The best winter coats and jackets block out the cold and keep you warm while still looking stylish. The fact is, nothing beats winter blues like battling Mother Nature in a jacket stuffed to the gunnels with down. And so, just for you, T3 has picked out the best winter coats for those looking for protection from the elements.
Whether you're looking for a sophisticated overcoat, a technical puffer jacket, or an Arctic-proof parka, we've got you covered. Although many of the jackets here have weatherproof qualities, if you're looking specifically for an outdoor coat that'll keep you dry in a downpour, head to our roundup of the best lightweight waterproof jackets instead.
Best winter coats for men 2024
Designed to provide expedition-grade performance
+ Waterproof
+ Built for adventures
+ Understated look
- No bright colours available
The Shackleton Endurance Parka is our favourite winter jacket. Now on its second generation, the luxury British clothing brand never fails to impress us, and this year's expedition-grade parka is a sharp, sophisticated package that will look after you for many winters to come. This jacket also gets a detachable synthetic fur ruff and mouldable tape on the edge of the peak to add protection, as well as an internal zipper security pocket that keeps your belongings safe.
This winter coat will fit in on the streets of London or the Arctic Circle
+ Zip closure
+ Very warm
+ Great brand
- Decorated with lots of buttons for some reason?
As the weather gets colder, look to the Jacobus Parka Coat. This warm weather staple features a cosy hood with a faux fur trim. With comfortable raglan sleeves and multiple pockets, it's bound to be a winner.
A sophisticated winter coat for the man about town
+ Can be layered
+ Classic style
+ Sophisticated
- Not waterproof
Paul Smith's classic camel coat is cut from a wool and cashmere-blend that'll keep you warm all winter round. While the modern straight-cut fit is roomy enough to layer over a suit, it can also be paired with more relaxed clothing, like a hoody, black jeans and Stan Smiths. It has a full satin lining and a couple of practical pockets on the inside.
A lightweight, packable jacket that's also super warm
+ Lightweight and packs down small
+ More weatherproof than previous versions
+ Comfy fit and very warm
- Not fully waterproof
Rab is one of the most popular brand names when it comes to down jackets, and with good reason. This brand's outdoor-friendly coats delivery an impressive amount of warmth in a very lightweight package, and one which can be packed down into a compact pouch and shoved into a backpack when not in use – not something that can be said for many of the coats on this list. The key drawback to be aware of is that down jackets don't cope especially well with water. While most have a hydrophobic treatment that can deal with very light showers, if you end up soaked through it'll ruin the down.
Be one with nature with this winter coat from Fjallraven
+ Teddy lining
+ Natural look
+ Water resistant
- Will need re-waxing
Fit right into nature with this classic winter coat from Fjallraven. Born in the 1970s, this coat has recently been updated with an improved fit and more sustainable materials. The weather-resistant outer fabric, soft teddy-fleece lining and practical details make for a winter jacket that is equally at home in the forest as in town. Its water resistant properties can be enhanced with Greenland Wax, which further increases the durability of an already long-lasting jacket.
This jacket works well on its own or layered
+ Can be layered
+ Well made
+ Water resistant
- Not the most stylish
The Atom LT is a hybrid hoodie, designed for use as both an active-use insulation layer, or a standalone jacket for when you're in less Artic conditions. Despite being lightweight and packable, the Atom still packs some serious clothing tech, such as Coreloft insulation, Polartec and Hardface for stretch and breathability, and DWR taffeta outer shell to protect from wind and rain.
This jacket is a perfect staple that you can rely on all year round
+ Extremely warm
+ Water resistant
+ Great price
- None!
This Joules Garrett jacket is an everyday style you can rely on all year round. The showerproof fabric is designed to fend off rain, whilst the chevron quilting filled with wadding inside and out offers a layer of warmth. Also available in Green.
Stand out in this bright Arctic parka
+ Other colours also available
+ Practical
+ Not Canada Goose
- There aren't any!
If you're looking for a stylish and warm parka, that isn't made by Canada Goose, check out this Arctic anorak from Woolrich. It's constructed from classic Woolrich fabric and features a special Teflon coating which makes the garment rain, wind and snow resistant. A multitude of pockets, branded buttons, cuffed sleeves and a branded velcro neck fastening make it as practical as it is stylish.
A classic coat from the iconic British brand
+ Works in the country or city
+ Affordable
+ A classic design
- Not the warmest
Reworking the contemporary Engineered Bedale in a robust wax finish, the Ashby is a winter-ready jacket that's as stylish as it is practical. Perfect if you live on a farm and roll around everywhere in a Defender.
Go full-on Top Gun this winter
+ Authentic style
+ Water repellent
+ Warm
- Not the most sophisticated
Go full on Top Gun this winter with the faux fur hooded version of the famous CWU 45/P flight jacket. It comes with extra warm lining for the colder seasons, and is ideal for those seeking durable construction, warmth, and authenticity. The jacket features a water repellent nylon outer shell, and it paired with two layered quilted nylon/polyester interlinings. The knit cuffs, waistband, and front zipper closure with storm flap ensure that you'll stay dry for the duration, while the faux fur hood keeps you warm.
