4 Versatile Wool Jackets to Take You From Climate to Climate

Wool isn’t only for snow flurries and bitter winds. It may seem like a wool jacket only has a place in colder climates, but this classic textile is the gift that keeps on giving.

If you’re looking for a layer against any type of weather, reach for a jacket in soft, breathable, lightweight, water-resistant wool:

For the Frigid Days

When the winds howl through the trees and ice and snow cover the ground, nothing keeps you warm and dry like a thick wool coat. Look for an option that’s lined with down or fleece for extra warmth, and make sure that it buttons, zips or toggles all the way up your neck. Pair it with a cozy sweater and warm leggings for the ultimate defense against the chill.

For Casual, Crisp Afternoons

On days when it’s not quite cold yet, but you’ve broken out your sheer tights and light sweaters, opt for a wool topper that’s thick but unlined in a fun color palette or print. A classic tartan screams All-American sportswear — style it with your favorite denim.

For When You Need to Be Classy, but Still Cozy

Life’s fancier occasions aren’t limited to when the sun is shining. Certain dressy events call for a sophisticated cover-up that does the multi-faceted job of keeping you warm and accenting your formalwear. Go for a unique shape, like a cocoon or a wrap coat, in mega-soft cashmere, and coordinate it with your ensemble for a head-turning look.

For the sticky, the humid, and the wet

Though wool is an all-star insulator from cold, it also does wonders as a barrier against water and humidity. A lightweight wool jacket can take you through the most humid days, as the material wicks moisture from the skin, preventing chafing and dampness. The weave on these jackets is finer (not nubby like a cable knit sweater or dense like boiled wool), but still breathable. Try a style that doesn’t close tightly to maintain the breezy vibe.

Not all woolen jackets are created equal. They run the gamut from hardcore warmth to light-as-air — and you can never fail with a good wool.