The Best Men's Jackets for Fall: 5 Styles and When to Wear Them

Fall is the one season where a jacket is the outfit. Mornings are cold, afternoons are mild and evenings are cold again, so the jacket has to work across all three. Five styles cover every fall situation. You do not need all five, but knowing what each one is for makes the choice easy.

1. The Bomber Jacket

For: everyday, weekends, casual dinners. A bomber is short, easy to move in and works over a tee, a polo or a sweater. Choose navy, black or olive for the most versatile option, and a padded or lined bomber for colder days. See men's jackets.

2. The Quilted Jacket

For: the commute, the office, cold mornings. A quilted jacket is warmer than a bomber and neater than a puffer. It looks right over a shirt and chinos, which makes it the smart-casual choice. See winter jackets for the warmest versions.

3. The Lightweight Hooded Jacket

For: rain, wind, early fall. A lightweight hooded or zip jacket handles bad weather without weighing you down and packs into a bag. See lightweight jackets.

4. The Tailored Jacket or Blazer

For: work, dinners, weddings. A tailored jacket over a shirt or a fine knit is the dressiest fall option and the one that makes chinos look like an outfit. See tailored jackets and blazers.

5. The Wool Coat

For: late fall, cold evenings, formal occasions. A wool coat in navy or charcoal goes over a blazer and covers the hip, which makes it the warmest and most elegant of the five. See long coats.

How to Wear Fall Jackets

Match the jacket to what is underneath: a bomber or a lightweight jacket over a tee or polo, a quilted jacket over a shirt or sweater, a tailored jacket over a shirt, a wool coat over a blazer or a knit. Keep the colors to two or three and let the jacket set the tone. Chelsea boots or leather sneakers finish all five; see boots.

Which Jacket First?

If you buy one, buy a quilted jacket in navy: warm enough for most of fall, smart enough for work, casual enough for the weekend. If you buy two, add a bomber. Men over 50 usually prefer a regular fit with a slightly longer hem in both. For fit details, read how a men's jacket should fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the warmest fall jacket?

A quilted or padded jacket. For late fall, a wool coat or a puffer.

Can I wear a bomber jacket to work?

In a casual or business-casual office, yes, in a solid dark color over a polo or a shirt.

What color jacket goes with everything?

Navy first, then black, olive and charcoal.

Browse the men's fall collection: every jacket is 50 to 70% off with free US shipping and 30-day returns.