The weather snuck up on us, didn’t it? It was it cold. Then it was crazy hot. Now it’s “changeable” and you’re putting off scrabbling through the back of your wardrobe for that jacket that can keep the wind and showers off your back, while not causing you to perspire at the first glimpse of the sun. You, my friend, need a lightweight jacket to see you through this (and the next) season. Here’s a selection of our current favourites, spanning everything from pac-a-macs to twists on classics like the trench coat and parka.
K-Way Orange Fluo Le Vrai Claude 3.0
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Established, aptly, on a rainy day in Paris in 1965, K-Way is known for its simple, stylish and practical outerwear. This classic pac-a-mac design – available in 11 colours, but we like the distinctive bright orange – features elastic drawcords on the hood and bottom to help cope with sudden deluges. £75, buy on k-way.co.uk (opens in new tab)
Some of you, of a particular age, will remember this ’80s casual label from school. While some styles from that era are better left in the past, this regular fit nylon jacket with adjustable hood isn’t. If army colours aren’t your thing, get it in navy or claret. £70, buy on farah.co.uk (opens in new tab)
One of the most respected outerwear labels around will do its reputation no harm with this extremely lightweight and breathable waterproof, which packs away into its front pocket. Unlike some pac-a-macs, this is stylish enough that no-one will be able to tell it is one. £350, buy on mrporter.com (opens in new tab)
A performance jacket that’s waterproof and breathable, with an adjustable hood, laminated visor, elasticated cuffs and drawstring hem to provide extra protection against the elements. It’ll also pack away neatly. £90, buy on mrporter.com (opens in new tab)
Using cutting-edge fabrics and technology, this jacket is cut from a Japanese shell that is windproof and waterproof. It also has elasticated cuffs, a back pocket for your smartphone with a convenient “media port” (er, hole) for your headphones cable, and a striking banana yellow hue for those night-time runs (or grey if you’re strictly days-only and it hurts your eyes). £165, buy on mrporter.com (opens in new tab)
RECOMMENDED: More Men’s Running Jackets
At less than 100g, this is one seriously lightweight jacket from the cycling brand. It has a water-resistant coating to keep you dry during quick showers, but the best bit is a “quickburst” zip for ripping it off once the sun comes out. Yes, rip – think the Clark-Kent-to-Superman transition. Not The Full Monty. £125, buy on huez.co.uk (opens in new tab)
The perfect protection when cycling through the countryside, this cape has adjustable brown leather straps and a self-stowing pocket. Pop it on your Glasto packing list. £110, buy on matchesfashion.com (opens in new tab)
This military-inspired coat is made from a rubber-coated fabric for protection from those April showers, and is lightweight enough to take the parka out of winter wardrobes and into spring. £220, buy on parkalondon.com (opens in new tab)
It’s a classic rain jacket in a traditional yellow from the Danish label specialising in utilitarian fashion. Different colours are available if yellow is too much for you, but we say embrace it. £89, buy on samsoe.com (opens in new tab)
It’s no less waterproof and practical than the others on this list – the zip is concealed for added protection – but it’s at least ten times more chic. £195, buy on reiss.com (opens in new tab)
Inspired by the trench coat silhouette, this riff adds a parka-esque tail and detachable hood for a perfect spring (or British summer) coat. £209.95, buy on scotch-soda.com (opens in new tab)
A more affordable but still stylish shower-resistant jacket from the Boxing Day-favourite high-street store. £50, buy on next.co.uk (opens in new tab)
