Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Even though summer usually means fewer clothes than usual, there’s always a chance for a chilly night or a breezy day where you might need a little more coverage. That’s why picking up a little summer jacket is essential—and no doubt, that’s why you’re here. I scoured the market for options that are thin enough to wear over a T-shirt without overheating, plus looked for summery colors and prints. It’s also a season for workwear silhouettes and collarless cardigan styles, according to spring and summer trends that we’re seeing both on the runways and on the street.
The range is wide, and the possibilities are endless, from classics like Carhartt to luxe options from Celine and Nili Lotan. Below, shop the best summer jackets to wear all season.
This cropped staple from Free People offers a little more edge than the usual denim jacket.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Alchemy
Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
This yellow-green number from Zara is the ideal mod addition to any dinner date dress.
Sizes: XS-2XL
Colors: N/A
Materials: 76% polyester, 18% viscose, 6% elastane
White After Labor Day
Still Here Arcade Jacket
Still Here is known for its denim, and the addition of jackets has our team super excited. This white version with a red collar will go with denim shorts.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Milk, Classic Blue, Khaki
Materials: 100% cotton
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Everyone’s doing a field jacket these days, but nobody can say they’re the OG like Carhartt.
Sizes: XS-3XL
Colors: Carhartt Brown, Black, Natural
Materials: 98% cotton, 2% spandex
Customer review: “This jacket is exactly what I was looking for. I love it. It’s comfortable, light, sturdy. I liked it so much I just bought another one.”
This chocolate brown leather blazer from Jild has a classic straight fit and comes in a variety of colors.
Sizes: XXS-4XL
Colors: 9 options
Materials: 100% leather
Customer review: “I never write reviews, but this is hands down my favorite purchase from Amazon in 12 years! The leather is exquisite. Color is dead on, and I amAlready ordering other colors. The price allows you to indulge. Do it!”
We had to throw in a rain jacket here because you never know what thunderstorms summer will bring...
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Powder, Black, Night, Storm, Fire
Materials: 100% polyester with polyurethane coating
Customer review: “The color, material, quality, zipper, construction, pockets! I love everything about it!”
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
This light-as-air windbreaker is great for workouts and brisk walks on the beach.
Sizes: XS-L
Colors: Green
Materials: 77% cotton, 23% nylon
The Bohemian Button-Up
Sea New York Ramona Jacket
This light quilted cropped jacket has delicate embroideries and pairs great with trousers, and even better with ripped denim for a contrasting look.
Sizes: XS-L
Colors: Cream White/Multicolor
Materials: 56% viscose, 44% cotton
We love The Frankie Shop for classic pieces at a great price, and you can wear this cropped bomber with shorts or with a floor-length dress for a city-chic feel.
Sizes: XS/S-M/L
Colors: Olive
Materials: 100% polyamide
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
This short jacket from Tory Burch comes in three colors and is lightweight enough to add to your packing list.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Vermillion, Ice Flow, Summer
Material: 100% polyester
Customer review: “Nice color, travels well. Great jacket for summer!”
The Uptown Chic Jacket
Nili Lotan Paige Jacket
The cardigan jacket is a must-have for summer, and we’re a fan of Nili Lotan’s well-priced luxe take.
Sizes:
Colors:
Materials: 57% cotton, 33% polyamide, 8% polyester, 2% other fiber
The Cool Kid Leather Zip-Up
Proenza Schouler White Label Annabel Jacket in Lightweight Leather
Leave it to the original NYC cool brand Proenza Schouler to deliver the summertime spin on a leather jacket.
Sizes: 0-12
Colors: Black
Materials: 100% lambskin
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
H&M’s prices are hard to beat, and this button-front collarless jacket comes in a few on-trend colors including this ice blue.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: Light Blue, Black, Black Washed
Materials: 100% cotton
I’m here for the new era of J. Crew, and this oversized denim jacket has the best wash I could find out there.
Sizes: XXXS-3X
Colors: Martin Wash
Materials: 100% regenagri®-certified cotton
Customer review: “I bought this jacket in store and loved the slight oversized fit. The perfect wash to wear all summer.”
Everlane’s consciously made simple basics have us hooked. And the brand has yet another collarless jacket to add to your wishlist, this one in denim.
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: Calico Ecru, Cocoa, Black
Materials: 100% organic cotton
Customer review: “It’s perfect with skirts, pants — skinny or wide. It can be dressy or casual.”
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
This relaxed, preppy style from the beloved COS also comes in a few colors, but I love this navy for pairing with light denim or white pants.
Sizes: XS-L
Colors: Navy
Materials: 100% cotton
When it comes to skater-chic style, we don’t trust anyone but CELINE to deliver. This lightweight satin bomber has a retro feel and is the investment piece to end all investment pieces.
Sizes: 34-44
Colors: Rouge Imperial
Materials: 100% polyamide
Another Zara jacket, this time in an oversized fit with a drawstring waist to wear as is or snatch at your waist.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Black
Materials: 93% viscose, 7% polyester
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
