7 cool ways fashionistas are wearing spring's sporty jacket trend

There are plenty of jacket trends to get excited about this season, but none feel as fresh and downright good as the sporty jacket. We saw athletic toppers gain momentum last spring and fall, and their dominance shows no signs of slowing down in 2026. Many of the jackets seen on the spring/summer 2026 runways appear to be plucked straight from the world of sportswear. Windbreakers, anoraks, track jackets, soft shells and zip-ups were everywhere, combining practical functionality with stylish versatility.

The key to styling a trend-forward sporty jacket in 2026 is with contrasting pieces. One of the most popular ways is to pair a funnel-neck anorak or windbreaker with delicate lace-trimmed skirts and shorts – giving us a fresh approach to our spring styling. Balancing the volume of a billowy anorak with short shorts is another popular choice. Or choose a fun statement skirt to balance out the casual nature of the jacket.

Keep scrolling to shop Check out the best sporty jackets and how to style them. Who doesn’t love a comfortable way to stay on trend?

1. With a lace-trim skirt

Offset a technical jacket with a contrasting romantic lace-trim skirt – one of the best ways to wear one by fashionistas this season. As they say, opposites attract.

Lioness

Coastline Windbreaker

Lioness

Anchor Midi Skirt

H&M

oversized bubble-hem jacket

Improvement

Carolina Silk Skirt

and other stories

zip-up twill jacket

Aritzia, Henrietta Satin Mini Skirt

aritzia

Henrietta Satin Mini Skirt

2. With short shorts

Woman in sporty jacket and lace-trimmed shorts

Play with proportions: Balance the volume of the high-neck balloon sporty jacket with contrasting and cute short shorts (lace-trim shorts for extra fashion brownie points).

oak and fort

High Funnel Neck Cropped Drawstring Jacket

Improvement

fern satin short

Improvement

lennon jacket

brand loyal

playa mini short

L Academy

By Mariana Lilla Short

3. With capris

Woman in sporty windbreaker and capri pants

(Image credit: Getty Images)

There is something about the smooth and streamlined nature of the capri that looks great and fresh when paired with a technical jacket.

PE Nation

Shelter Jacket in Black

open edit

stretch twill capri pants

shopbop

Lioness Shoreline Windbreaker Jacket

L Academy

By Mariana Aylin Jacquet

4. With white jeans

White or ivory loose jeans will anchor a sporty jacket outfit and serve as the perfect minimalist staple for styling with it. The fashion set typically includes a red sporty jacket with off-white jeans.

ordered

Roman Slouchy Low Rise Wide Leg Jeans

massimo datti

Linen Puff Bomber Jacket

Levi’s

501 ’90s Straight Leg Jeans

Lioness

Shoreline Colorblock Windbreaker Jacket

eggolde

low slung baggy jeans

5. With a statement skirt

Woman in sporty jacket and statement skirt

Nothing says it’s girly like the contrast of a statement skirt (think punchy prints, feathers, sequins, fringes, or bold colors) paired with a windbreaker, anorak, or track jacket.