A lightweight jacket is an easy-to-wear garment designed to provide just enough coverage without feeling bulky or heavy. It typically weighs around 80 GSM and is ideal for mild weather or layering. A lightweight jacket keeps things effortless, offering protection from a breeze or adding style to your outfit.
The best lightweight jackets for men and women in Australia include the Biz Collection Unisex Core Jacket, Biz Collection Men’s Apex Lightweight Softshell Jacket, Portwest Classic Rain Jacket, Biz Collection Women’s Stealth Tech Vest, Biz Collection Women’s Apex Lightweight Softshell Jacket, Biz Collection Women’s Alpine Puffer Vest, Biz Collection Women’s Expedition Vest, Unisex Super Light Packable Rain Jacket, Portwest EV4 Shell Jacket, and Biz Collection Men’s Alpine Puffer Jacket.
Here are the best lightweight jackets for men and women:
- Biz Collection Unisex Core Jacket: Biz Collection Unisex Core Jacket is a showerproof jacket with a concealed hood and zippered pockets, ideal for custom embroidery. Its lightweight fleece lining ensures warmth without bulk.
- Biz Collection Men’s Apex Lightweight Softshell Jacket: Biz Collection Men’s Apex Lightweight Softshell Jacket is lightly water-repellent and wind-resistant, featuring bonded fleece lining for warmth. Ideal for branding, with a scalloped back tail providing extra coverage.
- Portwest Classic Rain Jacket: Portwest Classic Rain Jacket is highly waterproof with taped seams, offering exceptional protection from rain and wind. Includes UPF 50+ fabric, ventilation, and practical pockets for secure storage.
- Biz Collection Women’s Stealth Tech Vest: Biz Collection Women’s Stealth Tech Vest combines a quilted nylon ripstop front and stretch fleece back for warmth and mobility. Stylishly designed with contrast zippers and a stand-up collar for added comfort.
- Biz Collection Women’s Apex Lightweight Softshell Jacket: Biz Collection Women’s Apex Lightweight Softshell Jacket is a versatile jacket offering wind resistance and water repellency. Features bonded fleece lining and zippers suitable for logo accentuation.
- Biz Collection Women’s Alpine Puffer Vest: Biz Collection Women’s Alpine Puffer Vest is an eco-friendly vest using recycled polyester insulation, providing lightweight warmth and showerproof protection. Offers clear decoration areas for embroidery and a flattering longer back tail.
- Biz Collection Women’s Expedition Vest: Biz Collection Women’s Expedition Vest is a lightly water-repellent nylon ripstop shell, insulated for warmth without bulk. Equipped with multiple storage options and easy-access embroidery features.
- Unisex Super Light Packable Rain Jacket: Unisex Super Light Packable Rain Jacket is a waterproof jacket with excellent portability; packs into its own pocket with a carabiner. Includes mesh lining, adjustable hood, and pockets for secure storage.
- Portwest EV4 Shell Jacket: Portwest EV4 Shell Jacket is an advanced waterproof and breathable jacket with an ergonomic design and superior flexibility. Ideal for active use, featuring reflective detailing, adjustable hood, and ample storage.
- Biz Collection Men’s Alpine Puffer Jacket: Biz Collection Men’s Alpine Puffer Jacket is an eco-friendly puffer jacket with recycled insulation, offering warmth, sustainability, and style. Designed for easy embroidery access and practical everyday wear.
The Biz Collection Unisex Core Jacket is one of the best lightweight jackets available in Australia, thoughtfully designed to blend style, practicality, and versatility. Crafted with a 100% polyester showerproof outer shell, this jacket offers reliable protection against unexpected showers, keeping you dry without adding unnecessary weight or bulk.
Inside, you’ll find a lightweight polyester fleece lining in the body, ensuring warmth and comfort while remaining breathable. The sleeves are lined with smooth polyester taffeta, making it effortless to slide on and off, even when layered over other clothing. Available in sizes ranging from XXS to 5XL, the Unisex Core Jacket caters comfortably to everyone, providing an inclusive fit that’s both stylish and practical.
