The 6 Must-Have Summer Jackets for Men
2. Anorak
Burton
Here’s the thing – it will rain in the summer. It’ll rain when you plan a trip to the beach, or as soon as you decide to walk to the pub instead of taking the bus, which is why you should always keep an anorak handy.
The term itself is a bit of a catch-all, so to be specific, we’re talking about the zip-through pullovers which come in a technical, waterproof fabric. Hooded, drawstring waisted and usually finished with a kangaroo pocket, the anorak is at the centre of the normcore-’90s Venn diagram, and today feels more trendsetter than trainspotter.
How To Wear It
Embrace the retro styling of this summer jacket by pairing yours with mid-wash jeans and old-school ‘dad’ trainers in bright primary colours. “You can even play around with the pattern and colour of the layer underneath and add a pop of interest as you zip open the anorak,” suggests McCalla.
3. Bomber Jacket
River Island
If the denim jacket is the monument of menswear – constant, perennial – the bomber is the ever-changing pop-up down the road. While its heritage is just as strong – initially made for fighter pilots, hence the name – in recent years the bomber has been reinvented and remixed more times than a Lil Nas X track.
Because the original bomber jacket was designed to be worn at high altitude, they often get pretty toasty, meaning it’s smart to save that vintage MA-1 for the colder months. Instead, choose a lightweight nylon replica or a pared-back cotton style for your summer jackets.
How To Wear It
“For ultimate versatility, I like to keep my bombers simple and neutral,” says McCalla. A plain khaki style can easily be thrown on with black cargo trousers and sneakers, or smartened up with dark cropped trousers and a printed shirt. Keep the cut slim, as bombers can quickly add bulk to your frame if the fit is too loose.
