Red is undoubtedly the colour of the season and red outerwear has been having an unusually good run. The shade has moved beyond just the statement coat, turning up on track jackets, nylon windbreakers, and other easy, zip-through layers, as well as more luxe suede and leather pieces.
They're particularly suited to this awkward stretch between summer and autumn, when a proper winter coat still feels premature but a lightweight layer is definitely required. A red jacket can give a pair of jeans and a T-shirt some energy, make tailored trousers feel less formal and bring a effortless sporty edge to an otherwise understated outfit.
- The windbreaker: M&S Windbreaker Jacket, £50
- The funnel neck jacket: Dissh Jean Red Track Jacket, £235
- The button-down jacket: Massimo Dutti Lightweight Cotton Jacket, £120
- The suede jacket: Róhe Reinvented Suede Jacket, £790
- The two-tone jacket: Staud Alta Jacket, £367
Red jackets on the runway
The autumn/winter 2026 shows confirmed that red outerwear is no longer reserved for structured tailored coats or eveningwear. Instead, designers embraced sportier, relaxed silhouettes, leaning heavily into function meets fashion.
Lacoste was all about retro sportswear, showcasing oversized, colour blocked nylon track jackets paired with matching slouchy trousers and athletic holdalls, while Patou offered a more romantic take on functional layering. Styling a bold red zip-up jacket over a matching fluid midi skirt, the brand played with volume, dramatic collars, and subtle plaid-lined sleeve details.
Red jackets on the street
Off the runway, street style has set the blueprint for integrating red jackets into real world autumn dressing. Basic neutral coats have been overwhelmingly swapped for sporty, high-impact red zip-ups, blending functionality with high fashion. From slouchy jeans to structured denim midi skirts, crisp wide-leg tailored trousers and ultra-feminine satin mini skirts, the current consensus is you can throw one on over pretty much anything.
© Getty Images
© Getty Images
© Getty ImagesIf you’ve been looking for an excuse to introduce a little more red into your autumn wardrobe, these are 11 of the best jackets to shop now, from directional sportswear to everyday layers.
The best red jackets to shop this season
M&S Contrast Piped Funnel Neck Windbreaker Jacket
Editor's Note:
Marks & Spencer's viral windbreaker has just dropped in red. It has the perfect boxy, slightly oversized cut and features cool contrast piping.
Dissh Jean Red Track Jacket
Editor's Note:
Another piece that's on everyone's wish list, this red funnel neck track jacket from Dissh is made from 100% cotton and cut with an elasticated hem.
Massimo Dutti Lightweight Cotton Jacket
Editor's Note:
If you want something slightly less sporty, I love this red button-down jacket from Massimo Dutti. It's made from lightweight cotton and has an oversized collar.
Zara Leather Jacket
Editor's Note:
Zara's luxe red leather jacket features a lapel collar, side pockets hidden in the seams and a self-tie wait belt so you can adjust the silhouette.
Staud Alta Jacket
Editor's Note:
As well as the cool two-tone design, Staud's Alta jacket comes with practical details like a storm flap, hood and spacious pockets.
Anine Bing Leon Shell Bomber Jacket
Editor's Note:
Anine Bing's Leon jacket in red has a classic bomber cut with ribbed trims and also features a utility sleeve pocket. I love it styled with Agolde's slouchy white jeans.
Bershka Oversized Nylon Batwing Sleeve Jacket
Editor's Note:
This popular Bershka red track jacket has already sold out several times. It features an oversized cut and subtle voluminous sleeves.
& Other Stories 80s-Inspired Bomber Jacket
Editor's Note:
& Other Stories' red bomber jacket comes padded for extra warmth as we move into the colder weather. Style it with everything from black denim to activewear.
Róhe Reinvented Suede Jacket
Editor's Note:
Lean fully into autumn with this gorgeous red suede bomber jacket from Róhe. The Amsterdam-based brand is known for elevated wardrobe staples and this is a forever piece.
Arket Double-Face Wool Blend Jacket
Editor's Note:
I love this Arket jacket for something more cosy and casual. Made from a wool blend, it's cut with a cocoon silhouette and is finished with patch pockets on the front.
Bondi Active Forma Cropped Windbreaker
Editor's Note:
Lightweight and 100% waterproof with a hidden hood, Bondi Active's track jacket is the ultimate transitional piece. I love the multi-tone design.
