We Try Before You Buy: The Spring Jackets You Need to See Now

Our We Try Before You Buy series aims to take the stress out of shopping and eliminate the number of Post Office visits you make each month to return failed online orders. We test new-season buys and styling ideas so you don’t have to, and this month our editors road tested dozens of new spring jackets to bring you their edit of the ones that are truly worth investing in.

Sunshine! Is that you? Before we start getting overzealous and dusting off our sandals in preparation of al-fresco season, it is still very cold in the UK, which can only be one thing: spring is just around the corner. Every editor I know struggles with the "in-between", that difficult-to-dress-for moment between winter and spring that looks positively radiant but still requires some clever layers. Now that we can retire our thick winter coats for another year, it's smart jackets that will transform our wardrobes, and make getting ready in the morning that much easier. The rest of our wardrobes stays in pretty good stead all round—think jeans, tees, fine knits and long dresses, but it's what goes on top that makes the real difference, and a good jacket should be considered in the same category as handbags and shoes for their versatility and longevity.

In our latest instalment of We Try Before You Buy, the series where we do all of the legwork so you don't have to, we decided to focus on bringing you our picks of the very best spring jackets on the market. In other words, these are the transitional styles that tick the "not too thick, not too thin" box with ease. In the mix you can expect wool for chilly mornings, trenches for sunnier afternoons and denim (for, well just about anything), alongside some new favourites like the trending barn coat. To make sure all of your needs are met, we've thought long and hard about the styles that will cater to every size, style and budget from covetable luxury buys (hello, Toteme and Burberry), to some impressive designer-coded styles (bravo, Mango and COS). And, to be a true and honest review you'll find info on fit, fabric, cost, and pros and cons for each style according to the wearer, so don't say we don't spoil you. Ready for a new jacket to wear this spring and beyond? Keep scrolling to see and shop the spring jackets that get the Who What Wear stamp of approval.

"I’m not much of a trench girl so when I thought about finally trying one out this spring I thought I’d have to go for a classic, and it doesn’t get much more classic than a Burberry trench. Because of the price point I had high expectations for this new iteration of Burberry’s classic style, and I have to say, it came through on almost all of my criteria. Maybe it’s because it's the heritage brands' signature check, but the tartan lining definitely makes this jacket feel luxurious as soon as you put it on.

I really liked the details on the fastenings, and although the excess of buttons will mean you need to put at least 5 minutes aside before leaving the house, once completely done up I felt extra chic in the look. Kind of like a hot Inspector Gadget! My only negative would probably be the fit—I’m wearing a small here and would probably size up as the fabrication doesn’t give a lot of leeway, and I’d want to be able to layer sweatshirts and tops underneath such a premium piece to maximise its styling potential. Overall,I think if you’re looking for one trench in your rotation this one really does feel like it will stand the test of time meaning the price tag may actually end up being worth your while when you consider the cost per wear." Annie Wheatland-Clinch, Assistant Social Editor

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“If there’s one item in my wardrobe that has truly stood the test of time, it’s The Frankie Shop Gelso blazer. I bought it a year ago, and it’s become my go-to for effortless layering—whether as a blazer or a lightweight jacket for spring. As someone who dresses modestly, I love how its oversized fit offers coverage without feeling bulky. It drapes beautifully over everything from tailored trousers to denim, working just as well over a knit in winter as it does over a slip dress on cooler spring days. Yes, it’s an investment piece, but one that’s absolutely worth it.

The soft Tencel-Lyocell blend feels luxurious and breathable, making it ideal for unpredictable spring weather. Unlike heavier blazers, it has an easy, fluid feel that makes it the perfect in-between jacket. If you’re looking for a blazer that goes beyond just office wear and works year-round, this is it. After a year of wear, I can confidently say it’s one of the best buys I’ve made.” Humaa Hussain, Junior Branded Content Editor

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"After months of wearing trench coats and thermal layers, you can imagine my delight to slip into this lightweight but structured bouclé jacket to hop around town in. Its sumptuous appearance is backed up by a soft-to-the-touch fabric that's as insulating as it is stylish. The piece was trimmed right at my hips, meaning it didn't feel too boxy or tailored, but gave that perfect polished shape. Gilded buttons added a touch of shine while the high neck, structured shoulders and plethora of pockets give it a militant feel. I would definitely recommend sizing up if you like your jackets more relaxed, but for a close-body fit, I can't fault this style." Ava Gilchrist, SEO Writer

