Best men’s coats 2024: From puffers to spring jackets

A household name for outerwear, The North Face has firmly marked its place as a leader in high-quality puffer jackets. The 90s classic silhouette has been brought back with the nuptse jacket, but this time it’s made from recycled nylon and responsibly sourced down to insulate. 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 is 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 waist is adjustable to keep draughts out too. The jacket comes in lots of different colours too.

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, called broadway. The denim is durable and hard wearing: the more wear and tear they 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.

This lightweight trench from Olive is the perfect transitional piece when the mornings are chilly but the afternoons are warm. More streamlined and simple than a traditional trench, the details include a waist belt, adjustable cuff straps and a placket about the neck to protect against the weather.

This is a stylish addition to a spring wardrobe with a relaxed, oversized silhouette and long cut which is our tester’s preferred style. Made from 100 per cent cotton, the coat’s only potential downside is that it’s one size only, so it may not suit all body types, so check exact measurements to avoid disappointment.

This lightweight overshirt from The Frankie Shop has proven to be the perfect transitional piece now that spring has sprung. It’s cropped and oversized with a drop shoulder, creating a contemporary look to the piece, but works with all sorts of outfits. When done up, the buttons are hidden for a super minimalist look.

We’ve loved pairing this with an all black outfit for the office or adding a pair of colourful trainers for a pop of interest. The polyamide fabric makes for an interesting texture and keeps in more warmth than a thin shirt would.

If you’re not into spending up to a grand on a genuine leather shearling jacket but want to get the look, this faux shearling aviator from New Look could be just the piece. The fluffy lining makes for a warm and comfortable option to throw on when the weather is nippy. We loved the look with the colour popped for neck warmth paired with an all black outfit. It is a regular fit but the furry lining had us sizing up for a bit of extra movement.

For ultimate warmth, this puffer/parka hybrid from Arcteryx 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 the 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 too so despite being great against the British weather, we didn’t have to sacrifice on style.

The green colourway is currently available at a discounted price on the outlet website.

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 if you don’t want to cinch it in. The heavyweight waxed cotton and soft padded interior makes this a great option for blustery days whether you’re shopping or exploring the wild.

With its mantra of “subverting the classics”, Percival has rapidly become a go-to for the sartorially-inclined gentleman. This boxy overshirt from the British brand is substantial enough for when the breeze picks up but left open can be a great option for a spring day. The colours and patterns are reminiscent of Bode and can add some spirit into an otherwise simple outfit.

It’s on the fitted side so size up for a bit of extra room in the arms. This pairs well with a white T-shirt and tailored black trousers. With double zips, you can play with the silhouette as it opens from the top and bottom.

The teeming jacket from Mackintosh is a beautifully crafted quilted jacket in a relaxed cut. The corduroy colour is a lovely detail that contrasts with the dark wool in this colourway. There are chunky metal toggles to adjust the waistline at the hem in the same chrome colour as the pop buttons, which make the jacket feel easy to throw on and dash out.

We found this jacket to be warm and oversized enough to fit thick jumpers underneath, essential for chilly days, or just a long sleeve t-shirt for a spring morning. This jacket comes in a range of colours with both wool and nylon options for the outer shell.

Originating in California in the early 1980s, Gramicci has become a well-loved brand for outdoor clothing. The fleece jacket is now a menswear staple, having shrugged off its previously uncool image and Gramicci’s sherpa jacket is a wise choice to add to your wardrobe. We went for the natural colour, a cream with blue accents that we found ourselves using for trips to the shop, travelling in comfort on the train and lounging around the house too. The fleece is unlined so this is best used in conjunction with a thick knit for a colder day, but works perfectly during transitional periods between seasons and warmer winter days. We struggled choosing a colour as the five options are unique and enticing, with two patterned options and three solid colours. Natural and midnight navy will be the most versatile but for a pop of colour try the dusted lime or agate olive.

You simply cannot go wrong with a puffer jacket – and Columbia’s really nailed it with this design, which is to be expected from a brand that has been creating outdoor gear since the Thirties. Having trailed this 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.

Another great puffer option comes from sustainable brand Everlane. The renew short puffer is made with 100% recycled fabric and filled with recycled down feathers that have been repurposed from old pillows and duvets. This ultra warm puffer has kept us toasty for weeks and the contrast materials elevate the jacket. There is a big chest pocket and detachable hood that zips straight off. The jacket comes in two colours: black and green.

This parka from Kathmandu is perfect when the weather drops out of nowhere. With sherpa fleecing lining that is warm and soft, plus an eco-friendly alternative to down inside, there are lots of layers of insulation to make sure you’re toasty. And there are six sizeable pockets to carry all your essentials.

We found the coat impervious to harsh weather conditions, so this coat is definitely the one to grab before heading for a chilly walk.