The hero coat has it’s name for good reason. Over the years it's maintained a prized position in winter wardrobes not only as a fashion garment, but a suit of warmth and protection. The men's equivalent of a woman's handbag with deep pockets that double as a storage space, there's not much a coat can't do. Hence, a fashion hero.
Likewise with a jacket, the beauty of men’s outwear is the nostalgic gravity it bears, with styles nodding to pivotal moments in 20th century history and fashion. From World War Two-inspired aviation jackets to 1920s gangster pea coats, whatever hero you identify with, there’s a fitting coat or jacket for you.
Aside from it's practical purposes, it's an opportunity to showcase style. When it comes to men's fashion, we look to 19th century dandy Beau Brummell's minimal philosophy: "If people turn to look at you on the street, you are not well dressed."
Minimalism isn't just a Scandi fad but a subtle statement of good taste when fashion’s come and go. So when it comes to investing in a coat or jacket, we suggest prioritising quality craftsmanship and timeless design over double-taking looks.
Consider our guide of top picks that are versatile between occasions from accessible bargains to luxury treasures.
Zara double-breasted wool coat
This double-breasted wool coat from Zara is guaranteed to keep you warm during those cooler months. Family to one of the hottest colour groups this season, toffee-brown is having a moment as an alternative to safe black. With two front-flap pockets including a hidden inside pocket, it has plenty of room for holding your essentials while also keeping your hands warm.
£159 | Zara | Buy it now
Henry Mens Down Padded Jacket
This best-selling lightweight jacket is made with 90 per cent down and 10 per cent feather, this is one of the warmest winter coats for men out there. The down filling – which by its very nature is designed to trap heat, will see you through the coldest and darkest days with relative ease. The water-resistant outer layer will keep you showerproof and considering this bad boy has been laboratory tested to -30c you can rest assured you will be nice and toasty.
£79.99 | Mountain Warehouse | Buy it now *on SALE now, was £159.99
UO Blue Tech Puffer Jacket
Exclusive to Urban Outfitters, this ultra tough nylon puffer features a quilted construction with a full-coverage hood that is perfect for deep winter. The adjustable detailing at the cuffs means even the slightest draft is no match when up against this extra warm jacket. The zip pocket at the chest gives you easy and secure phone/wallet access and the angled pockets and quilting pattern add a stylish element that can be hard to find in warm winter wear.
£99 | Urban Outfitters | Buy it now
See all winter coats for men from Urban Outfitters here.
Burberry unisex vintage-checked reversible coat
If timeless style is what you're after, then a coat from Burberry just about does it. A brand who's rich history stems from dressing British officers in the First World War, outerwear is what they do best. This cotton-garbardine coat is fully reversible, giving you the option of all-over black or the brand's heritage check. It's two coats in one - surely that's an investment.
£1690 | Matches Fashion | Buy it now
FILA X Liam Hodges Technical Fleece Jacket
It's hard to pick our favourite from this dream collab between Fila and luxury menswear designer Liam Hodges but the newly released Technical Fleece is giving us 90's ski vibes in the best possible way. We're also in love with the Disruptors II (duh) and these sweatpants that somehow manage to look both tailored and sleep worthy. But let's talk jackets and why you need this fleece in your life. The super soft hand feel is top grade and the stand collar and half zip closure will keep you toasty, which is of course is the point of it all, but it's the archival designs remixed with a Liam Hodges attitude that makes this one a collectors piece.
£139 | END. | Buy it now
Weekday Tristan Checked Coat
For those looking for outerwear with a little more flair, consider a checked coat. In true Weekday fashion, their take on the oversized coat is an effortlessly cool marriage of grey and charcoal. The soft wool blend in a long thread finish not only amounts to warmth, but is nice on the touch. For a classic style with personality it comes at a reasonable price too.
£135 | Weekday | Buy it now
Zara corduroy jacket
Whether you love or hate the corduroy trend, this maroon jacket from Zara is a versatile way of embracing it. The straight shirt-collar design offers a very slimming fit that remains relevant over time, and makes it a great piece for layering. With two front pockets and two button-flap chest pockets there's ample storage space, not to mention at a very affordable price point. This jacket functions best as a layering piece worn under a large puffer or wool coat, the slim fit means you won't be bulked out too much but you can still keep it on in the office for smart (but warm) work attire.
£49.99 | Zara | Buy it now
Phipps recycled workwear jacket
If wearing clothes with a clear conscience appeals to you, ethical label Phipps may be your answer. This utilitarian-style workwear jacket is made from a combination of recycled hemp, cotton, and polyester with a light padding for additional warmth. Crafted with a practical approach to design, it still embraces refined details with a brown corduroy collar and gunmetal zip.
£530 | Matches Fashion | Buy it now
Pull & Bear bomber jacket
For jacket that delivers in both style and warmth, opt for a bomber. This bargain blue number from Pull & Bear is a no-fail option that we don't see disappearing from the fashion scene anytime soon. If black feels a little too safe for you, the bomber is available in several different colours and prints - take your pick.
£19.99 | Pull & Bear | Buy it now
Sir Plus Tan Duck Jacket
If you're willing to spend on quality craftsmanship and well-considered design features, Sir Plus is a brand to look towards. A new addition to their archive, this tan Duck Jacket is 100% cotton and water-repellent. Featuring individually-made black horn buttons and a contrasting corduroy collar, a vibrant red striped lining decorates the inside in surplus fabric - true to the brand's name and sustainable ethos.
£285 | Sir Plus | Buy it now
Selected Homme technical mac
Faced with the predicament of seasons changing and hormonal temperatures, a lightweight transitional jacket can be a godsend between changing climates. This technical jacket in a stunning dark sapphire from Selected Homme is our favourite approach to bringing back the mac. With a zip-fastened front and press-stud placket, it's practical whilst edgy and elegant.
£190 | ASOS | Buy it now
Topman brown check oversized double-breasted jacket
For a full-length coat that keeps you warm and won't break the bank, consider this option from Topman. In line with the oversized trend of the moment, the classic double-breasted fit has plenty of pocket space with a vintage look in brown check fabric. Although made from polyester it means that the coat is machine washable, which wins it a few extra points from us.
£85 | Topman | Buy it now
DEADWOOD classic recycled leather biker jacket
Channel a Marlon Brando moment and take comfort in a leather jacket. Designed to last a lifetime, Deadwood are changing the leather game with 100% recycled hand-made jackets, giving their signature crinkled look. Biker jacket purists will appreciate the exposed zips and buckle fastenings, rebellious not only in design but anti-fast fashion ethos.
£290 | Selfridges | Buy it now
