Best Windbreakers & Lightweight Jackets For Men

Adidas is the apex predator of athletic menswear. Founded in Germany in 1924 (by a dude called Adolf, but we’ll let that one go) and incorporated as ‘Adidas’ in 1949, you would have suffered a spectacularly sheltered upbringing to not run into the brand’s iconic striped, triangular logo at some point.

Adidas also offer retro-inspired lightweight jackets to complement their spectacular kicks and streetwear. This Originals adventure windbreaker is made from a lightweight polyester, for those days when the sky is threatening to open up on you.

In a vibrant yellow, this jacket suits an understated ensemble with a plain or navy tee, jeans, and your Stan Smiths (gotta commit to the branding).

Californian dudes Patagonia have been delivering premium outdoor kit since 73’, in line with a commitment to ethical, environmentally-kosher production. Patagonia champion the variety of ‘silent sports’ in the outdoors, and they make some hard-wearing kit for any and every situation, no matter if you find yourself in snow, surf, or dirt.

The Torrentshell 3L jacket is easily one of the best windbreakers currently available as it combines the company's own H2No technology to repel water effectively yet remain totally breathable. The 3-layer construction means it will be able to withstand a little more than a light rain shower, and best of all, it can be packed up into its own pocket. 

Available in a range of colours, the Torrentshell jacket is an easy layer to wear over the top of your existing wardrobe insulation.

With this option, Patagonia has got you covered for seedy, reluctant Sunday hikes with the missus or bush doofs, without making you look like a loopy survivalist.

Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo is an absolute master when it comes to menswear essentials. Not only are its clothes incredibly well made, especially for the price, but some of the fabrics used are genuinely innovative and offer both form and function.

This reversible parka for example is a lightweight jacket that will protect you from light rain showers, and given the product name, is effectively two jackets in one.

Nike needs no introduction. The American sportswear giant is a go-to brand for everyone from professional athletes and wannabe fitness fanatics through to streetwear kids desperate for the latest drops. The brand has become incredibly influential since its founding in 1956 (when it was known as Blue Ribbon Sports) so much so, that we're pretty confident in saying almost all guys would have, or do, own at least one piece of Nike clothing. 

The company's extensive range includes windbreakers, such as this Windrunner. A reincarnation of the original Windrunner released in 1978, this modern-day version rocks a mesh lining to encourage breathability, along with soft ribbed cuffs for added comfort. It's suitable for slightly colder days worn over a t-shirt or first thing on your morning run and can be had in a range of colours.

This Canadian brand has become virtually synonymous with yoga and all things activewear and yes, it does cater to guys too. With the idea of encouraging free-flowing movement running through its veins, Lululemon also has an extensive selection of jackets and outerwear for those who like to keep fit in the great outdoors.

The range includes the Warp Lite Jacket, which benefits from a breathable mesh fabric on the back to keep you cool when working up a sweat, while a water-repellent treatment will help keep you high and dry.

US sportswear manufacturer New Balance produces some of the best-looking gear around. The company started life making arch supports for athletes and has since grown into a global phenomenon that sponsors several big-name sports teams around the world.

New Balance is also a king of retro-style (just take a look at its sneakers) such as this Optiks Windbreaker, which while it can be had in black, we're loving the neo violet colour. It makes no mention of being water-resistant, but for a lightweight layer during summer, you'll be looking hotter than the sun.

Theory is a DMARGE house favourite due to its understated, masculine ethos that doesn’t implode across the changes of seasonal fashion trends. Theory embraces a minimalist, unassuming aesthetic with clean lines, monochromatic colour choices, and a rotation of timeless staples that fit into any wardrobe.

For a suitably stylish lightweight nylon jacket, look no further than the Joakim. Simple in its approach, this jacket rocks a marble print that helps it to work as both a casual and a formal piece. Pair with dark denim or sweats and you're onto a winner.

NYC-based Battenwear is a champion of vintage outerwear, inspired by adventurers who surfed, climbed, and skied across the American outdoors in the ’70s and ’80s.

Battenwear isn't just committed to the rear-view mirror, though. The clothing company has fun with new, original concepts for the contemporary outdoorsman. Designer Shinya Hasegawa believes that winter kit shouldn’t necessarily be confined to drab browns or greys - even if the weather sucks and you miss getting sunburnt at the beach, you can still have some fun with the dress code.

Take this packable anorak as an example. Unashamedly retro in its design, this eye-catching jacket is made in the USA and boasts both wind and water-resistant properties. The front pocket acts as both a pocket to store essentials close by, as well being the pocket you can fold the jacket up into.

Quirky Brit designer Paul Smith might be known as the dude who puts strawberry skulls on everything (and sometimes makes top-notch suits). Outside of suiting (and weird logos) he does some fair dinkum trans-seasonal outerwear.

This navy hooded jacket is made from polyester, making it lightweight enough to wear as a top layer whenever there's a chill in the air. Paul Smith's unmistakable striped logo adorns the front, letting other people know you're ever so slightly better than them.

Moncler is the alpine her responsible for keeping generations of recklessly brave skiers warm during winter trips to the Alps. Named after a picturesque village in the French Alps, Moncler has become famous for being worn by plenty of guys that spend their afternoons wiping out in the snow and breaking various bones in the process.

Aside from that, Moncler makes some killer lightweight autumn gear for urban explorers that haven’t quite mastered the art of skiing and looking cool at the same time. The Abbe jacket is the very epitome of that. It's light as silk, is available in black or eye-popping orange (our choice) and rocks subtle splashes of Moncler branding throughout including on the chest pockets. Elasticated cuffs and hem will keep the fit slim and the comfort level high, while a hood will help protect your noggin from a light shower. Pair with a pair of jeans and white kicks. A solid option even if a winter trip to the Austrian snow isn’t on the cards (this year).

When your rich mate from school mentions all the Prada stuff his parents buy for him, it’s likely that windbreakers and light jackets aren’t the first things to come to mind. If anything, luxury athletic outerwear probably sounds like a post-modern oxymoron. But Prada is giving the middle-finger to naysayers with its slim-fit shell hooded jacket.
This jacket is minimalistic, with single colouring and next to no detailing. The polyamide fabric ensures stress-free winter wearing, making it indispensable for cold days on the run. As mentioned, it’s luxury on steroids, so anticipate a price tag to correspond.