The best shirt jacket or “shacket” has quickly become a staple for many men and women during the spring, fall and even early winter. If you’re wondering what it actually is, a shacket is essentially the hybrid of a shirt and jacket. They’re often thicker than your typical shirt, but aren’t as heavy as a jacket. Shirt jackets that are ideal for the outdoors will be made of warm yet breathable materials with optimal insulation. Pack your shacket when camping with friends or family, or embarking on a hiking adventure when you know it will get chilly, but not cold enough to lug around your heavy winter jacket. Shackets are also great for layering, and I’ve rounded up some top picks that are perfect for wearing under puffer jackets, or with your favorite heated vest during the winter. 

I’ve got about half a dozen shirt jackets that are sitting in my closet, and most get a ton of wear during the spring and late summer nights. My go-to is a beige denim one that I can throw over anything for a late afternoon wander through the park. I also reach for my Merino wool favorite when I need some extra warmth. My buyer’s guide below takes a closer look at the materials shackets are made of, and which type is best suited to specific outdoor activities. I’ll also share some key things I learned while hands-on testing my top choice, the Aritzia Ganna jacket, particularly relating to care of shackets that can’t be thrown in the wash. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight option for warmer weather, or a thicker shirt jacket to bundle up during fall or winter, there’s a ton of variety out there to suit your needs.

Cover image by Melanie Pellis

The Best Shirt Jackets (Shackets) for Women

	Aritzia Wilfred Free The Ganna Shirt Jacket	Amazon SHEWIN Women’s Plaid Shacket	ReachMe Women's Sherpa Fleece Shacket
Material:	Content – 100% nylon; Cuffs – 81% nylon, 19% elastane; Fill – 90% goose down, 10% goose feathers	95% polyester, 5% spandex	Sherpa/fleece
Colors:	34 for Mid-length (pictured), larger variety for Original, Shorty and Long	42	20 to choose from
Sizes:	3XS-2XL	S-2XL	S-XXL
Care:	Machine washable	Machine washable	Hand wash, hang to dry
	Aritzia	amazon.com	amazon.com

The Best Shirt Jackets for Women at a Glance: 

1. Aritzia Wilfred Free The Ganna Shirt Jacket
2. Amazon SHEWIN Women’s Plaid Shacket
3. ReachMe Women’s Sherpa Fleece Shacket
4. Free People Ruby Jacket
5. Amazon Astylish Women’s Corduroy Long Sleeve Button Down

Best Shirt Jackets (Shackets) for Women Hands-On Reviews

1. Editor’s Choice: Aritzia Wilfred Free The Ganna Shirt Jacket

Specs:

If you’re looking for the best of the best shirt jackets, Aritzia is arguably the crème de la crème. The brand’s on-trend Ganna jacket by Wilfred Free can be seen everywhere on social media, and on women of all ages walking the streets in the fall and winter. There’s a reason this jacket is so popular—the biggest one being that it’s made of 100% merino wool. So many shackets are super lightweight and don’t trap any heat whatsoever, making them more suitable for fashion rather than function. But the Ganna jacket is probably one of the warmest jackets you’ll find, and layering underneath it will keep you even more toasty in the winter.

Although it’s made of wool, it’s not itchy against the skin. In the photo above, I’m wearing a sleeveless turtleneck underneath, and I didn’t find that my arms became itchy at all. You’ll find button closure cuffs, two large pockets on each side in addition to two breast pockets. The Ganna jacket currently comes in 46 colors and patterns with three length options and fabric choices (Merino Wool, Vegan Leather and Crepette), so you can choose one that’s perfectly customized for your body shape and style preferences. 

The few drawbacks include early pilling after a few wears—which is common for many wool and wool blend garments—as well as limited cleaning options. Dry-clean only is specified on Aritzia’s website, but you can also spot-clean stains as needed. I managed to spill some coffee on the lapel of my Ganna jacket. I immediately wet a microfiber cloth with dish soap, gently dabbed at the stain, and it came out perfectly clean. 

Regarding sizes, I’d recommend sizing down, as this shacket has an oversized fit. Knowing this, I tested an XS, which still gave me enough room to layer underneath. On the plus side, available sizes run from 2XS to 2XL. It’s great to see a brand that’s so inclusive for women of many different shapes and sizes. Overall, this shirt jacket is quite an investment, but it’ll be well worth your money when you realize how versatile it is. It’s been a go-to for me when wandering the streets of New York during the fall and early winter.