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"After months of rainy days and chilly weather, I was so ready to shed my heavy long coats for a lighter alternative. However, knowing how unpredictable the UK weather can be, I knew that I still needed outerwear that would keep me cosy until the warmer weather kicks in. Light enough for the slightly warmer spring days but warm enough to protect me from the UK chills, Reformation’s Enzo jacket is the perfect transitional style that I can wear from now and well into the rest of the season. It’s made of recycled wool with a hint of polyamide, but it’s durable, insulating and breathable at the same time. I love the slightly boxier fit it has as well as the fact that’s it cropped so I can show off the jeans, dresses and skirts that I’ve been hiding under my longer winter coats over the past few months." Brittany Davy, Editorial Assistant

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"Given that this is the brand that brought us the scarf coat, I was understandably excited when I got to test out the new Toteme shacket. As a minimalist, the brand is a favourite of mine, putting focus on high quality fabrics, playing with proportion, and reworking classic silhouettes, and this jacket embraces all of them. The light leather style is primed to be my most worn over the next few weeks as we ease out of winter, and aren't yet into the balmiest summer days when a jacket can be left behind. The silhouette is oversized with a long length that hit around mid-thigh on me (I'm 5'2" for reference) and a straight shape.

One thing I often find with Toteme jackets is that the sleeves are particularly long on me, but for the buttery soft texture, exquisite attention to detail in the seamwork and versatility of both the shape and design, I'm happy to overlook a long cuff. All in all, this is a piece that can freshen up your wardrobe for spring now, and continue to bring that refined appeal for many years to come." Florrie Alexander, Shopping Editor

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"I never thought I’d be able to pull off double-denim, but this jacket has completely changed all of that for me. I’m officially obsessed with it—and that isn’t something I say lightly. Denim jackets tend to be pretty boring across the board, but Agolde’s Zyla style puts a super-chic spin on the classic piece with it’s super-flattering cropped length and cinched waist. I love that the waist is adjusted at the back, leaving the front of the jacket clean, and the silhouette is further emphasised by the pocket darts. My only note is that the sleeves were pretty long on me (I wore a medium) but I wouldn’t be able to size down because the body fitted perfectly.” Georgia Seago, Copy Editor

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“Leather jackets have been a core part of my wardrobe ever since I was 14, my first being a cropped biker style (most likely PU) from Topshop which, up until that point was the coolest thing I’d had ever purchased. 21 (gulp) years later and you’ll still see me wearing a leather jacket on the regular, only now I like to look for more elevated styles. A perfect example of this is Whistles’s bonded leather biker, with its rounded shoulders, elongated length and roomy silhouette, it’s both considered and chic. While I still think bikers fall into the classic category, it’s leather jackets such as this that keep the piece feeling fresh and current.” Maxine Eggenberger, Deputy Editor

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"I did some serious Pinterest scrolling before getting dressed the morning of this shoot, as a barn jacket isn’t my usual go-to, but this Arket one has me convinced. I loved the oversized fit (I’m wearing an 8 which is my usual size), and the contrast collar and general finish felt very premium. It’s a heavier weight than I expected, so good for a crisp day (aka British spring time) but maybe too thick for warmer weather. I’m also a notorious messy-eater/coffee-spiller so would be dubious about a cream jacket (pairing it with cream jeans was just an accident waiting to happen), but I do think the colour made it feel chicer than other barn jackets in camel and green shades. Overall, I loved this jacket and can see it easily fitting into my spring wardrobe." Megan Storey, Social Editor

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"In a sea of neutral-toned suede, Sézane’s Khaki Will Jacket immediately stood out to me. It is an oversized fit jacket, giving it a relaxed feel, but the overall look is elevated by the luxurious and buttery soft suede (not bad when it comes in at under £250).. The jacket is lightweight despite being goat leather, and this makes it perfect for layering in early spring or thrown over a shirt or a dress on a brighter day." Emily Post, Graphic Designer

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"I’ve spent a long time tracking down the perfect bomber jacket with a few non-negotiable points steering my search. First, the jacket needed to have a roomy finish that billowed into the traditional circular shape. Second, I needed a warm composition so that I could slip out of my winter coat and into this spring jacket with ease. Finally, it needed to come in a wearable shade that genuinely felt like it could work with most of my wardrobe. In COS’s Oversized Wool Bomber Jacket, I found all of the above and more.

Cushioning my skin with a sumptuous finish, the roomy bomber jacket layered easily and comfortably, keeping me warm during the chilly days of early spring, without feeling too heavy or weighing me down. Cropping at hip height, this works well with my entire denim collection—low-rise and high-rise included, but I decided to take it for a spin with one of my favourite dresses to see how it held up against the more formal items in my collection—I wasn’t disappointed. It's safe to say this is a smart buy I'll be relying on for the foreseeable." Natalie Munro, News Writer

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