Spring's Key Jacket? The Windbreaker

The rise of the windbreaker as a key fashion piece is as inevitable as it is surprising.

There are some corners of the country who might find the repositioning of this unassuming outdoor staple a little odd, but if the last few years have shown us anything, it’s that functional clothing is very much in. 

Gorpcore – the wearing of traditional outdoorsy gear as fashion-led streetwear – first began its ascent during the pandemic. We wanted comfort, but we also wanted to look good. Puffer coats, dad-inspired trainers, fleeces and hiking boots became a uniform for media and fashion types who, when finally beckoned back into the office, dressed for the commute as if on a camping trip in the Hebrides. Nylon cross-body styles became the new It bag, which was handy as they were also very budget-friendly. The return of the windbreaker belongs to the same look, revived by Prada, The Row and Burberry for spring 2025.

Lyst reports demand for the style has increased by 29 per cent in the past three months, with the most-wanted iterations by Prada, Napapijri, Lacoste, Sea New York and Moncler. Net-A-Porter customer searches for windbreakers have increased by a huge 950% in the same period with the most popular designs coming via Jil Sander and Sacai. 

PIN IT

Prada spring/summer 2025

PIN IT

Part of their appeal is how right they feel for spring, offering a layer of protection from showers and blustery days. “It’s ideal for transitional weather, offering just the right amount of protection without being too heavy, making it perfect for layering,” says NET-A-PORTER Fashion Director, Kay Barron. There’s also a retro appeal to the windbreaker that taps into the current 90s love-in. In a year where Oasis are uniting, the Britpop windbreaker feels very zeitgeist-y. “It can serve as a statement piece or complement the rest of your look. With its nostalgic appeal, the windbreaker captures the essence of 90s style, adding a sporty yet playful touch to modern wardrobes.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The North Face (@thenorthface)

Windbreakers, soft shells or anoraks, they’re all gaining traction – and it’s a style that will continue its momentum into next winter. Emerging British brand Talia Byre debuted a plaid version for AW25, worn with a preppy check skirt and pointed court shoes. The trick is to wear it as you would a parka, a sporty, relaxed foil to dressier looks. It’ll give a little bite to that pretty floral dress you love, or simply lean into its casual off-duty energy and team with denim. For styling inspiration, the catwalks are a great place to start.

“The windbreaker is traditionally sporty, but the SS25 runways showcased an interesting contrast in the styling,” says Barron. “At Prada, windbreakers were paired with feather and mirror sequinned dresses and the juxtaposition worked really well. For everyday wear, I’d look to The Row for inspiration – they styled the windbreaker with a simple tee and loose fitting trousers, leaving room for your choice of footwear to either dress it up or down.” When it comes to travel, the windbreaker is a great addition and not only for any camping trips you might have planned this summer. They can be easily rolled up into a carry-on, and unpacked as a light layer for spring city breaks when the weather might not be warm enough for T-shirts just yet. 

PIN IT

Barbour x Alexa Lizzy showerproof jacket, £359

The good news is that windbreakers don’t have to come in designer form. If the Prada version is out of budget, The North Face’s red and black version is a favourite of Emily Ratajkowski and Griff, and Patagonia, Nike and adidas all offer a way into the sporty classic without breaking the bank. Ganni and Alexa Chung’s current collaborations with outerwear stalwart Barbour deliver iterations with a fashion twist. For truly great vintage styles, Vinted and second-hand stores are a perfect hunting ground. 

A satisfying pairing of function and style, the reborn windbreaker is the spring jacket we’ve been waiting for.