Looking for a fashionable lightweight jacket for women can be a challenge. You want it to look beautiful and practical but being practical doesn’t always match your wardrobe. As most women (including myself) can be fickle about what jackets they wear, you want to balance style with comfort.
So I’ve put together the ten most stylish, practical and packable lightweight jackets for women to wear every season and for when they travel. I’m hoping with this guide, deciding on the right jacket will be a little bit easier.
Table of Contents
Important Details to Consider When Choosing a Lightweight Jacket
Finding the right jacket to wear means understanding the newest technologies used, the latest styles and designs, and whether it suits everyday use.
There are a few things to keep in mind, and below is a checklist of what you should be looking out for:
Understanding the Difference Between Waterproof and Breathable
Waterproof fabric in jackets block out light rainfall and drizzle while the breathable fabric, on the other hand, is the extent to which the material allows vapor to escape.
So what’s the big deal about it? Try imagining running while wearing a garbage bag for a jacket. It might prevent you from getting drenched by the rain, but you’ll be soaked in sweat instead. That is precisely what happens with materials that are not breathable.
The perspiration vapor has nowhere to go. So, depending on the situation you’re in, breathability is vital to ensure you stay dry regardless if your women’s jacket is waterproof.
Practicality
The jacket’s design should be practical. Too many unnecessary details, such as heavy buckles or a belt will restrict your movement.
Suitability
The jacket should protect you from outside elements like rain and snow.
Weight of the Jacket
The jacket should be packable and not bulky because you don’t want a jacket that takes up too much space in your luggage. It should be easy to carry or comfortable to wear on a flight.
Crease Resistant Fabric and Easy Care Instructions for Travel
Crease resistant fabric is extremely helpful for when you travel. When it’s packed in your luggage, the jacket will keep its shape and will require less maintenance while you travel.
Style and Design
The ultimate factor in choosing a lightweight jacket for women – it has to be both stylish and practical. It’s important your jackets makes you feel comfortable and confident when you weat it.
Pockets
Travel jackets should have zippered pockets to keep your belongings safe like keys or a phone. Sometimes when traveling you may choose to not carry a handbag with you, so having zippered and secured pockets are essential details that you should look for when choosing the right jacket.
Considering the above criteria, here are the ten lightweight jackets you should consider this year.
View the Best Lightweight Jackets for Women Below
1. Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Lightweight Women’s Jacket
The Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket uses advanced Omni-Tech technology. It features a breathable shell and waterproof fully seam-sealed with a soft lining to keep you dry from a drizzle or even heavy rainstorms.
The fabric is made of 100 percent Nylon 2L full dull, plain weave and the shell is made of 100 percent polyester. This rainy-day-MVP women’s jacket is designed for travel as it is light and packable into its hand pocket. The jacket is also built with detachable hood strings to keep your hair dry when it rains.
Pros
- Waterproof and breathable
- Zippered hand pockets
- Light and packable
- Thick and durable fabric
- Nice selection of colors
- Machine washable
Cons
- The interior mesh can be quite noisy and itchy
- The front zipper is not smooth and gets stuck easily
- Small cutting so size can be inaccurate
2. Little Donkey Andy Women’s Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Little Donkey Andy Women’s Waterproof Breathable Jacket will protect you against rainfall during traveling. The material is made from 100 percent polyester; it’s waterproof, breathable and lightweight. It features a lightweight fabric so it’s easy to pack for traveling and won’t take much space in your carrier.
The jacket’s breathable rating is 1000g/m2/24hr, and the waterproof rating is 3000mm, making it suitable to wear for any outdoor activities such as backpacking, climbing and camping.
Pros
- Zipper closure
- PU coated membrane provides breathable performance and waterproof protection
- 100 percent seam taped to seal out heavy rainfall and winds
- Lightweight and easy to pack/store
- Windproof front zipper with velcro attached
- Attachable hood with adjustable strings
- Adjustable hook-and-loop cuffs with elastic drawcord hem to keep out the wind
Cons
- Thin fabric
- The largest size available is XL
- No ventilation pockets
3. EQUICK Women’s Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket
This women’s lightweight jacket is made with 100 percent polyester with a soft fleece lining and ultra-lightweight warm cotton padding that will keep you comfortable during cold weather. It also has waterproof coated fabric which will protect you from rainy days.
This jacket is perfect for casual wear, traveling, camping, hiking and skiing.
Pros
- Lightweight – average weight is 1200g
- Has a zipper closure
- Windproof – designed with high-density fabric and coating and film composite process to keep the wind out
- Waterproof – the water resistance can withstand under 10000mm pressure head
- Comes with adjustable cuffs and stretchable gloves with thumb holes to keep in warmth
- Adjustable and detachable storm hood and snow skirt to protect you from the wind
- Multi-pockets and earphone port – it has two zippered hand pockets and chest pockets to keep your small belongings like a passport and phone
- Waterproof chest pockets to keep your belongings safe and from falling out
Cons
- The jacket is a bit snug
- The seam falls apart after a few wears
4. Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Puffer Jacket
An Amazon brand, this lightweight jacket promises to make you feel comfortable during winter and rainy days. The shell and lining are made of 100 percent Nylon, and the fill is made of 100 percent Polyester.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
- Zip pockets included
- Stand up collar
- Elasticized cuffs
- Machine washable
- Packable carrying bag included with drawstring closure
- Reasonable pricing
- Multiple colors are available
Cons
- Basic style
- Thin fabric
- The recommendation size charts are not precise
- The zipper is prone to get stuck to the fabric
5. Design by Olivia Women’s Military Anorak Safari Lightweight Jacket
The jacket is designed by Olivia, the company that aims to provide soft, delicate jackets with a touch of boho-chic mixed with classic elegance. This jacket is made from 100 percent cotton. It’s a light jacket to keep you warm in mildly cold weather.
