
Pros
- Feels extra cozy like a blanket
- Perfect for layering in cooler weather
- Can be dressed up or dressed down
- Resists wrinkles
- Available in 12+ colors
Cons
- Up there in price, but it lasts for seasons to come
I’ve tried a fair share of shackets over the couple years, but Outerknown’s uber-popular version beats the competition with its style, versatility and warmth. For starters, I’ve worn it through every season—solo on the spring-summer nights or layered over a tank top and crewneck t-shirt when in the fall and winter. When layering, it kept me toasty without feeling bulky or overheated. As its name aptly suggests, it feels like I’m wearing my coziest weekend blanket.
It has that thick build like a rugby shirt, but it’s still breathable when wearing indoors, thanks to lofty organic cotton. This also gives it structure without feeling stiff. The relaxed fit through the arms and chest makes it easy to reach a high shelf, while the tailored cut keeps it from looking boxy. Plus, the material barely wrinkles and softens over time, molding to your body so it feels lived-in from day one. I wore it on long subway commutes, office days, and casual weekends. It was comfortable while sitting at my desk, didn’t feel restrictive during errands, and layered nicely over everything from lightweight tees to undershirts.
It’s also easy to style. I’ve worn open with a tank and trousers for a more polished take, or buttoned up over a crewneck with jeans for a classic casual vibe. The main drawback: it’s on the pricier side compared to other shackets, but if you value longevity, comfort and versatility, this one delivers across the board.
Read More: Best Sweaters for Men
Features at a Glance
| Fabric | 100% Organic Cotton |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Sizes Range | XS—3XL |
| Colors | 13 |
| Pockets | 2 |
Pros
- Water-repellent, windproof
- Built with PrimaLoft® insulation
- Falls away from the body for room to layer
- Buttery peached feel
- Comes with deep chest pockets
Lululemon’s shacket is designed to keep rain and wind at bay. The brand makes it with a water-repellent, polyester fabric that has kept me from getting soaked when drizzles turn to heavier showers. I found that the material isn’t super stretchy, but it’s not stiff either—I can shift my body on the train without any restriction. The inside is built with Primaloft insulation, which has made it feel toasty in temps as low as 50 degrees. In terms of texture, the fabric has a buttery soft feel that’s comfortable enough to wear over a tee without any scratchiness.
Thanks to the classic fit that falls away from the body, I’ve been able to layer it over my office fit—a dress shirt and trousers—and it doesn’t bunch. It’s also practical enough for travel or weekend errands, with pockets that hold what you need. There are deep chest pockets plus an internal zippered pocket that holds your phone or wallet. And the snap cuffs make it easy to shut out any cold drafts that try to shoot up your sleeve. If there’s one hitch, it’s that the color options are pretty limited—but the iron gray shade matches with just about anything, from jeans and sneakers to chinos and boots.
Features at a Glance
| Fabric | 100% Recycled Polyester |
| Fit | Classic |
| Sizes Range | XS—XXL |
| Colors | 1 |
| Pockets | 4 |
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Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Heavyweight, but not suffocating
- Made with a hint of stretch
- Comes in classic plaid, solid, or Aztec-inspired designs
Cons
- Might feel too warm in the spring
This fleece shacket may be cheaper than most, but its quality punches way above its price. It’s a heavyweight that’s sturdy yet cozy with a perfect length, keeping you warm and offers a tad bit of stretch to feel comfortable on the go. While the flannel design does trap heat when layering up, our tester found that it won’t make you break a sweat as you’re hustling through the subway station.
Also during testing, we wore it for early morning camp setups and wood-chopping sessions, and it held up beautifully. The fleece trapped warmth when temps dipped, and the cut offered enough stretch and mobility for swinging an axe or hauling gear without feeling restricted. The length hits just right, landing below the waist for most 5’8-height men. Plus it comes in a range of tall sizes so guys of all builds can get a custom-feeling fit.