This practical jacket is also a street-style icon
+ Stylish
+ Understated
+ Comes in different colours
- None!
The North Face is brand of choice for BBC news reporters on location everywhere, and now street-style enthusiasts as well. We love this jacket from the company, featuring HyVent technology, and responsibly sourced down, it looks right at home on the streets as well as more remote locations.
To get the best price, make sure you browse our The North Face discount codes.
This jacket is made from recycled polyester and ethical down
+ Recycled and ethical
+ Water resistant
+ Great brand
- None!
The Men's Down Sweater Hoody from Patagonia delivers exceptional comfort and warmth in cold conditions. It features a combination of recycled polyester fabric and 800 fill power goose down that is traceable from the parent farm to the apparel factory to ensure its ethical sourcing. The fabric boasts a durable water resistant finish for a little extra protection in damp conditions and will also block out the wind while the down helps to trap a layer of warm air around your body.
Best winter coats for men: styles explained
While capsule wardrobes are in-vogue and certainly have their merits, it’s unlikely you’ll only have one coat in your wardrobe that will carry you through all occasions in a season. So, you might want to add a new style to your sartorial arsenal, but where to start?
Parka
You may forever associate the Parka jacket with Liam Gallagher and Brit Pop, but it was arguably invented by the Caribou Inuit and its cool-factor will live forever. Technically, a parka is a hip-length coat stuffed with down or warm fibre, sometimes with a furry-edged hood. But there are heaps of different types, meaning you can choose a version that fits with your personal style. Parkas look great with jeans and trainers at the weekend, but not so much with a business suit. So, if you spend a decent amount of time pottering around a park at the weekend, this could be a style for you.
Bomber
The bomber jacket, or flight jacket, needs little introduction. Coming into its own during World War One, it’s since been embraced by all sorts of subcultures, including punks and hip-hop pioneers. The style recently had a major fashion moment in 2006 but may not be cutting edge at the moment. However, it’s still a great staple in your wardrobe. Once again, it’s not for (most) offices, but is a brilliant style for the weekend, and can elevate the most basic t-shirt and jeans combo.
Overcoat
A classic overcoat is handy for so many situations, from work to winter weddings. There are so many styles to choose from, so it’s important to choose a length that suits you and your style, as well as details you like. The best coats will boast quality materials (perhaps wool or even cashmere) and lovely touches like horned buttons, sumptuous lining and stylish lapels. It’s surprising how much such a classic coat can portray your personality. The classic overcoat can be dashing (think Jane Austen or Richard Gere) or effortlessly cool (James Dean and Bob Dylan) making it a coat worth investing in, that with care, could be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.
Down
You don’t need to be an intrepid Arctic explorer to benefit from a down coat. More practical for the outdoors than a wool overcoat, down coats are a must if you like winter walks and being outdoors in all weather conditions. If you’re not going to incredibly cold climbs, looks come into play as most of these down coats (with the exception of seriously cheap high street versions) are water and windproof, and filled with ether duck, goose or synthetic down. So, if you’re veggie or vegan, it’s worth looking closely at the filling.
Fleece
It's about time the humble fleece made a comeback, isn't it? No longer the preserve of Bargain Hunt contestants, a modern fleece (such as the Pumori Expedition Jacket from The North Face, pictured above) is stylish, warm, and a modern stable in any man's wardrobe. These garments are perfect for transitioning from city streets to hilltops, and can be a godsend when working outdoors or camping. They're also hugely flexible in how you wear them – either as a warm top layer or as a breathable midlayer. The Pumori Expedition Jacket from The North Face is named after the 7,161m summit that stands in the shadow of Mount Everest and has been made from recycled plastic bottles collected in the Himalayan foothills and responsibly-sourced cotton.
Best winter coats for men: what is down and how is it measured?
Traditionally down comes from the feathers of ducks and geese. The more technical down jackets are measured in 'fill power' or quality of the down.
It's calculated by measuring how many cubic inches an ounce of down creates at its maximum loft (or when the down fibres are fully fluffed up). Annoyingly, like tons/tonnes, the measurements are different in the US and Europe, but the range spans from 300 to 900+ with the lower number denoting lesser quality and loft.
So, if you want a seriously warm jacket, plump for more than 550, but if you're throwing on a down jacket in-between visits to shops, a lesser number may keep you cosy enough.
Best winter coats: buying tips
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- It might be tempting to tap into current trends, but to get the most use out of your new coat, it’s best to look inside your current wardrobe and work out what you want to wear your coat with. For example, if you’re outdoorsy you’ll probably want to plump for down, but if you have a smart office job, an overcoat is more likely to cut the mustard.
- When it comes to quality, choose warm materials like down, wool or cashmere. A coat is traditionally one of the most expensive items in your wardrobe and quality coat can last for years if you pick a timeless style, so it’s worth investing.
- Work out where you’re planning on wearing your coat. If you spend loads of time in the elements then a super warm down coat is just the business, but it could be annoyingly hot if you mostly peruse shops during a wintery weekend.
- Finally, take a leaf out of Marie Kondo’s book and choose some outerwear that sparks joy. After all, it can seem like forever until summer, so a nice coat can offer a light at the end of a very long, grey tunnel.
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