We have had to deal with some grueling months but we’ve finally arrived at “all you really need is a light jacket” portion of the yearly programming. There’s no set date for the phenomenon and there’s always a bit of risk in jumping the gun, but if a good jacket is all you really need, then you should have a good one to lean on. Or a couple, if you’re into options and some variance in the season of variable conditions. And if you’re going to have a couple, why not make sure they’re not too pricey. Specifically, $250 or less.
Due to those conditions—and stipulations—we rounded up a whole bunch: weathered canvas joints indebted to vintage workwear, high-tech rain-beating shells, all-weather fleeces, classic jean jackets, prep greatest hits and more, all primed to upgrade, fortify or otherwise enhance whatever outerwear rotation they jump into.
So, if you’ve been searching for a daily driver, a date night mainstay or just something to bridge the winter coat-to-short sleeves transition period, and you want that jacket to be under $250, you’re in the right spot.
