There are a few key staples when it comes to men’s winter wardrobes.
Every guy needs a good selection of knitwear. You need boots. You need hoodies. But, most importantly of all, you need a solid coat.
With quality outerwear to hand, you’ll be ready for whatever the season has in store. It could be a waterproof Mac to deal with the rain or a woollen overcoat for sub-zero temperatures (I’m wearing mine as soon as it hits 12 degrees), but either way, it’s the fundamental final layer which makes the bitter weather bearable.
Though coats tend to be more expensive than your average clothes purchase, you should see them as a practical investment. Even if you’re shelling out a little more than you usually would, it’s a category which doesn’t experience a high trend turnover so, if you choose well, you’ll be wearing it for the next few years.
Our advice? Go for something timeless rather than trend-led so you can reach for it each time the season rolls around. There are so many variations that fall into this category - it could be the iconic and quintessentially British trench, a sophisticated overcoat, a thigh-grazing car coat, a rain-ready hooded waterproof or a snug Sherpa-lined fleece.
If you’re after high outfit mileage, stick to shades of black, grey, navy, earthy tones or neutrals that will work with most other pieces in your wardrobe, and whether it’s work or the weekend. If you do want to take your outfit cues from the catwalk, though, the coats trending this season are oversized options in shades of camel and walnut.
Keep scrolling for our top pick of the best men’s coats to keep you cosy and warm all winter long.
Gloverall Byron Duffle Coat Navy
If you’re in the market for a duffle coat, Gloverall is the place to go. A signature of the heritage brand ever since its foundation back in 1950, the collection now includes many modern updates of Paddington Bear’s favourite outerwear.
There are insulated puffer styles, those that are checked, as well as bright colours and, of course, the pared-back classics. Since it’s quite the investment, we’d recommend going for something timeless – and this navy option fits the bill perfectly.
Buy now £599.00, Gloverall
Wax London Stan Brown Fleck Tweed Car Coat
Constructed using a heavyweight brown tweed, Wax London’s long car coat is designed to deal with the worst of the winter. Like the brand’s entire range, it’s made to last so you’ll be wearing it for many winters to come.
Buy now £350.00, Wax London
Closed Caban Jacket In Wool Blend
Though Closed’s Caban jacket is a little shorter than the other coats in this edit, it’s made from an Italian recycled wool blend with a quilted lining so it will keep you just as warm. Better yet, the lapel collar can be buttoned up to protect your neck from the weather too.
Buy now £545.00, Closed
Allsaints Spencer Oversized Trench Coat
Every guy needs a quality trench coat in their outerwear arsenal. Enter: Allsaints’ Spencer. An oversized take with all of the elevated design details you could ask for – strong lapels, storm flaps, a belted waist and a D-ring attachment.
Buy now £379.00, Allsaints
Gant Donegal Coat
Of all of the coats in my wardrobe, I receive the most compliments on my outerwear from Gant. Every coat by the Scandi label ticks every box. They are well-made and timelessly designed. They are cut to relaxed-fit perfection. They feel heavy and expensive. The list goes on...
With this in mind, it’s no surprise that this season the Donegal coat is at the top of my wishlist.
Buy now £700.00, Gant
Cos Padded Faux Shearling Jacket
Once you try Cos’ teddy coat, you’ll never want to take it off. Beyond the cushy shearling outer, it also boasts a padded lining to keep you toasty and features drop shoulders for a comfy finish.
Buy now £270.00, Cos
Velasca Monforte
Pairing Italian craftsmanship with Shetland wool that’s spun in Yorkshire, this double-breasted overcoat is expertly made using first-rate fabrics. The relaxed fit means it will be the first coat you grab when you want to feel comfy and cosy – and the subtle check takes it up a notch.
Buy now £680.00, Velasca
Émigré Performance Trench
If you’re a man on the move, Émigré’s trench is a suitcase essential. It’s fully waterproof, windproof and breathable and easily folds into a holdall or carry-on suitcase meaning you’ll be ready for whatever weather’s coming your way. If you want to amp up the warmth, add some extra thermals beneath.
Buy now £610.00, Émigré
Weekday Nylon Padded Parka Jacket
If you want a weatherproof jacket which doesn’t lean into the gorp-core aesthetic, Weekday’s nylon padded parka looks more appropriate for the city than the trails. It’s lined with super soft plush and features an adjustable hood, a two-way zipper, a buttoned placket and pockets in all the right places.
Buy now £135.00, Weekday
Asket The Car Coat
Asket’s Car Coat has a lot going for it. First of all, it’s versatile. You can layer up with warm knits beneath or simply wear it over a shirt and jeans. Either way, it’s a smart lightweight top layer that works just as well for the office as it would for after-work drinks.
Next, it’s responsibly made. The brand’s MO is making its collections entirely traceable as well as detailing the landed cost and impact of each design on the website. This coat, for example, has a 32.6 kg CO2 impact and is 88 per cent traceable.
Buy now £280.00, Asket
Elliker Ayre 3L Waterproof Shell Jacket
If you’re a fan of exploring the natural world, Elliker’s a brand you need on your radar. From backpacks to waterproofs, the entire collection is designed to help with outdoor pursuits – birdwatching, rock-pooling and forest bathing included. This time, it’s a water-repellent and windproof shell jacket with taped seams which will keep you dry no matter what you’re planning.
Buy now £165.00, Elliker