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Traveling in summer is wonderful – the absolute vacation of vacations. But even with the sun in your sky and temperatures in the 80’s, it’s a good idea to have a light jacket in your day bag to avoid a trip back to your hostel or hotel before nighttime festivities begin.
The sarong, cardigan, kimono jacket, blazer, and denim shirt will all get the job done. Find out why we love these lightweight jackets for summer travel!
Lightweight Jackets for Summer Travel
Written by: Claire Gros
Versatile Travel Jacket
The Anatomie Kenya jacket has a timeless, classic design that will far surpass the livelihood of most trends. It resembles a military style anorak with hidden metal popper buttons in addition to a gunmetal zipper.
It looks chic and even a little edgy. I’ve worn it with jeans or over my favorite travel dress. It’s gone with me to the city everywhere from London to Paris, Basel to Los Angeles, San Diego to Quebec City. I also wore it with shorts and trainers to explore Arizona’s national parks. It’s now a staple in all my airplane outfits, too.
Read our complete review here!
Sarong
Are they scarves? Are they cover-ups? Are they the lightweight jackets of your dreams? When draped over your shoulders, a sarong can bring a bit of whimsical to any outfit.
Often found in bright colors and patterns, it’s the perfect piece to liven up a more practical daytime get-up. In addition to cooled-down nighttime-wear,sarongs are great to have for travel in general, taking up minimal space in your packing cube in your carry-on.
Wrap it around you and it becomes a changing room. Ball it up under your head and you’ve got a pillow. Hang it on your wall and you’ve just decorated the room with a tapestry! In other words, long live the sarong. Great for beach side trips!
Read more ways to use the versatile sarong wrap! You can find more design here also.
Cardigan
A classic piece, cardigans add refinement to any outfit from your travel capsule wardrobe. They’re sold in a variety of cuts to flatter any figure and will keep you looking smart and sophisticated.
And with their thin material, they’ll take up no room in your day bag making them versatile lightweight jackets for many trips.
Grab a neutral tone to go with all your outfits, or go for turquoise or coral to add a splash of color to your look. No matter which direction you go, this old stand-by will do you justice all vacay long.
Want more styles and different brands? Check this out!
Kimono
These lightweight jackets made their grand entrance in spring at festivals like Coachella. Kimono jackets are sure to be everywhere this summer. With their oriental leanings, the kimono jacket immediately adds culture and charm to your outfit.
It can go laid-back on top of jean shorts and a white tank, or dressed-up on top of a midi dress. Talk about the perfect layering piece for travel!
Check out more styles on Amazon!
3/4 Sleeve Blazer Open Front Cardigan
Blazer
If your summer destination is known for a quick turn from hot days to chilly nights, blazers have a heavier weight than the others on this list, and might be the best lightweight jackets for you.
While the blazer used to be synonymous with work-attire, it’s been reworked to suit any style. In addition to its classic cut, you can now find it with draped lapels, flowing fabrics, and even without a collar.
This is the perfect piece for trips where you want to dress up your outfits. Check out our 10 Step Packing Guide for Europe!
Denim Shirt
Long gone are the days where we look at Justin and Britney’s matching jean outfits with shame. Jean-on-jean is in its style glory right now, which makes the denim shirt as versatile as ever.
It doesn’t matter what you’ve been sporting during the day, denim shirts act as perfectly diverse lightweight jackets and can be easily slide over overalls, a summer dress, or even running gear. And unlike others on this list, they can stand on their own when buttoned up.
We love this for any destination as a layering piece including round-the-world trips. Check out for more designs!
How to Pack Denim Jacket
Packing cubes can help organize all the clothes you intend to bring, along with your jacket! We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything. See the video below for more.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
Buy Compass Rose Packing Cubes here!
You warm layering piece doesn’t just have to work at night, slip it on any time and you’ll quickly achieve a whole new look!
What are you’re favorite lightweight jackets for summer travel? Comment below!
For more summer fashion tips, please read:
- Summer Sandals: 6 Styles to Amp up Your Travel Wardrobe
- 10 Best Travel Dress Styles for Summer 2015
- Top Summer Dresses for a Trip Abroad – Paris Perfect!
- 7 Stylish Trends for Spring Break and Summer Travel
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Author Bio: After three exciting years in New York, Claire Gros left the big city in pursuit of the alluring unfamiliar. She now finds inspiration in the traveling summer solstice and the affordable flights that keep the sun in her sky. Follow her journey on instagram: clurrgros.
I am curious if you know anyone who has traveled to Poland in late Spring? I know the temperatures are not much above 70 degrees; therefore, I planned on packing one pair of pants, leggings and maybe a skirt. As far as tops a couple long sleeve tee shirts, light weight sweater and a jacket to start. After reading many of the posts it is suggested to wear boots and pack one other comfortable pair of shoes. Any suggestions??
Hi Phyllis! It sounds like layering is your best bet. Also, make looks clothing plans now but watch the forecast as it gets closer to your trip to determine if you’ll need additional cold weather layers. Boots are always a great way to keep your feet warm. Whether they’re tall or short depends on if it’s raining, snowing, or dry. I’m going to post your question on the Facebook page to see if we can get more feedback for you. Keep an eye out here: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl
have a great trip!