As the leaves start turning yellow and the temperatures fall, the desire to wrap up warm increases.
Still, it’s not cold enough for a heavy winter jacket, and it’s not warm enough for just a sweater, so it’s best to get something in between.
An autumnal jacket should be lightweight and wind-resistant.
Ideally, it should also be hooded and able to stand up to the brunt of the season.
It should also be waterproof or at least water-resistant, as rainfall can increase throughout this time of year.
So check out the list below to choose one of the best fall jackets for you!
Top Jackets to Wear This Fall – Nick’s Pick
Best Fall Jackets for Women
1. Helly Hansen Women’s Belfast Raincoat Jacket with Hood
This jacket from Helly Hansen, the Belfast model, is longer than your average best fall jackets.
This can help when sitting down as there is more coverage of the body.
This jacket has quite a few pockets to keep your hands warm and your possessions safe.
Made from 100% polyester, it’s pretty light but still waterproof.
It is also great for keeping you dry as it has been treated with Helly Tech Protection.
It has a lot of adjustment options including a drawstring on the hood, a drawstring around the hem, and adjustable straps around the wrist to keep the jacket snug and fit to the body.
Heights:
- Longer jacket to keep hips dry in bad weather
- Adjustable sizing on the hood, the hem, and around the wrists
- Numerous pockets of the outside with different openings
- Hook and loop fastener on the arm
- Zippered pocket on the chest
Plains:
- Sizing runs a little small so it might be a good idea to get a next size up and layer
- The zipper has been reported to be difficult to use
Recommended: Waterproof jacket, waterproof hiking shoes, anyone?
2. Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket
Topping many of Amazon’s listings is this Arcadia II Jacket from Columbia.
The exterior shell is manufactured from 100% nylon and the mesh interior is polyester.
There is a drawstring around the base of the jacket and adjustable fasteners on the wrists to keep the wind out.
It is only water-resistant, not completely waterproof, but it can still stand up to moderate fall weather.
Reports indicate that the jacket runs slightly small in sizing, so better to check measurements to get a correct fit.
Also, the hood has also been reported as being of an odd fit, a bit too tall for the average user and unfortunately it’s a permanent fixture.
The hood itself cannot be removed or hidden away.
Heights:
- Can sustain moderate rain even though it’s not completely waterproof
- Not too thick so it’s possible to wear a fleece underneath to keep warm
Plains:
- Colors have been reported to be a little different than shown
- Might need a thin layer underneath as the mesh interior has been known to be a little uncomfortable against the skin
3. AUDIANO Rain Jackets Women Lightweight Windbreaker Hooded Trench Coats
As detailed in the introduction, a fall jacket should be pretty light, hooded, and preferably waterproof.
This particular jacket ticks all the boxes.
It has a removable hood for those days when the weather is reasonable.
For wet days, the hood has a drawstring to keep it snug to your head.
Made from 95% polyester, it’s very waterproof but still light enough to fit a sweater underneath for those colder days.
It has been reported to run a little on the smaller side so do check the measurements.
Also, it has a drawstring around the waist to give shape.
The only other hitch with this jacket is the lack of wrist straps, but as they’re a little longer, they can be rolled up to provide a tighter fit.
Heights:
- Waterproof
- Reasonably sized pockets
- Interior drawstring waist to cinch the waist
- Detachable hood with drawstring to keep it secure
Plains:
- Runs small, so do check sizing charts
- No wrist straps so the wind may be creating a breeze inside the jacket
- No drawstring at the hem of the jacket, only at the waist
Suggested: For those really cold days, go for a fleece jacket for women!
4. Carhartt Women’s Shoreline Jacket (Regular and Plus Sizes)
This Shoreline jacket from Carhartt is very adjustable.
The detachable hood has a drawstring on to keep it tight to the face.
Also, not only does it have wrist straps, but it also has thumb holes to keep the jacket from riding up.
There is no drawstring on the hem of the jacket but it has been reported to be quite tight around the hips anyway.
Apart from the close fit on the hips, it has been noted that the jacket does run large – so it’s a good idea to check the measurements.
If you go for a size up, you can add layers for those colder fall days.
The pink interior is meshed to keep the heat in.
Also, there is polyester mesh in the main body and nylon in the sleeves.
