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13 Cool Transitional Military Jackets to Get You Through the Change of Seasons

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Whether you’re looking to stay warm on a particularly chilly night or you need a go-to layering piece, military jackets come in handy year-round. This utilitarian style, which typically features camouflage-inspired colors and durable materials, takes its cues from—you guessed it!—field jackets, which soldiers used to wear into battle. If you think they're relegated to men, however, think again. According to The Conversation, the style was adopted by ladies early on, as they may have been worn as a sign of solidarity with their spouses.

These days, these jackets are a bonafide fashion staple for anyone, and we’ve done our due diligence combing the internet to find a slew of these popular designs that will offer next-level comfort, are made of durable materials and boast helpful features to enhance your sartorial experience.

What to Look for in a Military Jacket

Military jackets typically fall just below the hips for more coverage than your standard windbreaker or bomber, making for a solidly modest option. In keeping with the times, though, you’ll find them in more modern cuts, with cropped or even trench coat lengths. Below are some of the most important elements to look out for when shopping for one of these pieces.

  • Fit: Even the most gorgeous military jacket won’t do you any good if the fit is off! Take your measurements before investing in one and cross check them against the brand’s sizing guide.
  • Material: While military jackets were once designed to protect soldiers from harsh climates and the elements, fashion brands have put their own spin on these modern materials, with thick-yet-flexible cotton blends that incorporate elastane, Lycra or spandex to improve range of motion. Water-resistant materials like polyester, polyurethane laminate, vinyl and coated nylon, meanwhile, will allow you to wear the jacket year-round.
  • Bonus features: Look for any added extras, such as a hood will help protect you from rain and wind, deep pockets, be they at the hips or the chest, a zipper or snap closure or a cinched waist that will allow you to customize the fit and look of the piece.

Where to Buy Military Jackets

This classic style is easier than ever to find in 2021, with top styles available at Amazon, Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Madewell, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Bloomingdale’s, Target, Walmart and Urban Outfitters—just to name a few—and we've already tracked down the very best ones on the market right now to keep your warm and on-trend.

The Best Military Jackets at a Glance

The 22 Best Denim Jackets of All Time


military jackets top legging
Amazon

1. Top Legging Military Jacket

Best overall military jacket

This coat comes in multiple iterations that will allow you to choose the features that are most important to you. Want a faux-fur-lined hood? That’s an option. A plaid interior? You can get that too—along with a fleece-lined hood or a built-in hoodie.

WHAT WE LIKE: Made with either a durable cotton or polyester lining, it boasts quality construction along with four deep front pockets, an adjustable cinch hem at the back that’s both functional and decorative and tons of color options to enliven any getup. It’s also available in both regular and plus sizes.

military jackets soulomelody
Amazon

2. Soulomelody Military Anorak Jacket

Best runner-up military jacket

Stand out from the camouflage green pack with a military jacket in a unique color, like this one, which comes in hues such as pink or Red Wine.

WHAT WE LIKE: Made from a lightweight 100 percent cotton canvas material, this pick features a discrete interior drawstring waist that actually accentuates your waist. The wrists feature a Velcro closure to keep out wind and precipitation and deep front pockets at the hip and chest give you a safe place to stow your belongings.

military jackets mirabell
Amazon

3. Mirabell Military Jacket

Best camo military jacket:

Between the camo-printed bomber, windbreaker and vest this jacket comes in, you’re sure to find one that suits both your tastes and your climate.

WHAT WE LIKE: The all-over camo pattern of this 100 percent cotton design gives it a bit of an edgy look. Each iteration features both a zip and snap closure, a stand-up collar and/or a hood for braving the elements, a drawstring to adjust the fit and plenty of functional pockets for your belongings.

military jackets wenven
Amazon

4. Wenven Military Parka Coat

Warmest military jacket

The addition of the faux fur lining on the detachable hood of this style will frame your face for an added layer of warmth.

WHAT WE LIKE: Thanks to a cozy fleece lining, this topper will be able to withstand cooler elements far better than your run-of-the-mill anorak. It includes several pockets (both interior and exterior) and a cinch waist to accentuate your silhouette—even if you’re wearing three layers underneath. The hood itself, meanwhile, is deep enough to stay put on your head with extra room for your cap or earmuffs.

military jackets fashion boomy
Amazon

5. Fashion Boomy Military Jacket

Best casual military jacket

With more than 40 cotton/polyester options to choose from, there’s a military jacket (or seven!) here for every day of the week.

