Skip to Content

Best Lightweight Women’s Jackets For Travel ( Practical and Stylish)

Finding practical and stylish women’s travel jackets that don’t take up your entire bag, are comfortable, and travel well has always been challenging.

No matter the season or travel style, every lady needs a stylish, practical, and packable jacket when they travel. Some trips may even call for two. A good travel jacket is one of my must have travel essentials for women.

I’ve put together this guide with the most practical, stylish, and packable women’s travel jackets for traveling for every season. Don’t take off on your next trip without a stylish and functional travel jacket in tow.

Need the perfect travel pants? We’ve got those too. See my top 5 Best Travel Pants for Women that are comfortable and stylish.

Choosing the Best Travel Jacket

Having traveled full time for over five years and still, as a frequent traveler, I know the importance of purchasing good travel clothes. Clothes that will work for more than one occasion, are practical in their form, look good, and take up little space in your luggage.

There is nothing worse than a cumbersome travel jacket.

This guide and review of the top women’s travel jackets are based on the following criteria.

  • Design – so you don’t have to compromise style while traveling.
  • Practicality – The design must be practical for travel.
  • Suitability for the season and resistance against the elements.
  • Weight of the jacket. A quality lightweight travel jacket is very achievable, even in winter.
  • The packability of the jacket.
  • Fabric for crease resistance, comfort, and easy care while traveling. 

The best jacket for travel can be worn in a variety of different circumstances, should be practical, and pack easily into your luggage.

Depending on the season, your jacket should keep you warm and protect you from the elements – especially if you are looking for a versatile 3 season jacket.

You Might Also Like: A Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing For Travel and The Best Jackets with Hidden Pockets for Men.


The Best Womens Travel Jacket Reviews

These are my top choices for great women’s travel jackets that are lightweight, practical, and stylish.

Marais Travel Trench Coat

Attracive woman with dark hair modelling a dark coloured travel trench coat.
Img: Anatomie

Perfect for spring and fall travel and milder winters. 

Features:

  • Relaxed fit trench jacket
  • Long sleeve, adjustable sleeve tab with buttons
  • Adjustable waist tunnel
  • Hidden front placket
  • Side seam pockets with flap
  • Shoulder epaulets

From the luxury travel brand Anatomie, the stylish and chic Marais Travel Trench Coat is fashionable and functional.

The Marais is a relaxed trench design using quality, lightweight European fabrics—the perfect 3 season jacket for ladies who want a versatile yet chic jacket for travel.

Anatomie offers a lifetime guarantee on all their products, which speaks volumes about the quality of the design. The relaxed fit with adjustable drawstring waistband design promises to flatter any body shape while retaining all the classic trench coat design features such as shoulder epaulets.

Back of a woman with dark hair modelling a travel trench coat.
Img: Anatomie

The Marais also has high end finishes such as a hidden front placket, adjustable button sleeve tab, and side seam pockets with button-down flaps. It also has a lovely rounded rear hemline that scoops down toward the lower thigh, which is very flattering and keeps you warmer on cold days.

The Marais Travel Trench by Anatomie is available in classic black and camel and black two-tone.

(Use our exclusive Anatomie discount code GET15OFF for 15% off any order)


ExOfficio FlyQ Lightweight Travel Jacket

ExOfficio Women's FlyQ Jacket, Tawny, Small

Perfect for spring and fall travel and mild winters paired with a sweater. 

Features:

  • Offers UPF 50 sun protection
  • Water, stain and wind resistant
  • Boasts a sophisticated removable security internal pocket system
  • Two security zip hand pockets
  • RFID blocking internal chest pocket
  • Sleek look with comfortable finishes. 

This stylish jacket does more than keep you warm and looking good. The ExOfficio FlyQ jacket also boasts an impressive design that will leave you feeling safe against scammers and the elements. 

Firstly, the fashionable travel coat promises water, stain, and wind resistance. Keeping you warm, dry, and looking fresh even in destinations where the elements are not necessarily as friendly as the locals. 

The jacket also has sophisticated silver-plated RFID technology incorporated into the pocket. Electromagnetic fields block access to your passport and credit card information, ensuring you don’t fall victim to identity theft. 

It has two secure zippered hand pockets and a removable security zip. The interior travel pocket system keeps your belongings safe from pickpockets and makes going through airport security a breeze. 

ExOfficio Women's FlyQ Jacket, Tawny, Small

A smart center front two-way zipper with a snap front placket finishes the look and keeps you snug. An adjustable cinch waistband allows for comfort and a flattering look for all shapes. 

The neutral tones in black, tawny, and bay leaf work well for mix-and-match travel packing.

The surprisingly lightweight jacket keeps you warm but allows for additional underlayers without looking or feeling bulky. It is an excellent choice of travel jacket for women. 


