If you’re thinking about purchasing a new coat this year, you’re not alone.
Here are 5 things you need to consider before investing in a new coat.
1. What do you actually need it for?
It sounds obvious, but loads of people buy the wrong coat for their actual life.
Ask yourself:
– Are you mostly commuting on trains and tubes, or walking and cycling in the rain?
– Do you wear suits for work, or are you more jeans-and-trainers?
– Is this your one “big coat”, or will it be part of a small rotation?
If you’re office based and often in tailoring, a longer wool overcoat or smart topcoat that fits over a blazer will be far more useful than a short casual puffer. If you’re outdoors a lot, chasing kids around muddy parks or walking the dog at 6 am, you’ll probably get more wear out of a waterproof parka or waxed jacket with a hood.
Think about the UK climate too. In somewhere like Manchester, Glasgow or Cardiff, rainproofing and wind protection really matter. In London, you might get away with a slightly lighter wool coat and a good umbrella, because you’re often dashing between buildings and public transport rather than standing in open fields.
2. Fabric and warmth
Once you know what you need it for, the next big decision is fabric.
For a smart winter coat, look closely at the fibre content on the label:
– Aim for at least 70% wool for proper warmth
– Cashmere blends feel amazing, but expect to pay more
– Avoid high percentages of polyester or acrylic if you want the coat to last and actually keep you warm
Heavy wool or wool–cashmere blends trap heat far better than cheap synthetics, which means you’ll need fewer layers underneath. In the UK, where it’s cold and damp rather than arctic, a good wool coat with a jumper underneath will usually see you through most of winter.
For casual and technical coats, look at:
– Waterproof or water-resistant finishes (helpful in constant drizzle)
– Down or synthetic insulation if you really feel the cold
– Breathability if you’re active and don’t want to overheat
Don’t forget the lining. A fully lined coat tends to sit better on the body and is easier to get on and off over knitwear and suits. Quilted linings add warmth without loads of bulk.
3. Fit, length and layering
Think about:
– Shoulder fit: The seam should sit roughly on the edge of your shoulder, not halfway down your arm. If the shoulders are wrong, tailoring is tricky and often not worth the money.
– Layering room: Try the coat on over what you’ll actually wear. If it’s a work coat, put it on over a blazer. If it’s for weekends, try it over a chunky jumper. You want a bit of space without feeling like you’re swimming in it.
– Sleeve length: Ideally the cuff should sit at the wrist bone, with maybe a hint of your shirt or jumper peeking out, but not half your arm exposed to the wind.
Length is worth thinking about too. A longer coat (just above the knee or lower) gives more warmth and looks sharp over suits, but can feel a bit formal. A mid-thigh length is a good middle ground for most men, working with both smart and casual outfits. Shorter jackets are great for driving or cycling, but you’ll feel the cold more on your legs waiting for the bus at 7am in January.
If you’re shorter, don’t be scared of longer coats, but avoid anything that swamps you. Tailoring the length can be money well spent, and far cheaper than replacing a coat you never feel quite right in.
4. Style and colour: will you still like it in 5 years?
When you’re investing in a mens coat, the simpler the style, the longer it’ll last in your wardrobe.
Safe, but genuinely useful style choices:
– Single-breasted overcoats
– Classic trench coats
– Clean, minimal parkas with not too much branding
– Smart wool topcoats with simple lapels
The more zips, contrast panels, logos and ‘fashion details’ you add, the more quickly it may look dated. If this is your one good coat, go neutral. If you’re buying a second or third, that’s when a bold check or deep bottle green starts to make more sense.
5. Budget, quality and cost per wear
Finally, Investment!
Before you decide to invest, check:
– Stitching: Are the seams neat, with no loose threads?
– Buttons and fastenings: Do they feel solid, or like they’ll ping off at the first sign of a crowded train?
– Fabric feel: Does it feel dense and smooth, or thin and scratchy?
– Care instructions: Can you realistically afford to dry clean it in the UK a few times a year, or would a washable option be more sensible for your lifestyle?
Investing in a mens coat isn’t about buying the most expensive thing you can find. It’s about understanding your life, your climate and your wardrobe, then choosing something that earns its place year after year. If you get those five things right, your future winter self will thank you every single cold Monday morning.
