The forecast for winter 2020/2021 suggests it’s going to be a cold one, with snow even forecasted for many regions. As the temperature changes, so should your wardrobe. That means every man needs a suitable winter coat this season.
Your go-to winter coat will be one of the most functional parts of your winter outfit so it’s crucial that you get one that ticks all the boxes. It needs to be sufficiently warm, breathable enough so that it doesn’t become uncomfortable, and flexible when it comes to style so it can go with any outfit.
Winter coats make a big statement on your whole look and tend to dominate the outfit. It’s your statement piece.
While many of us are working from home this year and visiting places we used to less often, we’re spending much more time outdoors in our local towns, parks, and forests. A new winter coat can also motivate you to get out more during the cold months and get away from the laptop screen. Just because we’ve had to restrict our movements this year doesn’t mean we should neglect the outdoors, in fact, we need to embrace it even more.
Do I Need Only One Winter Coat?
You should have options in your wardrobe so you can dress for different occasions. There’s also a lot of variation when it comes to the style of winter jackets. From parkas and raincoats to jackets and overcoats, there’s a lot to consider, but you can make it easier by matching each coat to different aspects of your lifestyle.
At the very least you’ll want your go-to coat for battling harsher elements to be separate to your more signature style piece. And you always want to have that one luxury overcoat that you break out when wearing your finest suit.
We’ll run through some of the best men’s coats and jackets for this season including picks from brands such as the biker-inspired Belstaff to luxury Italian overcoats by Lubiam.
The overcoat is a timeless classic that’s flexible enough to go with any winter outfit. Whether you’re combining it with a formal suit or casual sneakers and jeans, a durable overcoat can bring any outfit together.
Like many men’s coats, the long overcoat has its roots in military history when it was often worn to signify social and military status. World War I brought full length overcoats and trench coats as standard issue for soldiers. The overcoat then developed into a working class staple where the body-fitted style of old was discarded in favour of the looser and more functional look.
The overcoat is a staple that isn’t going away. Any man who owns a suit needs to have a suitable overcoat to compliment. As the months get colder, the overcoat might be the only visible part of your formal outfit so investing in a quality overcoat should be the first port of call when shopping for a winter coat.
Your overcoat will last longer than your suit, so it’s worth investing in a good quality overcoat that pairs well with your favourite style of suit. Get one that drapes well. Generally, if you’re taller, go with something knee length or longer, and if you’re shorter, go with knee length or shorter. The double breasted overcoat can be worn well over a suit, but can also work really well with casual weekend attire.
The parka is the ultimate in functional winter fashion. Purpose-built to handle cold weather and harsh conditions, the parka is another staple for men’s coats. It’s become a classic because it pairs well with any outfit and can be worn however you want, buttoned up or hanging open.
The parka was originally invented by Caribou Inuit to wear while hunting in the Arctic. Then famously popularized by Liam Gallagher of Oasis, the parka has maintained its appeal by combining form with function.
Our selected parkas bring luxury and innovation to the functional classic. UBR’s parkas bring breathability and a lightweight feel to the table with their waterproof jackets. Herno meanwhile, brings their Italian flair to the outerwear classic with a signature style of luxury and functionality.
Parkas work well with a pair of navy or charcoal jeans. You can then combine the look with a pair of sneakers or casual boots.
Luxury Peacoat
Another coat taken directly from the armed forces is the pea coat. Distinguished by its short length, double-breasted front, and large buttons, the peacoat was designed for sailors in the 1800s and particularly petty officers.
The peacoat is another versatile piece of outerwear that pairs well with any outfit. As with many of the military-inspired coats on this list, they were designed to be functional and the modern iteration has retained all of that functionality, just with added style and a more fitted look.
Moorer’s Italian take on the peacoat gives a simple elegance to any outfit, while retaining the proud history of the coat.
The peacoat is designed to be buttoned up and it works best when closed. The peacoat is cut short so it often won’t work with a suit and it’s also a tight fit. Combining the peacoat with a pair of chinos, turtleneck or sweater, and a pair of boots or brogues can finish off a classic rugged look.
A modern classic and one you’ll see a lot of anytime winter rolls around. The puffer jacket was introduced to the market when American outdoorsman Eddie Bauer nearly died on a fishing trip when his wool sweater froze. Bauer then came up with a waist-length quilted jacket with a knitted collar and the puffer jacket was born.
The puffer is much more than a sleeping bag turned into a jacket though, it’s now become a staple of the youthful side of men’s winter fashion.
Layer the puffer over a roll neck jumper to complete a relaxed winter look. Pair this with some denim jeans and a pair of boots for a great relaxed winter style.
The wax jacket is a timeless signature piece for any man’s wardrobe. The wax jacket is another piece of outerwear steeped in maritime tradition. Early sailors and fishermen discovered the benefits of coating their clothing in wax to keep them dry at sea.
The modern wax jacket today is usually hip length and associated with outdoor pursuits like hunting and fishing. It’s a hardy piece of outerwear that has made its way into modern men’s fashion where functionality and style are combined.
Wax jackets are perfect for layering over casual country weekend outfits. With a wax jacket you’re going for warmth and practicality while outdoors. Wax jackets are not designed for formal or workwear outfits, so pair it with a smart shirt and chinos to get that country cool style.
Looking for more tips and advice? Check out the How-To and Smart Casual sections to keep up with the latest trends and improve your style game.
