THE ONLY FALL JACKETS MEN TRULY NEED
A good fall jacket is essential for any man's wardrobe. With so many options available nowadays, narrowing down which outerwear pieces provide the most versatility for the autumn months can be challenging.
My picks for this list are meant to stand the test of time and will never go out of style. As you will soon see, any of these outerwear pieces will serve you well for the fall and springtime (depending on where you live) and can be worn for numerous occasions.
Consider the jacket's weight and packability, especially if you plan to wear it for travel. A fall jacket can elevate an outfit and provide a stylish touch to any look. As with any garment piece, look for jackets with a versatile design that can be dressed up or down.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and trends to find what works best for you, but remember not to fall into the needless trap of keeping up with what's trendy.
NEUTRAL COLORS FOR THE WIN
I want to stress the importance of neutral colors. While embracing vibrant autumn hues in our clothing is tempting, neutral colors offer the most versatility for men's wardrobes.
I have written a separate article explaining how to combine neutral colors and why they are the best choice for men. (You can read the full post here.)
#1: SHIRT JACKET (A.K.A. OVERSHIRT)
Somewhere between a shirt and a jacket, the overshirt, or “shacket,” has taken off over these last few years, and for good reason. It affords the wearer a dapper look that can be utilized for numerous options.
The overshirt is easy to pair with all sorts of shirts and sweaters while remaining lightweight and comfortable. It is so versatile that you’re guaranteed to continue surprising yourself with how many ways you can wear it. Pay attention to the color and texture when opting for one, as this can add something special to your look.
The details matter when dressing well for any occasion, and an overshirt is an intelligent way to spice things up. If I were starting from scratch with my overshirt collection, I would begin with a tried-and-true denim option. Uniqlo's denim utility overshirt might be one of my favorite options at a very reasonable price; however, it sells quickly.
Additional options for various price points are as follows:
- For a reasonable price, check out Quince's overshirts.
- Look at Banana Republic's shirt jacket selection for even more options.
- Check out Bonobos for shackets with superior quality.
If you want to use red tastefully for the autumn months, consider wearing a flannel overshirt in a deep crimson or burgundy. It's a classic, handsome, and sophisticated choice. Pair it with dark denim and a versatile pair of boots, and you're ready to head out in style.
#2: BOMBER JACKET
The bomber jacket was designed to warm pilots in uninsulated cockpits during World War I. Fast forward to today, and it has become a versatile staple that pairs effortlessly with jeans or chinos, making it perfect for fall. Look for a bomber jacket with a lightweight yet warm fabric, a stylish design, or a classic pattern.
Bomber jackets are an excellent choice for casual, everyday wear. They're also a great option for dressing up an outfit and adding a touch of sophistication (depending on the brand and style).
- Check out Old Navy bomber jackets for a reasonable price with casual options.
- Look at Claim de Fame for lighter and stretchier variations.
- Check out Bonobos for more formal bomber jackets with superior quality.
#3: FIELD JACKET
The field jacket is, as it sounds, meant for the great outdoors. Like many historical garments for men, this jacket's roots come from the military. Field jackets can be made of various materials and come in many colors. For a more classic look, go for olive or sage green.
This piece is a utility garment through and through, with several zip or buttoned pockets. Wearing a field jacket can be a great way to remain edgy, rugged, and stylish while allowing ample space to hold your items.
Wear with jeans, chinos, boots, sneakers, sweaters, or button-down shirts. This is a highly versatile choice that I think every man can benefit from owning.
- Check out Uniqlo's blouson jacket for the best quality and price (but be aware that it sells fast).
- Look at Banana Republic's Four-Button Field Jacket for something similar and more readily available.
- Check out the iconic Barbour Waxed Cotton Field Jacket for something with superior quality.
#4: WORK JACKET
We can’t forget about our blue-collar brothers out there. Despite many folks on the internet these days who proclaim that styling workwear is "not an option," the simple fact is that there is a place for workwear within the men’s style community. After all, what you wear says something about who you are, and if you’re a blue-collar worker, then I think you should never shy away from looking the part and remaining proud of it.
On the flip side, workwear pieces have seemingly come out of the woodwork lately, and I also see many examples of including work jackets or pants in truly outlandish ways (don't do that). Like many things in life, there ought to be a balance that is maintained.
When going out for a casual time with friends or that special lady, you can wear a heritage work jacket paired with clean jeans and textured boots. However, if it's a more formal event with a business casual dress code, it's better to wear a blazer or sport coat (more on these in a bit).
When choosing your outfit for a date, keep in mind the type of girl you're with. She may very well appreciate the "workwear ensemble," but if you want to make an excellent first impression, perhaps opt for a more dapper jacket.
When it comes to workwear, two types of jackets pop into my mind: the Carhartt Detroit Jacket and the Dickies Eisenhower Jacket. Both are great options, but if you intend to get the most out of your jacket and prioritize durability and longevity, I recommend the Carhartt jacket. They are typically more expensive than Dickies but usually not by much. I think the duck canvas material and triple-stitching throughout most Carhartt options are worth the asking price (but that's just me).
Remember that any work jacket you opt for should also be neutral in color: navy blue, olive green, khaki, various tones of brown, etc. This is meant to help you include a masculine garment that can be dressed up (relatively speaking) for a simple brunch date while assisting you with practical applications during everyday life events (i.e., helping move furniture or stylishly walking the dog).
