The 10 Best Windbreakers for a Sporty Casual Outfit

Personally, I’m obsessed with just how oversized and cozy this jacket feels. Not to mention, the multiple layers of 100% nylon create a puffy silhouette (that also happens to be incredibly insulated and warm for even the chilliest mornings). The gender-neutral style is definitely more on the athletic side, so I’ll likely be pairing it with leggings for those outdoor “hot girl walks,” and I love the zippered pockets so I can keep my phone, lip balm, and more with me on the go. I might just have to keep this one away from my husband — he’s already got his eyes on it.

The Latitude Light Weight 1/2 Zip Pullover Jacket is actually from the brand’s men’s range and is available from size S to 2XL, but you should size down if you want a more fitted look.

While Abercrombie Cinched-Hem Double-Zip Jacket is definitely more relaxed than a dress coat, it still feels a bit more put-together, heavy-duty, and luxe as opposed to other windbreakers on the list. I love the option to cinch the bottom hem, allowing you to create a cropped jacket moment that accentuates your waist if you’d like.

I will note that the pockets are a bit small and without zippers, so it’s more of an aesthetic addition or a quick way to keep your hands warm more than anything else, though I’ll definitely be reaching for this one throughout the fall months. The fold-down collar feels sporty and polished, while the shorter length makes it ideal for showing off your ‘fit underneath. Currently, the style is available in 3 neutral colors — including a midtone gray, a light camel, and a timeless ivory.

“This lightweight, packable windbreaker from Quince is derivative of lululemon’s Always Effortless jacket ($148). I wore it on a day that New York City experienced its largest 1-hour temperature drop in recorded history. I was in the park basking in the sunlight and the temperature was a balmy 79 degrees. But by the time I’d walked home, it turned cloudy and dipped to 53.

I was so glad I had packed this jacket in my tote bag — it takes up almost no space, and it has stowable hood in case of rain. This hood packs into the tall stand collar, and it’s wide enough to actually fit over my hair. I usually wear a size S, but I sized up to an M and it was the right call, since this jacket’s a bit cropped. One detail I loved is that the color of its zippers perfectly match the water-repellent fabric (made of recycled nylon), so it has a true monochromatic look.

It has more structure than your typical windbreaker, but you can also wear this jacket to exercise, since it’s lined with a soft mesh and it has a vent in the rear to circulate air. Or, use it as a stylish, sporty top layer on those days with hard-to-predict forecasts.” — Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Style Editor, Insider Reviews

Read more in our full Quince review and guide to the best travel jackets.

The Popflex Packable Windbreaker is a lightweight, travel-friendly jacket that has a slightly boxy, oversized shape that crops above the waist, which pairs perfectly with high-rise flare leggings. Each of the five colorways has a colorfully floral-printed hood that adds femininity and intrigue to the style, and the flexible sizing spans from an XXS to a XXXL. Inside is a drop pocket that can hold an iPhone upright, and it also conveniently zips into its own carrying pouch so you can stow it in your tote bag.

Read more about what makes Popflex a top plus-size activewear brand and fave of Taylor Swift in our full Popflex review.

Hikerkind somehow managed to create a windbreaker that’s both elegant and statement-making with the brand’s Packable Windbreaker 01. Both two-toned colorways create a contrasted look that is striking, and the ribbon-tied closure (in addition to the two-way zipper) makes for a pretty detail that’s delicate and coquettish. The everyday staple is packable and can be thrown in your travel purse, and the sizes range from an XS to a XXXL, making it a size-inclusive option for any fashion-loving outdoor enthusiast.

The Crinkle Nylon Cinchable Jacket from lululemon is super simplistic and lightweight, yet still gives a flattering hourglass shape with its adjustable cinched waist, flared lower half, and ruched sleeves. The soft nylon material is both wind and water-repellent and made for those casually layered looks, whether or not you’re heading home from a yoga class. It comes in 3 neutral colors, as well as a fiery orange for a pretty pop of color. Match it with its coordinating Crinkle Nylon Mini Skirt for the full look.

“I like that I can pull the cords taut around my waist to add some definition, or otherwise leave them loose for an oversized look,” writes Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor of this brushed chino jacket from Theory. “When I showed it to my boyfriend he said it ‘could be unisex’ (which is his way of saying ‘I will be borrowing that’).

I was thankful I wore it on a recent road trip because it has pockets galore and a decently sized hood, which both came in handy as we got caught in the rain on our lunch stop. The only downsides are its steep price tag. But the Italian milled cotton fabric feels weighty and durable enough to last me at least a decade.”

The FP Movement Singin’ In The Rain Packable Pullover is made for the adventurer, as it’s water-resistent, a bit oversized to effortlessly layer over your cold-weather gear, and packs compactly through the back pocket. The large hood is perfect for rainy hikes, and the 100% nylon material acts as a shell against strong winds.

The edgy Apparis Thea Balloon Jacket comes in a daring leopard print, a cool-girl army green, or beige hue. Its airy nylon and cotton-blended material balloons out around the sleeves and rear, then cinches at the bottom hem to pull it all together. Its high standing collar keeps you protected from cool breezes, and the epaulettes with silver hardware accents give it even more of a fashion-forward feel. Pair it with some contrasting shorts, knee-high boots, and statement sunglasses for the full “365 party girl” effect.

In case you missed it: SPANX isn’t just a brand for shapewear. In fact, they also have slimming denim, smoothing work pants, and even athleisure pieces — including the Get Moving Textured Half Zip, which comes in sizes XS to XXXL. This pull-over jacket is incredibly stretchy, as is true with most of the brand’s collection, and the unique colorways and textured fabric makes for a playful addition to any wardrobe.