I like zip shirt jackets because they are easy to take on and off, which means I don’t have to sit there and wrestle endlessly with buttons. I own the Legendary Whitetails Maplewood Zip Flannel Shirt Jacket and like it because it uses 130 grams of Poly-fil insulation to keep me warm even on colder winter days. If you prefer wool, the LL Bean Zip Front Shirt Jacket below also uses insulation for added warmth.
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These are my choices for the best zip up shirt jackets:
- Legendary Whitetails Men’s Maplewood Flannel Zip Shirt Jacket (click here to view)
- LL Bean Men’s Maine Wool Guide Zip Front Shirt Jacket (click here to view)
- Legendary Whitetails Men’s Berber Lined Zip Flannel Shirt Jacket (click here to view)
- Zenthace Men’s Sherpa Lined Full Zip Hooded Plaid Shirt Jacket (click here to view)
- Express Long Sleeve Zip Up Denim Shirt Jacket (click here to view)
- *Women’s* LL Bean Scotch Plaid Zip Front Flannel Shirt (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Zenthace Sherpa Lined Zip Up Plaid Shirt Jacket (click here to view)
One of the first things you will need to consider is whether or not you want an attached hood for your zip front shirt jacket. Like I mentioned at the top, I prefer the Legendary Whitetails Maplewood Zip Flannel Shirt Jacket because I think it is warmer than most other shirt jackets. And, yes, it does have a built-in hood for added warmth. Here is mine:
I also like the fact that the Legendary Whitetails jacket not only has the full zip front, but it also has a button closure so I can protect the zipper from moisture when needed. This jacket has a quilt-lining with Poly-fil insulation for warmth, but overall is not bulky or heavy.
In this article, let’s take a closer look at the best zip shirt jackets so you can find an option that fits your needs. I also want to discuss several things to consider when buying these types of shirt jackets.
Best Full Zip Shirt Jackets
Legendary Whitetails Men’s Maplewood Hooded Zip Flannel Shirt Jacket
Legendary Whitetails makes a great option for those looking for a flannel shirt jacket that works well for both casual and outdoor use. This brand is well-known for outdoor gear, and the Men’s Maplewood Hooded Flannel Shirt Jacket is a popular choice.
This shirt jacket can function as a hooded work jacket or a comfortable casual jacket, making it versatile for various occasions. Here is a look at mine:
The material used for this jacket is 100% cotton yarn-dyed flannel, which makes it soft and durable. The body of the jacket is lined with quilted satin, allowing for an easy on-and-off experience. The double-lined fleece hood adds an extra layer of warmth, making this one of the best zip up shirt jackets for colder weather.
The closure features both a zippered placket and a button front, which helps to seal in warmth effectively. This dual closure is not commonly found in many other shirt jackets, which makes this jacket stand out.
Insulation plays a big role in keeping this jacket warm. Legendary Whitetails designed this jacket with 130 grams of Poly-fil insulation in the body. It doesn’t replace a heavy winter coat, but for a shirt jacket, it provides excellent warmth.
The insulation is particularly beneficial for cooler days, although it may not be enough for extremely cold winter temperatures unless you layer properly. Despite the warmth, the jacket remains non-bulky due to the use of this type of insulation.
My medium-sized jacket weighs just 2.06 pounds, and the thickness is only 1.52 mm, making it one of the best zip up shirt jackets in terms of weight-to-warmth ratio. The jacket has plenty of pocket space, making it practical for everyday use.
Two chest pockets provide ample room to store a phone or wallet, and the side hand-warming pockets are a nice touch for colder, windy days. The left chest pocket also features a pencil or pen slot to keep writing tools secure, which is a helpful feature for anyone using this jacket on the job.
While this jacket is warm enough for most fall and spring days, it’s also suitable for some milder winter days, depending on your personal tolerance to cold. How active you are on the job and how you handle lower temperatures will determine whether this jacket can serve you in winter conditions.
Like most shirt jackets, the Maplewood Hooded Zip Flannel has the versatility to work as both a casual jacket and as something you can wear to work outdoors.
LL Bean Men’s Maine Wool Guide Zip Front Shirt Jacket
LL Bean has a solid reputation for making reliable outdoor clothing, and their Maine Wool Guide Zip Front Shirt Jacket is another good example. Wool is naturally water-resistant, which means this jacket can stay warm even in damp conditions.
Wool is a highly durable material that has been used for outdoor wear for years, making this one of the best zip up shirt jackets for those seeking something long-lasting and functional.
The material is a wool/nylon blend, which makes it tough while still providing the benefits of wool. This 11-ounce fabric is heavier than some other options, and it does need to be dry cleaned.
The jacket has a squared bottom hem, giving it a classic, functional look that pairs well with other outdoor gear. It’s a good choice for those who need something that can withstand a variety of conditions, whether it’s mild rain or cooler temperatures.
Insulation for this jacket comes from 40 grams of PrimaLoft insulation, which adds a bit more warmth than a basic wool jacket. PrimaLoft is known for being lightweight while still providing warmth, so it works well for mild winter days.
This jacket can also be layered under a heavier coat if needed. The design includes two exterior chest pockets and two side hand-warmer pockets, giving plenty of space for storage. Additionally, the exterior wool cape on the shoulders provides extra insulation in wet weather and helps keep moisture away from the pockets.
This wool zip shirt jacket is a great option for anyone who needs something that can perform well in a variety of weather conditions. If you’re looking for warmth and protection, this LL Bean jacket is one of the best zip up shirt jackets for both fall and winter wear.