The buffalo plaid pattern in blue gives it that classic outdoorsman vibe, while the corduroy-lined collar adds a nice touch of texture and style. Yes, it layers well over henleys or thermal shirts, but a few of our editors prefer wearing it buttoned up with black jeans for a laid-back, beer-with-the-fellas kind of look. Just remember: since it’s true heavyweight fleece, it traps heat fast—so it’s great for cold mornings, but you might overheat if you’re moving around too much or the temps climb above 50°F.
| Fabric | 100% Polyester |
| Fit | Regular |
| Size Range | S—5XL |
| Colors | 11 |
| Pockets | 2 |
Pros
- Clean, minimal look can elevate fits
- Traps air, creating natural insulation
- Relaxed enough to layer layer(s)
- Resists stains and repels liquid
Wool is one of the best fabrics you can pick for a shacket—it delivers warmth, structure, and durability without the bulk. That’s why we’re big fans of this one from Mango. It’s not puffed-up like a marshmallow, but the wool traps air, creating natural insulation, keeping you warm even with its lighter build. Our tester wore it on 60-degree days, and found it surprisingly breathable—he never overheated indoors or while layering it over a sweater.
The fit is relaxed enough that we were able to comfortably fit both a button-down and a tee underneath, which makes it an easy layering piece for cold commutes, travel, or weekend wear. And even after consistently wearing it for four months, the Mango Overshirt held its structure beautifully. That’s pretty remarkable, since similarly-priced cotton or fleece shackets stretch out or lose shape over time. The wool naturally resists stains and repels liquid, while the polyester blend adds softness that feels like your favorite blanket. Just keep in mind: it’s dry-clean only, so take it to the pros when it needs a refresh.
Features at a Glance
| Fabric | 100% polyester |
| Fit | Straight |
| Sizes Range | XS—XXL |
| Colors | 1 |
| Pockets | 2 |
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Pros
- Neat drape
- Fuzzy, soft texture
- Relaxed enough to layer a hoodie and te
Cons
- Not ideal if you like a closer cut
Uniqlo makes one of the best corduroy shackets out there. Its regular, relaxed fit gives you just the right amount of room: I could easily layer both a hoodie and a T-shirt together underneath without feeling stuffed. To my surprise, the sleeves and shoulders didn’t pull either when I crouched down to tie my shoes. The cut does run slightly long, too, hitting below the waist for that easy, laid-back drape that works just as well over jeans as it does with chinos.
This piece is made from 100% cotton woven with thick slub yarn, which gives the fabric a naturally uneven texture. That’s what makes it look and feel more premium than your average corduroy—it’s not flat or shiny, but slightly rugged and dimensional, like something that’s already been broken in. The corduroy itself feels soft and plush, with enough nap (that signature ribbed fuzz) to feel warm and cozy without veering into bulky territory. The only con: the long cut that makes it great for layering can feel a touch oversized if you’re shorter or prefer a cropped, more tailored silhouette.
Features at a Glance
| Fabric | 100% Cotton |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Sizes Range | XXS—3XL |
| Colors | 5 |
| Pockets | 2 |
Pros
- Made with Regenagri cotton, which makes it softer yet tougher
- Can be paired with jeans for Americana aesthetic
- Room in the chest and less tapering at waist
- Vintage vibe
Cons
- Only wash available in this cut
From the brand that brings you top-notch jeans, it makes sense that Madewell also knows how to make a killer denim shacket. The brand cuts it a little closer through the chest—snug enough to look sharp, but roomy enough to layer a tee underneath. It’s made with Regenagri cotton, which comes from farms that focus on soil health and better growing practices. The result? Longer-staple, higher-quality fibers that feel softer yet tougher than your average cotton.
It’s not as warm as a wool shacket, but that’s the beauty of it—it’s perfect for fall and spring when you just need a light top layer. When I first tried it on, I noticed how structured the fabric was—stiff at first, but it relaxes and molds to your body after a few wears. The polished medium wash leans classic Americana, so I wore mine with jeans in the same tone for a low-key weekend brunch. Plus, the heavy-duty metal buttons and dual chest pockets give it that rugged, workwear edge—and a place to stash your wallet or some cash.
