If you’re a Portobello market regular, you’ll know to expect the same scenario upon each visit to the Notting Hill haunt. A flock of cowboy boots, Y2K wraparound sunglasses at every corner, and most notoriously, a sea of vintage Afghan coats you’ll have to wade through to reach the stalls.
Afghan coats have arguably made the strongest comeback of Seventies style. Forget flared jeans and baker boy caps, these outerwear icons have established themselves as a staple piece for It-girls and Depop die-hards alike.
The proof is in the price tags. Head to Brick Lane or Golbourne Road and you’ll most definitely unearth a couple of second-hand Afghans well over the triple-figure price tag. The coats, which as the name suggests hail from Afghanistan originally, are typically crafted from real suede and weighty materials, hence their RRP.
The silhouette of the Afghan coat is highly distinctive. Generous swathes of brown suede are paired with frothy fur trims made from ostrich or maribou feathers and often peppered with floral embroidery that harks back to the Flower Power era.
Afghan coats have earned icon status thanks to their documentation in popular culture. The design hit the silver screens adorned by Kate Hudson’s character Penny Lane in Almost Famous, hence the interchangeable name Penny Lane coats. Most recently, Daisy Jones & The Six ushered the piece back onto our scenes with Riley Keogh and Camila Morrone sporting the most exquisite renditions of the coat.
Britney Spears also made a case for the retro coat. Stepping out in what now is considered one of her most memorable looks ever, the singer paired a chartreuse Afghan coat with her iconic ‘Dump Him’ baby tee which referenced her breakup with Justin Timberlake in 2002.
Naturally, the silhouette became hot property within the celebrity sphere. Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid and the Olsen twins are just a handful of names to incorporate the coat into their groovy winter wardrobes. They followed in the footsteps of John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie who were notoriously partial to a fur-trimmed piece or two.
Considering the coat’s humble origins, its popularity is a raging success story. The cosy pieces were first invented for functionality in Afghanistan during the 1920s, yet only gained commercial momentum in the late Sixties and Seventies. Today they are a style status symbol, beloved by Gen Z TikTokers and thrifting enthusiasts.
It goes without saying that if you want to source a true retro Afghan coat, then shopping vintage is key. But many don’t have the resources or time to do so, so we’re extending a helping hand. Read on to discover the best Afghan coats available on the market now.
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Mango Faux Fur Trimmed Leather Effect Coat
Mango’s faux fur trimmed coat is the ultimate blend of Seventies style and contemporary design. A belted waist sculpts the figure, while a chocolate hue champions retro sentiment.
Buy now £139.99, Mango
Free People Moon Glow Coat
A vintage-inspired coat, Free People’s dazzling Moon Glow Coat is a real statement piece. It comes in five tempting tones from mesmeric gold to punchy salmon pink, and would automatically enhance any look with its velveteen touch.
Buy now £448.00, Free People
Superdry Faux Fur Lined Longline Afghan Coat
Superdry is one to watch when it comes to Afghan coats. The Japanese brand has an array of designs to peruse, but our eyes fell on this chocolate creation. Crafted from corduroy with a faux sheepskin trim, the piece echoes a bohemian Seventies sentiment.
Buy now £144.99, Superdry
Kitri Simone Black Vinyl Coat
Keep it classy with Kitri’s black vinyl Simone coat which comes complete with frothy milk white sleeves and a patent finish. For days when minimalism is favoured, you can simply remove the fur trims to reveal a timeless black trench with a belted waistline.
Buy now £165.00, Kitri
Urban Outfitters Anita Suede Jacket
Pick from timeless black or zesty orange with Urban Outfitters’ stunning Anita jacket. A plume of feathers catches the eye, plus a sculpting belted waistline and shorter silhouette.
Buy now £295.00, Urban Outfitters
Charlotte Simone Penny
Kicking off the list is Charlotte Simone’s coveted Penny. The London-based designer has become synonymous with the flirtatious style, with her clientele spanning Katy Perry, Georgia May Jagger and Emma Roberts. We adore the pink Penny which embraces dopamine dressing for winter.
Buy now £395.00, Charlotte Simone
The Hippie Shake Breaking Hearts Green Embroidered Penny Lane Coat
Where better to look for Seventies nostalgia than The Hippie Shake? The brand’s gorgeous green suede Penny Lane coat showcases mystical folk-like embroidery set against a forest hue, plus a full lining and light padding making it ideal for transitional weather.
Buy now £159.00, The Hippie Shake
Superdry Embroidered Long Afghan Coat
We couldn’t resist including another of Superdry’s Afghan offerings. The brand’s embroidered rendition of its popular outerwear staple exudes girlish glamour while retaining an air or rock ‘n‘ roll attitude.
Buy now £199.00, Superdry
Vintage Afghan Coats
If you’re pining for an authentic Afghan coat, look no further. We’ve picked some of our favourite pre-loved pieces.
Rokit Originals Amber Floral Print Jacket
If John Lennon were with us today, he’d be adding to his virtual basket immediately. Rokit’s sunny Afghan number features yellow florals crafted from repurposed vintage garments and textiles.
Buy now £171.00, Rokit
Etsy Vintage Y2K Purple Penny Lane Long Afghan Mongolian Fur Jacket
This attractive aubergine-toned coat hails from the Nineties. A longline cut is punctuated by a lilac belt and complemented by purple brocade fabric and a Mongolian fur collar.
Buy now £230.00, Etsy
Etsy Vintage 1960s Penny Lane Coat
This is not a drill. This exquisite Penny Lane coat is an original from the 1960s. As indicated by the price, the sensational piece is the real deal. Note the cream fur trims, belted waistline and rust-orange geometric print that will turn heads wherever you go.
Buy now £411.00, Etsy
Identity Party Afghan Coat
Feast your eyes on this cream dream of an Afghan coat. A shorter cut is married with bursts of faux fur and neutral tones. Pair with blue jeans for a showstopping outfit.
Buy now £75.00, ASOS Marketplace
Etsy Afghan Sheepskin Coat with Nejla Mongolian Hair
An authentic Afghan sheepskin coat could be yours if you have the cash to splash. This beautiful chocolate brown piece boasts fairytale florals in marigold and crimson colourways and a dramatic fur trim.
Buy now £562.71, Etsy
Vestiaire Short Patchwork Jacket
Someone better buy this before we do. A groovy winter garment for the bold, this second-hand short jacket will brighten everyone’s day. With its reasonable price for a vintage piece, it would almost be rude not to.
Buy now £134.29, Vestiaire