Pros:

• Huge color variety
• Warm merino wool ideal for chilly fall days and into winter
• Different length options are available to suit petite and tall women

Cons:

• More expensive than other options on the market
• Some signs of pilling after a few wears
• Not machine-washable, can be tricky to get out stains

Buy if: You’re looking for a warm wool shacket to last you through fall and all winter long.

Aritzia

2. Best Budget: Amazon SHEWIN Women’s Plaid Shacket

Specs:

You’ll probably find that Amazon has a ton of plaid shackets available in many different colors, but our pick for the best one at a budget price is the SHEWIN Women’s Plaid Shacket. It’s had thousands of reviews from customers and even includes hands-on pictures from many reviewers. This is something I always look for when shopping for clothing online, as it’s helpful to see others trying on the item to see what it looks like in person. You can see which size and color they’ve selected and compare to your body shape to gauge how it will fit you. You can usually tell right away how it will fit based on others’ invaluable feedback. 

This plaid shirt jacket is ideal for fall days when it’s not too chilly out, for trips to the farmer’s market or walks to the park. I always prefer my shackets oversized, and many customers have also recommended sizing up. Given the affordable price, this is a shacket you can repurchase in as many colors as you like. (There are 42, to be exact.) You’ll be sure to get tons of wear out of it. Customers have mentioned that they’ve worn and washed them several times and have never experienced shrinking or fraying at the seams. 

One downfall is that some buyers mentioned the colors being different from the Amazon listing, but the standard 30-day return period makes up for issues like this. This shirt jacket won’t be as warm as a flannel shacket, 100% wool or sherpa options out there, but it’s an affordable fall staple for your closet. It’s also a great layering piece if you want to wear a t-shirt underneath, or bundle up a little more with a long-sleeved turtleneck.

Pros:

• Super affordable
• Large range of colors/prints to choose from
• Included size chart to get your perfect fit

Cons:

• Not as warm/thick as other shackets on the market
• Some reports of colors not being identical to the images listed

Buy if: A lightweight plaid shacket is what you’re after at an affordable price.

amazon.com

3. Best Sherpa Shacket: ReachMe Women’s Sherpa Fleece Shacket

Specs:

One of the warmer fabrics you can find in a shirt jacket is sherpa, and this oversized shacket from ReachMe is a great pick for those chilly winter days. It’s a loose boyfriend fit, so you’ll be able to bundle up and stay warm even when windchill is high. Sherpa is one of the softest and most cozy materials out there. This sherpa-lined shacket is perfect for those chilly nights when you’re sitting by the campfire and want to keep warm. 

It comes in 20 different colors, with classic neutrals like Apricot (pictured), Caramel, Khaki and Army Green. Sizes range from S to XXL which may not suit petite women — particularly if you’re looking for a more snug fit. Keep this in mind and check out the size chart on Amazon to make sure your measurements match up with the size you’re looking for. Some customers have mentioned that while the Amazon listing states that it’s machine-washable, the tag itself says to hand-wash only and hang to dry. To be on the safe side, I’d always wash sherpa or fleece items by hand with a mild detergent, then hang dry in a well-ventilated area. 

There are two roomy chest pockets to hold your phone, keys or any other belongings, as well as a button-down closure to keep you snug and warm. Take this shacket with you on camping trips and layer up underneath so you’re ready for all kinds of outdoor activities. 

Pros:

• Super soft and cozy sherpa material
• Loose, boyfriend fit allows room for layering underneath
• Two chest pockets on each side

Cons:

• Doesn’t cater to petite women, sizes start at Small and fit is oversized
• Some reports of care instructions not being accurate 

Buy if: You want to invest in a sherpa shirt jacket that will keep you cozy (without needing to layer up too much).

amazon.com

4. Best Transitional Shacket: Free People Ruby Jacket

Specs:

One of the best transitional shirt jackets available is the Free People Ruby Jacket, which is the perfect shacket to be worn in fall and spring on your outdoor adventures. It’s an oversized shirt jacket, so you could even wear it on colder days with a sweatshirt underneath. 

