The weather in the UK is renowned for its unpredictable nature – one minute it can be scorching hot and then sprinkling with rain the next. Even when we are experiencing temperatures well into the 20s, you’ll find there will be the odd colder day that catches you off guard. On the days with the occasional cooler spell of weather, you may find yourself reaching for something to pair with your summer dresses that will keep the chill off your arms and shoulders.
Of course, there are also the days when the weather can turn, and you may experience a sudden drop in the temperature. The daytime may have been particularly warm, but the evening takes you by surprise with how cooler it is feeling. If you need something to take your outfit from the warm days to the chilly nights, but know your autumn jacket is a little 'too warm', then a ladies' cotton jacket for summer will save the day.
Related: Best sandals for walking in summer
Summer cotton jackets are made to be lightweight and breathable, so they’ll help to take the chill off without making you too hot. Popping on one of these jackets will make those colder summer days a bit more bearable. You will be able to continue enjoying alfresco dining, drinks with friends in a beer garden, having a BBQ with family, and heading for a beach walk along the coastline. To help you narrow down the options, we have put together our top picks of ladies cotton jackets for summer.
Ladies cotton jackets for summer 2022
Fun floral print
www.marksandspencer.com
Size range: 6-24
You can’t go wrong with a denim jacket for summer, and we love the fun daisy print of this one from Marks and Spencer. It has a light blue wash and is made with sustainable cotton.
Review: “Love it. It fits perfectly and looks smart with a summer dress or top and trousers. It is good quality, and the flowers make it look that little bit different.”
Cool camo
www.johnlewis.com
Size range: 4-18
This cargo jacket is a casually cool ladies' cotton jacket for summer. It is mid-length and comes with four pockets, so you’ve got plenty of room to put your phone and keys.
Review: “Lovely quality cargo jacket, feels a bit more unique than others I've tried. I'm usually a large 14 but got this in a 12 and could possibly have gotten away with a 10 for a more fitted look.”
Breathable jacket
www.cottontraders.com
Size range: S-3XL
This lightweight jacket will be perfect for keeping the chill off on those cooler summer nights. It has elasticated cuffs and a drawcord hood, as well as poppers to fasten the front.
Review: “I love this jacket for its colour, length, and hood. The quality is super. It's an ideal jacket for when the weather turns slightly chilly in summer.”
Cropped cut
www.johnlewis.com
Size range: 6-18
This beige cotton jacket is perfect for layering over a dress. Soft and breathable, this jacket has a crop cut that is figure-flattering.
Review: “Absolutely love my new jacket. More than I wanted to pay, but worth every penny. Gorgeous soft fabric and I love the shape, it looks great with everything. The pleat/fold at back is really nice bit of interest.”
Perfect for seaside walks
www.joules.com
Size range: 6-26
As its name suggests, this cotton jacket would be great to wear on a chilly beach walk. It has a relaxed fit with zips and poppers to fasten, as well as two front pockets.
Review: “I love the colour of this lightweight jacket! It’s perfect for the Spring! Well-made and easy to wear! Very stylish too!”
Super soft
www.simplybe.co.uk
Size range: 10-32
This blush pink utility jacket is ideal for throwing on when it gets a bit nippy during the summer. It has a drawcord waist that you can adjust for a tighter fit if you wish.
Review: “This is a lovely spring jacket. With a zip as well as buttons, it’s right on style. The colour blush blends well with creams, as well as darker shades. Love it!”
Ornate floral detailing
www.monsoon.co.uk
Size range: 8-24
Made from a blend of organic and better-sourced cotton, this jacket is certainly a stand-out piece. It is perfect for any work meetings during the summer or for dressing up an outfit for a garden party or BBQ.
Cool and casual
www.whitestuff.com
Size range: 6-22
If you love the look of a denim jacket but are after something that is slightly longer in the body, look no further than this cotton jacket from White Stuff. It has a drawstring waist so you can adjust the fit and deep pockets for holding all your essentials.
Review: “Love this jacket! It’s slightly longer than a regular denim jacket, which is a plus for me. I like the roomy sleeves, they mean I can wear a jumper comfortably. I also like the collar, which folds down easily, or alternatively, it can be worn ‘popped’, if it’s chilly. It’s got a zip as well as poppers for fastening and nice big pockets. Hooray, all round!”
Must-have style
www.jdwilliams.co.uk
Size range: 10-30
No summer wardrobe is complete without a staple khaki jacket. This one has a high neck design with big tortoiseshell buttons for fastening. It also has a drawcord waist that can be adjusted from the inside for a more fitted look.
Why are cotton clothes worn in summer?
In the summer months, our bodies naturally sweat a bit more due to the increase in temperature. This is because our bodies need to try to maintain and regulate a core temperature. As the sweat your body produces evaporates, it takes the heat out of our bodies to stop us from overheating.
Cotton clothes are worn in the summer to help with this process. It is a lightweight and breathable fabric that is very good at absorbing the moisture the body produces when it sweats. Cotton clothes tend to be favoured more as they help to draw heat away from your skin in the warmer months of the year, keeping you cool and comfortable in high temperatures.