WHAT WE LIKE: There’s a wide range of colorways here, spanning from the traditional khaki green and camo options to more funky, modern hues, such as mustard and burgundy. Each one, too, boasts a unique design, with some styles equipped with faux-fur-lined hoods and others with comfy built-in hoodies. In certain styles, the hood itself features a cinch drawcord to help it stay put during a windstorm, while the collar has a snap button for extra protection. What’s more, the pockets that are interspersed throughout are both practical and fashionable.

military jackets amazon essentials
Amazon

6. Amazon Essentials Military Jacket

Most versatile military jacket

Coming in eight cute colors like navy and pink, this military jacket is ideal for transitional weather. It’s largely made of cotton with a touch of elastane for a stretchy, comfortable fit, and it features four generous front pockets for all your belongings.

WHAT WE LIKE: By unfastening the snap closure at the wrist, you can roll up the sleeves for extra breathability in warmer weather. Better still, you can magically create the illusion of an hourglass figure with the discrete interior cinched drawstring.

military jackets escalier
Amazon

7. Escalier Anorak Jacket

Best dressy military jacket

As a dressier take on the typical military jacket, this look is as easy to style as it is to wear.

WHAT WE LIKE: Cinch ties on either side of the waist and slim, understated pockets without the typical gold hardware give this coat an upscale look that will help you zhuzh things up a bit. It’s made with 100 percent cotton, too, so it will be a breeze to wash.

military jackets knox rose
Target

8. Knox Rose Military Jacket

Best printed military jacket

Seeing stars? You should be, all thanks to this incredibly trendy utility jacket that features a contrasting green hue.

WHAT WE LIKE: Made with cotton and a dash of spandex for extra stretch and range of motion, this covering features a cinch closure at the waist, while utility pockets throughout omit the need to carry a purse. It comes in plus sizes, too.

military jackets made by olivia
Walmart

9. Made By Olivia Military Jacket

Best waterproof military jacket:

Adding to this military jacket’s waterproof appeal is the ability to remove the faux fur trim for easy layering.

WHAT WE LIKE: In addition to the versatility the removable lining of this jacket affords, its cinched drawstring shapes the waist while the elasticized cuffs further prevent water from seeping in through the sleeves. There’s also a slit cut at the back for ventilation.

military jackets madewell
Madewell

10. Madewell Military Shirt Jacket

Best military shirt jacket

The shirt jacket is light enough to wear on its own as a top but can also be layered over thinner shirts for days the temperature is unpredictable

WHAT WE LIKE: Designed by Madewell’s men’s team, the oversized fit of this pick provides a cool, down-to-earth tomboy silhouette that you’ll keep returning to season after season. Its cotton material is both eco-friendly and durable, and it comes in two color options.

military jackets asos
ASOS

11. Asos Design Curve Military Jacket

Best plus-size military jacket

Pop the collar on this trendy overcoat for an extra dose of swagger—and protection from the wind.

WHAT WE LIKE: The oversized fit of this style provides a modern take on the classic cinch-waisted military jackets of yore, while the drawstring hem keeps it adjustable. The combination of a zipper and snaps keep it extra secure, too.

military jackets daily ritual
Amazon

12. Daily Ritual Military Cargo Jacket

Best basic military jacket

It may not be particularly fancy, but this basic cargo design has everything you’ll need to pull this trending piece off in style.

WHAT WE LIKE: This style is just what you’d expect from a military jacket: simple, functional, neutral and comfortable. There may not be many added bells or whistles, but if you’re looking for a tried-and-true piece to throw on over your ensemble, this is it.

military jackets mixmatchy
Amazon

13. Mixmatchy Military Anorak

Best hooded military jacket

Keep your ‘do under wraps with this hooded anorak, which has a head covering built right into the design for easy wear.

WHAT WE LIKE: In addition to keeping your strands well-shielded from any potential precipitation, this jacket has a covered placket for some added protection. It’s also made in California with 100 percent cotton, rendering it easily washable with less of an environmental footprint.



Marissa Headshot

Freelance Writer

Marissa Miller is a freelancer with more than 10 years of experience editing and reporting on all things health, beauty, fitness, style and home for publications, including The...