Functionality doesn’t take a backseat either, the concealed front zip is complemented by a storm placket, offering additional protection against wind and rain. A cleverly concealed hood tucked neatly within the collar adds another layer of convenience, ready to be deployed whenever the weather turns unpredictable.
Designed with practicality in mind, this jacket features zippered pockets on the right chest and both front sides, ideal for securely storing your essentials. Plus, inner zipper access allows for custom embroidery, making this jacket a perfect choice for teams, businesses, or promotional events seeking to showcase their branding stylishly and professionally.
Biz Collection Men’s Apex Lightweight Softshell Jacket
The Biz Collection Men’s Apex Lightweight Softshell Jacket is one of Australia’s top lightweight jackets, offering unbeatable comfort, style, and practicality. Constructed with a 100% polyester outer layer, this jacket provides light water repellency and effective wind resistance, making it ideal for Australia’s changeable climate. The inner lining features a bonded textured fleece that delivers warmth without bulk, ensuring maximum comfort during cool mornings or evenings outdoors.
Available in sizes from S to 5XL, the jacket is designed to suit diverse body shapes, offering a comfortable fit for everyone. Its thoughtful design includes a stand-up collar with a soft chin guard to prevent irritation, and a scalloped longer back tail that provides additional warmth and coverage.
For enhanced branding and customisation, the jacket’s zippers can be seamlessly combined with J744 Zippies to highlight your embroidered or printed logo, making it perfect for corporate teams, events, or promotional wear. Combining durability, functionality, and sleek style, the Biz Collection Men’s Apex Lightweight Softshell Jacket is a versatile choice that smoothly blends performance with professional appeal.
Biz Collection Men’s Alpine Puffer Jacket
The Biz Collection Men’s Alpine Puffer Jacket is one of Australia’s best lightweight jackets, combining warmth, sustainability, and practical style perfectly suited for the outdoors. Made from a durable, showerproof 100% nylon shell, this jacket is lightweight yet tough enough to withstand Australia’s changing weather. Its innovative Biz Eco insulation, crafted entirely from certified recycled PET polyester, delivers exceptional warmth while helping protect the environment by diverting the equivalent of 15 plastic bottles from landfill per garment.
Thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience, the jacket features a stand-up wind collar with a soft knit-bound edge and chin guard, ensuring protection from chilly conditions without irritation. Ergonomic, rubberised toggles make the full zip front and secure zip pockets easy to handle, while the hip-length cut and slightly longer back tail provide additional warmth and coverage. The plain, non-quilted yoke area allows easy, clear embroidery, perfect for branding or personalisation.
Ideal for corporate teams, outdoor adventures, or everyday wear, this jacket not only excels in warmth and protection but also makes an eco-friendly statement. With accessible embroidery features and practical functionality, the Biz Collection Men’s Alpine Puffer Jacket is a versatile, responsible, and stylish choice for any wardrobe.
Portwest Classic Rain Jacket
The Portwest Classic Rain Jacket is a standout among Australia’s best lightweight jackets, combining advanced weather protection with outstanding comfort and versatility. Constructed from a 100% polyester shell with a durable 210g PVC coating, it ensures exceptional waterproof performance with taped seams to effectively keep water out. Its lightweight, PFAS-free fabric is designed to bead water away from the surface, ensuring you stay dry even during heavy rainfall.
Inside, a 100% polyester mesh lining (46g) adds breathability and comfort, complemented by an elasticated inner cuff to provide a snug fit, keeping out moisture and wind. This jacket boasts a generous, comfortable fit, available in multiple sizes to accommodate various wearers. Practical details like two secure storage pockets, a pack-away hood for added convenience, and a vented back yoke with eyelets enhance breathability and airflow.
Certified and compliant with REACH standards, this jacket also features UPF 50+ rated fabric, offering excellent UV protection by blocking 98% of harmful rays—ideal for the Australian outdoors. Supplied in a convenient retail bag, the Portwest Classic Rain Jacket offers superior functionality, style, and reliable weather resistance, making it perfect for both work and casual outdoor adventures.
