Top Work Jackets – Worn, Tested and Rated [2023]

The Carhartt Men’s Big Tall Storm Defender Loose Fit Jacket stands out in terms of overall design and functionality.

The signature Storm Defender technology seals liquids, making it easier to maintain comfortable dryness even when working in the rain. Even if it offers strong waterproofing, this jacket maintains a breathable structure that prevents overheating even with all-day use. This jacket is very comfortable, with adjustable features (including the cuffs, hem, and hood) that make it convenient to achieve a customized fit. The pockets on the inner and outer parts of the jacket provide numerous compartments where small personal belongings and work necessities can be stashed safely, making them easier to access during the workday.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t an insulated jacket – so it’s not recommended for severely cold weather.

Unique Features

Water Resistance

The Carhartt Men’s Big Tall Storm Defender Loose Fit Jacket is protected by the exclusive Storm Defender waterproofing that enables liquids to slide off the outer shell.

This protective coating prevents wetness from penetrating to maintain comfortable dryness in wet environments. In addition, we appreciate the jacket’s breathable structure, even with the enhanced water resistance, as it offered improved comfort even after long hours of use.

Warmth 

This jacket is designed to protect you in wet weather conditions – but without warm linings or insulation materials, it doesn’t provide enough warmth to keep you comfortable in extremely cold surroundings.

Fit & Build

The jacket showcases adjustable features that make it so easy to get a customized fit.

The adjustable hood is removable as well for extra convenience. Meanwhile, the adjustable cuffs and hems help maintain a secure fit for comfort and efficient movements. Multiple inner and outer pockets offer ample storage space for small work essentials. This jacket’s durable construction offers superior performance that can be relied on for a long time.

Summary

We chose the Carhartt Men’s Big Tall Storm Defender Loose Fit Jacket as the best overall work jacket because of its top-notch qualities, including exclusive waterproof yet breathable technology, a premium and durable design, inner and outer pockets, and adjustable features.

The Timberland PRO Dry Shift Max Jacket delivers exceptional warmth and protection from wetness, making it a great choice for extreme weather conditions.

The robust design looks like a premium ski jacket, with fleece lining incorporating serious warmth and softness that significantly enhances the comfortable experience. The Thermolite insulation preserves the heat to ward off the unbearable cold but doesn’t have the weighty feel of other insulation materials, so the jacket maintains a lightweight profile. Working in the rain isn’t a problem, thanks to the RainProof waterproof lining that stops wetness from penetrating and a storm flap and full-length zipper to keep the liquids out. The arm and shoulder panels are strengthened with Cordura sections to increase resistance against abrasion and other forms of damage.

This jacket’s exceptionally warm and bulky structure isn’t suitable for non-winter conditions.

Unique Features

Water Resistance

This jacket uses the proprietary RainProof membrane to stop rain and other sources of wetness from entering, making it easier to maintain a comfortable dry feeling even while working in wet settings.

This membrane is also breathable, so there are fewer risks of the jacket feeling overly warm when used continuously for strenuous activities.

Warmth 

The Thermolite insulation maintains ample warmth within the jacket, enabling it to ward off the uncomfortable chill more efficiently in low-temperature conditions.

We’re impressed with the insulation material’s heat-retention qualities even more because of its reduced weight profile that doesn’t make the jacket bulky.

The interior has a fleece lining that injects comfortable softness to enhance the warmth further.

Fit & Build                                      

With the insulation and an additional fleece lining inside, this jacket feels bulkier and heavier than the other work jackets or cold-weather jackets we’ve tried. However, it has a loose fit that allows more freedom of movement, so mobility isn’t restricted while on the job.

The Cordura-reinforced arm and shoulder sections enhance resistance against premature damage, making this jacket strong enough to tackle demanding tasks and environments.

Summary

The Timberland PRO Dry Shift Max Jacket comes out on top with protection against wetness, thanks to the waterproof yet breathable Rainproof membrane. It also has other remarkable features, including low-profile Thermolite insulation, a fleece lining to amp up the warmth, reinforced shoulder and arm sections, and adjustable components.

The Carhartt Full Swing Cryder Jacket has high-performance features while promoting complete ease of movement.

It showcases the exclusive Full Swing technology that delivers enough stretch and recovery to deliver a wider range of motion and the impressive Rugged Flex technology for ample stretch without the uncomfortable bulk.

We liked how the strong waterproofing completely seals out liquids for long-lasting dryness in wet conditions, while the low-profile 3M Thinsulate insulation preserves the cozy warmth for enhanced function in cold environments. Spacious pockets inside and outside the jacket provide enough storage space for work essentials and other gadgets that must be brought along for the day.

It’s not suitable for exceptionally cold conditions, though; the sleeves may be too long for some.

Unique Features

Water Resistance

The Carhartt Full Swing Cryder Jacket features the proprietary Rain Defender durable water-repellent finish to ensure long-lasting dryness when working in wet surroundings.

