What Colour Jacket Goes with Everything?

When you’re living in Ireland, the best jacket isn’t the fanciest one—it’s the one you can throw on over a hoodie, a casual layer worn daily in Irish homes and pubs, jeans, the most common bottom layer for men and women across Dublin, Cork, and Galway, or even a dress, a staple for events and work, often paired with waterproof outerwear in Irish weather. But here’s the real question: what colour jacket actually goes with all of it? Not just looks good in photos. Not just trendy this season. But actually works in the rain, on muddy paths, in pub lighting, and under grey skies—all year round.

The answer isn’t bright red or neon green. It’s not even navy, even though it’s everywhere in Irish school uniforms and office wear. The real winner is black. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t show dirt as badly as you’d think. It absorbs light so it doesn’t clash with anything underneath. Walk into any Irish home on a Thursday morning and you’ll see it: black waterproof coats, black leather bombers, black wool pea coats. Why? Because black doesn’t fight what’s underneath it. It lets the rest of the outfit breathe. And when you’re dealing with wet weather, muddy boots, and layers that change daily, that matters. Black also pairs with every shade of denim, every grey sweater, every beige scarf you’ve bought because it’s "safe". It’s the silent partner in your wardrobe.

But black isn’t the only option. Charcoal is its quieter cousin—just as versatile, slightly softer in daylight, and just as good at hiding rain spots. Dark brown? Yes, if it’s a rich, almost-black brown like the leather on those Shanahan’s boots everyone swears by. And yes, a well-made olive green jacket can work too, especially if you live near the coast or hike the Wicklow Way. But here’s the catch: if you want one jacket that truly goes with everything, you need to avoid anything with texture, pattern, or a strong hue. No plaid. No pinstripe. No pastel. Stick to solid, deep, low-contrast tones. That’s why you see the same few colours in Irish wardrobes year after year. It’s not boring. It’s smart.

And here’s what you won’t find in Ireland: people wearing white jackets in winter. Or light grey in spring. They look clean in ads, but in real life? They get stained by puddles, mud, and rainwater dripping off umbrellas. A black jacket doesn’t just look good—it lasts longer. It survives the commute, the walk to the shop, the sudden downpour on the way home. It’s the jacket you don’t have to think about. And that’s why it’s the one that stays.

Below, you’ll find real Irish advice on what jackets actually last, what styles work in wet weather, and how to pick one that doesn’t just look good—but actually fits your life. No fluff. No trends. Just what works here, now, in this climate, with what you already own.