The best travel jackets for women

Best overall: FP Movement Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket

After seeing this quilted jacket from Free People all over my For You Page, I was excited to give it a test run, right as the seasons change from winter to spring. The Pippa Puffer is made a with vegan-friendly down alternative fill, and comes in a whopping 21 colors (with each one prettier than the next, so it was really hard to choose). I picked "Sage Stone," which looked light brown in the photos but was more of a true sage green in person. In my experience, Free People clothing tends to run large, so I sized down in this jacket, and I'm glad I did. The fit was still substantially oversized.

The best part of this jacket is how cute and cozy it is. It has a boho aesthetic with a loose silhouette, quilted pattern, and a curved hem that's shorter on the sides. The fabric is soft and flexible — I could comfortably nap in it. I love the stripe down the arms and that the cuffs unsnap so the sleeves can be rolled up. I wore this jacket over a long-sleeved turtleneck on a 50-degree day, and it kept me warm. The loose bodice let some wind in, so tucking my shirt into my jeans helped minimize the airflow. There was a light drizzle, and the water-resistant outer fabric kept me dry during short trips from the car to the front door. I wouldn't recommend wearing it in heavy or prolonged rain, though.

The puffer has a built-in stuff pocket that allows you to pack it into itself. I'll admit the packing process took some figuring out. I tried to replicate the neat fold from the video on Free People's website and failed miserably. The only way I could manage it was to shove the jacket haphazardly into the pocket from the outside in. Overall, it's still a cool feature, but I wish the fold method had been better explained in the video. When I'm wearing the jacket, I like to keep my wallet secure in the interior stuff pocket, so I appreciate the versatility. I noticed some snagging on the zipper, which is not ideal, given the jacket's higher price.

Best windbreaker: Quince Water Repellent Windbreaker Jacket

"This lightweight, packable windbreaker from Quince is derivative of lululemon's Always Effortless jacket ($148). I wore it on a day that New York City experienced its largest 1-hour temperature drop in recorded history. I was in the park basking in the sunlight, it was a balmy 79 degrees, and I was convinced spring had sprung. But by the time I'd walked home, it was cloudy and 53 degrees.

I was so glad I had packed this jacket in my tote bag — it takes up almost no space, and it has stowable hood in case of rain. This hood packs into the tall stand collar, and it's wide enough to actually fit over my hair. I usually wear a size S, but I sized up to an M and it was the right call, since this jacket's a bit cropped. One detail I loved is that the color of its zippers perfectly match the water-repellent fabric (made of recycled nylon), so it has a true monochromatic look.

It has more structure than your typical windbreaker, but you can also wear this jacket to exercise, since it's lined with a soft mesh and it has a vent in the rear to circulate air. Or, use it as a stylish, sporty top layer on those days with hard-to-predict forecasts." — Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Style Editor, Insider Reviews

Read more in our full Quince review.

Best bomber jacket: Athleta Jetset Bomber

My two most recent international trips involved traveling to Chile and South Africa during shoulder seasons. This water-resistant Athleta Bomber Jacket was the best thing I packed on both trips. It barely took up any luggage space, looked sharp with all my outfits, and prepared me for frequently fluctuating weather conditions. I wore it as an outer layer on all four plane rides, and the super-soft fabric was comfy enough to nap in. I love that a secret hood can be rolled away and tucked into the collar.

The polyester fabric (made from recycled plastic bottles) has lots of ruching, which expertly disguised any wrinkles from haphazardly stuffing it in my suitcase. This ensured the sporty jacket still appeared sharp in all my vacation photos. Zippers on either side change the look when opened and closed. The beige colorway sustained some dust marks during a three-day safari, but I just popped it in the washing machine and dryer when I returned home, and now it looks like new again.

Best for work travel: M.M. LaFleur

"When you're on a business trip and it's 'blazer-as-a-coat' season, this is the one travel jacket you'll want to pack. M.M. LaFleur is one of our favorite sources for splurge-worthy office staples, and in my opinion, they've perfected the wrinkle-free fabric. The Moreland Blazer is made with a remarkably silky and light polyester blend that holds its shape and can be worn right out of your suitcase. It runs a tad narrow in the shoulders, so size up if you're between sizes.

Now, I know what you're thinking: 'polyester' and 'luxury workwear' don't sound like they go together. But trust me: not all polyester is created equal. The scratchy, suffocating polyester you'll find at the mall is another thing entirely from M.M. LaFleur's 'Origami Tech,' which is soft, smooth, and machine washable. I have the Colby Travel Pants, which are made with the same textile, and it's the perfect weight for 60°F days." — Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Style Editor, Insider Reviews

See more in our guide to the best blazers for women.

Best waxed canvas: Barbour Beadnell Waxed Jacket

Barbour is the first name we think of when it comes to waxed chore jackets. The Beadnell is a timeless pick that works especially well for European travel thanks to its blend of heritage style and practical performance. Made from the brand's signature 6-ounce waxed cotton, it offers reliable protection against light rain while remaining breathable enough for transitional weather. Its Sylkoil Wax coating does a great job shedding water and has a suede-like feel.

