No item of clothing causes arguments quite like a child’s coat.
Why? Because children just don’t think they don’t need one. “You’re going to catch your death,” is an expression tirelessly used by parents desperately trying to swaddle their child into some form of outerwear.
Each time you have to leave the house, a battle ensues at the door. “But I’m boiling,” is a common phrase regurgitated by kids when you’re already running late for work or school. The ritual palava could easily be avoided - but how?
Our answer: treat your child to a coat they love so much, they’ll never want to take it off.
From dinosaur prints to teddy textures, there are endless options to deck your youngster in when winter arrives. Puffers promise a toasty fit, while duffles are a classically smart layer.
Not only are they functional pieces, but coats are a stylish way to instantly spruce up your child’s winter wardrobe. Hence why there are so many iconic children’s coats. Coraline’s bright yellow raincoat, the Pevensie clan’s floor-length furs in the Chronicles of Narnia - even Paddington Bear’s cobalt duffle can be taken into consideration here.
Luckily, British designers have a knack for children’s outerwear. Heritage labels such as Trotters produce beautifully tailored classic coats, while more affordable names such as Boden, H&M and John Lewis have an eclectic range of silhouettes to suit your young one.
Even luxury brands such as Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs have climbed aboard the infant style train, designing preppy prints and colourful graphics to pepper their children’s collections.
Ensure you are prepared for winter and bag your baby a modish coat pronto. Read on for our favourite kid’s coats that will swaddle your child in warmth, style and personality.
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Trotters Pale Pink Classic Coat
Trotters’ classic coats will never go out of fashion. The conventional outerwear garment is to be worn year-in-year-out, thanks to its smart woollen finish, pink velvet piping and matching velvet buttons. Designed in England and made in Europe, the locally produced piece is a worthwhile investment to indulge your child in pure luxury.
Buy now £165.00, Trotters
John Lewis Heirloom Collection Kids' Wool Blend Duffle Coat
Take a leaf out of Paddington’s style bible with John Lewis’ heirloom duffle in a practical, elegant navy hue. The coat is crafted from an insulating wool blend to keep out the chill on nippy days, and features adorable toggles to add some classic charm. Available for ages 3 to 14, the item can be worn by toddlers and teens.
Buy now £55.00, John Lewis
Jellymallow Cat Puffer Coat
While you still have autonomy over what your kids wear, we suggest taking a playful approach. Jellymallow’s endearing cat print coat is a fun way to add some zest to your child’s winter wardrobe. A warm polyester blend is spruced up with a covetable cat graphic, a soft fleece collar and a padded construction for additional comfort.
Buy now £165.00, MyTheresa
H&M Teddy Lined Coat
Introduce your youngster to Scandi style early on with H&M’s teddy-lined coat. The cosy pick is not only on trend, but promises the warmest of wears with its faux-suede exterior and plush teddy lining. A snug option with a tempting price tag to match.
Buy now £24.99, H&M
Stella McCartney Kids Printed Puffer Jacket
Stella McCartney Kids is the first port-of-call for luxury children’s clothing. The brand champions sustainable design and adorable prints, spanning unicorns to these girlish tulip florals. This pink puffer jacket is a fun zip-up complete with apple green lining and painterly checks.
Buy now £195.00, Stella McCartney
Roarsome Spike The Dinosaur Everyday Coat
Roarsome’s dino-themed coat fully stole our hearts. The overwhelmingly adorable outwear piece is waterproof, windproof and lightweight, making it the ultimate year-round kids jacket. Easy-access zip pockets are perfect for curious hands and storing treasures. The coat is from recycled plastic bottles, but never fear, as it can still be machine washed at 30 degrees for when the muddy puddles are too tempting to resist.
Buy now £95.00, John Lewis
Boden 2-in-1 Padded Coat
Your two to 14-year-olds are covered thanks to Boden’s padded coat. The spring-like coat features sprawling blossoms in shades of crimson, cornflower and mustard, set against a pebble blue backdrop. You’ll find zip-off arms that transform the coat into a gilet, plus a detachable hood and frontal zip fastening. The waterproof exterior is made from an environmentally-friendly water-repellent coating which is free from hazardous chemicals. Ideal against your baby’s skin.
Buy now £65.00, Boden
La Coqueta Green Arrieta Girl Coat
Available in seafoam green, navy, beige tartan and pink, La Coqueta’s Arrieta coat will appease even the trickiest of tots. The sumptuously thick woollen coat adopts a sophisticated peacock silhouette and is tailored for a loose fit that allows your child to move with ease. A Peter Pan collar, velvet buttons and matching frontal flaps add to its charming aesthetic, which is perfect for party season.
Buy now £120.00, La Coqueta
JoJo Maman Bébé Duck Waterproof Jacket
Does it get any cuter? Jojo Maman Bébé’s bestselling waterproof jacket is guaranteed to brighten up the drizzliest of days. A sunny yellow pigment is complemented by a super-sweet duck hood and pockets, all crafted from breathable fabric to protect against rain and wind. Don’t forget to pair with Wellington boots to make a sartorial splash.
Buy now £39.50, JoJo Maman Bébé
Boden Novelty Padded Coat
Pup-loving children will love this novelty coat in the smoothest shade of butterscotch. It’s lined with heavenly sherpa and features a dog-print hood complete with flapping ears and a boop-worthy nose. A machine-washable option, it merges functionality with canine-style sensibilities.
Buy now £55.00, Boden
La Coqueta Green Loden Kids Wool Coat
One of many unisex options on this list, La Coqueta’s forest green coat is a versatile winter staple. The peacock silhouette is adorned with a Peter Pan collar, a button-down front and luxurious lining to protect young ones against the elements. Team with chunky knitwear or a white blouse and your child is set to be the style icon of their age group.
Buy now £159.00, La Coqueta
Mori Recycled Waterproof Wavy Padded Coat
Mori has mastered the art of tasteful design for children’s clothing. This recycled padded jacket, available in sage and cornflower blue shades is suitable for boys and girls from the ages of 6 months to 5 years. The ethically-produced nylon shell is punctuated with wavy puffy panels, a lightweight feel and elasticated features to keep in the warmth. The only problem? It doesn’t come in adult sizes.
Buy now £49.50, Mori
Timberland Boys Camouflage Puffer Jacket in Green
Timberland’s camo puffer is perfect for kids who like to adventure. The water-repellent coat is designed with outdoorsy types in mind and has an easy-clean exterior, 100 per recycled polyamide blend, a hood and side pockets for little hands to stash discovered treasures.
Buy now £119.00, Timberland
M&S Stormwear™ Fisherman Coat
M&S’ classic fisherman coat is a simple yet effective design to shield young wearers from wind and rain. It has a jersey-striped lining for a nautical touch, a regular fit and a handy zip-through fastening that is concealed by poppers. Additional protection is provided via the hood and the brand’s trademarked water-repellent Stormwear technology.
Buy now £26.00, M&S
River Island Boys Green Padded Jacket
A sporty alternative to a more classic-cut coat, River Island’s padded jacket is a wearable piece featuring a black and green colourblock effect. It’s hooded, showerproof and minimalist, making it easy to throw on before school when winter sets in.
Buy now £29.00, River Island
