This Is How Fashion People Are Wearing Spring's Sporty-Jacket Trend

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Women wearing sporty jackets with lace-trim shorts and skirts
(Image credit: @greceghanem; @piamance)
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There are plenty of jacket trends to get excited about this season, but none feel as fresh and unequivocally cool as the sporty jacket. We saw the athletic toppers gain momentum last spring and into fall, and their dominance shows no sign of slowing down in 2026. Many of the jackets seen on the spring/summer 2026 runways seemed to be ripped straight from the world of sports. Windbreakers, anoraks, track jackets, soft shells, and zip-ups were everywhere, combining practical functionality with stylish versatility.

They key to styling the trend-forward sporty jacket in 2026 is with contrasting pieces. One of the most popular ways has been to pair a funnel-neck anorak or windbreaker with delicate lace-trim skirts and shorts—giving us a fresh perspective for our spring styling. Balancing the volume of a billowy anorak with short shorts is another popular option. Or go for a fun statement skirt to offset the casual nature of the jacket.

Keep scrolling to shop the coolest sporty jackets and see how to style them. Who doesn't love a comfy way to be on-trend?

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1. With a Lace-Trim Skirt

Woman in sporty jacket and lace-trim skirt

(Image credit: @piamance)

Offset a technical jacket with a contrasting romantic lace-trim skirt—one of the chicest ways fashion people are wearing them this season. As they say, opposites attract.

2. With Short Shorts

Woman in sporty jacket and lace-trim shorts

(Image credit: @greceghanem)

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

3. With Capris

Woman in sporty windreaker and capri pants

(Image credit: Getty Images)

There's something about the sleek and streamlined nature of capris that looks so cool and of-the-moment when paired with a technical jacket.

4. With White Jeans

Woman in sporty jacket and white jeans

(Image credit: @piamance)

White or ivory loose jeans will anchor a sporty jacket outfit and act as the perfect minimalist staple to style with it. The fashion set has been particularly embracing red sporty jackets paired with off-white jeans.

5. With a Statement Skirt

Woman in sporty jacket and statement skirt

(Image credit: @vivianyrl)

Nothing says It girl quite like the contrast of a statement skirt (think punchy prints, feathers, sequins, fringe, or bold colors) paired with a windbreaker, anorak, or track jacket.

6. With Relaxed Tailored Pants

Woman in funnel-neck sporty jacket, white tee, and black pants

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Give a technical jacket an elevated and polished look by pairing it with black or dark brown relaxed tailored trousers.

7. With Flowy Skirts

Woman in a flowy skirt and technical jacket

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Give your white flowy skirts a fresh look and pair with a chic sporty jacket—a duo combining practicality and style.

Judith Jones
Judith Jones
Associate Shopping Director

Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for over a decade. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.