Biz Collection Women’s Stealth Tech Vest
The Biz Collection Women’s Stealth Tech Vest is among Australia’s best lightweight jackets, providing warmth, flexibility, and contemporary style tailored specifically for women. The front body is expertly crafted from 100% quilted nylon ripstop, insulated with premium hi-loft polyfill to deliver lightweight warmth without bulk. At the back, a stretch bonded fleece fabric blend (95% polyester, 5% elastane) offers comfortable flexibility and ensures the perfect fit during any activity.
Designed with practicality in mind, the vest includes a stand-up collar featuring a soft chin guard for added comfort, while contrast front zippers and pockets add both style and functionality. Ideal for layering, the insulated quilting on the chest provides extra warmth exactly where you need it, making it perfect for cool days outdoors or active wear in varied Australian climates.
Whether worn casually or as part of a uniform, this tech vest combines durability, warmth, and style easily, offering versatile apparel that suits any setting. With a streamlined design and thoughtful details, the Biz Collection Women’s Stealth Tech Vest ensures you’re comfortably prepared and stylish, no matter what the day brings.
Biz Collection Women’s Apex Lightweight Softshell Jacket
The Biz Collection Women’s Apex Lightweight Softshell Jacket is widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading lightweight jackets, thoughtfully crafted to blend comfort, performance, and style specifically for women. Constructed from a robust 100% polyester outer shell, this jacket offers excellent light water repellency and reliable wind resistance, perfect for unpredictable weather conditions. Inside, the bonded textured fleece lining provides warmth without excess bulk, ensuring optimal comfort during cooler Australian days.
This jacket is designed to flatter and fit beautifully across sizes XS to 2XL, featuring a stand-up collar with a soft chin guard that prevents chafing and enhances overall comfort. Practical details include a scalloped, longer back tail for additional warmth and coverage, ideal for active lifestyles and outdoor pursuits.
Uniquely designed for custom branding, the jacket’s zippers are compatible with J744 Zippies, making your embroidered or printed logo stand out effortlessly. Perfect for businesses, teams, or promotional use, the Biz Collection Women’s Apex Lightweight Softshell Jacket offers outstanding versatility, practicality, and contemporary style suited to any occasion or environment in Australia.
Biz Collection Women’s Alpine Puffer Vest
The Biz Collection Women’s Alpine Puffer Vest stands among Australia’s best lightweight jackets, thoughtfully designed for warmth, sustainability, and everyday wearability. Featuring a durable, showerproof outer shell crafted from 100% nylon, it easily keeps you dry and comfortable in unpredictable weather. Inside, its innovative Biz Eco insulation—made entirely from certified recycled PET polyester, ensures excellent warmth while diverting plastic waste from landfill, with each vest repurposing the equivalent of 10 plastic bottles.
Designed specifically for comfort and ease of wear, this puffer vest includes a soft knit-bound stand-up collar with a chin guard, providing gentle protection from wind and chill. A longer back tail adds extra coverage and warmth, making it ideal for the cooler Australian climate. Practicality is enhanced with ergonomic rubberised toggles on the full front zip and pockets, while a plain non-quilted yoke area offers easy, clear custom embroidery or branding opportunities.
With its combination of eco-friendly materials, lightweight construction, and modern, flattering design, the Biz Collection Women’s Alpine Puffer Vest perfectly merges style, warmth, and sustainability. Whether worn casually, outdoors, or as branded corporate wear, it’s a versatile and responsible choice for any wardrobe.
Biz Collection Women’s Expedition Vest
The Biz Collection Women’s Expedition Vest is among Australia’s finest lightweight jackets, designed specifically to deliver warmth, comfort, and versatility without added bulk. Crafted from 100% durable nylon ripstop with a lightly water-repellent finish, this vest easily shields you from drizzle and wind while remaining lightweight and easy to wear. The premium hi-loft polyfill insulation traps heat efficiently, ensuring you stay cosy even on chilly days, without compromising on freedom of movement.
Thoughtful design elements include a high collar with a soft chin guard, providing gentle protection from the elements, as well as convenient zippered hand pockets and an inside chest pocket for secure storage. A plain, non-quilted yoke area on both front and back makes decoration clear and simple, allowing your logo or custom embroidery to truly shine. Additionally, embroidery access zips and optional Zippies offer stylish ways to accentuate your branding.
