When the wind cuts through Grafton Street or you’re waiting for the 145 bus at Ballymun, you don’t just need a jacket-you need one that survives an Irish autumn. The fashion scene here doesn’t care about runway trends from Paris or Milan if the thing can’t handle a downpour on the Wicklow Way. So what jackets are actually in style in Ireland right now? Not the ones that look good on Instagram. The ones that keep you dry, warm, and still look like you’ve got your life together after a week of rain.
Waterproof is Non-Negotiable
If you’re buying a jacket in Ireland and it doesn’t say ‘waterproof’ or ‘stormproof’ on the label, you’re wasting your money. This isn’t about fashion-it’s survival. Brands like Barbour is a British outerwear brand with deep roots in Irish rural life, known for its waxed cotton jackets that last decades still dominate the market, especially in Donegal and West Cork. But local players like Claddagh is an Irish brand based in Galway that blends traditional Celtic stitching with modern waterproof tech are gaining ground. Their Atlantic Series jackets use recycled polyester membranes and seam-sealed construction-perfect for the 200+ rainy days we get annually.
Look for jackets with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish and adjustable hoods that actually fit over a beanie. A hood that flops around like a wet towel is useless when you’re caught in a sudden squall on the Cliffs of Moher. The best ones have stiffened brims and a drawstring that holds shape-even when soaked.
The Rise of the Utility Jacket
Forget sleek, minimalist coats. In Ireland, utility is king. Think cargo pockets, reinforced elbows, and multiple layers of zippers. The Field Jacket is a rugged, multi-pocketed outer layer inspired by military and workwear, now popular in Irish cities for its practicality has become the go-to for students at UCD, nurses in Cork, and farmers in Limerick alike. Brands like Decathlon is a French outdoor retailer with strong Irish presence, offering affordable, high-performance utility jackets have seen a 37% spike in sales of these styles since late 2025, according to their Dublin store data.
Why? Because you need to carry a thermos, a spare pair of gloves, a dry bag for your phone, and maybe even a half-eaten sandwich after a hike in Killarney. A jacket with six pockets isn’t trendy-it’s a necessity. Look for ones with internal mesh pockets for wet gear and external ones you can access with gloves on.
Layering is the Real Secret
Irish weather doesn’t change-it evolves. One minute you’re in sunshine at Trinity College, the next you’re dodging hail in Temple Bar. That’s why nobody wears a single jacket anymore. The real trend? Layering. Start with a lightweight thermal base, add a fleece mid-layer (think Patagonia is a global outdoor brand widely worn in Ireland for its sustainable materials and durability in wet climates’s R1), then top it off with a waterproof shell.
The 3-Layer System is a proven outdoor clothing strategy used by Irish hikers and commuters, combining base, mid, and outer layers for adaptability isn’t just for mountaineers anymore. Even people working in Dublin offices are ditching their single wool coats for this setup. It’s cheaper than buying five different jackets, and you can peel off layers as the temperature swings from 2°C to 12°C in a single afternoon.
Color Choices: Darker, Not Brighter
In Ireland, fashion doesn’t mean neon. You’ll rarely see someone in a bright red or electric blue jacket unless they’re at a festival like Electric Picnic. The dominant colors? Charcoal, olive, navy, and deep green. These aren’t just aesthetic-they’re functional. Darker tones hide rain stains, mud splashes, and the inevitable coffee spill from your morning Dublin coffee run.
Brands like Mountain Equipment is a UK-based outdoor brand with strong Irish retail presence, known for durable, color-conservative outerwear and Irish Wool is a local artisan brand from County Clare that produces wool-blend jackets using native Irish wool have shifted entirely to muted palettes. Even the trendy oversized puffer trend here comes in charcoal or black, not white. If you want to blend in-and you do-stick to earth tones.
Where to Buy in Ireland
You don’t need to order online from the US. Ireland has local options that understand our weather better than any global brand.
- Claddagh (Galway and online) - Best for waterproof, stylish jackets with Irish design elements.
- Decathlon (multiple locations including Limerick, Waterford, Belfast) - Best budget-friendly utility jackets.