What sets the Beadnell apart is its polished, slightly tailored fit, which feels more like a structured blazer than a bulky coat. It's easy to dress up or down, so you can wear it from daytime sightseeing to dinner without needing a change. Thoughtful details like the soft tartan lining, stand corduroy collar and optional zip-in liner and hood make it adaptable across temperatures, while the durable construction means you can wear it for decades.

Ours style editors pair it with:

Warmest travel jacket: Fjällräven Expedition Lätt Hoodie

"The Fjällräven Expedition Lätt Hoodie packs a lot of warmth into just 420 grams (just shy of 1 pound). I've worn this jacket dozens and dozens of times this winter in temperatures ranging 5 to 40 degrees. It's insulated with 100% recycled polyester with stitch-through channels; it has a loft-like down, making it cozy, but moreover, it's downright warm. The elastic edging around the wrists, hood, and bottom help to keep heat in.

"This jacket is part of the brand's Expedition Series, so it's made to be very reliable against the elements and built to last. The design here is simple, but in my opinion, the Expedition Lätt Hoodie is the perfect basic puffer, considering it's only $215. I found the light weight on this jacket made it incredibly comfortable to wear as an everyday puffer running out to the store, perfect for travel or winter hiking, and a light, mobile mid-layer on seriously cold ski days under a shell." — Rachael Schultz, style contributor

Best pullover: Alo Yoga Latitude Light Weight Half-Zip

This sporty pullover from Alo has has a perfectly boxy fit, letting you easily layer a bulky hoodie underneath while you travel. "Personally, I'm obsessed with just how oversized and cozy this jacket feels," writes style contributor Olivia Rose Rushing. "Not to mention, the multiple layers of 100% nylon create a puffy silhouette (that also happens to be incredibly insulated and warm for even the chilliest mornings)."

This gender-neutral style is generously roomy with super long sleeves, which are elasticated around the cuffs to give them some structure. "I love the zippered pockets so I can keep my phone, lip balm, and more with me on the go," Olivia continues. "I might just have to keep this one away from my husband — he's already got his eyes on it."

The Latitude Light Weight 1/2 Zip Pullover Jacket is actually from the brand's men's range and is available from size S to 2XL, but you should size down if you want a more fitted look.

Best reversible: Eileen Fisher Cotton Nylon Reversible Hooded Coat

This Cotton Nylon Reversible Hooded Coat earns its spot as a top travel jacket thanks to its rare combination of versatility, polish, and practicality. It comes from another one of our favorite sources for luxury women's workwear, Eileen Fisher. The fully reversible design essentially gives you two jackets in one — ideal for packing light while still giving yourself options. The relaxed, A-line silhouette layers easily over sweaters without feeling bulky, and the lightweight cotton-nylon blend offers just enough structure and weather resistance for in-between seasons. We also love how it comes in an inclusive size range from 0 to 28.

What makes it especially travel-friendly is how effortlessly it transitions across settings: the clean lines and subtle sheen feel elevated enough for city wear, while the protective hood and easy button-front closure make it functional for rain. Add in thoughtful details like roomy pockets and a breathable, not-too-heavy fabric, and it's a piece you can wear on repeat—making it a smart, space-saving staple for any carry-on.

Best trench: Athleta Stellar Trench

When you think about packable jackets, the word "trench" doesn't exactly come to mind. The longer silhouettes can often be bulky, stiff, or prone to wrinkling — making them an unlikely choice for travel or tossing in a tote.

The Athleta Stellar Trench is none of these things. Like all of my favorite Athleta work pants, it's made from a fabric that's equal parts substantial, stretchy, and breathable. The coat is so comfy, it drapes more like a robe than a jacket. I've even used it as a blanket to take a nap on a chilly bus!

Still, the look remains luxe and elevated. It's polished enough for work, but practical enough to toss in your tote without a second thought. It folds or rolls easily and resists wrinkles almost completely. I've even been reaching for it on cooler, rainy summer days, thanks to a ventilated mesh panel on the back that keeps things breathable. Mine has a pretty roomy fit, which adds to the comfort and airflow, but you could easily size down if you prefer a more tailored look.

Read more in our guide to the best trench coats for women.

What to look for in the best travel jackets

When shopping for a lightweight, packable jacket, the focus should be on what makes it functional, comfortable, and easy to carry. You'll want some combination of the following features:

Packability. Ensure the jacket can fold into a compact size and sustain minimal to no wrinkling even when stuffed in your carry-on. Jackets with a built-in sack make packing even more manageable. Choose lightweight yet durable fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, or ripstop material.

Fit. Adjustable cuffs, hems, and hoods allow a customizable, comfortable fit. Looser fits are breezier but easier to layer over clothing, while closer fits add warmth. Mobility is also essential, especially if you plan on using your jacket for outdoor activities like hiking.

Durability. Ripstop fabrics, strong zippers, and abrasion-resistant materials help ensure longevity.

Water resistance. Features like DWR coating or waterproof membranes can protect against rain. If you're traveling to a stormy climate, see our guide to the best women's rain jackets .

Breathability. Ventilation or moisture-wicking fabrics prevent overheating and keep your outer layer versatile during shoulder seasons.

Warmth. Windproof fabrics block gusts and keep you warm. Hand pockets, hoods, and high collars with chin guards add better protection from cool breezes.