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A quality coat is central to a successful winter wardrobe, so here are our top tips for choosing the perfect style for you
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During winter, you wear your coat more than anything else in your wardrobe. When the drizzly season hits, it’s the weatherproof saviour that makes leaving the house just about bearable. Beyond practicalities, though, it’s also an important style choice. As the top layer of every outfit, it’s the piece of clothing everyone sees first, so you need to make it count.
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There’s much to consider when hitting the shops for a new piece of outerwear. Will it be warm enough? Is it a design you’ll wear in a year’s time? Does it coordinate with the rest of your wardrobe?
As with most menswear, we recommend keeping it timeless. Trends come and go – see skinny jeans, motocross jackets, gorpcore et al – but coats are best done classic. Think overcoats, macs, car coats, chore coats, trench coats and pea coats. Any of these in a versatile shade of black, navy, khaki or neutral will be a safe investment for this year and beyond.
Think also about what you’ll need the coat for. If you’re out walking the dog every day, you’ll need one that’s waterproof – our favourite would be Rains’ rubberised PU take. Or if you’re a drinks-after-work kind of guy, you’ll want a versatile overcoat that’s sophisticated enough for the office yet warm enough for the pavement. And for the tricky transitional period, a trench is usually best.
Either way, we’ve searched far and wide for the best coats to suit. Here’s our top picks.
Loose-fit wool-blend coat
£54 at H&M
There’s a reason H&M has remained a mainstay on the high street for more than 75 years. The Scandi brand creates accessibly priced collections that every guy wants in their wardrobe, whether it’s a simple T-shirt or an exciting designer collaboration. Take this cocooning relaxed-fit wool-blend coat, for example, which feels much more expensive than its £84.99 price tag. A laid-back smart-casual classic.
Long jacket
£95 at Rains
As you may have guessed from the name, Rains is an expert at weatherproof outerwear. Ever since trying one of the label’s coats back in 2018, it’s become my go-to for waterproofs. You can choose from long or short, ponchos or two-piece sets, all in a range of colours crafted using the signature PU fabric with welded seams. The only downside? Since they’re entirely watertight, they’re not the most breathable, so go for a different design if you’re planning particularly active pursuits (see our best waterproof jackets guide for inspiration).
Hybrid down coat
£109.90 at Uniqlo
When it comes to seasonal essentials, Uniqlo covers all the bases. During summer, it’s the lightweight Airism T-shirts on everyone’s wish list, while Heattech thermals are saviours when it’s sub-zero. Now the Japanese label’s outerwear is rising up the ranks, too. This coat pairs a water-repellent outer with targeted ventilation zones and high-performance down, making it perfect for days when it’s wet and cold.
Saikuru jacket
£215 at the North Face
£194 at JD Sports
When the frosty mornings set in, only a puffer jacket will do. Enter the North Face’s Saikuru jacket. As someone who’s tried many puffer jackets over the years, this is the one I return to time and time again. Not only is it well insulated using synthetic fill, but it’s also lightweight, a modern boxy fit, and wind- and water-repellent. If the burgundy isn’t for you, there are five other colourways from which to choose.
Car coat
£189 at Arket
If you dressed head to toe in Arket daily, you’d look like a man who gets fashion. The Stockholm-based label designs its collections with a capsule wardrobe mindset – the pieces all work together no matter what. It could be an easy T-shirt or sweater, straight-leg jeans or, in this case, a navy car coat. It’s constructed well and designed to last.
Hopper trench
£290 at Octobre Éditions
A trenchcoat is a useful menswear tool for seasonal transitions. When it’s warmer, you can wear it over a shirt and trousers, and you can amp up the heat with a roll-neck and thermals once the temperature drops. Go for one that’s easy to wear with most of your wardrobe; my go-to is one in tan or camel that falls just below the knee. Independent label Octobre Éditions’ Hopper trench fits the bill perfectly.
Autograph hooded raincoat with Stormwear
£99 at Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer’s own brand Autograph expertly balances functionality with design. During the rainy months, this water-resistant coat will at once protect you from inclement weather and take your look up a notch, thanks to the fully monochrome finish and workwear-inspired details. The removable hood takes it to a new level of versatility.
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Single-breasted wool-blend coat
£135 at Weekday
Weekday may be best known for its gen Z-targeted, trend-led collections, but it also makes timeless pieces – and this coat is a case in point. It’s a rich chocolate brown shade and boasts sharp, strong lapels. It’s also the perfect overcoat length (below the knees to elongate the body rather than shortening it). All in all, a strong addition to any coat rack.
Hooded wool duffle
£270 at Cos
What do David Bowie, peace-loving beatniks from the 50s and a famous animated bear have in common? Duffle coats. Characterised by their thick woollen fabric and toggle fastenings, they’re a heavy hitter in colder months. And Cos has the perfect take. Made from a recycled-wool mid-grey cloth, it features a detachable hood, adjustable cuffs and rope toggles. Lean into the Ivy League look by pairing it with slacks and Derbies.
Barbour Ashby waxed jacket
£249 at Barbour
When you think of waxed jackets, the first brand on your mind should be Barbour. Loved by everyone from the royal family to David Beckham and Liam Gallagher, they’re a tried and tested staple that works for just about anyone. Our favourite? The Ashby. Cut to a relaxed silhouette from a heavy, 6oz waxed cotton, it’s a winter-ready essential that still leaves plenty of room for essential layering when the cold sets in – you could even pair it with one of the brand’s signature zip-in layers.
Oversized wool-look overcoat
£72 at Asos
Asos is a go-to for well-designed, affordable menswear. Although a black coat may not sound exciting, this one ticks every box. It’s cut to an oversized fit. It has expensive-looking XL lapels. And the length is just right. Pair it with plain black basics and you’ll look like you’ve made an effort – even if you haven’t.
Wool coat
£199 at Zara
For elevated menswear on the high street, Zara should be your first stop. This year, the Spanish mega-brand has collaborated with luxury Hungarian designer Nanushka for a collection that’s a step above the mainline. The hero piece is this coat that comes in green and brown – we love everything from the boxy silhouette to the heavyweight pure wool.
Longline trench
£79.99 at Reserved
Reserved may be a lesser-known high street store, but the Gdansk-based label always has a few solid menswear pieces to offer. For autumn/winter 2024, our favourite is this trenchcoat. With epaulettes, a longline cut, wide lapels and cuff fastenings, it could be mistaken for a high-end designer – all for less than £80.
Down parka
£400 at Gant
While Gant’s parka isn’t the exact coat worn by the Gallagher brothers since the 90s, it certainly leans into the cult Britpop aesthetic. The patch pockets, down insulation and mid-thigh length will keep you cosy, while the neutral shade is easy to work into your rotation. Now all you need is the mod cut and wire-frame sunglasses to match.
14 of the best men’s coats for winter – from puffers and parkas to trenches
