14 Best Liner Jackets 2025: Light, Toasty, and Techincal
GQ RecommendsAn insulated liner jacket is a not-so-secret style move that anyone can pull off.By Charles McFarlaneJanuary 15, 2025Save this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.When the mercury plummets, there are essentially two ways to get bundled up: The single Big Ass Coat (BAC) or going onion-mode and layering up. And while the giant puffer may have its champions, for menswear enthusiasts, nothing beats layering when it comes to garments-per-fit. And at the heart of any conversation around layering is the humble liner (jacket).Like so much of menswear, the liner jacket has its roots in military uniforms, and the embrace by regular folks of military surplus clothing after WWII ended. Specifically: When the United States Military started designing uniforms for cold climates during WWII, they understood that the best way to stay warm was to trap body heat in pockets of air created by numerous lightweight layers, with a tough outer layer to block wind. Enter the liner—made from a lightweight yet insulating material, cut with a wide front opening, and usually with the ability to be buttoned into a jacket.These days, liner jackets are constantly being re-interpreted and re-styled. Plenty of guys even wear them as their main outer layer. But the elite ones remain light, technical, and a little loose. Below, the best liners on the market right now.The Best Liner Jackets Hit ListThe Beefed-Up Pick: Carhartt WIP Black Myton Liner Jacket, $220The Mil-Spec Pick: FrizmWorks M1965 Quilted Ripstock Jacket Liner, $225The Vest Pick: Toast Indigo Cotton Padded Gilet, $280The Value Pick: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket, $70The On-Sale Pick: Snow Peak Flexible Insulated Cardigan, $200 $1002/14Reigning ChampLightweight Taffeta Road Down Liner$225 Reigning ChampReigning Champ gets technical performance right, and its fits are also maximized for wearer comfort and ease-of-movement. It doesn’t hurt that this design also looks like something SEAL Team Six might have worn.3/14Buck MasonAirlight Ripstop Bomber Jacket$298 Buck MasonYes, it’s a bomber, but it's lightweight enough to serve as an excellent liner too. With olive drab nylon and wavy stitches, it’s a perfect homage to the original. But the added D-pockets, small knit collar, and chunky zip front make Buck Mason’s something special.5/14UniqloUltra Light Down Jacket$70 UniqloThe ability to be packed down cannot be overstated, especially when the weather is fickle. And even though this iconic design rolls up easily—as well as slipping under any great coat—its 750+ down filling leaves little up to the elements.6/14The Real McCoy'sM-65 Liner Coat$353 Lost & FoundFor those who want to display their liner with pride, this is an authentic reproduction of the military field jacket liner that started it all. Ever thoughtful, The Real McCoy’s did add three buttons to the front, to make the liner even more wearable as a standalone.8/14GramicciInner Down Jacket$120 GramicciGramicci is obviously known for its legwear, but this liner—which the brand has pleasingly renamed an “Inner” jacket—is pretty irresistible. From the diamond quilting to the tonal snap closure, low-profile side pockets, and even the color choice, this is a liner that’s clearly been thought about that much more.10/14Universal WorksZip Liner Jacket in Camo Leopard Fleece$207 Universal WorksLayer this plush animal-print over a clean white tee, and you’ll be giving Ferris Bueller belting “Twist and Shout.” Or wear it under a serious black coat, and enjoy being the only one who knows about the party happening underneath.14/14LemaireBlack Raglan Liner Jacket$1,295 LemaireThought liner jackets were only a mainstay of outdoors, heritage and workwear brands? Not so. Here, the style is given the capital-F fashion treatment by Lemaire, with a refreshing wool fabric to break up this sea of nylon and fleece.Related Stories for GQFallWinterCoats and JacketsGQ RecommendsRead MoreGQ RecommendsThe 22 Best New Menswear Items to Buy This WeekBy The Editors of GQJewelry26 Wallet-Friendly Bracelets to Make Your Neck JealousBy Olivia HawkinsGQ RecommendsThe Lululemon Belt Bag Is Black Friday's Greatest HitBy Tyler Chin Sales (Style)Ayo, Nike Fiends—You've Got a Few Hours to Score on the LowBy Reed Nelson
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
When the mercury plummets, there are essentially two ways to get bundled up: The single Big Ass Coat (BAC) or going onion-mode and layering up. And while the giant puffer may have its champions, for menswear enthusiasts, nothing beats layering when it comes to garments-per-fit. And at the heart of any conversation around layering is the humble liner (jacket).
Like so much of menswear, the liner jacket has its roots in military uniforms, and the embrace by regular folks of military surplus clothing after WWII ended. Specifically: When the United States Military started designing uniforms for cold climates during WWII, they understood that the best way to stay warm was to trap body heat in pockets of air created by numerous lightweight layers, with a tough outer layer to block wind. Enter the liner—made from a lightweight yet insulating material, cut with a wide front opening, and usually with the ability to be buttoned into a jacket.
These days, liner jackets are constantly being re-interpreted and re-styled. Plenty of guys even wear them as their main outer layer. But the elite ones remain light, technical, and a little loose. Below, the best liners on the market right now.
The Best Liner Jackets Hit List
- The Beefed-Up Pick: Carhartt WIP Black Myton Liner Jacket, $220
- The Mil-Spec Pick: FrizmWorks M1965 Quilted Ripstock Jacket Liner, $225
- The Vest Pick: Toast Indigo Cotton Padded Gilet, $280
- The Value Pick: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket, $70
- The On-Sale Pick: Snow Peak Flexible Insulated Cardigan,
$200$100
3/14Buck Mason
Airlight Ripstop Bomber Jacket
Yes, it’s a bomber, but it's lightweight enough to serve as an excellent liner too. With olive drab nylon and wavy stitches, it’s a perfect homage to the original. But the added D-pockets, small knit collar, and chunky zip front make Buck Mason’s something special.
4/14Rains
Banja Short Liner W Vest
Sometimes, the best liner jacket isn’t a full jacket at all. Cropped and boxy, this water-repellent Rains vest can fit seamlessly as a mid-layer or be worn as a standalone. It also comes in black, light ‘sand’ brown, and a darker ‘frame’ brown to go with all manner of outfits.
6/14The Real McCoy's
M-65 Liner Coat
For those who want to display their liner with pride, this is an authentic reproduction of the military field jacket liner that started it all. Ever thoughtful, The Real McCoy’s did add three buttons to the front, to make the liner even more wearable as a standalone.
8/14Gramicci
Inner Down Jacket
Gramicci is obviously known for its legwear, but this liner—which the brand has pleasingly renamed an “Inner” jacket—is pretty irresistible. From the diamond quilting to the tonal snap closure, low-profile side pockets, and even the color choice, this is a liner that’s clearly been thought about that much more.
9/14Toast
Indigo Cotton Padded Gilet
I love it when Brits call vests “gilets.” This “gilet” from Toast is made from indigo-dyed organic cotton, which helps elevate this layer to become the main character of your fit—as do the durable, eco-friendly, premium Corozo buttons. Those pockets are great, too.