The technology allows the liquids to easily slide off the exterior, preventing the wetness from seeping into the garment. We tested his jacket in wet weather and were impressed that not even a single drop got in.

Warmth 

The jacket is equipped with 80 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation to trap the heat, keeping the interior warm enough to maintain a comfortable feeling while in low-temperature surroundings.

We especially liked the low-profile insulation because it didn’t give the jacket an awkward bulkiness that would’ve made movements more difficult.

Fit & Build

This jacket showcases the exclusive Rugged Flex and Full Swing technologies that work together to deliver ample stretch and recovery, allowing complete freedom of movement without the unnecessary bulk.

The loose fit also helps enhance mobility, providing enough space to move naturally for increased efficiency in the workplace. We expect this thick, well-made jacket to perform superbly for a long time.

Summary

We chose the Carhartt Full Swing Cryder Jacket for superb ease of movement, featuring proprietary Full Swing and Rugged Flex technologies that deliver generous stretch and recovery without the unwelcome bulk. In addition, this jacket is waterproof, insulated, and has roomy inner and outer pockets.

The Dickies Sherpa-Lined Duck Jacket works as a warm cocoon that effectively wards off the chill.

The Sherpa lining in the body traps much-needed warmth, so it’s easier to work continuously in cold environments.

We love how the lining creates a soothingly soft interior that further enhances the comfortable use. Even with the Sherpa lining, this jacket remains surprisingly lightweight, with a much lighter structure than options with similar features. The sleeves come with a quilted nylon lining, making it easier to slip on and off while keeping our arms comfortably warm in cold settings. Internal and external pockets offer enough room to stash important items that must be carried throughout the day.

This jacket isn’t insulated or waterproof, making it unsuitable for harsh weather conditions.

Unique Features

Water Resistance

The Dickies Sherpa-Lined Duck Jacket isn’t built with waterproof features, so it doesn’t offer strong liquid resistance to maintain comfortable dryness in wet conditions.

We tested it in wet weather, and the rain easily seeped in, making this jacket suitable for use only in cold and dry environments.

Warmth 

This jacket is a clear winner when providing comfortable warmth. The Sherpa lining does a great job preserving the heat, so the interior feels warm even when used for long hours in cold locations.

We love how the soft lining also creates a cozy cocoon that surrounds us with comforting softness without making the jacket feel too bulky. In addition, the quilted nylon lining on the sleeves keeps the arms warm while offering improved convenience by making the sleeves easier to slip on and off.

Fit & Build

This jacket is true to its size, with the Sherpa lining making it suitable for thin shirts, as thicker ones can result in a tighter fit. However, it’s still lighter than other jackets with similar features, so it feels comfortable. The adjustable cuffs keep the cold air out and help secure the sleeves.

This well-made jacket can last a long time with proper care, and the design is versatile enough to be maximized in and out of the work area.

Summary

The Dickies Sherpa-Lined Duck Jacket is our top pick as the most comfortable option for cold days, with the Sherpa lining making the interior remarkably soft and comfortable and quilted nylon-lined sleeves to keep the arms warm. It’s also more lightweight than similar jackets and has internal and external pockets and adjustable cuffs.

The Dickies Lined Eisenhower Jacket has a lightweight structure that works remarkably well for light activities and all-day use, as it doesn’t create a weighed-down feeling.

We love the premium, streamlined design that’s versatile enough to be used in the workplace and more casual settings. Adjustable buttons on the waist make it easier to get a customized, secure fit, while the quilted lining adds a bit of softness and warmth for long hours of comfortable use. In addition, the water-resistant material protects against uncomfortable wetness when the jacket is used outdoors while it’s drizzling or in other surroundings exposed to mild wetness. Meanwhile, the pockets inside and out of the jacket can hold small items that need to be within easy reach throughout the day.

The light materials of this jacket make it unsuitable for tough work environments, though.

Unique Features

Water Resistance

The Dickies Lined Eisenhower Jacket has a water-resistant design to keep the interior comfortably dry when exposed to mild wetness, such as when working outdoors in light rain.

We appreciate this structure’s ability to protect us from getting soaked while we finish our tasks while it’s drizzling and in other surroundings exposed to mild wetness.

Warmth 

This jacket comes with a quilted lining that’s fitted into the body, offering warmth for enhanced comfort during chilly days.

The lining makes the jacket more comfortable as it adds another layer of softness against our skin without making it too bulky.

Fit & Build

The streamlined design creates a relaxed fit while offering enough versatility, making the jacket a great partner for a wide variety of pants and shirts that can be maximized in and out of the work area. In addition, it’s a fairly durable jacket suitable for light work, with the lightweight structure offering comfortable use that doesn’t restrict mobility.

Summary

The Dickies Lined Eisenhower Jacket is one of the most lightweight work jackets we’ve used, making it suitable for non-harsh work conditions. It has a water-resistant structure with a versatile design, quilted lining for mild warmth, and adjustable buttons on the waist.