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Winters and summers are fairly easy to dress for. One’s super cold and one’s burning hot, making your outfit choices simple enough. But, the tricky part is hidden in the transition stages between these two extremes. We’re talking about fall and spring. They’re the two most difficult seasons to shop and dress for. For instance, some days might be too hot for denim, too cold for a sleeveless top, but not chilly enough to whip out those puffers or leather jackets. So, what are you supposed to wear in these confusing seasons?
Well, say hello to shackets — the lovechild of shirts and jackets, specifically designed to fill the gap between the two! If you don’t have any yet, it’s time to go shopping. To give you a headstart, we’ve already picked out some of our favorite men’s shackets to wear in 2024. Let’s take a look!
Reviewing the Top Men’s Shacket of 2024
Legendary Whitetails Men’s Shacket — Best Overall
The Legendary Whitetails Men’s Shacket splits winter and summer clothing halfway, and the material composition alone proves it. The shell is made out of a cotton and polyester blend in a 2:1 ratio, while the body lining and sleeve lining are both 100% cotton and 100% polyester respectively. We love the two pockets in the front that not only give the shirt’s design some character, but also practicality with all that extra storage space, making it our favorite on the list overall!
Pros
- Machine washable
- Stylish cotton suede look
- Nine great colors to choose from
Cons
- Durability could be better
CQR Men’s Shacket — Great Mobility
The CQR Men’s Shacket is our list’s runner-up, boasting a charmingly rugged look and high practicality. Being a long-sleeved flannel-lined shirt jacket, it’s warm enough for those “somewhat chilly” days when a regular dress shirt just won’t cut it. Its shell is 100% polyester while the lining is 100% cotton, and there’s also a brushed cotton lining on the inside to offer some extra warmth, comfort, and insulation. This shacket is also relatively more durable thanks to its high-quality suede fabric construction, making it great for a variety of outdoor activities.
Pros
- Convenient chest and side pockets
- Easy-to-use snap button closure
- Seven sizes available for your perfect fit
Cons
- Snaps open a bit too easily
Wrangler Authentics Men’s Shacket — Most Affordable
Starting at under 30 bucks, the Wrangle Authentics Men’s Shacket is the most affordable one on this list, yet impresses in all key departments, including design, durability, comfort, and most importantly — temperature control! This pick is made out of 55% cotton and 45% polyester, which means you get the perfect blend of comfort and moisture-wicking capabilities, as well as a touch of sturdiness in the fabric to make sure your shacket lasts several seasons. If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on quality, this is the product for you.
Pros
- Versatile design that’s easy to pull off
- Shearling lining for extra warmth
- Great quality for the price
Cons
- Sleeves are too large for some
Zenthace Men’s Shacket — Most Colors
The Zenthace Men’s Shacket features a mixture of fleece, polyester, and sherpa to create a fabric that’s warm enough to keep you cozy, yet soft enough to maintain mobility throughout the day. With 19 different colors to choose from, it easily deserves the “most colors” award on this list. Some designs are plain while some are patterned, and we’re a fan of both looks.
This shacket also has button closures, which are easy to use and reliable. You can freely machine wash it as long as you follow the care guidelines to enhance its longevity. Best of all, the design is smart-casual, which means you get to wear it out to lunch or work — it’s all up to you!
Pros
- Extra durability with sherpa-bonded fleece fabric
- Machine-washable for easy care
- Suitable for fall, spring, and winter
Cons
- Not warm enough for windy days
Chouyatou Men’s Shacket — Great Fit
The Chouyatou Men’s Shacket is designed to hug your body, giving you a truly flattering aesthetic. As long as you get your size right by referring to the size guide, it should look like you’ve had this shacket tailored to your measurements. Keep in mind that body-hugging apparel tends to run a bit short, so don’t be afraid to order one size up if you feel like it.
Additionally, this shacket’s fabric is 100% cotton while the lining is polyester, so you’re sure to be comfy wearing it. It also features a patched pocket and a classic turned-down collar for a sophisticated yet stylish look that can be worn on any occasion.
Pros
- Fits very well
- Very comfortable material
- Can be worn anywhere
Cons
- Stitching and workmanship could be better
Buying Guide: Men’s Shackets
You’ve probably never heard of the term “shacket” before bumping into this article, but menswear has always had overshirts and shirt jackets thanks to their practicality. They’re comfortable, versatile, and can be worn almost all year round. You can use one as a full-blown jacket on a chilly day, or a button-down shirt as the final layer of your stylish outfit.
Shackets are typically made out of fleece, cotton, and polyester because you'll need them as lightweight yet somewhat insulating clothing for mildly cold temperatures. Even when winter comes, you can still use these shackets as a layer positioned right under one of your heavier coats or jackets.
With that said, high-quality shackets aren’t easy to find. Ideally, they should look good, help keep you warm, and be durable enough to last several seasons. Here’s everything to keep in mind while shacket shopping!
Fabric Sturdiness
Firstly, the fabric of your shacket needs to be sturdy. It should be heavier and noticeably more resilient than typical dress shirt fabric. We’d suggest avoiding fine cotton poplin and going with hard-wearing materials, like denim or polyester blends. Some other materials to keep an eye out for are wool or linen.
Comfort
What’s the point in putting on the world’s greatest-looking menswear if you’re not comfortable? That’s why it’s essential to buy shackets that are a treat to wear. Look for a premium inner lining that feels luxurious on your body!
Make sure the shacket is neither loose nor tight, but instead lands somewhere between the middle with a relaxed yet perfect fit. We’d suggest erring on the side of bigger sizes because a tight shacket can potentially get in the way of day-to-day mobility.
Practical Pockets
Shackets are usually worn as the top layer in fall or spring, which means it has to accommodate all your everyday items like your phone, pen, keys, wallet, cards, and more. That’s why you need pocket(s) that are deep, reliable, and sturdy enough to handle all of the above!
