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Best men’s coats 2024, from puffer jackets to overcoats

Fend off the chill this season, with outwear that doesn’t compromise on style

Samuel Mathewson
Thursday 21 November 2024 06:48 EST
We’ve tested coats and jackets of all types
We’ve tested coats and jackets of all types (The Independent)
Our Top Picks

Whether there’s a light breeze or an icy gale, finding the right coat at this time of year is likely to be a top priority if you want to beat the chill. We all know British weather can be downright nightmarish, so, wrapping up warm in one of the best men’s winter coats or jackets is essential.

Whether you’re looking for a hardy down jacket from the likes of The North Face or lighter layers for warmer autumn days in the form of fleecy designs from the likes of Gramicci, we’ve found the best men’s coats for 2024. We’ve even tried and tested styles to suit more formal outfits, including wool overcoats.

Choosing outerwear isn’t a decision to be taken lightly – not only do you need something practical that will keep you warm, you’ll need a design to complement your outfits. After all, your coat is usually the first piece of clothing people see when you’re out and about, and it needs to be harmonious with your wardrobe while oozing style.

Keep reading for our pick of the best men’s coats and jackets – we can’t get enough of them.

How we tested

Some of the coats we tested
Some of the coats we tested (Samuel Mathewson)

We have worn these coats through rain, wind and warmer days, to see how they fared. We checked whether they kept us warm, made sure the price point was factored in and also assessed how well the coats worked with the rest of our wardrobe. We made sure we have included pieces that will work for evenings out, formal occasions, the office and brisk walks.

The best men’s coats for 2024 are:

  • Best overall – The North Face 1996 retro nuptse jacket: £315, Thenorthface.co.uk
  • Best denim jacket – Levi’s the trucker jacket: £100, Levi.com
  • Best affordable overcoat – Asos design oversized wool look overcoat: £72, Asos.com
  • Best luxury overcoat – Nudie Jeans Will overcoat: £450, Nudiejeans.com
  • Best bomber jacket - New Look brushed bomber jacket: £49.99, Newlook.com

The North Face 1996 retro nuptse jacket

The North Face 1996 retro nuptse jacket, best men’s coat
  • Best: Overall
  • Type: Down puffer
  • Sizes: XXS-3XL
  • Colours: 16
  • Material: Shell: 100% nylon. Filler: 100% goose down
  • Why we love it
    • Comfortable
    • Lightweight
    • Warm

A household name for outerwear, The North Face has firmly marked its place as a leader in high-quality puffer jackets. The 1990s classic puffer silhouette has been brought back with the nuptse jacket, but this time it’s made from recycled nylon and responsibly sourced down. The jacket kept us very snug and warm on colder days and will be the perfect lightweight and comfortable choice throughout the cold months. The oversized, boxy fit was perfect for our tester’s style and he found it so easy to pair with his outfits. The stowable hood is great for unexpected British weather changes and the whole thing can collapse into the right-hand pocket. The jacket comes in lots of different colours, too.

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Asos design oversized wool look overcoat

Asos design oversized wool look overcoat
  • Best: Affordable overcoat
  • Type: Overcoat
  • Sizes: XS - XXL
  • Colours: Black, brown, khaki, grey
  • Material: 100% polyester
  • Why we love it
    • Great for layering
    • Formal vibe
  • Take note
    • 100% polyeste

This oversized coat from Asos is the perfect throw-on option for a refined winter wardrobe. Despite the polyester material, this piece feels warm when layered over a chunky knit and the broad lapels add a touch of formality even to simple, comfy outfits.

There are four colours to choose from, but we love the brown to add some warmth to the season. We like the length of this coat that had us feeling fully covered. Go for your regular size for an oversize fit.

  1.  £72 from Asos.com
Prices may vary
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Mango oversized cotton jacket

Mango oversized cotton jacket
  • Best: Minimal field jacket
  • Type: Field jacket
  • Sizes: S - XL
  • Colours: Light beige
  • Material: Composition: 100% cotton. Lining: 64% polyester, 36% cotton. Sleeve lining: 100% polyester. Pockets lining: 82% polyester, 18% cotton.
  • Why we love it
    • Nice, cropped fit
    • Well tailored with attention to detail

To transition us perfectly into autumn, this oversized cotton option from Mango is our jacket of choice. There are lots of great details to this jacket that made us feel it’s definitely worth the £90 price tag. From the subtly pleated cuffs to the large pockets in the front, this is a well-made piece, down to the zips and poppers.

The fit is relaxed and oversized, with a crop just below the waist, and it holds its shape really well, thanks to the elasticated hem around the back. The colour is a great neutral tone that will match any outfit or occassion.