Legendary Whitetails Men’s Berber Lined Zip Flannel Shirt Jacket
If you like the Legendary Whitetails brand but don’t want a hooded jacket, the Berber Lined Zip Flannel Shirt Jacket is a great alternative. This jacket is designed for those who want a more traditional flannel look with the added benefit of warmth and comfort. The use of 100% cotton flannel provides softness and breathability, while the Berber fleece lining adds warmth without excessive bulk.
The design of this shirt jacket is simple but functional. It has snap-button cuffs, which are easy to adjust depending on your preference. The collared design gives it a classic flannel look, and the lack of a hood makes it suitable for those who don’t want that extra layer of material.
The Berber fleece lining is one of the highlights of this jacket, as it provides excellent warmth and feels soft against the skin. This makes it perfect for colder days when you want to stay warm but don’t need a full winter coat.
In terms of pockets, this jacket offers plenty of storage space. It has two large chest pockets, which are great for storing essentials like your phone, wallet, or keys. The side seam hand-warmer pockets are another helpful feature, making this jacket a good choice for chilly days. There’s also an internal pocket, which gives you a secure place to store items you don’t want to lose.
This jacket is another strong option for those looking for the best zip up shirt jackets that combine comfort, warmth, and practicality. The Berber fleece lining adds an extra layer of warmth, making it suitable for cooler weather, while the design keeps it looking stylish and versatile for different occasions.
Other Zip Up Shirt Jackets
- Zenthace Men’s Sherpa Lined Full Zip Hooded Plaid Shirt Jacket – This Zenthace zip flannel shirt jacket has a warm Sherpa lining, and also has that Sherpa lining in the sleeves. It has an attached hood that is knit lined for warmth. Snap sleeve cuffs are easy to adjust when needed. Nice for cool spring/fall days, or as a layering piece in the brutal cold. Click here to view this Zenthace zip up shirt jacket available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Express Long Sleeve Zip Up Denim Shirt Jacket – Looking for a denim zip shirt jacket? This Express denim shirt jacket is unlined, which means it’s best used in more mild conditions during the spring and fall. This jacket has one chest pockets and adjustable button cuffs.
- Women’s LL Bean Scotch Plaid Zip Front Flannel Shirt – If you are shopping for a women’s zip shirt jacket, this L.L. Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt Jacket is a nice option. It is made with high-quality Portuguese cotton flannel. This is a hooded shirt jacket, but it is not lined, so it is best used in mild fall and spring conditions. Full zip front with a rounded hem that provides some warmth below the waist. Click here to view this women’s zip flannel shirt jacket (affiliate link takes you to llbean.com).
5 Things to Consider When Choosing Zip Shirt Jackets
Warmth
Yes, shirt jackets provide warmth, but don’t expect them to take on brutally cold winter conditions. If you buy an unlined zip flannel shirt jacket, expect it to provide warmth only in mild conditions. I like to use lined shirt jackets that provide more warmth and can even handle certain winter days. But still, they don’t replace a heavyweight winter jacket.
If you are looking for a warm shirt jacket to use for winter temperatures, choosing an insulated shirt jacket might be best. For example, the Legendary Whitetails Maplewood Plaid Flannel Jacket that I own uses Poly-fil insulation for warmth:
One thing I love about shirt jackets is they also act as great layering pieces during the brutal winter months. But just don’t expect these zip up shirt jackets to take on extreme conditions and keep you warm. If you like warmer shirt jacket, visit our article about the best Sherpa lined shirt jackets.
Hood
Another way to add warmth to your shirt jacket is to buy a shirt jacket that has an attached hood. As I mentioned earlier in the article, I own the Legendary Whitetails Maplewood Jacket that does come with an attached hood. I appreciate the extra warmth. To read about more options, visit our article about the hooded flannel shirt jackets.
But if you don’t want an attached hood, I’d recommend the L.L. Bean Men’s Maine Wool Guide Jacket which uses PrimaLoft insulation for added warmth. Click here to view this L.L. Bean shirt jacket that doesn’t have a hood (affiliate link takes you to llbean.com).
Casual Design
Are you planning to wear this shirt jacket casually? If so, a corduroy shirt jacket might be another good options. To read more, visit our article about the best corduroy shirt jackets.
Almost all zip shirt jackets come with chest pockets for storage. Some options, like the Express Denim Shirt Jacket on our list, may just have one chest pocket, but most options have two chest pockets.
The biggest thing you will need to consider regarding pockets, is do you want handwarmer pockets? Even though most shirt jacket come with hand-warmer pockets, not all options do, so be sure to confirm the jacket you choose has hand-warmer pockets if you prefer them.
Durability
Will you be using this zip front shirt jacket for work? If so, would you be interested in something more durable? These insulated shirt jackets often have soft outer shell fabrics which, yes, are very comfortable, but aren’t abrasion resistant.
If you need something durable, canvas shirt jackets are made with durable cotton canvas outer shell fabric that is more abrasion-resistant than other materials. 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.
Button Front vs Zip Front Shirt Jackets
One of the huge benefits of a zip up shirt jacket is it is much easier to get on and off than a button-front shirt jacket. Wrestling with the buttons can be a pain. But there is one exception that might work for you. Have you considered a snap-button shirt jacket? Snap buttons are very easy to take on and off, even if you are wearing gloves.
For example, I like the Filson fleece lined shirt jacket. It has a rugged outdoor style, and is made with durable cotton canvas and a 7-ounce fleece lining for warmth. And, yes, it has snap buttons for an easy on/off. Click here to view this Filson shirt jacket (affiliate link takes you to Filson.com). These snap button shirt jackets act as a nice alternative to zip shirt jackets in case you don’t like your zip options.