Walk down any high street from Dublin to Cork, and you can spot the hottest jacket styles pretty quickly. In Ireland, fashion isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying dry and warm while you’re at it. This year, lightweight waterproof jackets are taking over, but it’s not just the usual black or navy numbers. You’ll see more folks going for earthy greens, warm rust, and even pops of bright blue on the Luas or in the queue at Centra.
Don’t bother with anything too flimsy or unlined—Irish rain doesn’t care about your designer logo. Instead, locals are grabbing jackets with taped seams, solid hoods, and deep pockets for dodging a sudden downpour between bus stops. Puffer jackets and overshirts are also everywhere, because they can be layered up or down when the sun plays tricks on you (you know how it is, four seasons in one day). If you’re out west facing Atlantic winds, a windbreaker or a classic waxed jacket from places like Dubarry in Ballinasloe might just save you from turning into a human windsock.
- Jacket Trends in Ireland for 2025
- Weather-Ready Styles That Actually Work
- Irish Brands and Where to Find Them
- How to Choose the Right Jacket for Irish Life
Jacket Trends in Ireland for 2025
The first thing people notice in Ireland this year is that folks are ditching heavy wool coats for lighter, water-resistant jackets. City types around Dublin and Galway are big on relaxed overshirts—usually padded or quilted—and earthy tones are everywhere, especially olive green and rusty red. It’s not just a fashion choice; these jackets make dodging showers easier and fit perfectly with Ireland’s ever-changing weather.
Puffer jackets aren’t going anywhere, but the puffers for 2025 are less bulky and come in new shapes. Cropped versions hit shops like Brown Thomas while longer, knee-length puffers turn up in Marks & Spencer and Penneys. Some brands, like O’Neill’s Sportswear, mix technical fabric with traditional cuts, which appeals to anyone who wants to look smart but still survive a soggy walk to the office.
If you check what’s trending on Grafton Street or Patrick Street, you’ll spot more people in technical rain jackets—these aren’t the old-style raincoats from schooldays, though. Today’s versions are fitted, come in brighter colours, and have proper waterproof ratings. More folks are looking for jackets that work both at the pub and on hikes up to Howth Head or the Wicklow Mountains.
The sustainable fashion movement is also picking up steam in Ireland. Irish shoppers are buying more jackets made from recycled materials or organic cotton. Patagonia and The North Face have jumped on this trend, and smaller Irish brands like Fresh Cuts in Dublin are also in on the action.
Here’s a look at the most popular styles seen across Ireland so far in 2025:
- Lightweight waterproof shells — easy to pack and layers well
- Slim puffer jackets — less bulky, more practical
- Utility overshirts — for mild days and indoor/outdoor ease
- Waxed cotton jackets — especially popular in rural towns
And since numbers speak louder than words, check out these figures from a recent Irish high street survey (Spring 2025):
| Jacket Style | Popularity (%) |
|---|---|
| Lightweight Waterproof | 34 |
| Puffer Jacket | 28 |
| Overshirt | 18 |
| Waxed Cotton | 13 |
| Others | 7 |
So, if you want your jacket to actually fit jacket trends Ireland instead of just surviving Irish drizzle, these are your best options this year.
Weather-Ready Styles That Actually Work
We all know Irish weather has a mind of its own. Jackets in Ireland need to handle sideways rain, surprise hail, and muggy afternoons—all in a single day. So, picking the right jacket isn’t just about style; it’s about dodging disappointment and soggy sleeves.
Let’s get real about fabrics. Waterproof is a must. Look for jackets labeled as fully waterproof instead of water-resistant, since only the first one will actually shield you during a proper downpour. Gore-Tex, Sympatex, and similar membranes aren’t just marketing fluff—these materials let sweat escape, so you’re not a sweaty mess under your coat. Inner mesh linings help with comfort and breathability when you’re darting into SuperValu or dashing for the bus. Sealed or taped seams mean rain won’t sneak in at the shoulders or zip.
Locals rate certain features time and again:
- Deep, zip-up pockets—for your phone, coins, and the random Luas ticket.
- Adjustable hoods—ones that tighten up, so the wind doesn’t snatch them off halfway across O’Connell Bridge.
- Longer back hems—keeps you dry if you’re cycling or sitting on wet park benches anywhere from St Stephen’s Green to Phoenix Park.
- Two-way zips—handy on bikes and for giving yourself more room sitting on a DART bench.
If you want heat without the bulk, puffer and ‘hybrid’ jackets with lightweight insulation are everywhere. These have replaced old-school heavy coats for most city life, because they pack down small and layer under rain shells. For adventures in Connemara or Donegal, the old reliables—waxed jackets, especially from Irish brands like Dubarry or Magee—still hold up to mucky trails and wet hills.
