Written by Menswear Style in Essentials on the 17th February 2020

At this point it might be hard to imagine a time when a big winter jacket is no longer a necessity. However, such is the way of the world, temperatures will inevitably begin to rise, rain will turn to sun, and trusty outerwear pieces will find themselves filtered towards the back end of the wardrobe for a well-deserved moment of respite. With spring now almost a tangible reality and dark nights slowly retreating into the evening, most of us now face an innominate grey area where temperatures fluctuate, the threat of downpour looms and layering is your new best friend. Luckily for us this is exactly the type of conditions transitional jackets thrive in. Lightweight and easily deployed in a variety of climates, they not only provide an outer shell to protect against some of the more unsavoury conditions, but a bridge to see you comfortably through to the warm weather pastures of mid-way months.

Canada Goose Stanhope Jacket 

With a reputation for creating clothing suited to some of the most inhospitable conditions found on planet earth, Canada Goose are first on our list of mighty fine jackets. Presenting a brand-new silhouette fresh off the SS20 press, the brand, for a moment, avert their gaze from sub-zero environments, instead focusing their attention to biospheres more in-tune with urban pursuits. Named the Stanhope jacket, this new addition places an emphasis on sheer versatility. Coming crafted from a Dura-Force Light fabric which not only boasts intrinsic windproof and water-resistant qualities, the intermediate piece sees articulated sleeves, adjustable hems and reflective detailing added to sweeten the deal. Finished with concealed mesh vents to the back for increased air flow when things begin to heat up, the Stanhope also offers up a roomy unlined body ensuring ample space for sweatshirts and the like to be placed comfortably underneath. 

£450 by Canada Goose

Folk Featherweight Jacket  

Masters of minimalism, since 2001 Folk have been making some of the finest no-nonsense contemporary wears the world has ever seen. Opting to focus instead on the fabric and cuts of their garments, the brand bypasses the cyclical nature of trends, trading it in for collection after collection of timeless pieces. Take for example this fine specimen of a jacket. Exceptionally lightweight, as the name would suggest, it owes its well-rounded persona to the clever mix of materials it brings to the table. Made from a nylon rich cotton blend, the combined fabrication not only ensures comfort and durability but takes on the vibrant orange shade to eye-watering degrees of visual satisfaction. Complete with two angled welt pockets, a double zip and adjustable hood, the Folk rubberised patch can be found placed subtly to the hem as a stamp of age-defying quality. 

£169 by Folk

Kenzo Windbreaker 

For those of us with more graphic heavy preferences, this Kenzo Windbreaker is surely the perfect fit. With the usual fixtures and fittings, such as an adjustable hood, resistant fabric and zip secured pockets, on hand to cover the functional side of things, you can find a large printed logo to the back for a hefty dose of branded recognition. Fully reversible, revealing a contrasting inner design of diamonds set out against a red base, the jacket comes complete with elasticated cuffs and an easily adjusted waistband to keep drafts to a minimum. 

£389 by Kenzo

Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket 

Pathing the way when it comes to eco-conscious outdoor gear the Patagonia Torrentshell is about as practical and sustainable as they come. Made entirely from recycled nylon ripstop and using the brand’s H2No 2.5-layer performance technology, it offers up a waterproof protective outershell that’s teeming with technical nuance. Equipped with a two-way adjustable laminated visor hood, microfleece lined neck, interior storm flaps, handwarmer pockets, under arm zip ventilation, drawcord hem and Velcro cuffs, it comes DWR treated and fully packable. Ideal whether worn on a day-long wilderness foray or a drizzly run to the local shop. 

£119 by Patagonia

Parajumpers Last Minute Jacket  

Inspired by a chance meeting with a serving member of the 210th Rescue Squadron, Parajumpers pride themselves on the fierce functionality and technical prowess of their jackets. Rugged and made to operate in poor conditions, the brand has carved a sizeable reputation for their superior quality, results driven approach and iconic parachute neck clasp. Less heavy duty than its outerwear familiars, the Last-Minute jacket presents a more streamlined take on quintessential Parajumper cornerstones. Padding its matte finish taffeta exterior with eco-friendly down, the jacket boasts up to three front zip pockets as well as a lycra trim to the cuffs and hem. Further kitted out with a press stud neck strap and interior ribbed collar, the jacket is finished with the unmistakable PJ’s badge to the sleeve. 

£349 by ParaJumpers

Moncler Abbe Jacket 

Known for their piste perfect down filled jackets, Moncler are another of the outerwear orientated brands on this list to take a step away from their bulkier body of work. Made from an unobtrusive nylon, the Abbe jacket features a detachable hood with hi-vis detailing, adjustable hem and four cargo style front pockets for ample storage capabilities. Designed to keep the wearer cool when on-the-move, the jacket is cut in a short length and displays the brand’s iconic tricolour design concealed by an easily removable sleeve patch. 

£625 by Moncler

We feature the Canada Goose Stanhope Jacket, Folk Featherweight Jacket, Kenzo Windbreaker, Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket, Parajumpers Last Minute Jacket, and the Moncler Abbe Jacket in this guide to 6 Best Men’s Transitional Jackets.