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24 Best Lightweight Summer Jackets to Protect You From the Freezing A/C

For when it’s hot outside but it feels like the Arctic inside.

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fashion photo session in paris july 2021
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Ah, yes, the blistering heat has arrived—and I bet you've already whipped out all of those summer dresses and halter tops from the back of your closet. But the warm weather also means air conditioners will be blasting at full force indoors. It may be nearing 100 degrees outside but my office is sure to feel like the tundra. And because of this, a good lightweight jacket is a must to keep the goosebumps at bay. These bad boys will also come in handy for movie theaters, plane rides, or those chilly summer nights when you're out after the sun goes down.

As far as styles, denim, moto, and bomber jackets will keep you at just the right temperature whether you're inside or out. Alternatively, switch up your typical hoodie or sweatshirt situation with a trendy blazer! No matter your situation, you're gonna love our fave items...

Our top picks for the best lightweight summer jackets in 2024:


To help you stay warm while still looking cute this season, we've gathered 24 of the best lightweight summer jackets, below. Whether you're headed to a frigid doctor's office or out to dinner on a chilly summer night, these jackets have your back (pun intended).

Linen is a must-have in the summer, so obviously your warm-weather wardrobe needs a chic linen blazer! You'll look totally put together (without overheating) going from the office to happy hour all season long.

Quilted jackets were suuuper popular this spring, and they'll continue to stay trending this summer! This one is perfect to throw on over a light sundress or jeans to give your outfit a unique flare.

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If you love subtle pops of color in the summertime, go for this tie-dye denim jacket. Plus, there are matching pants!

Excited for the Olympics this summer? Saaaame. There's no better way to support our talented Olympians than by wearing a bomber jacket like this one from the USA Swimming X J.Crew collab.

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This design from Rails might just be the perfect summer jacket because it's made from a breezy double-gauze material. It'll be light enough to carry with you during the day and easily throw on when the temps start to drop.

All the cool ppl are wearing cropped blazers. They're such an essential! Plus, this one is made from linen so it'll keep you cool this summer.

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Ugh, don't you just love easy outfits? Make a statement with this stunning wrap jacket that you can also wear as a top! Don't forget to snag the pants, too!

Even if you're not necessarily a runner, I'm almost certain this chic zip-up will inspire you to do like... a lil jog, maybe.

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this effortless cover-up

Lemlem Mariam Shirt

Mariam Shirt

Beach adventures comin' up? You can totally slip into this easy top and wear it as a jacket or a beach cover-up when the sun dips behind the clouds.

this chic bouclé jacket

H&M Bouclé Jacket

Bouclé Jacket

Voila, the perf layering piece that looks good with pretty much anything! This bouclé jacket is a win.

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this soft shirt jacket

Skims Zip Up Shirt Jacket

Zip Up Shirt Jacket

Made of an oh-so-lightweight cotton blend, this comfy shirt jacket is a must. If your go-to summer uniform is a white tee and denim shorts, grab this ASAP as a layering piece.

this bohemian duster

Free People Lily Duster

Lily Duster

Sometimes you just wanna be out in these streets with your duster flapping dramatically in the wind behind you—I get it! This one has a crochet trim and it's a total vibe!

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Wear this denim jacket over everything in your closet. It's perfect for layering when the season changes, too.

A pinstriped blazer is great to throw on over a simple outfit. Alternatively, pair it with matching trousers for a girlboss office look this summer.

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Found your new staple bomber jacket! This one from River Island will make you look sleek and stylish this summer.

this mood-boosting blazer

Mina Self Yellow Lightweight Jacket

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Pretty sure there's no way you can have a bad day when you're wearing this blazer that's as bright as the sun.

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This crochet jacket would be a perfect addition to your summer wardrobe! It's light and breathable so that you can wear it even on the hottest days of the year.

If you're not into classic denim jackets or blazers, opt for this cropped trench. It's ideal for keeping you somewhat covered at your desk all year.

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this elegant cape

Mango 100% Ramie Cape

100% Ramie Cape
Now 25% Off

Alright—so this isn't a jacket per se, but it's still a coverup! Wear this stunning cape to all your fancy events this summer and you'll look chic as ever.

this vegan leather jacket

Wilfred Little Cropped Jacket

Little Cropped Jacket
Now 30% Off

I just know you'll be reaching for this tan vegan leather jacket over and over again. Wear it on a cold summer night, a crisp fall day, or even as a going-out jacket this winter.

Headshot of Maggie Griswold
Maggie Griswold
Contributing Fashion Editor
Maggie Griswold (she/her) is a contributing fashion editor for Cosmopolitan and freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles, covering everything from the latest wardrobe must-haves to interior design trends. Along with Cosmopolitan, you can find her work on Oprah Daily, StyleCaster, Women's Health, and House Digest, among others. She's a big (read: ridiculously huge) fan of the '90s sitcom Frasier, all things Shakespeare, and a good romance-filled YA novel. Follow her on Instagram.
Lettermark

Devin Toolen is the Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan where she’s responsible for anything and everything that comes through the fashion closet doors. She preps ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes for Cosmo photoshoots and assists on set. Devin also writes fashion stories for the Cosmopolitan website. Prior to Cosmo, Devin received her BA from Villanova University and her MA from Parsons in Paris, France. While she is passionate about fashion trends and current styles, she has a deep love for fashion history, heritage and archives. Follow her fashion journey on insta: @devintoolen.

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