It’s fully lined with a nice light-blue pinstriped lining, and two interior pockets for keys and cards. It also features a double zip, so you can adjust for a bit of movement or play with the silhouette.

  1.  £89 from Mango.com
Prices may vary
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Uniqlo wool blend coat

Uniqlo wool blend coat
  • Best: Relaxed wool-blend overcoat
  • Type: Overcoat
  • Sizes: XS - 3XL
  • Material: Shell: 50% Polyester - Recycled Fiber, 33% Wool, 17% Polyester/ Sleeve Lining: 100% Polyester/ Pocket Lining: Outer Layer: 100% Polyester/ Pocket Lining: Inner Layer: 50% Polyester - Recycled Fiber, 33% Wool, 17% Polyester
  • Why we love it
    • Warm
    • Relaxed fit
  • Take note
    • Mostly polyeste

One of our favourite high street brands for men, Uniqlo has a new range called Uniqlo C, in collaboration with designer Clare Waight Keller. There are lots of very wearable pieces that we have our eye on but this coat is a particular favourite.

With a relaxed fit around the body, there’s room to add a chunky knit underneath and it’s not as long as some overcoats so you’re not getting tangled on the train. The shell is made from a blend of recycled polyester and 33 per cent wool to keep you warm. Choose from grey, black or brown.

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Levi’s the trucker jacket

Levi’s the trucker jacket
  • Best: Denim jacket
  • Type: Denim jacket
  • Sizes: XS-3XL
  • Colours: Brown, black, grey, dark blue, green, mid-blue, faded black
  • Material: 100% cotton
  • Why we love it
    • Classic
    • Durable
    • Gets better with age

A denim jacket is an essential for any man’s wardrobe, and makes for the perfect transitional outerwear when the weather is being temperamental. We opted for this toned-down dark blue version. The denim is durable and hard wearing – the more wear and tear these jackets accrue, the more charm they have. It’s no wonder that vintage versions keep their value so well. If you’re feeling brave, embrace the cowboy trend and go full ‘yeehaw’ with a pair of matching 501s.

  1.  £100 from Levi.com
Prices may vary
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Nudie Jeans Will overcoat

Nudie Jeans Will overcoat best coats for men
  • Best: Overcoat
  • Type: Overcoat
  • Sizes: XS - XL
  • Colours: Brown
  • Material: 80% wool, 20% polyamide
  • Why we love it
    • Made with recycled materials

This classic overcoat from Nudie Jeans is the perfect autumn coat. Made with a recycled wool and polyamide blend, this makes any outfit look sophisticated, with the coat’s muted chestnut-brown dogtooth pattern providing a focal point.

The timeless coat is relatively long, so, we feel adequately covered from the elements, while the raglan-cut sleeves are very slightly ballooned, making for a relaxed look over the shoulders. There is also great movement to the coat, thanks to the back vent.

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New Look brushed bomber jacket

New Look brushed bomber jacket
  • Best: Bomber jacket
  • Type: Bomber
  • Sizes: XS - XXL
  • Colours: Grey
  • Material: 100% polyester
  • Why we love it
    • Cool and minimalistic
    • Easy to throw on
  • Take note
    • Polyeste

A good bomber jacket should see you through autumn and into winter. This one from New Look is oversized enough to fit layers underneath for even the coldest days, while also looking sleek and minimal thanks to the monochromatic grey.

We love styling this piece as the neutral layer adds warmth and style to a look while not overwhelming any statement pieces we’re wearing. The quality is great despite being polyester with soft lining and subtle details that make it feel luxe.

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Columbia puffect II hooded puffer jacket

Columbia puffect II hooded puffer jacket
  • Best: Puffer jacket
  • Type: Puffer
  • Sizes: XS-XXL
  • Colours: Green & black, navy, cream & beige, black & beige, black, red and black
  • Material: Shell: 100% polyester. Lining: 100% nylon. Insulation: 100% polyester
  • Why we love it
    • Warm
    • Insulated

You simply cannot go wrong with a puffer jacket – and Columbia’s really nailed it with this design, which is to be expected, as the brand has been creating outdoor gear since the Thirties. Having trailed this jacket in various conditions – cold, crisp days; sub-zero mornings; and damp, rainy afternoons – we’re very impressed with its performance.

The water-resistant fabric meant we remained dry during a sudden downpour, and we found the thick insulation great at trapping in the warmth, plus the hood was a much-appreciated feature.

