Fall weather can be as ambivalent as a situationship. One moment it’s a brisky 58 degrees and you’re reaching for your sweater, and the next, it’s 83 degrees and you’re sweating through your T-shirt. When you’re in the middle of in-between weather, few fall wardrobe staples are more versatile than a shacket. A cross between a “shirt” and a “jacket,” the best shackets for fall will solve all your layering laments. Neither thin nor too thick, they’re perfectly midweight, making them ideal for wearing over a fall-friendly dress or a cozy sweater.
- Dacy Gillespie, personal stylist and founder of the Mindful Closet
- Naina Singla, personal stylist and style expert
- Susan Padron, intuitive personal stylist, host of the Susan Padron Podcast, and author of We Don’t Do Just Okay Anymore
That said, there are as many varieties of shackets as there are shifts in weather on a single fall day. Your ideal pick will come in a style and fabric that suits your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle. Say goodbye to autumnal outwear confusion, and hello to the best shackets for fall.
- Best fleece: Patagonia Retro Pile Fleece Shacket, $199
- Best budget: Quince Eco-Knit Milano Oversized Shirt Jacket, $70
- Best denim: Favorite Daughter The David Shacket, $298
- Best lightweight: Eileen Fisher Garment-Dyed Utility Organic Cotton Shirt Jacket, $178
- Best moisture-wicking: Athleta Allure Shirt Jacket, $129
- Best water-repellent: Lululemon Lightweight Insulated Shirt Jacket, $168
- Best cropped: Vince Double-Knit Cotton-Blend Cropped Jacket, $345
- Best structured: Sézane Will Jacket, $190
- Best wool: Buck Mason Felted Field Shirt, $268
What to look for when shopping for a shacket
According to fashion stylist Naina Singla, “Shackets come in a variety of colors, styles, and fabrics so you want to choose one that fits in with your aesthetic, style, and lifestyle.”
Style
Most shackets are reminiscent of “an oversized button-down shirt,” says personal stylist Susan Padron, complete with collars and pockets. While many shackets will hang past the hips, you’ll also find options with shorter hemlines or longer ones that hit above the knees, adds Singla—keeping in mind that your specific height will determine how long a shirt jacket is on you. “You might want to size down to find the fit that you’re looking for because some brands fully lean into the ‘oversized look,’ and that might overwhelm a petite frame,” says Padron.
Shacket styles have also extended beyond plaid. A neutral-hued shacket can be a solid option if you’re looking for a versatile option for your wardrobe. If you prefer something that makes a statement, opt for one in a bold color or pattern. Alternatively, one that is constructed in a fun material (such as suede) can offer visual interest to your outfit, says Padron. In any case, your ideal style is a matter of your “personal style and what speaks to you,” she says.
Material
The type of fabric you choose will determine whether it's appropriate for the climate where you live, says personal stylist Dacy Gillespie.
For instance, you’ll find options made from lightweight materials like cotton, denim, or flannel, which “are designed to be heavier than a shirt, but not so bulky,” says Singla. Conversely, “wool or wool-cotton blends are best for colder climates,” she says. You’ll also find options made from moisture-wicking polyester on the list, which is perfect for shrugging on after a sweaty workout or on a warm fall day.
Shop the 9 best shackets for fall
Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 4 | Material: 100% polyester
The Patagonia Retro Pile Fleece Shacket is the clothing equivalent of a Teddy bear: fuzzy, warm, and adorable. The shaggy fleece exterior, made from 100 percent recycled polyester, wicks away wetness, and the cut is roomy enough to accommodate layers. The oversized fit works well for tossing on over a hoodie or sweater, while the chest pockets are deep enough for bigger items, like phones and wallets. Plus, it comes in four colors (like Burnished Red and Pine Needle Green) that are especially apropos for fall.
Pros:
- Made from recycled materials in a Fair Trade-certified facility
- Oversize fit accommodates layers
- Wicks away moisture
- Multiple pockets
Cons:
- Limited size range
- Prone to collecting lint
Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 3 | Material: 50% Lenzing Ecovero, 28% polyester, 22% nylon
For under $70, you can’t beat the price of Quince’s oversized shirt jacket. It’s made from moisture-wicking polyester and nylon, as well as Lenzing Ecovero, a breathable material derived from wood pulp. The shacket is lightweight and roomy, if slightly too big, but not in the least uncomfortable. It’s soft and smooth against the skin, and you can easily layer it with a button-up or a sweater without feeling like a sausage. It comes in three neutral colors to pair without just about anything in your closet.
