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While the temperatures may be balmy and the sun may be shining, you’ll still want to pack a light summer jacket to bring with you on your warm-weather vacay. From chilly evenings to rainy days, readers have you covered with their picks for the best women’s summer jacket — take a look!
Best Summer Jackets for Women
Written by: Claire Gros
Table Of Contents
As you gear up for your summer vacation, you most likely have beautiful hot weather on your mind. But you’ll still need a lightweight summer jacket to keep you warm from intense air conditioning, breezy nights, or perhaps some summer drizzle!
Check out these cute and versatile light jackets for summer that readers have been loving!
Summer Lightweight Jackets for Women
Quince Organic Comfort Stretch Chore Jacket | Sizes XS-XL
Quince Lightweight Summer Jacket Womens Style
The Quince cotton jacket for summer has a timeless, classic design that will far surpass the livelihood of most trends. The super-soft organic stretch twill and functional patch pockets will have you reaching for this jacket every day of the week. With a standard fit, this is perfect for layering over a hoodie, or simply pairing with a t-shirt.
Your go-to jacket for transitional weather. You can wear it with jeans or over your favorite travel dress. It’s a piece that can go from London to Paris, Basel to Los Angeles, San Diego to New York. You can also wear their cotton jackets for summer with shorts and sneakers to explore national parks. It’s a great staple for all of your airplane outfits, too!
One wearer says, “Fits perfectly! Great over a tee or layered with a summer sweater. Love that it’s washable and with the perfect amount of stretch.” Grab this in sizes XS-XXL.
See our readers’ picks for the best packable down jacket for travel so you can stay warm on your next trip!
Shop Athleta: XXS-3X | Petite XS-L | Tall S-XL
Athleta UPF Summer Jacket with Hood
For warm-weather travels, resort vacations and to and from the beach, this Athleta Pacifica Illume UPF Relaxed Jacket is a perfect choice!
With zoned sun protection with breathability where you need it, thumbholes which keep sleeves in place and center-front shirred details for more coverage. It also has moisture wicking technology that pulls sweat away from the body to the surface of the fabric so it can evaporate and rated UPF40+ protection under the sun.
One wearer says, “The best lightweight summer jacket! This is my absolute favorite item I own!! I wear it in the spring on my long walks for coverage from the sun, in the summer when I go to the beach for added sun protection, in the fall as a light jacket & in the winter months I layer it under a vest for added warmth. I own several colors!” Available in sizes XXS-3X, petite XS-L and tall S-XL.
If you’re looking for a summer jacket with no hood, this is a good option too from the same brand.
Shop Sizes XXS-2XL: Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama Two Palms Lightweight Linen Jacket
Temps may be rising, but you’ll be cool and comfortable in this fun linen jacket for summer. Fashioned with fabulously smooth linen into a classic jean-jacket silhouette, so you can enjoy the look without the weight.
Vertical seaming creates slimming lines, while raw edges add a touch of toughness. Pair it with your favorite cami, tank, tee, or dress for a great year-round look. One user shares, “Perfect light weight jacket. I have in multiple colors and have also purchased as a gift. I get so many compliments on this jacket. It travels well too.” Grab this in sizes XXS-2X!
Quince Cashmere Cardigan | Sizes XS-XL
Quince Women’s Thin Summer Jacket Sweater
For a light summer jacket women’s style that adds refinement to any outfit from your travel capsule wardrobe, opt for a cardigan! They’re sold in a variety of cuts to flatter any figure and will keep you looking smart and sophisticated.
And with their thin material, they’ll take up no room in your day bag, making them versatile ladies summer jackets for all kinds of sunny trips. This long summer jacket from Quince has a shawl-collar with a versatile open front that you just want to bundle up in, and rib cuff and hem details to elevate the look. It’s lusciously comfy, too!
Grab a neutral tone to go with all your outfits, or go for burgundy or oatmeal to add a splash of color to your look. No matter which direction you go, this old stand-by will do you justice all vacay long. Available in sizes XS-XL.
Take a look at these cardigans, the perfect layer for your next trip!
Mer Sea Women’s Light Weight Summer Jackets
Are they scarves? Are they cover-ups? Are they the light weight summer jackets of your dreams? When draped over your shoulders, a sarong or a cozy wrap like the one by Mer Sea above can bring a bit of whimsical to any outfit.
Often found in bright colors and patterns, it’s the perfect lightweight jacket for women to liven up a more practical daytime get-up. In addition to cooled-down nighttime-wear, sarongs are great to have for travel in general, taking up minimal space in your carry-on.
Wrap it around you and it becomes a changing room. Ball it up under your head and you’ve got a pillow. Hang it on your wall and you’ve just decorated the room with a tapestry! In other words, long live the sarong. Great for beach or resort trips!
These reader picks for light travel wrap will keep you cozy for any unpredictable summer chills!
J. Crew Classic Denim Jacket | Sizes XXS-3X
J. Crew Women’s Summer Jean Jacket
Light denim can make the perfect cooling jacket for summer. They’re stylish, breathable, and not too heavy while adding a comfy amount of warmth whenever needed. They’re also perfect jackets to wear with summer dresses!
