Though the end of summer can feel a little glum, there’s one thing to look forward to – layering up.
Autumn is the time of year when you can finally stop wearing T-shirts and shorts, and instead start showing what your wardrobe can really do. We’re talking knitwear. We’re talking layers. And, of course, we’re talking coats.
As with pretty much all menswear, they’re best done classic.
If you stick to the main silhouettes (trench coats, puffer jackets, overcoats, parkas et al), it’s hard to go wrong. That being said, some brands dominate the outerwear space better than others. Luckily, as a menswear writer and stylist who’s well-versed in the experts on the outerwear scene, I’m here to point you in the right direction.
My top tip? Always go for something you’re going to wear year after year. That means shopping for good quality pieces designed with timelessness in mind. They won’t come cheap – usually, you’re looking at spending a few hundred on your chosen fighter for the season, but rest assured, it will be worth the upfront cost if you’re happy to unpack it every year.
Then comes the hard bit – choosing the silhouette that is most you. Thinking about when you’re most likely going to be wearing a coat, that should help. Are you someone who wears suits to work every day? If so, an overcoat’s the answer. Maybe you like wearing chunky pullovers, in which case, a classic trench will do nicely – anything padded will add to the bulk. If you live in T-shirts day-to-day, go for a warm puffer or a weatherproof parka (did someone say Oasis?).
Colour-wise, it’s best to keep it as versatile as possible. Black. Navy. Brown. Neutrals. Colours which you can see working with the vast majority of your wardrobe. Avoid anything bright or patterned, as it will be much harder to style in the long run – and is therefore more likely to end up in a bag for the charity shop before the season’s over.
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Burberry Long Gabardine Chestwood Trench Coat
Best: trench coat
For men’s classics, Burberry is one of the best in the business. Take this trench, for example. It’s cut to the perfect relaxed fit, falls at just the perfect below-the-knee length and features all of the key trench coat trademarks – storm shield, throat latch, back vent and buckled cuffs, included. A transitional weather saviour, it will likely become one of your most-worn pieces come autumn - and beyond.
Buy now £2190.00, Burberry
The North Face Men’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Best: puffer jacket
There’s really only one option for the best puffer jacket – The North Face’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket in black.
It’s the classic puffer: a little boxy, with a stowable hood. It’s made from the brand’s trademark water-repellent ripstop fabric, and it’s got the signature embroidered logo. Most importantly, the 700-fill goose down delivers amazing warmth on even the coolest days.
It’s a hard yes from me.
Buy now £315.00, The North Face
Weekday Single Breasted Wool-blend Coat
Best: affordable coat
This coat means business. Just look at it. XL peak lapels. A long, oversized silhouette. Two big flap pockets and a jet black wool blend outer. And, because of the colour, it’ll go with literally everything else in your wardrobe. Weekday, as usual, has nailed the brief.
Buy now £135.00, Weekday
Rains Fishtail Parka
Best: waterproof
As you might have guessed from the name, Rains is best known for its waterproof coats. This coat’s a prime example of what the brand does best. It’s made using the brand’s signature water-repellent PU fabric. It has welded seams. It’s got a hood with maximum coverage and elasticated cuffs to fend off the worst of the weather.
Buy now £129.00, Rains
Barbour Bedale Waxed Jacket
Best: wax jacket
For a wax jacket, head to Barbour. The British family-owned label does countryside-coded outerwear best - and everyone knows it, from festival attendees to farmers.
Though field jackets are having a moment right now, these aren’t just crafted with fashion in mind – they actually put practicality first, instead. The Bedale, for example, is designed for horse riding, which explains the shorter length and inner 'drip-strip' which helps to stop moisture transferring from the horse to the fabric.
But that doesn’t mean to say they won’t look great trotting around city streets, too.
Buy now £270.00, Liberty
Gloverall Men's Original Monty Duffle Coat Brown
Best: duffle coat
What do Paddington Bear, Tom Selleck and a young King Charles all have in common? They all love duffle coats, obviously.
It’s a coat with personality which just looks cosier than other coats with a cocooning silhouette, warm wool shell and cute toggles. Aesthetics aside, they deliver some serious warmth and protection, too.
British brand Gloverall is credited with popularising it as a menswear essential back in the 50s – and the brand’s Monty silhouette is still our favourite today.
Buy now £485.00, Gloverall
Levi’s X Oasis Parka
Best: casual coat
Oasis and parkas are mutually dependent – one can’t exist without the other. So, it makes sense why Levi’s has collaborated with the Gallagher brothers’ band on an exclusive coat for the world tour. It’s cut to a relaxed fit with an adjustable waist, which gives a little extra shape. A Britpop essential, done right.
Buy now £210.00, Levi’s X Oasis
Our Legacy Whale double-breasted mohair-blend coat
Best: overcoat
When it comes to overcoats, I find it’s best if they’re a little oversized. Not only because they’re intended to go over whatever outfit you’re wearing, be it a suit or a big chunky knit, but because they always look much more luxurious when they fit comfortably. And it’s best if they hit you somewhere below the knee, which create the illusion of more height. This coat by Scandi menswear pro Our Legacy ticks every box
Buy now £760.00, Mytheresa
Beyond Retro Vintage Black Leather Jacket
Best leather jacket
Leather jackets are everywhere right now. The menswear pros are loving them – Nicholas Hoult, Lorenzo Musetti (on centre court, no less), David Corenswet, Austin Butler. And they’re showing how to wear them best – oversized.
Avoid biker jackets (no Danny Zuko cosplay here, thank you) or anything fitted and instead opt for a bomber or blouson which looks like it’s a little too big.
The vintage market is a great place to look for an affordable option that’s real leather – especially Beyond Retro, where this jacket’s from – but if you’d rather buy one new, try Allsaints which always has a cracking selection.
Buy now £60.00, Beyond Retro
Les Deux Maximus Padded Tech Coat
Best: car coat
A car coat is like a trench’s sleeker cousin – the kind of coat with the power to make pretty much anything you wear look sophisticated. They’re relatively thin like a trench, but Les Deux’ offering has more to offer on the weatherproof front because it’s slightly padded. And, as you’d expect from the cool, Copenhagen-based brand, it’s got all of the lovely design details which take it to the next level. Understated tonal branding. A concealed zip, and a slightly longer length.
Just don’t forget to take your umbrella if it’s raining because a hood’s not included.
Buy now £279.00, Les Deux