Pros:
- Made from lightweight materials
- Fabric is soft and smooth against skin
- Chest pockets
Cons:
- Limited size range
- Slightly too oversize
Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 1 | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
For a denim shacket, Singla recommends this option from Favorite Daughter. It’s made from cotton and just a touch of elastane for stretch. It also comes with chest pockets and hand pockets for safely stashing your phone and wallet. The midweight material is ideal for year-round wear, and like your favorite denim jacket, you can wear it multiple ways. “You can wear it with straight-leg jeans for a full denim look, or you can wear it with dresses and skirts to create a more casual look,” says Singla.
Pros:
- Recommended by Singla
- Versatile and easy to dress up or down
- Ideal for year-round wear
- Multiple pockets
Cons:
- Pricey
- Only one color option available
Sizes: XXS-3X | Colors: 2 | Material: 100% cotton
This Eileen Fisher shirt jacket is more shirt than jacket—ideal as a lightweight layer when you want a smidge of extra protection from fall crispness. Made from 100 percent organic cotton, it has some heft to it—making it more substantial than a T-shirt—and it’s cut roomy to allow for layering. It’s also lightweight enough to wear underneath a jacket, offering it even more versatility. If anything, it’s one of the few picks on the list that doesn’t have pockets—a tradeoff for those who like the option of additional storage space. Shop it in two colors and in sizes XXS to 3X.
Pros:
- Ideal for layering over or underneath other clothing
- Made from 100% cotton in a Fair Trade-certified facility
- Inclusive size range
Cons:
- No pockets
- Only available in two colors
Sizes: XXS-XL | Colors: 3 | Material: 82% polyester, 13% Tencel modal, 5% elastane
If you’re looking for a shirt jacket that’s suited for active adventures, consider this sporty pick from Athleta. It’s made from moisture-wicking polyester and modal, along with five percent elastane that offers freedom of movement. It’s among the lightest weight options on the list, and its streamlined silhouette can go from the gym to the grocery store. Plus, it can also be worn over warmer layers when the occasion calls for it. Like the above pick, though, it doesn’t have pockets.
Pros:
- Made from moisture-wicking materials
- Features 5% elastane for stretch
- Available in petite and tall sizes
Cons:
- No pockets
- Limited size range
Sizes: XXXS-XL | Colors: 3 | Material: Not specified
This shirt jacket is similarly sporty, with a few notable differences from the previous option. For one, it’s made with a proprietary fabric that makes it wind- and water-resistant. Second, it’s insulated to stave off the autumnal chill. Last but not the least, it has pockets. The shacket itself is cut with an oversized fit and features snap buttons along the placket that make putting it on (or taking it off) a literal snap. Just note: Lululemon recommends buying a size smaller than your usual size if you want a slimmer fit.
Pros:
- Wind- and water-resistant
- Features insulation
- Multiple pockets
Cons:
- Pricey
- It runs large
Sizes: XXS-XL | Colors: 2 | Material: 81% cotton, 15% polyester, 4% spandex
If you want a shacket on the shorter side, this Vince cropped jacket isa solid choice—and it comes with the recommendation of Singla. “A cropped shacket is on trend,” she says, offering an of-the-moment spin on the classic silhouette, complete with pockets. Multiple pockets. It’s made from cotton, polyester, and spandex, and the cut lends itself well to versatility. You can wear it with wide-leg jeans and a simple cashmere sweater, says Singla, or a pair of heeled mules and a structured purse. It’s available in two neutral colors—gray and black.
Pros:
- Recommended by Singla
- Versatile silhouette
- Multiple pockets
Cons:
- Hand wash only
- Limited size range
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 12 | Material: 54% polyester, 44% wool, 2% elastane
“A solid-colored, tailored-style shacket is a great piece to have in your wardrobe,” says Singla, and she recommends the oversized Will Jacket from Sézane. “It comes in a variety of colors, and it looks great with dresses and skirts,” she says. It’s made from recycled polyester, wool, and elastane to keep you toasty on chilly days, and it’s Oeko-Tex-certified, which means it’s free of potentially harmful substances. What’s more, it comes in 12 colors to suit a wide variety of style preferences.
Pros:
- Recommended by Singla
- Oeko-Tex certified
- Available in 12 colors
Cons:
- Pricey
- Dry clean only
Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 4 | Material: 100% merino wool
When temperatures dip, we’ll be shrugging on this pick from Buck Mason. It’s made from felted merino wool to keep you warm (but not sweaty), and it feels like a favorite worn-in jacket—soft, smooth, and supremely cozy. Plus, its long, straight cut offers plenty of rugged charm. Multiple pockets means that you can wander outdoors without a bag, and it comes in four neutral colors, like the brownish-green color pictured above that plays well with a variety of closet staples.
Pros:
- Made from 100% merino wool for warmth
- Breathable
- Multiple pockets
- Versatile
Cons:
- Pricey
- Dry clean only
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