This shacket features iconic patched elbows, button front closures and comes in a range of different colors. There are 12 colors to choose from, and you might have to browse different retailers online to find the color you want. Retailers like Nordstrom also stock this on-trend jacket, so you can take your pick depending on your color/size preferences and what they have available. Sizes range from XS-XL depending on where you purchase yours, and it’s recommended to wash this shacket on a cold, gentle cycle either separately or with like colors. 

If you’re like me, spending a ton of money on well-known brands isn’t ideal—particularly when there are almost identical “dupes” out there. So I did some digging and found a top-rated dupe for the Ruby Jacket, and it’s available for less than half the price on Amazon. There are a few differences between the dupe and the Free People original. It comes in 11 colors and even includes the signature elbow patches. If you’ve been eyeing the Ruby Jacket or are happy to purchase a more affordable alternative, you can compare the different sellers and their prices below.

Pros:

• Perfect transitional piece that’s ideal for layering
• Soft material, not itchy
• Versatile neutral colors to pair with any outfit

Cons:

• Not as warm as other shackets available
• May be susceptible to pilling

Buy if: You’re looking for an oversized, transitional shacket that’s ideal for layering during fall or spring adventures.

Backcountry

amazon.com

5. Best Lightweight Shacket: Amazon Astylish Women’s Corduroy Long Sleeve Button Down

Specs:

This wouldn’t be a roundup of the best shirt jackets without a classic corduroy option, and one of the best buys currently on Amazon is the Astylish Women’s Corduroy Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt. Similar to my Best Budget pick above, this corduroy shirt is super affordable and currently comes in 41 colors. I did the same routine before ordering mine and scoured through the many customer reviews to make sure I was ordering the right size and color combination. 

This shirt comes in pretty much every color under the rainbow, but of course, I opted for a basic neutral that I’d get a ton of wear out of. I find this shacket perfect for fall weather as it’s super lightweight, easy to throw on then wrap around your waist if you get warm. The corduroy fabric is soft and comfortable on the skin, there was no itchiness and I could wear it without much layering underneath. This stylish shirt jacket is perfect for trips to the pumpkin patch, going apple picking or strolling through the park on fall days. I’d also recommend sizing up to achieve a more comfortable oversized fit, and this will allow you to bundle up with a hoodie underneath if you want extra warmth. Alternatively, since this overshirt is super lightweight, you could add a heated vest on top to keep you extra cozy.

While there have been some reports of fraying after just a few wears, I’m yet to experience this yet and have taken good care of my shacket (particularly when washing). It’s always safest to wash yours either separately or with like colors on a cold, gentle cycle. Overall, this is a great value corduroy shirt that’s versatile enough to wear for many of your outdoor pursuits!

Pros:

• Lots of colors to choose from including neutrals and plaid patterns
• Lightweight enough to easily tie around the waist when needed
• Soft corduroy is comfortable to wear

Cons:

• Not the thickest material, some reports of fraying after washing

Buy if: You want a versatile corduroy shacket that’s easy to tie around the waist on warmer fall days.

amazon.com

Best Shirt Jackets (Shackets) for Women Comparison Table

Shirt Jackets (Shackets) for Women		Material	Colors	Sizes	Care
Aritzia Wilfred Free The Ganna Shirt Jacket		Content – 100% nylon; Cuffs – 81% nylon, 19% elastane; Fill – 90% goose down, 10% goose feathers	34 for Mid-length (pictured), larger variety for Original, Shorty and Long	3XS-2XL	Machine washable
Amazon SHEWIN Women’s Plaid Shacket		95% polyester, 5% spandex	42	S-2XL	Machine washable
ReachMe Women's Sherpa Fleece Shacket		Sherpa/fleece	20 to choose from	S-XXL	Hand wash, hang to dry
Free People Ruby Jacket		78% cotton, 12% viscose, 10% polyester	Dark Olive/Green, Stone – more options on manufacturer website	XS-XL	Machine wash cold
Amazon Astylish Women’s Corduroy Long Sleeve Button Down		Corduroy	41	S-2XL	Machine wash cold

What We Learned While Testing

While testing out the Aritzia Ganna Jacket, I learned how important it is to take note of care instructions for specific fabrics. Aritzia’s website states that the Ganna is dry-clean only, which can become costly any time you get the tiniest stain on yours (especially if you opt for a lighter color, as I did). It wasn’t a pleasant experience when I stained the lapel of my shacket. I was worried that it would never come out, and since I couldn’t throw it in the wash like most of my clothing, spot-cleaning as gently as possible was my best short-term option. In hindsight, I’d recommend opting for a darker shade of this jacket to prevent the added stress that comes with wearing cream/beige outerwear.