If you require something with more warmth, check out the Carhartt Blanket-lined Detroit Jacket.
#5: LEATHER JACKET
A leather jacket is a timeless piece that combines masculinity and sophistication. It's a must-have for any man looking to make a statement this season. When shopping for one, look for a leather jacket with a fitted silhouette and a stylish design. Leather jackets are versatile and perfect for both formal and casual occasions.
While they are an excellent long-term investment, quality comes at a cost. Whether suede or full-grain leather, a well-made leather jacket is expensive but worth the investment.
- Check out the COOFANDY Men's Faux Suede Bomber for a lean price.
- Look at the Quince Suede Trucker Jacket for great quality at an outstanding price.
- Check out the leather jackets from The Jacket Maker for fully customizable options.
If these recommendations are beyond your budget, don't worry – there are other classic and stylish jacket options available at a fraction of the price.
Speaking of which, the next jacket on this list is a great alternative to a leather jacket at a much more approachable price point.
#6: DENIM JACKET
The classic denim jacket is the ultimate casual outerwear piece for any man's wardrobe. This seemingly simple garment has stood the test of time and will never cease to go out of style (trust me). Given its fashion and personal style pedigree, it should be no surprise that this garment affords the wearer virtually limitless outfit options.
Denim jackets don't get any more classic than the Levi's Type III trucker variant. If you care about the history, all you need to know is that the origins of this jacket date back to about 1905, when Levi Strauss released a workwear denim jacket (production code 506) to accompany his famed pair of work pants.
I believe Levi's provides the best value, consistently priced below $100. You'd be surprised at the numerous ways you can incorporate a denim jacket into your wardrobe.InsertRetry
#7: RAIN JACKET
It can rain a lot during the autumn months for some people. If you live in a place with abundant rain, it's important to have a trusty rain jacket (technically a coat).
I recommend opting for a Macintosh (Mac) Jacket or a longer Trench Coat, which both look excellent in a tan color. I think a tan rain jacket is the most versatile and classic option. Tan goes very well with a variety of other neutral colors. If that color is too light for you, then navy blue would be my second choice for the same reason.
Wear it with sneakers or boots, multiple or a single layer, etc. This highly interchangeable piece might be necessary if you live somewhere like the Pacific Northwest.
I understand that Trench Coats may seem a bit overwhelming to some people, as they give off an old-school "detective" vibe. If you prefer something more understated, consider a classic Mac instead.
- For a reasonable price, check out the Quince Comfort Stretch Trench Coat.
- Look at the Peter Manning NYC Carnegie Coat for a bit better quality.
- Check out the Cotton Rain Coat from Charles Tyrwhitt for something superior in quality.
PERFORMANCE FALL JACKETS
Performance fall jackets are designed to keep you warm and dry in harsh weather conditions. Look for jackets with water-resistant fabric, insulation, and adjustable cuffs. In my opinion, nothing is as cool as a classic navy Harrington jacket.
#8: FORMAL JACKET (BLAZER OR SPORT COAT)
Every man should have a sport coat or blazer in his closet. The answer is YES if you're wondering whether there's a difference. However, these terms are often used interchangeably nowadays, so don't worry too much about the details. The important thing is to own a quality, versatile, and timeless piece that can work in both casual and dressy settings.
A trusty sport coat or classic navy blazer is useful for date nights or business gatherings when a professional and put-together look is needed. Every gentleman should have at least one in his closet!
#9: HEAVY COAT
I spent four years in Vermont for college, and I can report that some of the latter months of the fall are pretty cold. Depending on where you reside geographically, you may need something with some extra heft to ensure that you are warm and cozy.
While a long overcoat might be a bit too much for you during the fall, I think a classic navy peacoat is one of men's best and most handsome options. The precise origin of the peacoat has been somewhat lost to history. Still, we can infer that much like other classic menswear pieces, the history of the peacoat stems from military use and has maintained its pedigree within the naval service across the globe amongst sailors, chiefs, and officers alike (I can personally attest to this given my time in the U.S. Navy).
The peacoat is a sophisticated, double-breasted outerwear garment with six buttons and an ulster collar. It is suitable for pairing with a sweater and jeans or a dress shirt, tie, trousers, etc.
If you want something that provides the warmth and structure of an overcoat but isn't as long, then the peacoat will work wonders for you. It is a timeless piece that can be dressed up and down in various ways and can even provide some shielding from the elements (though the aforementioned Mac and Trench Coats will do much better).
I recommend a deep navy blue, charcoal, or brown coat.
- For a reasonable price, check out the Kenneth Cole Double-Breasted Wool Peacoat.
- For better quality, look at the Quince Italian Wool Peacoat.
- Check out the Wool Peacoat from Brooks Brothers for something superior in quality.
PICK THE BEST FALL JACKET FOR YOU
A versatile fall jacket is essential for any man's wardrobe, offering style and adaptability for the crisp autumn season. Whether for casual or formal occasions, a quality coat or jacket can complement every personal preference. When purchasing, it's important to consider the jacket's weight, packability, and overall style. A fall jacket can elevate any outfit and add a stylish touch to your overall look.
Which of these was your favorite? Do you have a different jacket or coat in mind? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Comment below and let me know.