Here’s a quick look at the kinds of jackets you’ll actually see people wearing this spring and summer, and why they work for our climate:
| Jacket Type | Main Feature | Best For | Popular Brands in Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Shell | Sealed seams, hooded, breathable | Everyday commutes, festivals | The North Face, Regatta, Columbia |
| Puffer Jacket | Lightweight warmth, packs down | Chilly spring mornings, urban life | Patagonia, Uniqlo, Jack Wolfskin |
| Waxed Cotton | Windproof, hard-wearing | Countryside, hiking, weekenders | Dubarry, Barbour, Magee 1866 |
| Overshirt/Harrington | Casual, light layering | Mild, dry weather or pub nights | Penneys/Primark, Tommy Hilfiger |
If you see a bargain in a shop or online, double-check the specs. Something labeled as a rain jacket needs actual waterproof ratings—at least 5,000mm hydrostatic head for city use, higher for hiking. And ignore the hype: the best jacket trends Ireland has right now are the ones that get you through the next downpour without looking like a drowned sheep.
Irish Brands and Where to Find Them
There’s no shortage of Irish brands making jackets that actually work for local weather. Let’s be honest, nobody understands jacket trends Ireland better than those battling the wind and rain every day.
Dubarry of Ireland is a solid choice if you need something tough. Their waxed and quilted jackets are a hit for anyone living rural—or really anyone who walks the dog in Phoenix Park after a heavy drizzle. You’ll find Dubarry in their flagship shop on College Green in Dublin, plus lots of country outfitters from Navan to Wexford.
On the more urban side, Jack & Jones might sound Danish, but their Irish stores carry loads of city-friendly bombers and parkas perfect for running errands along Grafton Street or grabbing pints in Temple Bar. BT2 and Brown Thomas, both in Dublin, usually stock the trendier cuts you’ll spot on young professionals or college students.
For heritage and style, Magee 1866 does a classy tweed jacket that actually holds up to a stiff Donegal wind. Their shop in Donegal Town is the real deal, but lots of their range turns up online at Arnotts or McElhinneys.
Fiona is a big fan of sustainable Irish labels. For her, The North Face and Patagonia are grand, but brands like Fresh Cuts and Grown offer Irish-designed jackets with eco-fabrics—even recycled bottles in some linings! You’ll find Fresh Cuts on Drury Street and Grown online or at pop-up markets in Cork and Galway.
If you hate trying things on in-store, most Irish brands keep their websites well stocked these days, and plenty offer free returns across the country. Keep an eye out for discounts around Black Friday or back-to-school season—they’re often when you’ll get the best deal on a good jacket in Ireland.
How to Choose the Right Jacket for Irish Life
Picking a jacket in Ireland isn’t the same as shopping in Spain or Italy. Here, you need something that’ll take on rain, wind, and surprise cold snaps while still looking good in the pub or at a GAA match. So what actually works?
Start with the basics: check the weatherproof rating. Look for terms like “waterproof” and “breathable,” not just “water-resistant.” Most folks regret going cheap and getting soaked during a storm in Salthill. Jackets rated over 5000mm for water resistance offer real protection against the Irish drizzle.
| Feature | Why It's Useful in Ireland | Example Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Rating | Keeps you dry during sudden rain | Regatta, Berghaus |
| Windproof Material | Ideal for gusty days on the coast | Dubarry, Musto |
| Insulation | Good for chilly evenings year-round | The North Face, Columbia |
| Adjustable Hood | Protects hair and glasses in rain | Rains, Patagonia |
If you’re in Dublin and mostly city-bound, you might get away with a lighter urban bomber or a lined overshirt—just don’t forget the umbrella. Rural types or anyone doing the Wild Atlantic Way should shell out for a hard-wearing shell or a waxed cotton jacket. They’re pricey, but they’ll last for ages—some, like Barbour or Dubarry, even come with lifetime repair services in Galway or Cork.
Jacket trends Ireland often lean practical, but there’s more choice than ever. There are even local Irish shops in Temple Bar and Patrick Street that help you size up and let you test the zips and hoods before you buy. If you commute by bike, reflective detailing is a winner, especially on darker winter mornings. Look for styles with big, secure pockets for your Leap Card, phone, and any other essentials.
- Don’t buy a winter jacket without trying it on over your usual jumper—layers are the Irish way.
- Make sure sleeves aren’t too short. Wet wrists = misery.
- Zips matter more than buttons for fast changes when a cloudburst hits.
- Lightweight jackets are great for spring, but pack something warmer from September through May.
I learned long ago—after being caught without a decent hood during a Wicklow hike with Fiona—that buying once and buying well beats a cheap deal any day. The right jacket isn’t just fashion, it’s your daily shield against Ireland’s famously moody skies.