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Barbour International original waxed jacket

Barbour International original waxed jacket
  • Best: Waxed jacket
  • Type: Waxed jacket
  • Sizes: EU 30-50
  • Colours: Black
  • Material: Outer: 100% waxed cotton. Lining 100% cotton
  • Why we love it
    • Hard wearing
    • Stylish

The Barbour International line is the brand’s ode to the motorcycle lifestyle. The original waxed jacket, which was first created in 1936, is belted, to keep out the wind, with functional pockets across the front for the intrepid motorcyclist. You don’t need a motorbike to enjoy this jacket, though. Take the belt off, and there is a more casual silhouette that is more wearable for everyday. The heavyweight waxed cotton and soft padded interior makes this a great option for blustery days, whether you’re shopping or exploring the countryside.

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Arc'teryx thorium SV parka

Arcteryx thorium SV parka
  • Best: Puffer/parka hybrid
  • Type: Parka/puffer
  • Sizes: XS-XXL
  • Colours: Sage green
  • Material: Nylon, recycled polyester, goose down
  • Why we love it
    • Very warm
    • Lightweight
    • Minimal design

For ultimate warmth, this puffer/parka hybrid from Arc’teryx has 100 per cent goose down insulation that you can immediately feel working against biting cold weather. The pockets even come with a soft and warm lining, for extra toastiness. The design is sleek and minimal with discreet zips, and a small logo on the chest. The hood stays firmly up during windy conditions, too.

We found this coat to be totally effective in the cold weather, even though it’s remarkably lightweight. The design fits in with our outfits, so, despite being great against the British weather, we didn’t have to sacrifice on style.

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Mackintosh teeming jacket

Mackintosh teeming jacket best men’s coats
  • Best: Wool jacket
  • Type: Quilted coach jacket
  • Sizes: S - XL
  • Colours: 24
  • Material: Shell: 100% wool. Padding: 100% polyester. Lining: 100% nylon
  • Why we love it
    • Great cut
    • Relaxed feel
    • Beautiful quality
    • Adjustable at the hem
  • Take note
    • Dry clean only

This is a beautifully crafted quilted jacket in a relaxed cut. The corduroy collar is a lovely detail that contrasts with the dark wool in this colourway. The pop buttons make the jacket feel easy to throw on and dash out, while chunky metal toggles can be used to adjust the hem. We found this jacket to be warm and oversized enough to fit thick jumpers underneath during particularly chilly days, helping us stay snug and stylish.

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Finisterre orsik fleece jacket

Finisterre pile fleece jacket
  • Best: Fleece
  • Type: Fleece
  • Sizes: XS - XXL
  • Colours: Black, white patterned
  • Material: Fleece: 100% recycled polyester. Trim: 100% recycled nylon
  • Why we love it
    • Warm and cosy
    • Large, utilitarian pockets
  • Take note
    • Snug fit, so size up

Having started life as a company meeting the needs of cold surfers on the Cornish coast, Finisterre now has a range of both activewear and lifestyle wear for men and women.

This pile fleece jacket is a great example of form meets function, as it does a great job of keeping out chill winds while still looking good. The fleece is super soft, with plenty of big pockets for carrying essentials. The collarless neck means you can pair it with a turtle neck layered underneath, for a stylish touch.

We tried the raven black colour but there’s also a white patterned colourway. The brand seems to be mindful of its ecological impact, with this jacker being made with 100 per cent recycled materials. Just make sure to size up, as our regular size was a snug fit.

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Uniqlo hybrid down parka

Uniqlo hybrid down parka
  • Best: Affordable parka
  • Type: Parka
  • Sizes: XS - 3XL
  • Colours: Grey, black, green, beige, navy
  • Material: Polyester, down, viscose
  • Why we love it
    • Padded for warmth
    • Simple design

With British winter comes random bursts of wind and rain so a nice warm parka jacket is an essential. This hybrid down coat from Uniqlo is finished with a water-resistant coating that we found nicely avoids showers of rain on our commute to the office.

The heat retention is also really strong, thanks to the down-filled padding and velcro cuffs that can tighten to keep out cold air (and rain). There are big pockets for all your essentials for running errands and hidden side pockets to keep hands toasty. This piece fits true to size and we love the dusty green colour but it is available in black, beige, navy and more.

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The verdict: Men’s coats

If you want to invest in a warm, down-filled coat that will last you for years, The North Face’s puffer coat is a great one to go for – it’s lightweight, packable and great for insulation during cold winter days. For a short jacket with serious attention to detail, try the Mango oversized cotton jacket. We were impressed with all the designs included here, though, so, whichever one you pick, you can’t go wrong.

For something even warmer, check out our guide to the best men’s ski jackets

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