Pros
- Zipper and button closures are available
- Lightweight
- Adjustable drawstring back hem
- Front flap pockets
- Machine washable with cold water and low tumble dry.
- Cool design and stylish
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Need to wear extra layers for colder weather
- Small cutting and tight-fitting
- Thin material
- Hard to zip
6. The North Face Crescent Full Zip Lightweight Women’s Jacket
The North Face Crescent Full Zip is an excellent jacket to wear during winter. It’s made from recycled polyester and soft fleece that is designed to protect you from colder, lower temperatures. A taller neck keeps you from feeling chilly from the wind. It has two zippered and secured hand pockets to keep your belongings.
Pros
- Standard fit
- Soft and warm
- Comfortable and fits well
- Centre front zip
- Machine washable
Cons
- It’s not waterproof or water-resistant
- Not suitable for freezing weather
- Heavyweight
7. CAMEL CROWN Women’s Lightweight Winter Ski Jacket with Inner Warm Fleece Coat
This jacket is ideal for everyday wear, traveling or any other fun outdoor activities. It’s built with a windproof outer shell of 228 Taslan with waterproof design plus a cozy and warm inner fleece. The inner and outer shell looks great even when worn together. The 280G polar fleece lining is ultra-soft – wearing it along with the outer shell keeps you dry and warm on a rainy day.
The Camel Crown 3 in 1 jacket has waterproof levels of 5000mm/H20, and the breathability rate is 5000 g/m²/24 hours on average.
Pros
- Zipper closure
- Designed with waterproof and water-resistant technology.
- The inner jacket provides heat retention, which keeps you feeling warm in cold weather
- Windproof with adjustable cuffs and velcro strap
- Detachable hood made with thick fabric
- Hand pockets with cover flaps
- Functional pockets to keep your gloves
- Inner adjustable and elastic straps on the shell that adjusts accordingly to your waistline.
Cons
- Doesn’t meet women’s standard sizes (need to order one size bigger or smaller)
8. Patagonia Performance Better Sweater Fleece Jacket for Women
Patagonia Women’s Performance Better Sweater Fleece Jacket keeps you warm when traveling or climbing. This jacket is designed with a lighter fabric and Polartec Power Stretch side panels to absorb moisture – quick-drying, light and comfortable to wear. Built with zippered hand pockets to secure your small items. The body is made of 100 percent polyester fleece.
Pros
- Its lightweight fleece is suitable for outdoor activities like climbing and hiking
- Warm fleece
- Princess seams and drop tail gives a slimming appearance
- Stand up collar to protect from the cold
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
- Wide neck area
- Slim Fit
Cons
- It’s not waterproof or water-resistant
9. Charles River Apparel Women’s Lightweight Chatham Anorak Jacket
The Chatham Anorak jacket is meant to be worn almost anywhere. This wind and water-resistant women’s lightweight jacket is made from 100 percent Softex polyester and is lined with a lightweight jersey and nylon sleeve. For additional wind protection, it has a quarter-zip styling at the neck.
Pros
- Wind and water-resistant
- Breathable material
- Lightweight
- Adjustable drawstrings and elasticized cuffs
- Machine washable material
- Drop tail hem is available for extra coverage and functionality
Cons
- The size runs a bit small
10. Rokka&Rolla Women’s Lightweight Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket
This lightweight raincoat is perfect for traveling or any outdoor activities like climbing, hiking or cycling. It will protect you from the rain and wind. The shell and the sleeve lining is made of 100 percent polyester while the body lining is made of 100 percent cotton. This jacket is designed with waterproof and windproof material plus a comfortable and breathable printed lining.
Pros
- Waterproof and windproof
- Lightweight
- Built with waterproof zipper closure and button
- Regular fit
- Soft and flexible
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Stylish A-line
Cons
- The size runs a bit small
My Personal Favorite Lightweight Jacket
My ultimate choice is the Camel Crown Women’s Lightweight Winter Ski Jacket. I love it because it can keep me warm even without the inner fleece.
The flexibility to use the inner fleece and the outer shell together or separately is a great feature plus it attaches well. It has a nice thickness yet still pack-able. In terms of practicality, this lightweight jacket for women not only keeps me warm when it’s cold, but it also keeps me dry when it rains.
If you prefer extra layers, just make sure to purchase one size larger than your standard size because it tends to be snug. Overall, this women’s jacket is practical, packable and looks great.
