The days of wearing a puffer coat that doubles as a sleeping bag are numbered. The countdown to spring is on, so make the most of the forthcoming halcyon days with lightweight jackets that pride themselves on the details. Think unexpected textures like latex, fresh silhouettes, and eye-catching prints that take regular zip-ups, hoodies, work jackets, and raincoats to the next level. Intricate features and functionality can co-exist and below, we've highlighted some of our favorite pieces that do just that.
Get wild with cheetah print
We've already waxed poetic about South Korean line thisisneverthat, and their cheetah print zip-up no exception. It's lightweight enough for those chilly spring nights and is the perfect thing to grab when your outfit errs on the side of boring.
It's rare to call anything with cheetah print "subtle," but somehow Sandy Liang did it. The soft, faded pink fleece is a masterpiece in detailing. We don't know what we love more: its pops of cheetah or the blast of pigment from the Cheeto-orange lining.
We know this printed flannel from Japanese brand SOUTH2 WEST8 is technically leopard, but please don't be that person. We're into how the jacket has a medical scrub vibe to it thanks in part to its fully camouflaged buttons and wide cut, but is still beautiful enough to wear outside the sterile confine of a doctor's office.
Ukrainian womenswear label Bevza just turned your favorite tactile experience into your favorite jacket with their bubblewrap raincoat.
Hanger's cropped latex coat is fetish wear for the everyday. The loose, dangling straps and thick, choker-esque zipper hardware stay true to its erotic origins, while the flared sleeves create an understated feminine feel.
Your trusty jean jacket's cool cousin
One of the most anticipated and exciting moments of spring is when it's warm enough to bust out the lightweight denim that hasn't seen the light of day since early October. This year, opt for new silhouettes, like the oversized fit from 69. With pockets this deep, you can store the entire contents of your purse or backpack, plus some snacks from the bodega to boot.
Another undeniably fly denim contender is the recycled denim patchwork jacket from Phlemuns. The Los Angeles line — a favorite of FADER cover stars Kelela, Kali Uchis, and Hayley Williams (pictured above) — utilizes multiple different denim shades for an all-in-one look that never gets boring.
A clean-cut work jacket will be paramount to survival once the office air conditioner kicks into high gear and transforms your work environment into an arctic tundra. A Carhartt fit will go with just about anything and a soft turquoise color is a recipe for instant brightness.
This satin-y, straight-forward zip-up from WIL Studios will be your best friend on those days when you leave the house in the morning without knowing when you'll be back to change.
Rise above a rainy day
Rainy days are a cautionary hazard of springtime bliss so instead of moaning about it, make the most of the downpours ahead with a trusty, long raincoat that will protect against unforeseen splashes. A dijon-hued number from OAMC will get the job done and keep you looking chic, which is honestly half the battle.
London men’s wear designer Martine Rose brought streamlined streetwear appeal to Italian outerwear brand Napapijri with a new capsule collection this season. We're obsessed with this dynamic red anorak that stands out through its simple, functional design.