Ideal for casual outings, corporate events, or outdoor adventures, the Biz Collection Women’s Expedition Vest combines practical warmth, durability, and customisation-friendly design into one sleek garment. It’s the perfect choice for those who want functional apparel with a refined, professional look.
Unisex Super Light Packable Rain Jacket
The Unisex Super Light Packable Rain Jacket is one of Australia’s best lightweight jackets, combining portability, practicality, and exceptional weather protection in one sleek design. Crafted from premium 100% polyester fabric weighing just 90 GSM, this jacket delivers outstanding waterproof protection (up to 10,000mm) with fully seam-sealed construction, ensuring you’re prepared for even the heaviest Australian downpours. It also features excellent breathability, rated at 3000g/m²/24hrs, to keep you comfortably dry, even during active use.
Thoughtfully designed for convenience, this jacket packs neatly into its own pocket, complete with a handy carabiner, allowing easy attachment to your belt, backpack, or vehicle, making it perfect for travel or outdoor activities. A mesh lining maximises breathability and minimises weight, ensuring it’s never cumbersome. For practical storage, two secure hip pockets and one zipped chest pocket provide safe spaces for essentials like mobile phones or keys.
Additional functional details include an adjustable hood with a peaked front for enhanced facial protection, as well as adjustable storm cuffs on the sleeves, effectively sealing out wind and rain. Whether you’re commuting, hiking, or on the go, this jacket is your dependable, portable shield against Australia’s unpredictable weather.
Portwest EV4 Shell Jacket
The Portwest EV4 Shell Jacket ranks among Australia’s best lightweight jackets, expertly engineered for maximum protection, performance, and comfort in demanding conditions. Crafted from a premium three-layer stretch fabric, 100% polyester (75D) bonded to a breathable TPU membrane and polyester tricot lining, it provides exceptional waterproofing with fully taped seams, ensuring no water penetrates even during heavy Australian downpours. Its innovative PFAS-free Texpel™ Splash Eco fabric finish actively repels water, causing droplets to bead and roll off effortlessly, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Designed with an active fit, this jacket allows unrestricted movement thanks to its ergonomic ActiReach™ armholes, 4-way stretch capability, pre-formed elbow shaping, and harness-friendly two-way zips, making it perfect for workwear, outdoor adventures, or any activity requiring agility. Practicality is further enhanced by five secure storage pockets, including internal compartments, zipped chest and side pockets, easy-grip pullers, and waterproof zippers. Underarm pit zips deliver enhanced breathability to regulate your temperature in dynamic conditions.
Thoughtful features like an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood with peak, a chin guard for extra comfort, reflective elements for improved visibility, touch-tape cuffs, and a dipped back hem ensure comprehensive protection. Whether working outdoors, exploring nature, or navigating urban environments, the Portwest EV4 Shell Jacket combines robust durability, lightweight comfort, and advanced weather resistance into a single premium garment suited for Australia’s diverse climate.
What to Look for in a Lightweight Jacket?
Here are the features to look for in a lightweight jacket for men and women:
1. Fit and Mobility
Lightweight insulated jackets generally have a slim or athletic cut designed for dynamic activities. A snug, streamlined fit ensures better thermal efficiency, comfort, and freedom of movement, allowing easy layering without restricting your range of motion.
2. Durability
Lightweight jackets often feature thin, lightweight materials for breathability and comfort. Although durability may be lower than heavier jackets, look for ripstop fabric construction, reinforced seams, or abrasion-resistant materials to improve longevity.
3. Warmth-to-weight Ratio
Opt for jackets with a high warmth-to-weight ratio, providing maximum insulation without adding bulk or weight. Premium insulation materials like high-fill-power down (700-fill or higher) or advanced synthetic fillings such as PrimaLoft ThermoPlume offer excellent warmth with minimal weight, ensuring comfort and ease of movement.
4. Fill Power (Down Jackets)
When choosing down jackets, pay attention to the fill power rating—the higher the number, the better the insulation. A high fill power (700+) means superior warmth from less material, ideal for lightweight jackets designed for active use.