- Mountain Equipment (Dublin, Cork, Galway) - Best for serious outdoor performance.
- Irish Wool (online, shipped nationwide) - Best for wool-blend jackets with heritage craftsmanship.
- Barbour (Niall’s in Dublin, Doherty’s in Galway) - Best for classic waxed cotton that lasts 10+ years.
Local thrift stores like Oxfam is a well-known charity shop chain in Ireland with high-quality second-hand outerwear in Dublin 7 or Salvation Army is a charity in Ireland offering affordable, tested second-hand jackets in Limerick often have vintage Barbour or Macpac jackets in excellent condition. Buy one second-hand, treat it with wax, and it’ll outlast three new ones.
What’s Out
Let’s be clear: some trends just don’t land here.
- Lightweight windbreakers without insulation-useless after October.
- Sheer or mesh-lined jackets-too flimsy for Irish wind.
- Designer puffers with zero weatherproofing-great for NYC, not for Galway.
- Single-layer wool coats without a liner-fine for a dry day, disastrous in a storm.
If it can’t handle a 40km/h gust off the Atlantic, it’s not Irish fashion. It’s a liability.
Real People, Real Jackets
Take Sarah, a teacher from Sligo. She wears her Claddagh Atlantic Jacket is a waterproof, insulated jacket designed for Ireland’s wet climate, worn daily by commuters and outdoor workers every day from January to May. It’s held up through school runs, ferry trips to the Aran Islands, and three separate downpours on the way to her parents’ house in Mayo. She didn’t buy it because it was trendy. She bought it because her old one fell apart in 2023.
Or Liam, a bike courier in Cork. He wears a Decathlon Utility Jacket is a durable, multi-pocketed jacket designed for urban commuters and outdoor workers with reflective strips. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the only thing that keeps his phone dry during midnight deliveries. He’s had it for two winters. No repairs. No replacements.
This isn’t about looking cool. It’s about staying dry, warm, and functional. And that’s the real Irish style.
What’s the best jacket for Irish winters?
The best jacket for Irish winters combines waterproofing, insulation, and a hood that stays put. Look for a waxed cotton or technical shell with a fleece or down liner. Barbour and Claddagh lead in this space, but Decathlon offers excellent budget options. Avoid thin, unlined coats-they’ll leave you soaked in an hour.
Are puffer jackets popular in Ireland?
Yes, but only if they’re designed for wet weather. Lightweight puffers from fashion brands often fail here. The ones that work have a waterproof outer shell, adjustable hoods, and are filled with synthetic insulation (not down, which loses warmth when wet). Brands like Mountain Equipment and Patagonia make versions that actually perform in Irish rain.
Where can I find second-hand jackets in Ireland?
Oxfam and Salvation Army stores across Ireland carry quality used outerwear, especially Barbour, Macpac, and Craghoppers. Dublin 7, Galway city, and Limerick’s North Circular Road have the best selections. Always check for intact seams and a functional waterproof coating. A good second-hand jacket can last another decade with a little wax treatment.
Should I buy a jacket online or in-store in Ireland?
Try it on in-store if you can. Irish weather is too unpredictable to guess sizing. Stores like Decathlon and Mountain Equipment let you test jackets with water sprayers and wind tunnels. If buying online, choose retailers with free returns-Claddagh and Irish Wool offer this. Avoid international sites without local return options; shipping back a jacket from the UK or US isn’t worth the hassle.
What’s the difference between a waxed jacket and a waterproof one?
A waxed jacket (like Barbour) uses beeswax-treated cotton to repel water-it’s breathable and ages beautifully but needs re-waxing every year or two. A waterproof jacket (like Claddagh or Patagonia) uses synthetic membranes like GORE-TEX or similar tech that don’t need maintenance but can feel less breathable. Waxed jackets suit casual, urban wear. Waterproof tech suits hiking, cycling, or daily commuting in heavy rain.
If you’re in Ireland, your jacket isn’t a fashion statement. It’s your first line of defense. Choose wisely.