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23 of the 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.

By Maggie Griswold and Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
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Jeremy Moeller//Getty Images

Ah, yes, those blistering hot summer days are arriving soon—and I bet you're ready to whip out all of those sleeveless dresses and halter tops in the back of your closet just as much as I am. But the consistently warm weather during June, July, and August also means air conditioners will be blasting at full speed indoors. And because of this, grabbing a good lightweight jacket is a must to keeping the goosebumps at bay. Also, it'll come in handy for those chilly summer nights when you're out after the sun goes down.

Switch up your typical hoodie and sweatshirt situation for a trendy blazer or a cool cropped look on the weekends. And don't forget about classic denim, zip-up, and moto jackets that'll keep you at just the right temperature whether you're inside or out. No matter your situation, you're gonna love our picks!

Our top picks for the best lightweight summer jackets of 2023:

  • Linen On the Edge Blazer

    This Linen Blazer

    Steve Madden Linen On the Edge Blazer

    $99 at Revolve
    Read more
  • Ombre Cropped Denim Jacket

    This Cropped Denim Jacket

    Eloquii Ombre Cropped Denim Jacket

    Read more
  • Suto Rust Print Lightweight Wrap Jacket

    this statement wrap jacket

    DIARRABLU Suto Rust Print Lightweight Wrap Jacket

    Read more
  • Collins Jacket

    this sage one

    Rails Collins Jacket

    Read more
  • Runyon Pullover

    this chic pullover

    Year of Ours Runyon Pullover

    Read more

To cover you up so you can look cute this season, we've gathered 23 of the best lightweight summer jackets, below. And oh, you should totally check out these summer sweaters, too. You won't have a heat flash in 'em—promise.

This Linen Blazer

Steve Madden Linen On the Edge Blazer

Linen On the Edge Blazer
This Linen Blazer

Steve Madden Linen On the Edge Blazer

$99 at Revolve

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

This Cropped Denim Jacket

Eloquii Ombre Cropped Denim Jacket

Ombre Cropped Denim Jacket
This Cropped Denim Jacket

Eloquii Ombre Cropped Denim Jacket

Now 80% Off

If you're searching for a pop of color this season, go for this gradient jacket. Plus, there are matching pants!

Rave Review: "This jacket caught my attention and it fits perfect!"

this statement wrap jacket

DIARRABLU Suto Rust Print Lightweight Wrap Jacket

Suto Rust Print Lightweight Wrap Jacket
this statement wrap jacket

DIARRABLU Suto Rust Print Lightweight Wrap Jacket

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.

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this sage one

Rails Collins Jacket

Collins Jacket
this sage one

Rails Collins Jacket

There's just something about this shade of green that feels perfect for the season. It's an easy way to add a lil color to your ensembles without going overboard.

this chic pullover

Year of Ours Runyon Pullover

Runyon Pullover
this chic pullover

Year of Ours Runyon Pullover

Now 47% Off

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

this soft shirt jacket

Gap Vintage Soft Shirt Jacket

Vintage Soft Shirt Jacket
this soft shirt jacket

Gap Vintage Soft Shirt Jacket

Now 11% Off

With 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.

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this effortless one

Lemlem Kelali Shirt

Kelali Shirt
this effortless one

Lemlem Kelali Shirt

Now 65% Off

Beach adventures comin' up? You can totally slip into this easy top and wear it as a jacket.

this chic blazer

Showpo Lorena Cropped Double Breasted Blazer

Lorena Cropped Double Breasted Blazer
this chic blazer

Showpo Lorena Cropped Double Breasted Blazer

All the cool gals are wearing this cropped, double-breasted blazer. It's an essential so basically...you need it!

this cropped jacket

H&M Crop Jacket

Crop Jacket
this cropped jacket

H&M Crop Jacket

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

Rave Review: "I love the color of the jacket! It’s so cute and comfortable. I can layer because of the fit."

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this geometric duster

River Island Blue Geometric Print Longline Duster

Blue Geometric Print Longline Duster
this geometric duster

River Island Blue Geometric Print Longline Duster

Sometimes, you just wanna be out in these streets with your duster flapping in the wind behind you—I get it! This longline one has geometric print all over and is a total vibe.

this denim shacket

Good American Oversized Shacket

Oversized Shacket
this denim shacket

Good American Oversized Shacket

Wear this denim shacket over everything in your closet. It's light enough to work great in the hottest months, but easy enough to layer when temps drop, too.

this satin blazer

Mango Satin Printed blazer

Satin Printed blazer
this satin blazer

Mango Satin Printed blazer

Now 67% Off

A satin blazer is great to throw on for dressier occasions on a warm night, like this pretty rusted style with polka dot print.

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this mood-booster

Velvet by Graham & Spencer Cassie Blazer

Cassie Blazer
this mood-booster

Velvet by Graham & Spencer Cassie Blazer

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.

this military style

Faherty Stretch Surplus Savannah Jacket

Stretch Surplus Savannah Jacket
this military style

Faherty Stretch Surplus Savannah Jacket

Found your new fave military jacket! You are very welcome.

Rave Review: "I cannot stop wearing this jacket! It gets thrown over my outfit 4+ days a week- goes with casual, jeans and tee combos, or with simple dresses. Beyond cute! Runs large, but picking my usual size allows for layers and a non-fitted look."

this lil trench

11 HONORÉ COLLECTION Billie Cropped Trench

Billie Cropped Trench
this lil trench

11 HONORÉ COLLECTION Billie Cropped Trench

If you're not into classic denim jackets or blazers, opt for this cropped trench. It's ideal for keeping in the office year-round.

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this crochet moment

Farm Rio Crochet-Trimmed Denim Jacket

Crochet-Trimmed Denim Jacket
this crochet moment

Farm Rio Crochet-Trimmed Denim Jacket

Now 30% Off

YES, YES, AND YES. This crochet denim look would look amazing with the matching jeans or other prints for a fun pattern mixing moment.

this whimsical cape

MANGO Long Cape

Long Cape
this whimsical cape

MANGO Long Cape

Alright—so this isn't a jacket per se, but it's still a coverup! Wear this stunning sheer cape to all your fancy events this summer.

this striped shacket

Madewell PROCHE Multi Striped Shacket

PROCHE Multi Striped Shacket
this striped shacket

Madewell PROCHE Multi Striped Shacket

Made of twill, this striped, multi-colored shacket is endlessly wearable, and will work well when temps start to drop in the fall, too!

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this beige bb

Elie Tahari Zinc Vegan Leather Zip Up Jacket

Zinc Vegan Leather Zip Up Jacket
this beige bb

Elie Tahari Zinc Vegan Leather Zip Up Jacket

Now 30% Off

Minimalist fashion lovers, you'll be reaching for this beige vegan leather bb over and over again.

this designer pick

Ralph Lauren Satin Bomber Jacket

Satin Bomber Jacket
this designer pick

Ralph Lauren Satin Bomber Jacket

Now 27% Off

Typically not into baseball jackets, but I can't take my eyes off of this satin one by Ralph Lauren...and it's on sale!!!

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

Headshot of Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
Fashion Editor

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn

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