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The best jacket brands for men. Quite a broad stroke, isn’t it? So many different seasons to dress for. So many different occasions to cater to. So many styles and lengths and patterns and degrees of insulation and and and…
Of all the jacket brands out there, the best ones typically offer a wide range of products for a wide range of seasons and occasions. Beyond that, though, things can get pretty niche—puffers, streetwear, technical winter layers. On they go.
And on we go into my list of top men’s jacket brands for every season.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to jacket brands, you’ve got countless options. But the best jacket brands for men are not only durable and made of exceptional materials, they also have a range of styles to suit every temperature and occasion. Dallas-based Rye 51 checks all those boxes and then some. And on the budget end, Uniqlo is the one to beat.
The everyday jacket. Ideally, it’ll be able to take a beating without looking like it, get rained on without ruining your day, and, yes, keep you warm. Part of Asket’s mission is stripping the world’s closets of disposable fast-fashion pieces and replacing them with garments designed to last forever.
So can their jackets take a beating? Yes. Yes, they can. As for the rain issue, outerwear like the minimalist, organic-cotton field jacket and the timelessly handsome car coat are treated with a water-repellent coating. These jackets are designed for daily use with the added bonus of being able to elevate any wardrobe.
A nugget of our best advice: A black leather jacket is akin to the little black dress in a woman’s wardrobe. It’s adaptable, stylish, and a worthy investment. The Jacket Maker offers many styles under $300, making this kind of quality investment a little lighter on the wallet (a win-win in our books). Specifically, the classic appeal of the Inferno Black Leather Jacket, made from the finest sheepskin leather with a semi-aniline finish, transcends any specific style, fitting into anyone’s wardrobe.
Why Invest in The Jacket Maker? Leather craftsmanship has been around for centuries, and it can take years to master a real quality garment. With that mastery often comes, rightfully so, a steep price tag, reducing the access to a lot of men. But we’re in the golden age where with enough research you can find those special brands that don’t equate quality with a massive price tag. Unsurprisingly that’s why we love what The Jacket Maker offers to the modern man.
Their commitment to using only the finest materials, coupled with meticulous attention to detail, ensures that every piece is not just another thing hanging in your closet but a worthy investment piece. Beyond the tangible product, investing in The Jacket Maker means aligning with a brand that values timeless design, durability, and, most importantly, its customers. One more easy decision for us.
Founded in 2017 with a strict focus on creating specialized gear suited to the modern traveler, Barcelona-based Tropicfeel then went on to expand their product range. The brand is widely known for creating the most funded shoe in Kickstarter history. So those are nice. But their jackets? Whatever the sartorial version of a chef’s kiss is… they’re that.
Each of Tropicfeel’s layers, light jackets, and insulated jackets can be browsed based on the temperatures they’re best suited to. This is not only helpful in general, but it’s particularly useful for planning what to pack when traveling. The brand’s layering system is meant to get you from morning to night stylishly and comfortably.
Browse the jackets available to you from Axel Arigato, and you’ll find anything from streetwear-y varsity jackets to minimalist bombers. But when you get to the puffers, go ahead and stop for a minute. Breathe in, breathe out, and behold the pillowy, toasty greatness that lay before you.
The Observer puffer is made of lightweight recycled polyester and features cuffs that velcro shut to lock in warmth. The Nebraska parka has many of the same bells and whistles but with bolder styling and a detachable hood. Though they don’t feature technical details designed to effectively battle rain or snow, they’re excellent everyday options for chilly fall or winter days in the city.
Portland-based Pendleton Woolen Mills has been keeping the masses warm and stylish for over 150 years. Their wool products are tough as nails, thoughtfully appointed with details, and feature the brand’s striking, iconic designs.
Oh, and Amazon has a bunch of them. Quilted vests, wool coats with shearling collars, rain jackets, fleece jackets. There’s no shortage of outstanding brands with jackets on Amazon, but this one should definitely be on your radar.
In terms of sheer product diversity alone, it’s tough to compete with Uniqlo. From parkas to puffers and everywhere in between, the ubiquitous Japanese brand is a must-stop destination on our journey through the best jacket brands for men. Did you feel that? That was drama, and I’m not sorry.
As you might expect based on the category you’re reading, the quality of Uniqlo’s outerwear is wildly disproportionate to the price you’re paying. Yes, in the best way possible. Pick up a blouson for a song. Or a parka for pennies. I’m fresh out of alliteration, but you get it.
A true American classic headquartered in Freeport, Maine, L.L. Bean makes a jacket for every season and every type of guy. But don’t mess with New England when it comes to fall. The iconic brand has, of course, nailed the fall aesthetic with garments like the insulated utility shacket, mountain anorak, and rust-colored puffer.
But for as lightweight as a lot of these jackets are, they’re sneaky warm. Like, really warm. I’ve been wearing the Men’s Mountain Classic Puffer Jacket for a few seasons now and—considering how feather-light it is—I’m still surprised at how well it retains heat and blocks wind.
