Of all the jackets we reach for, the nylon jacket may be the most underappreciated and unsung hero of outerwear. They only see the light of day during workouts as promotional swag, or when the forecast calls for heavy rain. In addition to delicately protecting from the most severe weather, nylon jackets are lightweight, easy to pack, and capable of launching an otherwise professional outfit into an entirely different class.
There are almost limitless possibilities for how you can style a nylon jacket. Throw one over a polo after a few sets on the clay courts, wear it with jeans or shorts, and finish the job with whatever weird Pantone-Plimsoll sneakers you’re currently craving. The general idea is to mix textures. Get denim, cotton, or a heavy canvas twill and create some kind of tension instead of going completely nylon-on-nylon. One of the most overlooked styling details, however, is the cinch cord. Sure, it helps keep your upper half warm and dry, but it also helps create a more interesting silhouette. A Swedish brand is adding a ton of labels to nylon jackets, incorporating asymmetric zippers, and an all-American brand is mixing military influences. Check out our list of nylon jackets worth wearing now.