The North Face Women’s Thermoball Full Zip

THE NORTH FACE Women Thermoball Full Zip - Vintage White & Vintage White Sparse Triangle Print - XS

Perfect for winter, fall, and spring travel

Features:

  • Insulated with innovative synthetic down for maximum warmth and lightweight functionality
  • Vertical zip opening
  • High neck for added warmth
  • A variety of colors available
  • Interior chest pocket with a zip
  • Folds into a pouch

We all know North Face makes great puffer jackets, but, The North Face Thermoball jacket is warm and very compact, which makes it perfect for winter travel. 

A trending item of clothing on its own, the North Face puffer jacket is also one of the best lightweight jackets for women travelers.

One of the best features of this jacket is the innovative insulation technology which delivers warmth equivalent to 600 fill goose down and offers wet weather insulation without being bulky.

It is also one of the best packable jackets, as it folds into a pouch for easier transport. 

The classic slim-fit cut and design of the jacket will work for most travel situations, whether hiking or city sightseeing, making it a great lightweight winter jacket for women on your next trip. 

The North Face Women Thermoball Full Zip - Asphalt Grey - M

While this jacket is designed for all-weather warmth, it is still lightweight, making it a perfect 3 season jacket.

The jacket is available in various colors, from good old reliable neutrals – black, grey, and white to vibrant shades of blues, mint, and reds. 

Layering Tip

The lightweight nature of this jacket lends itself to layering.

In exceptionally cold, snowy, or freezing destinations, you can comfortably layer with a quality merino wool base layer such as an Icebreaker merino wool long sleeve base layer.

Icebreaker Merino Women's 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Top, Large, Midnight Navy

An item we recommend for all cold-weather travel. It offers exceptional warmth and takes little to no room in your luggage. 

Related: Find The Best Anti-theft Backpack for Travel Before Your Next Trip


Kenya Safari Jacket by Anatomie

Attractive woman modelling a travel jacket in black with tan pants.

Perfect for summer, spring, and fall travel. (Winter version also available)

Features:

  • Flattering slim fit with comfortable waist length
  • High neckline with double-snap closure
  • Upper right and side pocket with zip pulls
  • Wrinkle and wind-resistant
  • Comfortable stretch fabric
  • moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and highly durable
  • Long sleeves with double snap closure on cuffs
  • Fabric offers up to 50+ UPF protection

An Anatomie favorite, the best-selling Kenya Safari Jacket is a fashion-forward take on the classic safari jacket.

This jacket is designed with travel in mind. With loads of pockets for stashing daily essentials, it maintains a flattering slim profile that suits any body shape.

Made with Anantomie’s signature lightweight stretch woven fabric developed in France, the safari jacket is wrinkle-free, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and highly durable. But most of all, it is extremely comfortable and easy to care for while traveling. This is a fantastic jacket for traveling in Europe – a great addition to a shoulder season river cruise packing list.

Young attractive woman modelling a navy blue travel outfit.

This sleek and stylish women’s travel jacket works for adventure travel situations, like its safari namesake, but also has a chic urban vibe for city sightseeing or day-to-day wear.

I love this jacket for when you need to travel light. Pair it with one of our recommended under-seat wheeled cabin bags for a light and easy carry-on-only vacation. Available in 4 colors.

(Use our exclusive Anatomie discount code GET15OFF for 15% off any order)

Seasonal Variations

The Anaotomie Kenya Safari jacket is so popular it also comes in seasonal versions – the Summer Kenya Jacket and the Kenya Cozy Fleece-Lined Jacket for winter.


Calvin Klein Women’s Chevron Quilted Packable Down Coat

Calvin Klein Women's Chevron Quilted Packable Down Jacket (Standard and Plus), SHINE ROSEWOOD, Medium

Perfect for winter, fall, and spring travel. 

Features:

  • Full-zip front for comfort and convenience
  • Standing collar to keep the neck warm
  • Side-entry hand pockets
  • Fits into a drawstring pouch

If you prioritize brand and style, look no further than the Calvin Klein Women’s Chevron-Quilted packable down coat. Despite the mid-thigh length of this stylish puffer jacket, it is incredibly compact, folding up into a branded pouch. 

The Calvin Klein travel coat is insulated with lightweight feathers and down, making it wonderfully warm without compromising on style and without the added bulk. 

The modern and sophisticated style attached to the Calvin Klein brand is maintained in the brand’s innovative travel wear. 

Calvin Klein Women's Chevron Quilted Packable Down Jacket (Standard and Plus), SHINE ROSEWOOD, Medium

With the added length, the chevron-quilted down coat is the best packable jacket to stay warm and dry in a chilly, wet climate. You’d be surprised at how much warmer you can be just by having your rear end covered in cold climates. 

The cut of this lightweight down coat is incredibly flattering with a tapered waist and high-standing collar, so it will look great in any travel situation. Best of all, it is easily packable. 

