Spring is the most confusing season when it comes to fashion. Mornings can be grey and drizzly, but come the afternoon, the sun may be shining like it’s August. A trusty spring jacket will help you navigate the forecast and the transition into the warmer months.
The perfect spring jacket is lighter in weight and often softer in colour than a winter one. Taking inspiration from the flowers, greenery and lush landscapes these months bring is a great way to add joy to your everyday. A pastel-coloured jacket can instantly make your outfit feel more seasonally appropriate, too. Leaving behind the warm embrace of your puffer isn’t easy, and I love a classic black coat, but neither seems fitting on a bright April morning.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best spring jackets to add sunshine to your wardrobe – whatever the weather decides to do.
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The best spring jackets for women
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<em>Best quilted jacket:</em>Mint Velvet cream floral jacquard quilted jacket
A quilted jacket is ideal for spring: warm enough to shield you from a lingering chill, but not so heavy that it drowns you. The decorative stitching creates tiny pockets of insulation to trap heat without adding bulk. This Mint Velvet jacket has a spring-appropriate floral motif, in a soft cream shade, while the lace trim adds extra interest. Perfect for those in-between days.
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<em>Best denim jacket:</em>Community Clothing Jodie denim jacket
You can never go wrong with a classic trucker denim jacket, a style first created by Levi’s in the 1960s. Denim is durable, but it’s notoriously water-intensive to produce, so shopping smart is essential. This trucker-style jacket from Community Clothing is made from organic cotton and is cut and sewn in Blackburn. Dark-wash denim is easier to dress up or down, unlike lighter washes that tend to read more casual.
However, this style’s enduring popularity means there’s lots of great jackets available secondhand at places such as Depop. When shopping vintage, always check condition details and measurements carefully, as older styles can sometimes run smaller.
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<em>Best on-trend jacket:</em>Nobody’s Child cropped trench jacket
From Prada to Balenciaga, the cropped trench is shaping up to be spring’s standout cut. This Nobody’s Child version features an adorable detachable scarf tie for a playful touch. Made from organic cotton with a gingham contrast lining, this jacket manages to feel trend-led yet timeless, a piece you’ll reach for year after year.
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<em>Best suede jacket:</em>Sézane camel suede jacket
With winter rain beginning to ease off and blistering summer heat not yet upon us, springtime is prime suede weather. A high-quality suede jacket – one that’s soft, velvety and lightweight – can be with you for decades if cared for properly, so choose one with longevity. This timeless Sézane jacket is made from vegetable-tanned suede rather than chrome-tanned, which releases potentially harmful chemicals during production. New suede comes at a higher price, but it’s an investment piece you’ll be wearing for many years to come.
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<em>Best barn jacket:</em>Uniqlo utility short jacket
Rooted in workwear, the barn jacket surged in popularity after Prada’s spring/summer 2024 collection. Traditionally known for a heavy waxed, waterproof finish, there’s no reason they can’t be adapted into a lightweight spring staple. This Uniqlo one is a shorter take on the classic barn jacket, meaning it pairs well with jeans for an elevated casual look. Finished with utility-style pockets, it looks especially good with the sleeves rolled up, revealing the contrast check lining.
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<em>Best work jacket:</em>Zara oversized double-breasted blazer
An oversized blazer is a wardrobe staple for good reason. Strong shoulders instantly elevate an outfit, and the relaxed fit allows for easy layering on cooler days. I love this pinstripe for extra character.
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<em>Best shower-ready coat:</em>Columbia Paracutie II hooded windbreaker
We can’t hang up our waterproofs just yet. The changeable spring weather always keeps us on our toes, and so it’s good to have a lightweight showerproof jacket on hand. Most fully waterproof jackets aren’t particularly breathable, but the Paracutie II is perfect for warmer rainy days. With added back vents for breathability, this sage green jacket is a stylish alternative to traditional technical rainwear.
For more, read our guide to the best women’s waterproof jackets
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<em>Best bomber jacket:</em>M&S flight bomber jacket
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect bomber jacket, and this from Marks & Spencer is the one. The slimmer fit means you can’t wear a jumper underneath, but the puffer-style padding kept me surprisingly warm even in the depths of winter. In such a classic cut and colour, it’s truly a timeless piece.
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<em>Best funnel-neck jacket:</em>Massimo Dutti cotton jacket with button details
The funnel-neck jacket was a winter favourite, so why not carry this trend over into spring? Made from 100% cotton and finished with sleek buttons, this Massimo Dutti jacket can be worn fully fastened if it’s a bit chillier or left open as an exaggerated collar.
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<em>Best classic jacket:</em>John Lewis wool-blend bouclé jacket
Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel is a favourite of fashion editors and critics this season, but the price isn’t exactly accessible for all. This Chanel-adjacent jacket from John Lewis captures that same thrown-on elegance without being too try-hard. The boxy-cut contrasts with the soft bouclé finish to hit the sweet spot between polished and relaxed. It’s smart enough for the office but easy-going enough for everyday wear. There’s a reason this style never really goes out of fashion, making it a piece you’ll always reach for.
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<em>Best longline jacket:</em>Damson Madder multi-wear myrtle trench
Thanks to a button-off hem, this can be long when you want a bit of swish, short when you don’t. Essentially two jackets in one, it will earn its keep year round. The playful frill at the waist creates a flattering shape when worn short, while cleverly disguising the button attachment. Cut from a lightweight fabric with a water-repellant finish, it’s a great pick for in-between weather. Damson Madder doesn’t offer petite sizing, but it’s partnered with Sojo to offer free alterations on any pieces bought from its site.
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<em>Best leather jacket:</em>Repurpose leather bomber jacket
If you’re going to buy leather new, make it classic. You want to reach for it season after season, and with the right TLC, it can last a lifetime. As the weather starts to warm up (albeit slowly), bulky layering is no longer necessary, making way for slimmer fitting cuts. In a timeless black, this jacket from All Saints is made from repurposed leather, meaning each jacket has its own unique detailing.
For more, read the best women’s spring wardrobe updates and 63 ways to spring into spring