Features at a Glance
| Fabric | 100% Regenagri® cotton |
| Fit | Regular |
| Sizes Range | XS—XL |
| Colors | 1 |
| Pockets | 2 |
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Pros
- Excellent insulation and durability
- Solid wind resistance
- Very polished making it perfect for dressier events
Cons
- Pricey, but it’s built to last a long time
I’ve worn this felted shacket more times than I can count because it’s that comfortable. The 340 GSM (grams per square meter) felted merino wool hit that mid-to-heavy weight zone, so it feels more jacket-like than shirt-like. Also, the fabric’s been twice boiled, which tightens the fibers for better insulation and durability, so it locks in warmth and stands up to regular wear without losing shape. As for the exterior, it has a little fuzzy touch, almost like a rug which adds to the cozy, tactile appeal.
I’ve thrown it over a tee for crisp fall mornings and layered it over a chunky knit once the temps dipped—and it handled both like a champ. It’s got that clean drape and solid wind resistance, which makes it perfect for that tricky fall-to-winter stretch when it’s too cold for a flannel but not quite parka season. The fit is classic but dialed in, with sleeves that are tailored enough to look sharp without feeling restrictive. I could still swing my backpack over my shoulder or put my luggage in the overhead bin, and not experience any tugging.
Features at a Glance
| Fabric | 340 GSM felted merino wool |
| Fit | Classic |
| Sizes Range | XS—XXL |
| Colors | 4 |
| Pockets | 2 |
Pros
- Double-sided
- Quilted lining blocks cold winds
- Perfect for camping, hiking, other outdoor excursions
- Longer hem also adds coverage
Cons
- Pricey, but super durable
Relwen’s shacket is perfect for a hike or any outdoor adventure. For starters, it’s reversible, so you basically get two jackets in one: one side shows off a rugged 100% cotton flannel twill that nails that classic outdoorsman look, while the flip side features a quilted, shiny shell that traps heat and blocks wind.
While it packs easily in your overnight bag, it’s a bit thicker than your average flannel, so it might not be the best option if you tend to run hot. We tested it on trails and early-morning hikes in 30°F to 45°F weather, and it delivered every time. The quilted side kept the chill out on windy ridges, while the flannel side breathed better during uphill climbs or when we were layering under a heavier coat. Despite the warmth, it never felt stuffy—the insulation hits that perfect balance between cozy and lightweight.
The classic fit gives you plenty of room to layer over a thermal or hoodie, but it’s still streamlined enough that it doesn’t bunch or ride up when you’re moving. Plus, the longer hem also adds coverage when crouching or sitting on damp ground, which makes a difference when you’re outdoors for hours.
Features at a Glance
| Fabric | 100% Cotton flannel twill |
| Fit | Classic |
| Sizes Range | S—XXL |
| Colors | 4 |
| Pockets | 4 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Shacket?
A shacket is basically a shirt-jacket hybrid—it’s like a shirt but with the heft and warmth of a jacket. Think of it as your go-to piece for those in-between days when you need something heavier than a shirt but lighter than a coat. It’s usually made from thicker materials like flannel or wool and often has jacket features such as pockets and a slightly more structured fit.
How Are Shackets Supposed to Fit?
Shackets are meant to fit a little on the relaxed side—kind of like a jacket that you can layer over a sweater or hoodie without feeling too snug. They shouldn’t be too tight or too loose; you want just enough room to move around comfortably but still look put-together. The key is finding that sweet spot where it feels cozy but not bulky, and still has some structure so you don’t look like you’re drowning in it. It’s all about that easygoing, laid-back vibe with a bit of polish.
How to Style Men’s Shackets?
Start with a classic look by layering your shacket over a plain white t-shirt and dark jeans for a casual, everyday-friendly vibe. For a more polished appearance, opt for a shacket in a neutral color and wear it with chinos and a button-down shirt, then accessorize with leather sneakers or loafers to complete the ensemble.
Don’t forget to adjust your shacket styling based on the season. During the fall, add a lightweight sweater or a crewneck sweatshirt under your shacket for extra warmth. In colder months, use your shacket as an outer layer over a cozy hoodie or chunky knit sweater.
And don’t be afraid to play around with different shacket patterns, such as plaid or checks to make your fits look more sophisticated. Various shacket materials like corduroy, denim, or suede will also give extra texture and depth.
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As the Style and Commerce Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.
Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.