The J Crew Classic is a lightweight jean jacket for summer that readers adore. It’s a perfect wear-with-everything option that can be layered or worn with a cute tee. It comes pre-distressed and has two chest pockets and two side pockets for easy storage.
This summer denim jacket is available in regular XXS-XXL and plus sizes 2X-3X.
Shop Daisy Travel Wrap: Amazon | Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer Wrap-Style Womens Summer Jackets
Wrap-like thin summer jackets made their grand entrance at music festivals like Coachella. Wrap jackets and Kimono jackets are so easy to bring with you on the go, and add a light yet cozy layer that looks super cute, too!
This Daisy blended cotton summer jacket is multi-functional, and with large armholes and a flowy design, it can be worn and styles up in so many ways. And you can choose from five versatile colors.
This womens summer jacket can go laid-back on top of jean shorts and a white tank, or dressed-up on top of a midi dress. Talk about the perfect layering piece for travel!
Check out more styles on Amazon!
J. Crew Juliette Collarless Blazer | Sizes XXS-3X
J. Crew Light Summer Jacket Womens Blazer
Blazers are summer jackets women love if their summer destination is known for a quick turn from hot days to chilly nights. Many have a heavier weight than the others on this list, plus they’ll elevate an outfit in an instant!
A reader fave, J. Crew’s summer cotton jacket is blended with merino wool, so it’s cozy but not too hot and has a nice, breathable feel.
While the blazer used to be synonymous with work attire, it’s been reworked to suit any style and makes a wonderful thin jacket for summer. In addition to classic cuts, you can now find blazers with draped lapels, flowing fabrics, and even without a collar. This is available in multiple colors and sizes XXS-3X.
Our readers share their favorite brands for the best travel blazer!
Shop Arcadia II Jacket: Amazon | Columbia (Sizes XS-3X)
Columbia Women’s Summer Rain Jacket
A summer day doesn’t always mean full sunshine. High temperatures and rain can be a tricky combo, so be sure you opt for something that’s both water-repellent but lightweight and airy, too.
Columbia’s lightweight waterproof jacket for women will keep you protected from unexpected drizzle while keeping things cool. It has a relaxed fit and is breathable, super light, and packable, so it totally works for a warm day! Many readers confirm it’s the best summer rain jacket womens pick! Grab this in sizes XS-3XL.
See what our readers ranked as the best packable rain jacket to travel with!
Escalier Lapel Blazer | Sizes S-2X
Escalier Summer Jackets Womens Faux Leather Style
If you want a casual summer jacket for a city break that you can layer or wear when any chill hits, this Escalier faux leather beauty has a 4.5 rating on Amazon! With an open front design, it feels more like a blazer than a heavy, bulky item and users say it’s light yet perfect to throw on when the mood strikes.
It may seem like faux leather isn’t a good pick for warmer months, but as long as you’re choosing something lightweight and thin, this material works well in summer! Just don’t wear it in sweltering temperatures and you’ll be set. This lovely jacket is available in sizes S-2X.
Women Summer Jackets Comparison Chart
[wpsm_comparison_table id=”481″ class=”center-table-align”]
How to Pack Your Lightweight Jackets for Summer
Packing cubes can help organize all the clothes you intend to bring, along with your jacket! We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything. See the video below for more.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
Buy Compass Rose Packing Cubes here!
What are you’re favorite lightweight jackets for summer travel? Comment below!
For more summer fashion tips, please read:
- Top Summer Dresses for a Trip Abroad – Paris Perfect
- Comfortable Sandals for Hot Weather Vacations
- Best Tank Tops for Women
- These Long Shorts for Women Add Pizzazz to Summertime
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Author Bio: After three exciting years in New York, Claire Gros left the big city in pursuit of the alluring unfamiliar. She now finds inspiration in the traveling summer solstice and the affordable flights that keep the sun in her sky. Follow her journey on instagram: clurrgros.
Unfortunately the Tommy Bahama jacket does not come in Plus Sized. 😔
I’ve been trying to find a versatile jacket to take with me on my 3 1/2-month European adventure this fall. I think I’ve found exactly what I need. Thanks for all your helpful tips and information!
I’ve been looking for a versatile travel wrap that won’t break the bank. So excited to try the Daisy Wrap from Eddie Bauer.
This website has been a golf line for me! I’m heading to Ireland and this article has helped me to why idea for best layering with cute jacket options! How did I ever travel before reading all your great tips and tricks?!?
Headed to the Canadian Rockies on Saturday. Thanks for the tips on different outerwear!
I am curious if you know anyone who has traveled to Poland in late Spring? I know the temperatures are not much above 70 degrees; therefore, I planned on packing one pair of pants, leggings and maybe a skirt. As far as tops a couple long sleeve tee shirts, light weight sweater and a jacket to start. After reading many of the posts it is suggested to wear boots and pack one other comfortable pair of shoes. Any suggestions??
Hi Phyllis! It sounds like layering is your best bet. Also, make looks clothing plans now but watch the forecast as it gets closer to your trip to determine if you’ll need additional cold weather layers. Boots are always a great way to keep your feet warm. Whether they’re tall or short depends on if it’s raining, snowing, or dry. I’m going to post your question on the Facebook page to see if we can get more feedback for you. Keep an eye out here: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl
have a great trip!