I also learned how quickly and easily some wool garments begin to pill. While this is considered somewhat normal, I didn’t love that pilling came so early (particularly on the inside of my Ganna jacket). But again, this may have seemed more enhanced since I chose the Heather Bone color. Regarding what temperature range shackets are best suited for, I learned that the sweet spot for most shirt jackets is around 50-65ºF. My Merino wool Ganna jacket kept me warm in temperatures closer to 50º, so if you live in areas that get similar weather, consider fabrics like wool for your outerwear. 

What to Look For When Buying a Women’s Shirt Jacket

Material, Warmth & Weather Protection 

One of the best features of shirt jackets is that they come in a ton of different materials, suitable for every season. Denim, faux leather or lightweight flannel for cool summer nights or the spring; corduroy or Sherpa for the fall; and fabrics like wool, wool blends, or fleece may be perfect for winter days. Some manufacturers do us a massive favor by providing temperature ratings for their products, so you can easily determine what kind of climate your shirt jacket will be appropriate for. 

As a rule of thumb, though, the warmest materials you’ll come across are wool, sherpa or fleece. If you find a shacket that’s sherpa or fleece-lined—or even quilted, so it feels like you’re wrapped in a duvet—these are also great options to keep you warm and cozy. Fabrics like denim, flannel or even corduroy are ideal transitional pieces that can become staples in your wardrobe.

Chances are, you’re not looking to purchase a shirt jacket to keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures. (You’ll likely have a heavy winter coat, parka or puffer jacket for that.) But it goes without saying that you should always check the daily weather report before venturing into the outdoors. If rain is predicted, go for a jacket that’s water and windproof. You can sometimes find shirt jackets that come with hoods, so this is a bonus for those unpredictable weather days.

Fit and Style

Shirt jackets come in a variety of styles and lengths, including slim fit, oversized, long and short shacket. Some retailers like Aritzia even offer short, regular and tall options depending on your height. You might opt for an oversized style if you’re planning to wear yours with heavy layers underneath, or simply size up from your regular size to achieve a more baggy fit. The shirt jacket is a popular layering piece that’s perfect for transitioning from fall to winter.

It’s also popular to wear a shirt jacket tied around the waist. While this may seem to be for fashion purposes only, styling it this way can make women feel more comfortable when they’re more covered up. This can be similar to wearing a swimsuit coverup or sarong – if you feel a little exposed in something tight-fitting or hip-hugging, your shacket may come in handy to draw attention from your stomach and hip area. If you’re going on a morning hike when it’s a bit chilly out, a shacket will keep you warm until you work up a sweat and need to take it off. Tying it around the waist is the practical solution here, and lightweight shackets that won’t wrinkle are ideal for this.

FAQs

What is a shirt jacket or shacket?

The shirt jacket (combined to form the term “shacket”) is essentially a thicker shirt that can be worn as outerwear over one or more layers of clothing. Shackets come in a variety of materials to be worn in each season, but you’ll typically find them in plaid, denim, corduroy or wool blends.

How should a shirt jacket fit?

A shirt jacket is designed to be oversized or have a relaxed fit. You’ll find that they’ll usually be true to size, so there should be no need to size up. The best shackets are roomy enough to layer up underneath, yet still comfortable and warm to take you on any outdoor pursuits.

Are shirt jackets warm?

Not all shirt jackets will keep you toasty in those colder temperatures, but if you’re planning to wear yours in the near-winter, look for fleece, Sherpa-lined or wool shackets that are designed to trap heat.

Can shirt jackets be unisex?

Some shackets can be unisex, but to get the best fit it’s recommended to choose one designed for your shape and size. Men’s shackets are considered to be more boxy (as men have broader shoulders) which would not be ideal for a woman with a petite frame, for example.

Are wool shirt jackets itchy?

Some shirt jackets made of 100% wool or wool blends may be itchy on the skin, but our top pick – the Aritzia Ganna Jacket – is made of 100% merino wool and is not itchy at all. If you have sensitive skin or are concerned about itchiness, look for wool shackets that are lined so that your skin won’t come in direct contact with the wool.