The only negative of this jacket is the side welt pockets don’t have a zipper, so be mindful of keeping valuable belongings in your pockets. 

This gorgeous travel jacket is available in 8 colors.


Eddie Bauer Women’s Departure Travel Blazer

Eddie Bauer Women's Departure Blazer, Sprig, 16

Perfect for summer, spring, and early fall travel. 

Features:

  • Single-button closure
  • FreeDry® moisture-wicking stretch material blend
  • Packs well
  • Two double-layer flap pockets
  • One reverse-coil zip pocket to keep essentials secure

The Eddie Bauer Departure Blazer is the best travel blazer for the female jet-setter. No other travel blazer combines a classic, stylish look with comfort like this one. 

The single-button blazer made from a polyester spandex blend has the right amount of stretch and wicks moisture to keep you looking good and feeling fresh. 

The fabric stays wrinkle-free even after sitting on a plane for hours, so you can go from the airport to a meeting without a single crease. Not just the perfect accessory for the traveling businesswoman, the Eddie Bauer blazer adapts beautifully for a classy night out or a mimosa brunch. This makes it a top contender for the best travel jacket for Europe.

Eddie Bauer Women's Departure Blazer, Sprig, 16
Eddie Bauer Women's Departure Blazer, Sprig, 16

The single-button blazer has a classic universal slim fit that will suit most body types. 

While the Eddie Bauer women’s departure blazer is excellent for travel, the material is rather thin, so you may want to also pack a warm-weather overcoat such as the Calvin Klein Women’s Chevron-Quilted Packable Down Coat for really cold weather destinations. 


Cole Haan Womens Packable Rain Jacket with Removable Hood

Cole Haan Women's Packable Hooded Rain Jacket with Bow, Black, X-Small Petite

A perfect 3 seasons jacket. Light enough to be an all-year raincoat.

Features:

  • Removable hood
  • Water-resistant
  • Bow tie detail at the back
  • Vertical zip with flap
  • Horizontal zip pockets
  • Packs into a pouch

You’ll be looking forward to rainy days, so you can wear your Cole Haan Rain Jacket. Available in 7 colors, including canyon rose, black, and champagne, the single-breasted rain jacket promises to keep you warm, dry, and chic when the skies open up. 

Although not primed for freezing cold weather, the Cole Haan waterproof travel jacket is incredibly attractive and functional. It’s also great for layering.

The stylish look also works well as a lightweight spring jacket or worn with a sweater as a light fall jacket, not just a raincoat. 

Cole Haan Women's Back Bow Packable Hooded Rain Jacket, mauve, X-Small

The back bow tie customizes the fit or dresses it up for the evening – pair it with a skirt or heel. 

The jacket may be stylish and well-made, but it is more than a pretty face. If you’re looking for a rain jacket that folds into a pouch that doesn’t look dowdy, you’ve found it. 

Cole Haan Women's Packable Hooded Rain Jacket with Bow, Champagne, X-Small Petite (356PP990)

This lightweight rain jacket for travel combines style, function, and portability. A jacket in a pouch for travel is perfect for keeping in your backpack or crossbody bag to have on hand when you need it. 


Riders by Lee Indigo Womens Stretch Denim Jacket

Riders by Lee Indigo Women's Denim Jacket, Drenched-Dark Blue, X-Small

Perfect for summer, spring, and fall travel and mild winters paired with a sweater.

Features:

  • 2 button flap closure pockets 
  • 2 side entry pockets 
  • Soft fabric provides give where you need it and comfort

 Traveling to a relatively temperate destination and only have space for a single jacket? Then the Riders by Lee Women’s Stretch Denim Jacket is a great choice.  

For a good reason, the classic style of a denim jacket has remained on trend over decades. The Riders by Lee stretch denim jacket is no exception.

Dress it up or down, depending on the occasion; this classic look works for all travel situations, day and night. 

Designed with comfort and style in mind, this women’s denim jacket has a classic fit but it gives where you need it thanks to a soft polyester blend to provide all-day comfort and flexibility.

Riders by Lee Indigo Women's Stretch Denim Jacket, White, Small

A classic denim jacket with a unique feel, you’ll be comfortable all day while looking stylish. 

Available in loads of great colors, this essential packing staple can be worn as a lightweight spring jacket over your favorite tee, over a dress for evenings in summer, or as an added layer on cooler days. 


Frida Stretch Denim Jacket

Attractive dark lady with a large afro modelling a blue denim travel outfit with her arms stretched out in a playful fashion.

Features:

  • Flattering slim fit with a high neckline
  • Dual cargo pockets at the chest
  • Snap closure at the chest
  • Slightly extended length hits just below the waist
  • Wrinkle-free, easy care signature stretch fabric

If you’re looking for a modern yet stylish take on the denim jacket, the Frida Stretch Denim Jacket by Anatomie hits the mark.

