Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
Originally designed to be worn while working out, track jackets have long been used as a fashion statement. A fashion statement that not everyone likes, but a fashion statement nonetheless. While it’s been a while since their heyday, they’re seeing a resurgence, and that’s exactly why we’ve put together a list of the best ones out there.
1) NEED: 50 Meter Jacket
NEED’s 50 Meter Jacket is a great choice if you’re not sure you’ll actually hit the gym, not sure you’ll like it from a style perspective, or both. With its low price and understated style, this is the ultimate entry-level track jacket. It’s constructed from synthetic fabric making it ideal for quick drying and features a ton of great details such as ball-and-chain zipper pulls, raglan sleeves, and a full-zip collar.
Available for $75 at Need Supply.
2) Fourlaps: Relay Track Jacket
Track jackets are known for being fairly stylized, and Fourlaps really hit the sweet spot between style and minimalism for their Relay Track Jacket. With its navy body, olive horizontal stripe, and reflective piping on the hand pockets, this polyester jacket will keep you nice and drive regardless of how hard your workout is. Like most track jackets, this one features ribbing and the cuffs and hem, a full-zip collar, and a tight-fitting cut.
Available for $128 at Unionmade.
3) ts(s): Asymmetrical Stripe Track Jacket
ts(s)’s Asymmetrical Stripe Track Jacket has a whole lot of style without going overboard, with its asymmetric stripe, high-quality wool fabric, and wool/acrylic ribbing. While this piece is certainly a bit more fashion than function, I’m sure it will give the appearance of otherwise if you plan the rest of your outfit accordingly. This piece is made in Japan and finished unlined, with two front hand pockets, for ultimate comfort.
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Available for $218 at No Man Walks Alone.
4) Reigning Champ: Stretch-Nylon Track Jacket
Reigning Champ is known for their high-end workout wear, although generally the realm of sweatshirts, but it should come as no surprise that they make a killer Track Jacket. Made from an 88%/12% nylon/elastane blend, this water repellent, and lightweight track jacket has it all. While probably a bit better suited for casual-wear than regular workouts, this piece’s stretchy fabric ensures it will hold up to whatever you throw at it.
Available for $240 at Mr. Porter.
5) Needles: Track Jacket
While most of the track jackets on this list are quite understated, they don’t have to be. And Needles chose to embrace the more colorful choices in their line of Track Jackets. With its zippered closure, zippered pockets, embroidered chest, and contrasting stripes, this piece is perfect if you want to add a little pop to your outfits or want something fast to put on for a grocery run.
Available from $228 at Canoe Club.
Plus One – Kapital: SKA-Line JAM Track Jacket
Kapital’s SKA-Line JAM Track Jacket is really something special. Beyond its polyester body are hand-embroidered accents, a minimalist black zipper, and all the pizzazz you can stick into a single piece. While this jacket is not for everyone, and I certainly wouldn’t rock it myself with the matching pants, it has a lot going for it. You probably won’t find yourself working out much in this jacket, but when you look this good who needs to workout anyway?
Available for $440 at Blue in Green.
