Pica~Picks: Lightweight Jackets

Is it cold? Is it warm? Is it raining? Is that a plague of locusts on the horizon? Yep, it’s safe to say the weather’s been a bit weird lately, hasn’t it? 

To help you out a bit in these trying times, here’s a selection of lightweight jackets that might come in handy…

The Patagonia Torrentshell Pullover

At the top we’ve got the tried and tested Patagonia Torrentshell. We’ve stocked these things for years now and when it comes to a non-nonsensical, water-resistant outer shell, they’re just the ticket. It’s also nice to know that these are packable, meaning you can shove it lovingly in your rucksack when the sun makes an unannounced appearance.

The Albam Sailing Smock

Anyone reading this article from the comfort of a lighthouse on the edge of a large rock in the Atlantic Ocean should be into this beauty from Albam. Based on the fisherman’s smocks of yore, it’s got that time honoured briny maritime aura, without making you look like Roger the Cabin Boy. It’s also a cracking shade of lavender.

The Universal Works Zip Uniform Shirt

This corker from Nottingham’s Universal Works sits on the imaginary border between shirt and jacket, meaning it’s pretty much ideal for those September nights when the sun’s gone down and a slight chill lingers in the air.

That short, sharp shape gives it a slight ‘James Dean working as a petrol pump attendant’ look to it too. Porsche 550 Spyder not included…

The Tretorn Bio Jacket

And then there’s the Bio Jacket from the Swedish eco-masters Tretorn. Made from some sort of super-fancy plant-based future-fabric, this thing is both fully waterproof and fully ‘degradable’, meaning that it won’t clutter up the planet once humanoids have moved beyond clothes.

And thanks to that slick design, it’s a fair bit more visually appealing than most Swampy-approved eco-clobber.

Stone Island Moleskin Overshirt

To round this off, here’s something from Stone Island. It probably goes without saying that there’s a lot more going on here than just a nifty patch… the moleskin is exceptionally ‘mole-esque’, the zip is reassuringly chunky and that potent grey shade reminds us of those dead expensive marble work surfaces that people on Grand Designs insist of having in their kitchens. No slicing your avocados on this beauty though…

Still searching for the ultimate lightweight, Autumn-friendly jacket? Click here for more.