What Jackets Are in Fashion Now? Top Styles for 2026

When you walk down the street in Bristol right now, you’ll see jackets doing more than keeping people warm. They’re talking. They’re making statements. They’re shaping outfits before you even say hello. If you’ve been wondering what’s actually in style this year - not just what’s in ads - here’s the real list. No fluff. Just what people are wearing, buying, and repeating.

Puffer Jackets, But Not the Way You Remember

Puffer jackets are back, but they’ve shed the bulky, snowboarder look. The new version is sleek, cropped, and often made with recycled materials. Brands like Moncler and The North Face still lead, but you’re seeing more from independent labels like Reformation is a sustainable fashion brand known for its minimalist, eco-conscious outerwear. and Patagonia is a company focused on environmental responsibility and durable outdoor gear.. The key? Volume is controlled. Length hits at the waist or just below. Colors? Think charcoal, olive, and deep rust. Even white puffers are trending, but only if they’re structured - not puffy like a marshmallow.

Leather Jackets Are Still King - But the Cut Has Changed

Leather jackets aren’t going anywhere. But the classic biker silhouette? It’s being replaced. Now, the most worn styles are oversized, slightly boxy, and often in lighter browns or even pastel tones. You’ll see them in lambskin, not just cowhide. Some are lined with shearling. Others are unlined for that crisp, cool look. It’s not about rebellion anymore. It’s about effortless ease. A friend in Bristol wore a cream leather jacket with a slip dress and sneakers to a café last week. No one blinked. That’s the new normal.

Bomber Jackets Are Having a Moment - Again

Bomber jackets are the quiet achievers of 2026. They’re everywhere - from university campuses to weekend markets. The difference this time? Fabric. You’re seeing them in nylon blends, recycled polyester, and even quilted cotton. Patterns are bold: camouflage, tie-dye, abstract brushstroke prints. But the most popular? Solid black. Why? Because they pair with literally everything. A hoodie underneath? Yes. A button-up? Also yes. A skirt? Why not. They’re the ultimate layering piece, and they don’t scream for attention. They just work.

Longline Coats Are Replacing Trenches

If you thought the trench coat was the only long coat worth owning, think again. Longline coats - think 110cm or longer - are now the go-to for autumn and winter. They’re not always wool. Many are made from technical blends that repel rain and wind without weighing you down. The shape? Straight, slightly A-line, with minimal detailing. No belts. No epaulets. Just clean lines. Brands like COS is a minimalist Scandinavian fashion brand known for architectural silhouettes and neutral palettes. and Uniqlo is a Japanese global retailer offering affordable, functional clothing with a focus on quality materials. have made these coats accessible. The trick? Wear them over wide-leg pants or a midi skirt. It creates a silhouette that’s both modern and timeless.

Denim Jackets Are Getting a Remix

Everyone has a denim jacket. But in 2026, the ones that stand out aren’t the classic blue ones. They’re the ones with texture. Think raw hems, patchwork panels, or laser-cut details. Some are dyed in unexpected colors - lavender, moss green, even metallic silver. The trend isn’t about fading. It’s about layering. Wear one over a hoodie. Wear one over a blazer. Wear one over a dress. The more unexpected the combo, the better. And yes, oversized fits are still winning. If your denim jacket fits snugly, you’re already behind.

Technical Outerwear Is No Longer Just for Hiking

Remember when technical jackets were only for climbers and cyclists? Now, they’re in city streets. Wind-resistant, water-repellent, breathable - these features are no longer hidden behind performance labels. They’re the default. Brands like Arc’teryx is a Canadian outdoor brand known for high-performance gear with precision engineering. and Stella McCartney is a luxury fashion label that champions sustainable materials and ethical production. are blending fashion with function. You’ll see sleek, zippered silhouettes in matte black or slate gray. They look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. But they’re practical. Rain? No problem. Wind? Easy. And they pack down small. That’s why they’re replacing old raincoats.

What’s Out? What’s Quietly Fading

Some styles are still hanging on - but they’re losing ground. The ultra-bulky, quilted parka? It’s feeling dated. Neon-bright puffers? Too loud. Faux fur collars? They’re still around, but only if they’re subtle. And the classic pea coat? It’s not gone, but it’s no longer the default winter choice. People want versatility. They want to wear one jacket for work, the weekend, and a night out. The jackets that survive are the ones that adapt.

How to Choose Your Next Jacket

Here’s the simple test: If you can wear it with three different outfits - one casual, one work-appropriate, one dressy - it’s worth buying. Look for:

• Adjustable hoods or cuffs
• Hidden pockets (not just front ones)
• Lightweight insulation (if you’re not in freezing climates)
• Machine-washable fabric (yes, it exists now)
• A silhouette that doesn’t swallow you whole

Try on at least three styles. Don’t just go for the one that looks good in the mirror. Walk around. Sit down. Put your arms up. Does it ride up? Does it feel tight across the shoulders? If yes, skip it. The right jacket should feel like a second skin - not a costume.

Where to Shop in the UK Right Now

You don’t need to spend a fortune. Here’s where real people are buying:

• ASOS is a UK-based online fashion retailer offering a wide range of brands and styles for young adults. - great for trend-driven, affordable options
• Reiss is a British fashion brand known for polished, modern tailoring and elevated basics. - for structured, minimalist coats
• thrift stores is secondhand retail outlets offering pre-owned clothing at low prices. - especially in Bristol, places like Salvation Army is a global charity with thrift stores offering affordable, donated clothing. and Oxfam is a UK-based charity operating thrift stores with ethically sourced secondhand fashion. have great finds
• Farfetch is an online luxury fashion marketplace offering designer clothing from global boutiques. - if you want to invest in one statement piece

Don’t ignore sales. The best jackets often go on sale in late January. That’s when stores clear last season’s stock to make room for new arrivals.

Final Thought: It’s Not About the Jacket. It’s About How You Wear It.

There’s no single "it" jacket for 2026. But there’s a mindset. It’s about choosing pieces that don’t ask for attention - they earn it. A well-fitting leather jacket. A cropped puffer with a clean silhouette. A longline coat that moves with you. These aren’t just clothes. They’re tools. Tools for confidence. Tools for comfort. Tools for showing up exactly how you want to.

So next time you’re shopping, ask yourself: Will this still look good in six months? If the answer is yes - you’re on the right track.

Next time you’re out, take a look around. Notice how people are wearing their jackets. You’ll see the trend isn’t about labels. It’s about how they move, how they layer, how they fit into real life. That’s the real fashion now.