Wool from animals such as sheep, alpacas, llamas, and goats from both Angora and Kashmir has been used for centuries to craft insulating garments which are worn for braving autumn and winter weather changes.
Why wool?
Aside from offering timeless style, woollen coats also have a highly practical purpose. Since as early as the Stone Age wool has been considered one of the most effective natural materials for weatherproofing and warmth on the planet.
Wool is a breathable fabric which is naturally moisture-wicking and self-regulating, making it a brilliant material for your winter layers. What’s more, the naturally occurring waxy substance known as Lanolin which comes from sheep’s wool has anti-bacterial and anti-odour properties.
Perhaps the only downfall of wool is that it can sometimes be quite itchy. If you feel this way about woollen garments but are interested in the unbeatable cosiness offered by the material, chances are you’ve previously gone for a low-quality wool blend which is weighted with polyester and contains over-processed wool fibres. Thicker wool fibres are also more abrasive, and some wools are even processed with chemicals which can be harmful and irritating to the skin. The answer? Virgin wool.
What’s the difference between virgin wool and regular wool?
Virgin wool, otherwise known as lambswool, is the softest type of wool around. It refers to the wool collected from a lamb’s first-ever shearing, which is when the lamb will produce the softest and finest wool in its lifetime. The term virgin wool is also used to describe any wool that hasn’t been processed or woven, which helps it retain that sumptuously soft feeling.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best wool coats for cosy and stylish winter warmth below.
Shop now
Italian Manteco Wool Blend Asymmetric Button Belted Tailored Midi Coat
Cut from premium Italian wool, this mid-length tailored coat has a high neckline to protect against Arctic breezes and unique asymmetric button detailing. Though available in a myriad of dopamine-boosting hues including lilac, cobalt and red, we’re partial to this gloriously verdant deep sage green colour.
Buy now £249.00, Karen Millen
John Lewis Scarf Coat, Camel
A two-in-one delight, John Lewis’ classic camel-toned scarf coat has an instantly luxurious silhouette. We love the fact that it prevents the need to carry extra components for winter protection with its built-in blanket scarf.
Buy now £179.00, John Lewis
'The Balmacaan' Women's Coat
An investment in true heritage luxury, 'The Balmacaan' coat by Johnstons of Elgin is crafted from 100 per cent lambswool and is cut to form a relaxed, roomy fit. It’s half-lined with internally bound seams, double pockets, and raglan sleeves for freedom of movement. A lovely, special and insulating touch is the fact that the pockets are lined with cashmere.
Buy now £1495.00, Johnstons of Elgin
Rails Lore Coat Nala
Leopard print is perennially stylish, and this gorgeous printed heavy wool blend coat by Rails will keep you warm and looking effortlessly chic all season long. This would look fabulous with a little black dress and some semi-sheer stockings.
Buy now £458.00, Rails
Uniqlo Wool Blend Coat
This unisex coat from Uniqlo is a transitional wardrobe staple. The double-face wool blend is sumptuously soft and never itchy, and the striped silky sleeve lining adds a touch of sophistication.
Buy now £109.90, Uniqlo
Loewe Wool-Blend Tartan Belted Coat
Crafted with an opulent and heavyweight 80 per cent wool composition, this unbeatably cosy yet tailored-to-perfection tartan coat by Loewe is the crown jewel of the Spanish brand’s autumn/winter 2024 collection. With raglan sleeves, a funnel neck for keeping out the cold and a sumptuous tie-front belt, it’ll never go out of style.
Buy now £2950.00, Harrods
By Anthropologie Double-Breasted Wool Check Maxi Coat
Check designs are some of this season’s most notable trends and Anthropologie shows us how it’s done with this coat from its own-brand label. The piece is made from wool with a brushed finish and will envelop you in warmth with its ankle-length cut.
Buy now £298.00, Anthropologie
& Other Stories Oversized Double-Breasted Coat
If your wardrobe is filled with pared-back pieces and you’re looking to add pattern while still remaining work-appropriate and easy to style, may we introduce you to this coat from & Other Stories with its chevron design? It has an oversized fit and three rows of double-breasted buttons.
Buy now £239.00, & Other Stories
TOTEME + NET SUSTAIN draped fringed wool-blend jacket
Think back to that exaggerated meme of Lenny Kravitz’s mammoth scarf and give it a wearable twist and you have this jacket from Totême complete with a draped scarf-inspired panel. The jacket is made from insulating wool in a dark grey hue and ivory stitch detailing. The scarf has elegant fringing.
Buy now £810.00, Net-A-Porter
