Wool shirt jackets provide both warmth and breathability, and can offer more natural weather protection than cotton. I like the Filson Wool Jac Shirt because it has a clean style that looks good both in a field and on a barstool. It’s a versatile jacket that can be worn practically anywhere.
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Here are my choices for the best wool shirt jackets:
- Filson Flannel-Lined Mackinaw Plaid Wool Shirt Jacket (click here to view)
- Smartwool Men’s Anchor Line Shirt Jacket (click here to view)
- LL Bean Men’s Maine Wool Guide Shirt with PrimaLoft (click here to view)
- Filson Made in USA Unlined 100% Wool Jac-Shirt (click here to view)
- Pendleton Men’s Quilt-Lined Wool CPO Shirt Jacket (click here to view)
- LL Bean Men’s Maine Wool Zip-Front Guide Shirt Jac (click here to view)
- Pendleton Men’s Classic-fit Board Overshirt (click here to view)
- LL Bean Men’s Unlined Maine Wool Guide Shirt Jac (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Levi’s Wool Blend Shorty Shirt Jacket (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Filson Made in USA Wool Unlined Jac-Shirt (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Pendleton Wool Women’s “Board” Overshirt (click here to view)
Filson first introduced this wool jacket to their clothing line over 50 years ago. Its popularity and design has kept it on the market for multiple generations. It is made using durable 18-ounce wool and is sewn in Filson’s USA facility to ensure quality.
Almost all wool shirt jacs come with chest pockets for storage. Some options, like the Topo Designs jacket on our list, have oversized chest pockets for extra storage space. The biggest thing you will need to consider regarding pockets, is do you want handwarmer pockets? Not all the options have handwarmer pockets.
Wool shirt jackets come in both lined and unlined versions. The unlined options are still warm and capable of keeping your warm during a cool fall or spring day. For winter conditions, you will want to turn to a lined wool jacket unless you plan to use this shirt jacket as a layering piece under your winter coat.
Many of these shirt jackets are made using 100% wool, but there are also options that use a wool blend. Sometimes wool is blended with polyester, or other fabrics. These wool blend shirt jackets often do not need to be dry cleaned, which makes product care a little bit easier.
In this article let’s take a closer look at the best wool shirt jackets so you can find an option that fits your needs. Let’s also discuss several things to consider when buying these types of shirt jackets. If you want to explore more options, visit our article about the best wool work coats.
Best Wool Shirt Jackets
Filson Made in USA 100% Wool Jac-Shirt
Filson is a clothing company based in Seattle WA that has a deep-rooted tradition in providing heavy-duty dependable workwear. Their founder, C.C. Filson, opened shop in 1897 and, at that time, specialized in making ultra-tough, ultra-dependable clothing for stampeders heading north for the Klondike Gold Rush.
Modern day, they’ve transitioned into a company that provides a wide range of outdoor gear (not just workwear). Their gear can be worn by fisherman, loggers, miners, engineers, explorers, and even just everyday folk looking for rugged casualwear.
This is what the Filson Wool Shirt Jac looks like available at Filson.com (affiliate link takes you to filson.com). Here’s what you need to know about this jacket:
- Material – This Filson wool plaid shirt jacket is made using 18-ounce wool. It is made with 100% wool and does not use a wool blend. This jacket is warm enough to be worn as an outer layer on its own, but also functions nicely as a layer underneath a work jacket. It is sewn in Filson’s Seattle facility using imported parts.
- Design – This Filson shirt jacket has a rugged, but casual design that blends in nicely anywhere from a field to a barstool. It has a straight hem that looks good untucked. It features two flap-close chest pockets with a traditional button-front design. This is a Filson classic – they first introduced this wool shirt jac to their line of apparel over 50 years ago.
- Weather Protection – This Filson wool shirt jacket is wind-resistant and can insulate in both wet and dry conditions. The wool fabric is naturally water-repellent to help keep you dry on those cool, rainy days.
Click here to buy this Filson wool shirt jac available at Filson.com (affiliate link takes you to Filson.com). This jacket needs to be dry cleaned. This jacket is made in the USA (see which Filson clothes are made in the USA).
Pendleton Men’s Quilt-Lined Wool CPO Shirt Jacket
The Pendleton Men’s Quilt-Lined Wool CPO Shirt Jacket stands out as an excellent option for those looking for extra warmth during colder seasons. Unlike the Filson shirt jacket we mentioned earlier, which is unlined, this Pendleton jacket offers a quilted lining with poly-fil insulation, which makes it more suitable for colder climates.
The addition of this lining is a significant feature that adds warmth and comfort without compromising on style. The classic wool material, which is 100% wool, is woven in the USA, giving it the same high-quality craftsmanship as other top wool jacket brands.
What sets this jacket apart from others is the inclusion of the quilt-lining, which adds a layer of insulation. While the Filson jacket we discussed first does not have a lining, this Pendleton version incorporates this feature, making it one of the best wool shirt jackets for winter wear.
The design is also notable, with a CPO style that features a full button front and button-close chest pockets. Another key difference from the Filson jacket is the rounded hem and the visibility of the chest pocket buttons from the outside. This small design tweak adds a touch of rugged style to the overall look.
This Pendleton jacket requires dry cleaning due to the nature of its wool fabric, which ensures the material stays in great condition over time.
Topo Designs Wool Shirt Jacket
The Topo Designs Wool Shirt Jacket is another option for those looking for versatile wool outerwear. Topo Designs is a Colorado-based brand that focuses on creating dependable clothing for outdoor lifestyles, and their wool shirt jacket reflects that dedication.
The jacket is made from a recycled wool blend sourced from Italy, which gives it a sustainable edge over many other jackets in this category. The recycled wool blend makes it machine washable, which is a convenience not typically found in the best wool shirt jackets.