This stylish women’s travel jacket has a flattering slim fit. The dual cargo pockets at the front feature snap detailing in a nod to the classic denim jacket.

Attractive dark lady with a large afro modelling a blue denim travel outfit with a floral T-shirt and floral sneakers.

Anatomie’s signature wrinkle-free stretch denim makes it super comfortable for travel and adds an adventure-ready feel to this lightweight jacket.

This is a great all-around jacket for throwing in your carry-on, staying warm and comfortable on the plane, or for day-to-day wear.

(Use our exclusive Anatomie discount code GET15OFF for 15% off any order)


What to Look for in a Good Travel Jacket for Women

If you want to travel light, you must be smart about what you pack. The more uses a single garment can fulfill, the better.

For example, if traveling to Rome in winter, you’ll want to be both stylish and warm.

If you’re visiting Bruges; in the rainy season, you’ll want a jacket that can keep you dry and cozy. If you taking a road trip along the Maine coast, you might want a lightweight windbreaker.

Ideal Features of Good Travel Jackets

When deciding on the best travel jacket to pack, there are a few features to remember to help you make the best choice.

  • Weight: Jackets and coats can take up a lot of space and can be quite heavy. A packable, lightweight travel jacket is your best option when trying to pack like a minimalist. Look for a light, warm jacket that won’t weigh you down.
  • Pockets: A jacket without pockets is like a car without a trunk. Nifty little pockets can be a huge bonus when traveling. Even though you may have an anti-theft travel handbag; to store your things for the day, a well-thought-out travel jacket with pockets is always a good idea.
  • Warmth: There’s no point wearing a jacket, even a light summer jacket, if it doesn’t keep you warm. The perfect jacket will remain lightweight while keeping you toasty when the air outside is crisp.
  • Style: The ultimate travel jacket will be both stylish and practical. When choosing an all-purpose jacket for women, consider where you’ll wear it. Look for a jacket that can be worn confidently in various circumstances. 
  • Packability: A packable jacket can make a world of difference. There’s nothing worse than a badly folded jacket that emerges creased after a long-haul flight. Or worse, take up your entire suitcase. The packability of a jacket is a key feature to consider.

Quality, down packable jackets can make excellent all-around 3 season lightweight travel jackets without the bulk of a heavy winter coat.

What is your luggage allowance?

All airlines have luggage restrictions, so you must consider how much you can pack. Some will even have restrictions as to what you can carry onboard.

On some airlines, a coat is considered a personal item and can account for part of your total allowance. 

If you are traveling for business and only carrying hand luggage, a small, lightweight jacket such as a travel blazer or ultralight down jacket in a pouch may be the right choice. 

Heading to a winter destination? A packable down jacket makes a great space-saving option in your luggage. Especially if you don’t want to be carrying a bulky coat on the plane. A down jacket in a bag also makes a great travel pillow. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Good Travel Jacket for Women

With the key features of the best travel jacket in mind, let’s consider other factors that will help you choose from the many options out there.

The following questions will help you decide on which jacket best suits your needs and style of travel.

Where are you traveling to?

Your choice of destination will determine the type of jacket you will need. Research the temperature and climate of your destination at the time that you will be visiting. 

Be mindful that the weather in some destinations can vary wildly in just one day—more reason for a packable jacket that stores easily in your handbag or backpack. 

Even if you’re heading to a warm destination, such as Vietnam, you probably won’t need a heavy-duty, lined jacket to keep you warm.

However, you may want to find a packable, lightweight waterproof travel jacket to take with you. Anti-theft features may also be a consideration in this instance. 

ExOfficio specializes in lightweight jackets for travel that are wind and water-resistant with loads of useful hidden pockets and anti-theft features. 

ExOfficio Women's FlyQ Jacket, Tawny, Medium

ExOfficio Women’s FlyQ Jacket

Do you need jackets with hidden pockets?

The safety of the destination will also have a role to play in the jacket you pack.

Women’s travel jackets with hidden pockets provide a safe way to store items you need to access easily throughout the day. Perfect for popular tourist destinations where pickpockets tend to operate. 

What is your traveling style?

Different styles of traveling can influence how you pack for a trip. If you are backpacking through a region, you’ll want to find a warm, lightweight jacket for travel that’s easy to carry around. 

If you’re exploring a city, you want a versatile jacket that works from day to night and has a functional pocket configuration for the belongings you need. 


The Best Women’s Travel Jackets For All Seasons

These top choices for the best travel jackets for women promise to keep you warm, dry, and stylish while keeping your belongings safe in every season.

Whether it’s a lightweight spring jacket you’re after for city sightseeing, a waterproof jacket for hiking or a stylish winter packable jacket, these jackets are proof you don’t need to compromise style for practicality when it comes to a good women’s travel jacket. 

//