wear. Polyester is also moisture-wicking, and Free People’s fleece does a bang-up job of preventing sweat from seeping in, even when we throw it on after a gym sesh. We also love the fit: it hits right at the waist, but still has that oversized, slouchy look that makes it so trendy and casual. Because of its bigger fit, we can layer a bunch of clothing underneath on a more chilly spring day when we don’t want to wear a jacket.

Our editors have worn this fleece to and from workouts, around the house, to the office, and everywhere in between. While it’s casual, it also adds a fun pop of color to any outfit. I personally like to pair it with cropped jeans, cargo pants, or sweat shorts. Since it is oversized, we recommend going true-to-size or even up a size up for an extra-roomy fit. I’m typically a size medium, but I tried on the small and, although it fit, it isn’t the ideal size for layering.

Read More: Best Fleece Jackets

Levi’s 90s Trucker Jacket

Now that oversized denim jackets are having a moment, I’ve been on the lookout for one that feels slouchy and cool without totally swallowing me, and this one from Levi’s nails it. I’ve been wearing it almost every day (my coworkers have definitely noticed), but it’s just that good. It’s not stiff, it layers wonderfully, and it hits that sweet spot—not too cropped, not too tight. I’ll throw it on over a tank and sweater, or drape it over my shoulders with a silk top and maxi skirt.

A great denim jacket is basically priceless in a wardrobe, but this one is only $100, and honestly, I wear it more than anything else I own, so it feels well worth it.

The 90s Trucker Jacket comes in a bunch of washes, which makes it easy to find the right one for your closet. I’ve been loving the black, as it goes with everything in my wardrobe, like leggings and skirts. I have a feeling this jacket will live in my closet for years. In fact, the more I wear it, the better it looks. It’s breaking in beautifully, and it has that slightly lived-in vibe that makes it feel even cooler than a brand-new one.

lululemon Define Jacket

Spring weather is unpredictable, and as a runner, I’m always looking for a lightweight jacket that won’t feel gross when I sweat in it. This classic lululemon style is a total game-changer. It’s super stretchy and moisture-wicking—similar to the feel of soft leggings—so it works just as well for long runs as it does for post-gym errands.

I love the buttery, smooth texture that feels supportive while still being stretchy enough to move more freely (thanks to the soft polyester and elastane blend). It has a slim, body-skimming fit that hits right below the waistband, which I find super flattering, along with the curved hemline and dynamic stitching.

The zippered pockets are practical for holding my keys and AirPods during a run, and I’m a big fan of the thumbholes on chillier days to help keep cold air out. It does run a bit small, so I recommend sizing up if you like a more relaxed fit.

Carhartt Rugged Flex Loose Fit Canvas Detroit Jacket

Canvas jackets—aka barn jackets—are everywhere on the streets of NYC right now, and once I got my hands on the Carhartt Loose Fit version, I totally got the hype. It goes with everything from casual weekend looks to more polished work outfits. The loose fit makes it super easy to layer, and the design is surprisingly customizable with an adjustable snap-back hem, snap-button cuffs, and interior and exterior pockets (so plenty of storage, too).

Unlike some trendier versions, this one was actually made as a true work jacket, so it’s super durable. It’s crafted from tough duck canvas that can handle everything from yard work to home projects. It’s also part of Carhartt’s Rugged Flex line, which means it has built-in stretch for better mobility (something that most canvas jackets seriously lack because they’re all so stiff!). This one moves with you, not against you.

In terms of warmth, it’s on the lighter side—rated the lowest on Carhartt’s warmth scale—so it’s not your go-to winter coat. However, it’s helpful for those in-between days in the 60s when you want a solid outer layer without overheating.

Athleta Jetset Bomber

Another bomber-style pick on this list, Athleta’s Jetset Bomber adds an elevated athleisure touch for WH fitness editor Talene Appleton. Paired with leggings, it instantly upgrades your to-and-from-the-gym outfit, but she also wears it with wide-leg trousers and sneakers at the office. Bonus: It comes in regular, tall, and petite sizes, so it’s easy to find a fit that works for your height.

“It’s lightweight, windproof, and water-resistant (just a heads-up—it’s not fully waterproof), but it still feels surprisingly cozy and warm for something unlined,” Appleton says. On warmer spring days, she’ll skip the layers and wear it over just a sports bra for the perfect lightweight feel. And thanks to side zippers, you can open it up a bit for extra airflow when things heat up.

The polyester fabric is super soft—it feels more like a featherlight hoodie than a jacket—but it’s also snag-resistant, so it holds up better than your average sweatshirt. The one drawback? It runs a bit small. If you’re into a more relaxed or slouchy fit, I’d suggest sizing up.

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket

Appleton and I tested this lightweight jacket on the slopes this past winter, and it honestly surprised us with how well it’s carried over into spring—which is pretty rare for a ski jacket. Beta AR is one of the lightest I’ve ever worn, and when layered over a tee or long sleeve, it works perfectly as a thin, fully waterproof rain jacket or a breezy spring layer. But when I wore it in the snow with a fleece and base layer underneath, it locked in heat incredibly well, making it a solid choice for colder weather too.

The jacket is also impressively durable. It’s lined with GORE-TEX, which means it’s windproof, waterproof, and breathable, so it’s built to handle pretty much any weather. Arc’teryx really paid attention to the small details: there’s a brushed microsuede chin guard that felt especially nice against my face on the slopes, taped seams for extra weatherproofing, two roomy outer pockets, an internal chest pocket, and a removable hood I always zip on when it’s raining.

At first, I wasn’t convinced something this lightweight could also be this waterproof and warm. But after wearing it through two seasons, I can confidently say it’s the most versatile jacket I own. Yes, it’s a bit of a splurge, but I think it’s worth every penny. Appleton agrees: “When I wore it skiing this year, I didn’t believe it would work as an outer layer because it’s so thin and packable, but it felt totally windproof and waterproof, even with just a base layer and fleece underneath,” she says. “I also love that it has zipper vents under the arms and along the sides, so you get great airflow when things start to heat up.”

The only downside? The sleeves are a little snug around the wrists. I wish they had a bit more room for bulkier gloves, but for spring wear, it’s never been an issue with the lighter layers I tend to wear from March through June.

Alo Lightweight Takeaway Track Pullover

Come spring, everyone needs a lightweight pullover they can toss on for a little extra coverage without the bulk—and I’ve been living in this one from Alo. It’s ideal for those chilly mornings and evenings, and has become my go-to layer for getting to and from the gym. The sleek, 100% nylon fabric gives it a sporty-chic vibe, and since it zips, it’s way more breathable than a sweatshirt (which used to be my gym default before I found this).

It does run a little oversized, but there’s an adjustable bungee hem at the bottom so you can cinch it for a more fitted look. That said, if you’d rather avoid the balloon-y silhouette altogether, I’d recommend sizing down—I did, and it still has that relaxed, slouchy fit I like.

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