There’s always something a bit maddening about jacket shopping in Ireland, isn’t there? Usually, you’re fighting the rain and wind—so zips, snaps, or Velcro are more familiar than a fiddly row of buttons. Spotting a jacket without buttons can leave you scratching your head about what to call it. In the Irish retail and vintage shops, you’ll hear names like "open front jacket," "cardigan jacket," or even just "zip-up." Some folks in Dublin might call a buttonless blazer a "throw-on" or a "soft jacket." Basically, if a jacket closes with a zip, poppers, or nothing at all, it’s usually not called a buttoned jacket.
Irish brands like Avoca and Magee 1866 are known for their casual-yet-dressy open front styles, often wool or tweed. In Galway or Cork, you’ll notice these jackets are a staple in coffee shops, galleries, and on St. Stephen’s Green during changeable weather. They’re both practical and a nod to relaxed Irish fashion. So next time you’re in Penneys or Brown Thomas and spot jackets without buttons, remember, this isn’t just a quirk—it's practical Irish style.
- Names for Buttonless Jackets in Ireland
- Popular Styles and When to Wear Them
- Where to Find Buttonless Jackets Across Ireland
- Tips for Choosing and Styling Buttonless Jackets
Names for Buttonless Jackets in Ireland
If you’re browsing for jackets in Ireland and you spot one without any buttons, you might wonder whether there’s a proper name for it. The answer is: there’s not just one. Most shops, whether you’re in Grafton Street’s high-end spots or a cosy second-hand place in Limerick, use a few familiar terms depending on the jacket’s style and how it closes.
The most common terms you’ll hear are "open front jacket" if it simply drapes over without fastening, and "zip-up jacket" for anything with a zip closure. Blazers or dressier layers that skip buttons often get called "soft jackets" or "throw-ons," especially among younger Irish shoppers. Cardigan jackets are also a thing—think of knits or lighter jackets that blur the line between cardigan and outerwear.
Retailers like Arnotts and Brown Thomas in Dublin usually sort these types of jackets into their own section, distinct from your classic button-fastened styles. On men’s racks, you might also spot "shackets" (shirt-jacket hybrids) with snaps or zips instead of buttons. And yes, raincoats with no buttons—like those from The Rain Jacket Company—are usually called "rain shells" or “overjackets” around Ireland.
Even the language trends change depending on the crowd. According to Séamus O’Connor, a stylist from Galway,
"Irish fashion is all about simple, practical terms. If a jacket has a zip, we just call it a zip-up. If it doesn’t close at all, it’s an open front or throw-on, and nobody makes a fuss about the exact label."
It all boils down to function. In Irish weather, people just want to know: does the jacket keep out the wind, is it easy to shrug on, and will it dry off fast after a shower? It doesn’t get much simpler than that. So next time you’re searching for a jacket without buttons, listen for these practical Irish terms—they’ll help you find exactly what you need in local stores.
Popular Styles and When to Wear Them
If you walk around Grafton Street or Eyre Square, you’ll notice a few buttonless jacket styles stand out. Most Irish folks opt for comfort, warmth, and something rain can’t ruin. The jacket without buttons comes in handy because you’re not stuck fiddling with tiny fastenings when a sudden shower hits.
Here are the common types you’ll find around Ireland, and when they work best:
- Open Front Blazer: These look sharp enough for work but are loose around the edges. Great for layering up in an office or heading to an evening dinner in Temple Bar.
- Zip-Up Jackets: You’ll see these everywhere—at GAA matches, in student hangouts near UCD, or at weekend markets. Rain-proof options usually come with hoods and handy pockets.
- Cardigan Jackets: Not always woolly—think lighter knits that work for both spring coffee dates and late pub nights. Donegal brands make some sturdy, soft options.
- Wrap Coats: These tie at the waist, offering a smart look for weddings or big weekends out. Useful for windy cliffs or ferry trips to the Aran Islands.
