All I Want to Wear in London Right Now Is a Waisted Jacket—21 Elegant Styles I've Bookmarked

One of my best purchases last month was a waisted cardigan. The first time I wore it out, I was inundated with questions about its origin, and on the next occasions asked where similar styles could be found as my exact piece had sold out. The item in question was understated and incredibly classic, but the form-fitting silhouette brought such refinement that onlookers were surprised when I proclaimed it was from the high street. Looking to replicate that polished feel as we move into spring, I’ve set my sights on tracking down the best waisted jackets. If elegance is high on your spring wardrobe wish list, trust me, you’ll want to scroll on.

In recent years, unique and interesting silhouettes have become a big trend. As fashion has quietened in favour of minimalism, the focus on embellishment and bold logos has been replaced with an appreciation for fabric, cut and form. For a time, this proportion play was expressed in oversized cuts, think of the rise of wide leg jeans or oversized blazers that have become modern staples in so many great wardrobes. These still ring true as savvy wardrobe additions, but if you’re looking for a way to update your classic jackets this spring, a form-fitting waistline should be strongly considered.

With such a simple fit detail creating such an expensive feel, an array of classic spring jackets have been reformed to feature a striking waist. With its link to tailoring, blazers have easily embraced the cinched-waist look, and whether you’re looking to invest in a high-quality piece or dipping your toe into the trend with a more affordable buy, there’s an array of supremely elegant waisted blazers to choose from. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, look to the denim jacket. As yet another reliable spring choice, and designers across the board have manipulated the heavyweight material into refined hourglass silhouettes.

One jacket that already has a put-together feel is the tweed jacket. With the textured fabric and classic structure that have a naturally elevated appeal, it’s hard to imagine that this jacket could get any better, but a cinched waist is able to take even this brilliant piece up a notch. Finally, the return of the country jacket to favour last year is set to continue for 2025, and this season, nipped waists are adding definition to the commonly straight-shaped style. Below, I’ve rounded up the very best canvas jackets for the spring showers ahead.