Heights:
- Lightweight canvas
- Detachable hood with drawstring adjustments
- Adjustable wrist straps and thumb holes to keep the sleeves from riding up
- Long so it can cover the hips as well
Plains:
- Unusual pink interior in comparison with the darker exterior color options
- Runs large so might be a good idea to get a fitted size and layer up with sweaters
- Tight fit around the hips
Recommended: Why Fall is the Best Season for Hiking
Best Fall Jackets for Men
5. The North Face Men’s Resolve Jacket
This Resolve Jacket from The North Face is one of the most popular windbreakers from one of the most recognizable brands in outdoor clothing.
It is fully waterproof but at the same time breathable.
This way, you won’t get too warm, which is great for the season as the days can be quite unpredictable.
The hood is not only adjustable but can also be packed away into itself for convenience.
Unlike most other jackets, this has elasticated wrist cuffs.
These are generally a lot more practical as they don’t need adjusting and can really keep the wind out.
It is very lightweight and the pockets on the sides are zipper closures to stop anything from falling out.
Heights:
- Lightweight
- Elasticated cuffs
- Stowaway hood
- Waterproof yet breathable
Plains:
- Some of the stitching has been reported to be of a lower quality than expected
- The seller has been known to make errors when shipping orders so do check the sizing when it arrives
6. Berne Men’s Big & Tall Original Washed Hooded Jacket
For those men that are of a larger size, this jacket from Berne is an ideal purchase.
With chest sizes starting from 36 inches, this canvas jacket is suitable for those all the way up to 60 inches.
This jacket is not waterproof, but can still easily keep you dry due to the material.
For those colder fall days, it’s not really necessary to layer up as this jacket can easily keep you warm.
There is adjustability only in the hood, but the wrists and the hem are elasticated to create a snug fit.
The only downside is the construction of it – the sizing in certain areas has been reported to be unusual with the shoulders and the hood being a lot larger than the rest of the jacket.
Heights:
- Not necessary to layer up as this is substantial enough
- Elasticated hem and wrists
- Suitable for low temperatures and high wind speeds
- Fashionable yet casual look
Plains:
- Not waterproof nor water-resistant
- Hood and shoulder construction is a little larger than usual
Suggested: For those really cold days, go for a fleece jacket for men!
7. Marmot PreCip Men’s Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket
As the temperatures drop, wearing multiple layers can keep you warm.
However, multi-layers can also make you sweat.
To help regulate your temperature, the Marmot PreCip jacket has underarm zippers so you can release humidity.
As this is predominantly a waterproof rain jacket, the interior heat can intensify rather quickly to keep you warm.
But on those severely cold days, you will still need to add extra layers.
There aren’t a lot of adjustment features on this: the wrists are elasticated, and the stowaway hood has a drawstring.
But there is no option to tighten it around the waist or along the hem.
Another point that was raised was that the measurements are pretty odd.
In that it’s tight on the chest but looser near the base.
Heights:
- Waterproof and lightweight
- Underarm zippered openings to regulate body temperature
- Concealed hood
- Chin guard to shield from winds
Plains:
- Tight in the chest but looser in the base
- Only really a shell so would need extra layers to keep warm
8. Columbia Men’s Watertight II Front-Zip Hooded Rain Jacket
This Watertight II jacket from Columbia may be marketed as a rain jacket, but it can also be used as a fall jacket.
You can do so because it’s got a decent mesh lining inside to keep you warm when the temperatures drop.
The jacket itself isn’t insulated, but it’s pretty loose.
This means you can fit another layer underneath when it gets too cold.
It’s also incredibly lightweight and as it’s so thin, it can even pack into its own left pocket.
It has some adjustment options: a drawstring along the hem of the jacket, an adjustable hood, and a chin guard to protect you from the winds.
The only real downside to this jacket is that it has been reported to be a little thin.
Also, the feel of it is a lot more plastic than some would expect.
Heights:
- Waterproof
- Lightweight and can pack into itself for easy transportation
- Many adjustment options to keep the wind out
- Loose enough to fit another layer underneath for those colder days
Plains:
- Too thin for some
- Not as waterproof as expected
- Not insulated so will need extra layers to keep warm
Conclusion
All in all, they are the best fall jackets you can wear those pleasant autumn days!
These jackets are different from typical rain jackets as they are not just shells but also have protection against the wind.
Most of them also have insulation to keep you warm during the fall.
Keep in mind: these are not predominantly rain jackets (unless mentioned) they’re not designed for heavy downpours or extreme temperatures.
So instead, they should be just enough to keep you warm and dry while outdoors during the autumnal season.
Have you worn any of these or do you know of any other great options that can be considered the best fall jackets? Leave a comment and tell us all about them!
Recommended Read: The Best Rain Jackets to Keep You Dry