5. Water Repellency
Although insulated jackets don’t necessarily have to be fully waterproof, having a water-repellent outer shell is beneficial for unexpected showers. Synthetic insulated jackets naturally perform better when wet, whereas down jackets may need additional treatment (such as hydrophobic down) to resist moisture.
6. Additional Features to Consider
- Pockets: Look for zippered pockets (preferably mesh-lined) to securely store essentials and improve ventilation. Ensure pockets remain accessible even while wearing backpacks or harnesses.
- Hem and Cuffs: Jackets with elasticated or adjustable hems and cuffs help seal in warmth and keep drafts out, maintaining comfort during activities.
- Heat Reflective Technology: Jackets with internal heat-reflective linings enhance warmth without extra weight, boosting thermal efficiency.
- Hood: Choose according to your preference. A hood provides added warmth and protection from wind and rain, but jackets without hoods layer more comfortably.
How lightweight should a good jacket be?
A high-quality lightweight jacket usually falls between 80 to 120 GSM (grams per square metre), making it ideal for mild weather or layering. Jackets around 80 GSM are exceptionally comfortable and easy to wear, providing just enough protection without unnecessary weight or bulk. They’re perfect for spring, autumn, or cooler summer evenings, where heavier jackets might feel excessive.
Jackets closer to 120 GSM still remain lightweight but offer slightly more durability and warmth. These options are excellent for those requiring additional warmth or durability without sacrificing mobility or comfort. Ultimately, the ideal weight for your jacket depends on your personal preferences, intended activity, and typical weather conditions.
What materials should I look for in a lightweight jacket?
Polyester and nylon ripstop fabrics are popular materials for lightweight jackets due to their durability, breathability, and resistance to wear and tear. Polyester is versatile, offering comfort and ease of care, often combined with bonded fleece linings to provide warmth without extra weight. Nylon ripstop is highly durable, resistant to abrasion, and often features showerproof coatings, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
Additionally, look for jackets with blended fabrics, such as polyester and elastane, to add stretch and comfort. These combinations offer improved mobility, breathability, and durability, making the jacket suitable for active use. It’s also worthwhile to choose materials treated with water-repellent finishes or coatings, further enhancing the jacket’s practicality in varying weather.
Do lightweight jackets keep you warm enough?
Yes, lightweight jackets can certainly provide adequate warmth, particularly in moderate or transitional climates common across Australia. These jackets typically feature smart insulation, such as hi-loft polyfill, bonded fleece lining, or quilted panels, designed specifically to trap warmth efficiently without adding excessive bulk or weight.
However, the level of warmth depends largely on the type of insulation used. Jackets with advanced insulation technologies like eco-friendly recycled polyester fillings or strategically placed quilted areas offer excellent thermal retention. They’re ideal for active or casual wear, especially when layering beneath heavier garments in colder weather or as standalone outerwear during milder conditions.
Is water resistance necessary in lightweight jackets?
Water resistance is a valuable feature, especially if you frequently spend time outdoors or encounter unpredictable weather. Lightweight jackets with water-repellent finishes or showerproof coatings protect against light rain and moisture, preventing discomfort and keeping you dry without the heaviness of fully waterproof garments.
However, if your usage primarily involves indoor or fair-weather outdoor activities, water resistance isn’t strictly necessary. In these cases, a jacket focusing on breathability, comfort, and style might better suit your needs. Nevertheless, having a jacket with at least mild water resistance provides versatility and added peace of mind, particularly for travel or outdoor events.
Are lightweight jackets suitable for embroidery or printing?
Yes, lightweight jackets are highly suitable for embroidery or printing, making them popular choices for branded apparel, teamwear, corporate uniforms, or personalised gifts. Brands like Biz Collection and Portwest specifically design their jackets with non-quilted, smooth yoke areas, chest panels, or dedicated embroidery access zips to facilitate clear and professional decoration.
This suitability for customisation allows businesses or teams to prominently display their logos, names, or unique designs without compromising the jacket’s functionality or aesthetic. When choosing a jacket for decoration, ensure it includes designated decoration zones and easy embroidery access points to achieve the best and clearest results.