This Topo Designs jacket also has a lightweight inner lining, which helps provide a bit of extra warmth. One of the standout features of this wool shirt jacket is the inclusion of side-seam hand-warmer pockets, which adds functionality that is often missing in other wool jackets.
Additionally, the extra-large chest pockets are perfect for storing essentials while you’re on the go. This practical design, combined with a squared-hem look, gives the jacket a modern and functional aesthetic.
The fit of the Topo Designs wool shirt jacket is oversized, making it ideal for layering over other clothes. Despite being reasonably thin, it works well as both an outer layer or a layering piece under a heavier winter jacket. For anyone looking for the best wool shirt jackets that can handle a variety of conditions, this jacket is a versatile option.
LL Bean Men’s Maine Wool Guide Shirt with PrimaLoft
For those needing extra warmth, the LL Bean Men’s Maine Wool Guide Shirt with PrimaLoft insulation is an excellent option. This shirt jacket is perfect for colder environments because of its quilt-lining and PrimaLoft insulation, which add an additional layer of warmth without making the jacket too bulky.
The wool material used in this jacket is designed to withstand harsh conditions, making it one of the best wool shirt jackets for outdoor use in cold weather.
The design features a traditional button front with two flap-close chest pockets, making it both functional and stylish. This jacket also comes in tall sizing, which is a benefit for those who need a little extra length. The overall design and insulation make this LL Bean shirt jacket a solid choice for anyone looking for a warm, durable wool jacket.
Buffalo Jackson Trading Co. Riverton Wool Shirt Jac
The Buffalo Jackson Trading Co. Riverton Wool Shirt Jac offers a different take on the classic wool shirt jacket. Made from a polyester and wool blend, this shirt jac combines durability with comfort.
Although it is unlined, it still offers warmth due to its wool-blend construction, making it a good option for milder climates or for layering in colder weather. The hand-warming pockets are another feature that adds to the functionality of this jacket.
The design includes a rounded hem and two flap-close chest pockets, which give it a classic look that pairs well with a variety of outfits. This shirt jac offers a simple yet stylish option for those looking for the best wool shirt jackets that don’t require too much insulation.
Women’s Filson Made in USA 100% Wool Jac-Shirt
Filson’s popular wool shirt jac also comes in a women’s version, which provides many of the same benefits as the men’s version. This women’s jacket is made from 100% 18-ounce wool and is sewn in the USA, maintaining the high quality Filson is known for.
One of the unique details about this jacket is the inclusion of side hand-warmer pockets, which make it more functional for colder weather. Additionally, extra weather protection around the shoulders and chest helps keep rain out of the pockets, making it a practical choice for outdoor wear.
This women’s version is designed with attention to detail and durability, making it one of the best wool shirt jackets for women who need both style and performance. The construction and insulation make this jacket a great option for colder environments, offering warmth without sacrificing mobility or comfort.
In conclusion, whether you are looking for the added insulation of the Pendleton Quilt-Lined Wool CPO Shirt Jacket or the versatility of the Topo Designs Wool Shirt Jacket, there are plenty of options in the market. The best wool shirt jackets offer a mix of warmth, durability, and style, making them essential for any cold-weather wardrobe.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing Wool Shirt Jackets
Warmth
We all know wool is very good at naturally repelling rain, but what about warmth? How warm do you need you wool shirt-jac to be?
Even unlined wool jackets can provide adequate warmth on a cool fall or spring day. But if you need something for winter, buying an insulated wool shirt jac might be your best option. For example, the LL Bean Wool Guide Shirt Jacket on our list uses Primaloft as insulation so it can take on colder environments.
If you are looking for a shirt jacket to wear in colder environments, you might also consider a Sherpa-lined shirt jacket. And, of course, there are also several types of flannel shirt jackets with lining that offer premium warmth.
To read specifically about merino wool, visit our article that discusses the warmth of merino wool.
Pockets
Almost all wool shirt jackets come with chest pockets for storage. Some options, like the Topo Designs jacket on our list, have oversized chest pockets for extra storage space. The biggest thing you will need to consider regarding pockets, is do you want handwarmer pockets? Not all the options have handwarmer pockets.
Durability
Will you be using this wool shirt for work? If so, would you be interested in something more durable? Wool has many good qualities that are useful for workwear, like being naturally water-repellent and stain-resistant. But if you need something ultra durable, would a canvas shirt jacket be a better option?
Canvas shirt jackets are made with durable cotton canvas outer shell fabric that is more abrasion-resistant than other materials. You can find both lined and unlined canvas shirt jackets. To read more, visit our article about the best canvas shirt jackets.
I also like to wear the Filson Hyder Jacket which uses a durable, quilted outer shell fabric. To read more, visit my article about the best quilted shirt jackets for winter.
Product Care
Most wool jackets will need to be dry cleaned and cannot be machine washed. There are certain types of wool shirts that use a wool fabric blend (often blended with polyester) that make the shirt machine washable.
If you need a machine washable option, the Topo Designs wool shirt on our list is machine washable and does not need to be dry cleaned. If you prefer a casual shirt jacket, but would like it to be machine washable, then I’d recommend considering a corduroy shirt jacket.
Design
Do you want a rounded hem or a squared hem? Sometimes a squared hem can look a little cleaner, but the rounded hem has a more traditional style.
Most shirt jackets have a button-front design, but there are exceptions. For example, LL Bean offers their popular Maine Wool Guide Shirt Jacket in a zip-front version. Click here to view this LL Bean zip-front wool shirt jacket (affiliate link takes you to llbean.com). To read about more zip-up options, visit our article about the best zip shirt jackets.