Uniqlo Just Dropped Its Latest Summer Jacket – And Fashion Editors Are Already Wearing It

What do you wear when you've stocked up on breezy sundresses and slinky tank tops in preparation for the heatwave, and it suddenly gives way to a rainy 20° weekend? For most of us here at Grazia, the key is throwing on a light layer. Think a practical lightweight jacket that offers sufficient protection from the elements, while still retaining a level of elegance and breeziness that your summer wardrobe practically demands. It's simple enough, really. Yet somehow, not a lot of styles tick all the right boxes.

In the menswear sphere, amongst Carhartt's chore jackets and Barbour's overshirts, Uniqlo's Zip Up Jacket has long been hailed as a reliable winner. So, when the high street retailer launched a womenswear version of the jacket, I was understandably hyped to try it.

Made from a sturdy cotton-blend, the jacket is cut for the same contemporary boxy fit that made the original men's style so popular. It features corduroy accents along the collar and cuffs, with a cropped length for a flattering fit that sits just above the hips, and patch pockets on the chest that add a utilitarian street-style chic slant to the minimalist design. Lightweight, fashion-forward and promising insulation for those breezy summer evenings, the zip-up jacket is imbued with a kind of quiet luxury that feels considered yet oh-so-simple, much like the barn jackets at luxury houses such as Prada or Burberry. It's structured, but with a touch of fluidity that makes it easy to simply throw on over just about any outfit, and unlike its designer predecessors, it's brilliantly affordable.

Shop: Uniqlo's Zip Up Short Jacket

Naturally, our favourite influencers have already got their hands on the jacket less than a week since its official release and provided plenty of style inspiration. Layered over a simple white tank top and paired with wide-leg jeans and suede trainers, it makes for the perfect off-duty summer outfit. While I'll be wearing mine with linen trousers all through July, you could also throw it over a breezy summer dress for a practical finish.

As with many other Uniqlo favourites, the zip-up short jacket is already selling fast. If, however, the cropped style isn't quite what you're looking for, then try the original men's style, which is longer at the hem and slightly more oversized to perfectly layer over chunkier jumpers come autumn.

Shop: Alternative Colours Of Uniqlo's Zip Up Short Jacket

Main image credits: ©Instagram/@allaomm

Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.