Quick, look out the window. Yep, that guy’s wearing an Arc’teryx vest. And that one over there has an Arc’teryx parka on. The brand is almost (almost) as inescapable as the Patagonia puffer. But that’s for good reason—they’re outstanding jackets made of outstanding materials, and they actually look good.
As for Arc’teryx, it was founded in the late ‘80s by climbers and is headquartered in North Vancouver, Canada. Battling those elements is no small feat, and the outerwear brand is particularly adept at doing it. Choose from technical, ultra-warm vests, hooded puffers, insulated jackets, and dozens of other options.
Barbour’s signature waxed jackets are a staple in many men’s closets, as they should be. Does that mean you should ignore the English brand’s quilted jackets with contrasting corduroy collars or the trench-inspired Beaufort Jacket? You could, but you’d be doing yourself and your torso a great disservice.
So go and talk to other jackets. Play the field a bit. Just know that no matter how far you stray, all roads eventually lead back to Barbour’s iconic waxed jackets with classic features like tartan linings, storm fly fronts, and a roomy-but-not-too-roomy fit designed to accommodate fall and winter layering.
Northern Italy’s Loro Piana is synonymous with luxury, meticulous craftsmanship, and fine materials. The brand’s obsession with quality is on full display in its outerwear collection. My suggestion? Swan dive in there with great abandon, make some bold sartorial and financial decisions, and don’t look back.
Among its impressive ranks: an occasion-ready cashmere winter jacket lined with castorino fur, a casual cashmere bomber, and a fitted cashmere traveler jacket treated with a waterproof, wind-resistant finish.
Founded in NYC’s Lower East Side, The Frankie Shop’s aesthetic is hard to define. So let’s not do that. Instead, just take a look at the clean lines and deliberately oversized fit of the brand’s minimalist garments. If you like what you see, great. If not, perhaps you were never meant to make it this far in our exploration of the best jacket brands for men.
If you’re still with me, The Frankie Shop’s jackets take an elevated approach to streetwear. A satin bomber jacket here. A boxy blazer there. These aren’t entry-level looks, but if you’ve got the confidence and attitude to pull them off, I salute you.
Which brings us to spring, glorious spring. A time for blooming flowers, renewed spirits and, of course, linen. Bring on the linen.
As a specialist British brand, Drake’s knows a thing or two about sustainable, effortlessly cool fabric. Their boldly designed suite of jackets is made from 100% linen with both comfort and head-turning good looks in mind. The unlined, navy-blue chore jacket and straight-fit jacket with pearl buttons are standouts, but all of their spring-ready Linen Jackets are pretty damned delightful.
Based in Dallas, Rye 51 prides itself on creating “small batch luxury” menswear produced with internationally sourced materials of exceptional quality. Their borderline unacceptably handsome collection of outerwear runs the gamut in terms of style, function, and materials. There’s something for every guy, during every season, on every occasion.
Heading out on a fall leaf-peeping trip with the occasional stop at a cidery tasting room? Your first move should be popping on a Rye 51 microsuede chore jacket or vest. Off to a casual dinner date? The Windstopper wool-and-silk travel jacket would like nothing more than to rise to the occasion. No wrong turns, just dozens of impeccable options.
What To Look For In The Best Jacket Brands For Men
Season
A linen chore jacket won’t keep you warm enough during the winter months. Popping on a technical winter jacket at the beach is… ill-advised. My point, if obvious? You need to pick the right coat for the season, and preferably have a solid go-to lineup to help you seamlessly ebb and flow with mother nature’s whims.
Material Composition
Arguably more than with any other garment, the materials that make up your jacket matter. If you’re a snowboarder or outdoor adventurer, make sure you pick a jacket made with warm, breathable, water-resistant materials. On the other end of the spectrum, linen or loosely-woven cotton fabrics will serve you well when it’s hot out.
Style
Last but not least, choose a style that suits your lifestyle and how you want to be seen. The best jacket brands for men not only keep you comfortable, they’re also statement pieces capable of elevating your look.
Final Verdict
The best jacket brands sweat the small stuff and are obsessed with quality and durability. But they also offer a suite of outerwear products to suit every lifestyle and season. My top pick for those reasons, and plenty of others, is Rye 51.
FAQ
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Plenty of brands prioritize warmth and do an excellent job of it. Canada Goose, L.L. Bean, Patagonia, and The North Face are just a few. But it’s tough to compete with the warmth of an Arc’teryx jacket that’s been put through the paces in North Vancouver, Canada.
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Bomber jackets, varsity jackets, and oversized, minimalist pieces are all having a bit of a moment right now. But it’s also hard to escape all things athleisure, not to mention the ubiquitous technical jackets made by brands like Patagonia and Arc’teryx.
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Kelly Larson is a writer and editor with over 12 years of professional experience. In addition to writing articles for sites like UrbanDaddy and Visit The USA—America’s official travel site—Kelly has led editorial newsrooms in the creation of award-winning content in the digital space. When he’s not writing, Kelly enjoys running, spending time outdoors with his two sons, and searching for his next exceptional finger of bourbon.