Our Editors Tested Over 20 Jackets, And This Is The One We're Constantly Reaching For This Spring (2025)

To begin our testing for the best spring jackets, I made a list of 20-plus brands that sell lightweight coats. Drawing from WH deputy commerce editor 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.

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.

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

If you're in the market for a fun pop of color this spring, the Free People Chloe Jacket is a solid pick. WH editorial assistant Olivia Luppino calls it the perfect light layer for the season: “It’s super comfortable, versatile, and easy to style and layer on those transitional days where you might need extra warmth and protection.”

What really makes this jacket stand out is its bold, colorful vibe. It comes in nine eye-catching patterns—from pinstripes to florals—making it a fun statement piece to brighten up your wardrobe as you shift out of winter's darker tones.

Made from a blend of cotton and rayon, the Chloe feels super airy and lightweight. Think of it as a breathable, spring-ready take on a puffer jacket—but with quilt-inspired stitching that gives it more of a relaxed, boho vibe than something heavy-duty like the Canada Goose.

Our one gripe? The jacket only has a few buttons for closure. It’s fine for mild days, but when it gets windy, it can flap around a bit. Still, it’s a small tradeoff for how cute and comfy it is.

Levi's 90s Trucker Light The Way

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.

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 one was a total game changer. It has a slightly looser fit, so I can layer a sports bra or long sleeve underneath, but it’s also 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.

This style is a reimagined version of the fan-favorite Define Jacket, which has a much more fitted silhouette and isn’t ideal for layering. Lululemon gave it a fresh update: same cozy feel (thanks to the soft polyester and stretchy elastane blend), but with a more relaxed fit that gives you room to layer for spring. Even with the looser shape, the back panels and sleeves are still designed to wick away moisture.

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. Another thoughtful detail: adjustable drawcords at the waist so you can cinch it in and create a more flattering shape. It does run a bit big, so I recommend sizing down if you're planning to wear it for running. I prefer a more snug fit that won’t mess with my stride.

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.

This is one of the cutest jackets on this list for day and night. The suede finish gives it a more elevated look, while the bubble hem keeps it relaxed and slightly slouchy—so it’s easy to dress up or down. It’s a great transitional piece for fall and spring thanks to the slightly heavier fabric. I love throwing it on with denim or flared leggings and a plain white tee. It instantly takes a simple outfit and makes it feel chic and on-trend.

It definitely runs oversized, so keep that in mind when choosing a size. If you prefer a more tailored fit, I’d suggest sizing down. That said, I love the roomy cut because it doesn’t feel overwhelming, just gives off that effortless, cool-girl slouchiness I’m always looking for in a jacket. The length is great, too. It hits right at the waist, so it works well with both high- and low-rise bottoms.

My one wish? That it came in more colors and hardware options. I’m more of a silver girl, and this one has gold hardware. But, I will say the gold isn’t too flashy and actually pairs nicely with the light brown suede.

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.

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.

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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