Best Overall

Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket

For almost 130 years, Filson has been making rugged clothing that’s hardwearing and lasts generations. The Work Jacket features their proprietary “Tin Cloth”—a light duck cotton canvas material that’s waxed and treated to be weather-resistant. The classic snap closures and wool-lined collar make this both a functional and stylish option.

The jacket is light enough to wear layered with either a regular or thermal undershirt beneath a flannel, or a fleece hoodie; the tight weave of the tin cloth fends off chiggers, thorns, and helps to block out wind when the weather gets really bad.

Its material may feel stiff at first, but break in over time and the Tin Cloth material develops a patina that’s unique to your movement.

Key Specs

Materials 14 oz. Waxed tin cloth
Lining 8 oz. canvas
Weatherproofing Water and wind-resistant

Best Hoodie

Carhartt Utility Jacket

Utility Jacket
Pros
  • Sherpa-lined
  • Relaxed fit for layering
Cons
  • Rib-knit cuffs can fray

The Bartlett hoodie is fully lined with cozy sherpa on the body and hood, and quilted nylon in the sleeves; the relaxed fit allows for layering up underneath when temperatures really dip. The triple-stitch seam construction bolsters durability along with its sturdy 12-ounce fabric weight.

The Utility jacket lets you bundle up without bulk. Its trademark full-swing design won’t limit any range of motion. Its adjustable hood and drop-tail hem further help to keep you covered and protected from the elements. The snap-button placket is easier to work when wearing work gloves but there’s also a zip closure for added versatility.

Key Specs

Materials 12-ounce duck cotton-canvas
Lining Sherpa fleece
Weatherproofing None

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Best Shirt Jacket

Dickies Fleece Hooded Workwear Shirt Jacket

Pros
  • Insulated
  • Relatively lightweight
Cons
  • Limited pockets

This shirt jacket is a good lightweight option with a soft fleece hood yet lets you layer how you want underneath.

The 8-ounce duck-canvas shell stands up to wear and tear and is DWR-treated for water-resistance. It’s lined in quilted, synthetic insulation and the hip pockets are lined in fleece to keep warm. The snap-button chest pockets keep nails, screw, and small tools secured. Like the Carhartt Utility jacket, it has both a snap-button placket and zip-closure for versatility.

While the shell of the jacket is durable, the fleece hood may snag and is more prone to ripping or tearing.

Key Specs

Materials 8 oz duck canvas
Lining 175 g synthetic polyester
Weatherproofing DWR-treated

Best Parka

Truewerk S4 Tower Winter Workwear Jacket

Pros
  • Added stretch for mobility
  • Reflective details for visibilty
  • Hood fits over a construction helmet
Cons
  • Can’t wear bulky layers underneath

The S4 Tower Jacket has a three-layer construction with a durable ripstop nylon shell that’s windproof, water- and abrasion-resistant. It also has synthetic insulation for warmth.

Its extended length provides extra coverage but doesn’t get in the way of work— a zip vent on the tail makes room for a safety harness. The hood is also construction helmet compatible and adjustable. It also has reflective tape for visibility if you’re working into the night. Double-stitched seams also bolster overall durability.

Aside from the workwear features, another standout is the fact that the S4 has some stretch to it for comfort and mobility. Hardwearing fabrics like duck-canvas and waxed-cotton can feel stiff at first but the S4 is comfortable from the first wear.

Key Specs

Materials Ripstop nylon
Lining Synthetic insulation
Weatherproofing TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) layer, DWR-treated, windproof

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Best Barn Jacket

L.L. Bean Original Field Coat Workwear Jacket

Pros
  • Versatile styling
  • No break-in required
Cons
  • No insulation

This classic field coat from L.L. Bean is great for doing chores around the yard and for going to the office. It isn’t suited to rigorous work conditions but rather a rugged and refined option that’s casual and versatile.

The 10-ounce cotton canvas is DWR-treated and soft from the first wear. Its extended length hits around mid thigh for extra coverage. Corduroy at the collar and cuffs dress it up and are less prone to fraying.

There are four pockets at the hips and one zip-pocket on the chest to secure smaller items. It also has bi-swing shoulders for more freedom of movement. There’s no insulation, though, so layer up underneath in the cold.

Key Specs

Materials 10 oz canvas
Lining Cotton
Weatherproofing DWR-treated

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Best Rain Jacket

Helly Hansen Oxford Waterproof Shell

Pros
  • Waterproof
  • Durable
  • Removable hood
Cons
  • Not insulated

Helly Hansen has been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to foul-weather gear, with a track record spanning well over a century. Their Oxford shell jacket—a rain jacket with a liner, taped seams, and a removable hood—lives up to the expectations you’d from such a company.

There are plenty of smart features that make the jacket durable and easy to wear: the waterproof shell is made from a breathable, ripstop material with orange highlighted touch points on things like zipper pulls and elastic fit adjusters. The Velcro adjustment strap on the hood allows you to pull the front of the hood up and out of your face.

Reviews insists the Oxford keeps you dry with no seeping water at the seams or zippers. Being a shell jacket, it’s not insulated so though it’ll do for upper 40’s temps you may want to layer up for colder conditions.

Key Specs

Materials Ripstop nylon
Lining None
Weatherproofing Waterproof, taped seams, seamless shoulders

Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men’s style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men’s shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.

Brad Ford has spent most of his life using tools to fix, build, or make things. Growing up he worked on a farm, where he learned to weld, repair, and paint equipment. From the farm he went to work at a classic car dealer, repairing and servicing Rolls Royces, Bentleys, and Jaguars. Today, when he’s not testing tools or writing for Popular Mechanics, he’s busy keeping up with the projects at his old farmhouse in eastern Pennsylvania.

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