A coat is a true investment piece that should last years of wear and tear.
There’s no question that the primary function of a coat is warmth. When winter bites down and frosty chill winds fill the streets of London, nothing can shield like a high-quality overcoat.
That’s not to say style doesn’t come into the equation. Coats come in a multitude of silhouettes, spanning peacock to puffer, trench to duffle. Each design portrays a different character and nods to a different moment in history when that particular cut was conceived.
Since the Paleolithic age, humans have dressed instinctively. Animal hides were used as shawls and outerwear for protection against the elements, crafted using needles made from bone or ivory.
Fast forward to the 18th century, and the overcoat is introduced into the gentleman’s wardrobe in Western society. The formalwear piece took on a whole new sartorial cachet as a symbol of social or military status, marking a shift away from the item’s sole purpose of function.
The very same metamorphosis occurred on the other side of the globe. Coats began to carry a mystique, as well as protecting the wearer from harsh conditions. Nomads who mapped the Silk Road through Mongolia, China and Russia ensheathed themselves in coats peppered with furs and embroidery. Specific designs brought good luck during their travels, thus injecting the garment with spiritual value.
Men’s coats are as significant today. Each year without fail, the piece dominates high streets since they are always in demand. Likewise, luxury labels religiously incorporate new outerwear silhouettes into their runway collections - probably because people are typically more likely to splash out on a coat than any other item of clothing.
And with attention from high fashion houses comes a piqued interest in the item from famous faces. Legendary fashion critic André Leon Talley became synonymous with operatic kaftans and longline puffers, which inspired Rihanna’s fiery Alaia look for this year’s Super Bowl.
Pope Francis II became a puffer pin-up when AI-generated images of the Vatican City sovereign in a Bond-esque white coat went viral online. Harry Styles’ pink yeti coat took Coachella by storm, thanks to a helping hand from Gucci.
It would almost be rude not to mention the latest coat to cause social media sensation - Ken’s sweeping fur number in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. The divinely camp pelt has earned a place on the map of iconic on-camera coats, alongside Dellboy’s suede-sheepskin pilot jacket in Only Fools and Horses and Neo’s iconic black leather trench coat in The Matrix.
So yes, coats are vital when curating the perfect capsule wardrobe. Now it’s time to find yours. Read on for the best men’s coats to browse this season.
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Acne Studios Dalio Wool-Flannel Coat
There’s no better garment to invest in than a coat. A classic design goes a long way, and this Acne Studios’ creation is set to survive years of trend cycles to come. The piece has been tailored from sumptuous wool flannel in a timeless black hue. Layer over jeans and a tee for a low-key look for everyday wear.
Buy now £1050.00, Mr Porter
Uniqlo Two-way Single Breasted coat
We have Buberry to thank for the popularity of beige trench coats. This more affordable Uniqlo rendition is another seasonless staple to last the years. It features a durable water-repellent coating, a removable hood for protection against the British drizzle and a roomy fit for layering knits.
Buy now £99.90, Uniqlo
A.P.C. Manteau Gaston Wool-Blend Coat
Opt for a more contemporary silhouette with A.P.C’s wool-blend coat. The pop-collar layer is complete with a charcoal pigment, raglan sleeves and a relaxed fit, providing prime insulation and comfort. Embrace your inner Hackney hipster by pairing it with a chunky autumnal knit.
Buy now £660.00, Mr Porter
ASOS Design Oversized Wool Mix Overcoat
While we recommend shopping with investment in mind, we appreciate this isn’t always possible. Stay cosy and warm without putting too much of a strain on your bank account with ASOS’ oversized wool coat in navy blue. A more unique alternative to conventional black, the ink-blue coat features peak lapels and a double-breasted design to simply throw-on-and-go.
Buy now £80.00, ASOS Design
Dries Van Noten Spread-collar regular-fit wool coat
Rarely are we so captivated by a traditional men’s coat, but this Dries Van Noten number really struck a sartorial chord. The wool creation breaks the mould with its cerulean colourway, which is coolly dampened by a brushed grey-green weave. It has a regular fit, a spread collar and internal welt pockets to tempt online shoppers even more.
Buy now £1405.00, Selfridges
Sandro Single-breasted Concealed Coat
Sophisticated Parisian label Sandro has a covetable collection of coats. The brand’s simple yet effective overcoat in beige is always a surefire hit. A single-breasted design is complemented by a touch of wool, a pointed collar and a thigh-length silhouette.
Buy now £559.00, Farfetch
Weekday Matty Oversized Nylon Coat
A traditional overcoat is not for everyone, and this is where Weekday shines. The brand’s oversized, lightweight coat is ideal for students heading back to university, or West Londoners who want to edge out their wardrobe.
Made from recycled fabrics and showcasing a shirt collar with button-down detailing, the coat presents a more purse-friendly take on Prada’s iconic nylon pieces.
Buy now £70.00, Weekday
Rains Harbin Puffer Jacket
Brave the winter chill with Rains’ Harbin Puffer Jacket. Available in three different colours, black, white and electric blue, the puffer blends street-style sensibilities with functionality. Amplified branding, padded pockets and an oversized fit are enhanced by the featherless chamber technology used to create the piece.
Buy now £599.00, Rains
Cos Nylon Car Coat
Automobile chic is brought to life with Cos’ nylon longline coat. The outerwear staple is made from recycled nylon and takes inspiration from 1990s car culture. It has a classic fit, a tidy spread collar and a concealed placket. Pair with any all-black outfit and your look instantly becomes a thing of envy.
Buy now £135.00, Cos
Mango Man Reversible Recycled Wool Trench Coat
Mango takes a style note or two from Burberry with its beige trench. The transitional piece is highly versatile, thanks to its reversible design that flips a timeless beige palette into a heritage check. Made from water-repellent technical fabric, the high street hero’s offering effortlessly fuses modern design and quintessentially British style.
Buy now £139.99, Mango Man
H&M Coated Car Coat
H&M is another name to tap into the automobile theme. It’s hard to believe this garment is high street-made, thanks to its expensive-looking charcoal hue, longline cut and woven texture. A loose fit is further complemented by frontal and inner pockets for an added pinch of practicality.
Buy now £89.99, H&M
M&S Feather & Down Puffer Jacket with Stormwear
It’s incredible how each year we forget how cold England really gets. A puffer jacket is an absolute must when bracing the winter storm, and didn’t you hear? Chocolate is having a moment. Enter M&S’ coffee-coloured puffer jacket which is filled with feathers and down to sheath the wearer in warmth. Additional perks include a detachable hood, a funnel neck and the brand’s trademarked Stormwear technology to repel light rain.
Buy now £180.00, M&S
ASOS DESIGN oversized brown check overcoat with wool
Since we’re milking the chocolate craze, we’d like to draw your attention to this checked overcoat courtesy of ASOS. The affordable garment is quite the pick, with a sweeping silhouette, dropped shoulders and a vintage-inspired double-breasted fit. Strap a crossbody across your front, slip on some Adidas Sambas and you’re good to go.
Buy now £85.00, ASOS DESIGN
Ahluwalia Ellis Mackintosh
If you really want to assert your authority in the self-styling department, look to Ahluwalia. Utilising repurposed materials and displaying a contrast wavy panel in ecru the designer’s Ellis Mackintosh offers an artistic spin on the classic Mac. Getting ahead of the menswear game has never been so easy.
Buy now £490.00, Ahluwalia
