Billie Eilish was spotted at Coachella 2026 wearing a windbreaker jacket.
Image: Instagram
This winter, a new garment is taking the spotlight. The humble windbreaker, once reserved for the sports world and the gym, is now having its main character moment, with the likes of Hailey Bieber, Zendaya and Kendall Jenner sporting them recently.
As a life-long football fan, this has always been one of my go-to jackets and over the years, I have started my own collection of Manchester United windbreakers.
In South Africa, the popular lightweight, water-resistant jacket is commonly referred to as a Drimac. Many of us grew up with the attire and a black one formed part of my high school uniform for years.
So with many fond memories of the windbreaker and a growing collection, I am delighted to see it back in vogue in the wider fashion world.
I prefer a baggy but still tailored version to wear with anything from gym clothes to jeans and occasionally, I even style it with a dress and sneakers.
This autumn, I have found myself trying different styles with my windbreakers and I love how effortlessly chic they are to style in a casual, more “quiet luxury meets streetwear” way.
I also enjoy how practical they are as wardrobe staples that can be paired in many ways, while many of my windbreakers take me back to the ‘90s, aligning perfectly with fashion’s recent Y2K nostalgia vibes.
Zendaya in a monochrome windbreaker jacket.
Image: Instagram
And what makes them ideal for winter is that they are lightweight but layer-friendly, practical in unpredictable weather and easy to dress up or down.
The windbreaker’s renaissance in the fashion world reflects the growing blend of retro athletic wear and contemporary luxury styling. Meanwhile, designers and celebrities are treating them less like activewear and more like statement outerwear. Catwalks have seen modern versions come in several different styles, including colour-blocked retro designs, sleek monochrome fits and cropped silhouettes.
Another aspect which makes windbreakers so appealing is that they exude that effortless “off-duty model” look.
Stars such as Hailey Bieber have especially helped popularise the polished-but-casual aesthetic, as she donned a vintage black-and-blue Lotto windbreaker jacket while supporting her husband, Justin Bieber, during his Coachella 2026 performance.
In addition, Zendaya was recently spotted styling a windbreaker with relaxed athletic pants and sneakers, helping cement the jacket as a major spring-to-winter transitional piece.
Hailey Bieber wore a vintage black-and-blue Lotto windbreaker jacket while supporting her husband, Justin Bieber, during his Coachella 2026 performance.
Image: Instagram
1. With leggings and chunky sneakers
The easiest everyday option. Add:
The look channels effortless airport-style energy often seen on off-duty celebrities.
2. Over knitwear
Layer an oversized windbreaker over:
This works especially well during South African winters because you can easily remove layers during warmer afternoons.
3. With denim and boots
Pair a retro windbreaker with:
A slightly oversized fit keeps it fashion-forward rather than overly sporty.
4. Monochrome styling
One reason Hailey Bieber’s outfits work so well is colour coordination. Try:
Then let the windbreaker become the statement texture piece.
5. Feminine contrast
One of the biggest celebrity styling tricks right now is mixing sporty and soft pieces:
That contrast makes the look feel elevated instead of gym-inspired.