Choosing between these styles depends a lot on Ireland’s famous four-seasons-in-one-day weather. Here’s a quick guide to when locals usually wear them:
| Jacket Type | Best Time to Wear | Where in Ireland it’s Most Popular |
|---|---|---|
| Open Front Blazer | Spring/Autumn, office days, city events | Dublin, Cork |
| Zip-Up Jacket | Any season (with layers), outdoor sports, school runs | Nationwide, especially Galway |
| Cardigan Jacket | Spring/Summer, relaxed weekends, pub nights | Donegal, Limerick |
| Wrap Coat | Winter, dressy occasions, coastal trips | Kerry, Dublin |
Tip: Irish weather apps rarely get it 100% right, so owning a mix of these styles is a safe move. Layer up with lighter options and keep a packable zip-up in your bag for rainy surprises.
Where to Find Buttonless Jackets Across Ireland
Hunting down a jacket without buttons in Ireland isn’t a wild goose chase—there are plenty of spots, both on the high street and online, where you’ll find decent choices. High-street favourites like Penneys or Dunnes Stores almost always stock zip-up bombers, open blazers, and knitted jackets, especially when the seasons flip. For a bit more edge, Marks & Spencer on Grafton Street in Dublin carries a range of casual blazers without buttons and zip-up styles that work from a Galway stroll to a Belfast work lunch.
If you want a splash of Irish flair, check out Avoca’s shops in Wicklow or Kilmacanogue. They offer open-front wool jackets and tweedy throws—great for chillier days. Magee 1866, with their main shop in Donegal Town, makes high-quality, open-front coats in classic Irish fabrics. These aren’t your average mass-produced pieces—they’re built to last and worth investing in, especially for folks battling the Atlantic breeze in the west or those city showers in Cork.
Don’t skip the vintage or charity shops. Places like Siopaella in Dublin, Oxfam in Galway, or even Tola Vintage often have unique open-front jackets at a fraction of the price. Styles range from retro sports jackets to oversized blazers with no fastenings. Local Facebook Marketplace groups and Depop are good if you’d rather buy second-hand online—just search “open jacket” or “zip-up.”
- Shopping tip: Try before you buy, especially if you want a jacket with no buttons to layer over chunky jumpers. Irish sizes vary, and wind can sneak in around the edges of looser fit styles.
- If you’re up north, Belfast’s Victoria Square and the Lisburn Road boutiques have plenty of brands stocking open-front and zip-up jackets, from Barbour to local designers.
- Outdoor shops like Regatta or The Outdoor Adventure Store in Cork and Limerick are also goldmines for weatherproof, technical zip-up jackets—handy if you’re heading for a muddy walk along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Whether you’re heading to a trad session in Dingle or grabbing coffee in Smithfield, there’s a shop nearby with a buttonless jacket built for Irish life. Ask for "zip-up jackets," "soft blazers," or "open-front coats"—shop staff will know what you mean.
Tips for Choosing and Styling Buttonless Jackets
If you’re considering a jacket without buttons as your go-to for Ireland, the good news is it’s practical and surprisingly easy to style. The challenge? Making sure the fit, fabric, and look work day in and day out, especially with the country’s famous quick weather changes.
First, think about when and where you’ll wear it. For urban commuting in Dublin or Cork, opt for water-resistant fabrics or lined open jackets—these hold up well against unexpected rain and windy days. Side streets and coastal towns are notorious for sudden showers, so an option you can layer is always a smart move.
Next, focus on the fit. Open-front jackets, whether they’re simple “cardigan jackets” or trendier bomber styles, should drape nicely—never too baggy or tight. Step into a shop like Brown Thomas or check Avoca’s rails for cuts that skim your body but give room for a jumper underneath. In winter, a wool open jacket over a chunky Aran sweater keeps you warm and still lets you move easily.
Styling is dead simple. Here’s what always works in Ireland:
- Layer up with T-shirts, light sweaters, or hoodies under your jacket for sudden cold snaps—think casual but not sloppy.
- Pick neutral shades like charcoal, navy, or earthy greens if you want flexibility for work, weekends, and even nights out in Galway or Limerick.
- Don’t shy away from textured fabrics: tweed and herringbone add Irish character, especially with jeans and boots.
- Add a scarf or flat cap for a classic Irish look, especially on damp days.
Last tip: make sure your jacket survives rough Irish weather. Check for good lining, strong seams, and care labels recommending gentle wash or dry cleaning if you’re splashing out at Kilkenny Design or smaller boutiques. A sturdy, well-kept jacket will always outlast a fast-fashion zip-up—especially when you’re caught in a downpour outside Croke Park!
