10 Best Winter Coats for Men UK 2024
With how utterly erratic the UK weather can be, a good winter coat is a purchase that will last you all year round. But there's always the question: what type of coat should I go for? - and while some guys just have an instinct for picking up what looks right, some of us aren’t that lucky. Fret not, because we’re here to help you find the perfect one for you.
We've compiled a buying guide covering all the necessary points one needs to consider when looking for a practical, stylish, warm, and potentially waterproof coat. We'll be looking at raincoats, parkas, wool coats, and more from brands like Helly Hansen, The North Face, and Berghaus, so whether you’re using it for extreme weather or to wear over a business suit, we've got options for everyone available at Amazon and John Lewis from £65 and up!
Quick List - Top Winter Coats for Men
John Lewis & Partners
Dress to Impress No Matter the Weather
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Table of Contents
- How to Choose a Winter Coat for Men in the UK - Buying Guide
- What You'll Be Doing in Your Coat Determines What Style You Need1
- Different Materials Have Different Qualities2
- Stay Organised and Keep Your Hands Protected With Pockets3
- It Always Helps to Check for Waterproofing4
- Investing in Your Coat Once Can Pay Off in the Long Term5
- Top 10 Best Winter Coats for Men in the UK
- No. 1Helly Hansen | Crew Insulator Men's Water Repellent Jacket
- No. 2The North Face | Evolve II Triclimate 3-in-1 Jacket
- No. 3John Lewis & Partners | Italian Twill Funnel Neck Tailored Overcoat
- No. 4Berghaus | RG Alpha 2.0 Men's 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket
- No. 5Fjällräven | High Coast Hydratic Jacket
- 5 more products
- Fancy Upgrading the Rest of Your Winter Kit?
- Summary
How to Choose a Winter Coat for Men in the UK - Buying Guide
Choosing the perfect winter coat will depend on a few key factors: what you're going to be doing in the jacket, the kind of weather you are expecting, and how much money you're willing to spend.
What You'll Be Doing in Your Coat Determines What Style You Need
It’s important, no, vital, to identify what you are going to be using this coat or jacket for. Nobody wants to be cold, and someone bobbing around a city has different needs to someone who's about to climb Scafell Pike. Whilst there are many different types of jacket, we’ve broken it down into 3 easy-to-define styles.
Technical Jackets Suit Those Who Plan on Going off the Beaten Track
Technical jackets are perfect for those who often engage in outdoor activities, and are looking for something that's lightweight yet warm whilst still allowing a good range of motion. Either that, or for those who like the sporty or workwear trends of streetwear.
These types of jackets tend to include some kind of layer construction, such as Gore-Tex, which is 3L (an abbreviation of '3 layer', which is the most protective; 2L is also available) and will generally be better against wetter weather. They can usually also be packed down to a more compact size than their casual jacket counterparts.
Casual Jackets Like Parkas Prioritise Warmth Over Anything Else
Coats falling under the 'casual' umbrella come in several different styles, the most common being parkas, and often tend to focus on weather protection, comfort and warmth for those taking on more urban environments. If you’re planning on being in cold, dry temperatures, or nipping in and out of shops, bars or restaurants these are the best option.
Casual coats will often be lined with some form of insulation, but the type and effectiveness will depend on the style of jacket you choose – so it's worth checking what each brand are offering on the inside as well as the outer look. They also regularly have hoods to provide added protection from the elements.
Pick up a Smarter Jacket for Evening Wear or Pairing With Suits
Smart jackets worn with business attire were traditionally big and heavy, but thankfully there have been some advances in technology over the years so you no longer have to carry any hefty winter armour! They’re adaptable too, working well with suits or just as good over a jumper when heading out to a smart-casual evening event.
This style tends to be single- or double-breasted, with single-breasted being the most flattering option if you’re a bit on the shorter side. It’s also worth mentioning that these types of coats generally look better if they’re fitted, so if that’s not a style you like wearing then it may be best to look at other options.
Different Materials Have Different Qualities
A winter coat is all about its materials, and, of course, the most important are the ones that keep you warm and dry. Here we’re going to take a look at some of the main fabrics you'll come across, and their pros and cons.
Synthetics Are Cheaper but Bulkier
Synthetic has the upper hand on down because it will continue to keep you warm when it gets wet. Furthermore, synthetic coats like parkas tend to be much cheaper due to the fact they're made from man-made fabrics that are more economical to produce.
The downside of synthetic insulation? You need a lot of it to reach the same level of warmth as other materials, so the resulting coat will be larger and bulkier. Additionally, synthetic coats may need to be replaced sooner if you're frequently using them in testing conditions, so you're best getting one from a quality and trusted brand.
Wool Will Last for Ages, If You Look After It Right
Wool is a great material for a winter coat as it's strong and long-lasting, so long as it's properly taken care of. Wool coats are semi-waterproof as their fibres naturally soak up about 20-30 % of moisture before they begin to feel wet, and due to the tight-knit of the fabric, they’re also extremely effective against the wind.
The main drawback of wool is that it is expensive – you’ll typically pay well into the hundreds for 100 % wool outerwear. Moreover, it can be difficult to maintain as it generally needs to be hand washed to avoid damage, although many people think it's worth the trouble!
Fleece Is Highly Breathable
Possibly the biggest advantages of fleece are that it's highly breathable, and it has the ability to wick moisture, both of which keep you warm without getting too sweaty. It’s also soft, comfortable and some would say fashionable, being something of a step up from a hoodie.
Fleece, however, is not as warm as other materials such as down, seeing as it's more intended to be worn as a layer or as a mid-season jacket. Plus, although it is lightweight, it's still somewhat on the bulky side as it isn’t a material that compresses well.
Stay Organised and Keep Your Hands Protected With Pockets
Whether pottering around towns, cities, the countryside or the mountains, having a few secure pockets will keep you organized and keep your hands toasty. A good coat usually comes with two as standard, and if you're lucky, one inside pocket, although this isn't always the case.
Technical winter coats designed for exploring will often have several more, whereas smarter jackets can leave you needing a pair of gloves or having to take a bag for your essentials. Make sure you pick one that suits your requirements and isn't going to leave you rubbing your hands together all day, or worse, misplacing your valuables.
It Always Helps to Check for Waterproofing
If you’re planning on spending some of your time in a wet climate, you're certainly going to need a coat with a good outer shell. Keep an eye out for those with either the aforementioned Gore-Tex, or a DWR (durable water repellent) coating.
DWR will hold up in wet weather, however, it's best suited to an environment with light to medium rain or snow, not torrential downpours, as it can only really deal with lower amounts of precipitation.
Should you be anticipating long periods of time in wet and dreary climates (we’re looking at you Manchester), then Gore-Tex is a safer option. If you want waterproofing and warmth, you could always use one of these as an outer jacket and layer warmer garments underneath.
Investing in Your Coat Once Can Pay Off in the Long Term
Coats are so widely available that they come in a huge range of prices, from as little as ten pounds to hundreds. It is important to ask yourself how long you plan on using a winter coat: is it for a small holiday somewhere? Or do you want something that will join the rest of your wardrobe as a new staple?
Cheaper coats are great as they are guilt-free purchases that enable you to spend more money in the short term on other things, but the downsides can include breakage, inadequate protection from the elements and even defects. Buying a cheaper coat once every two years may not be as good as you think if a good one lasts you ten or more.
A lot of coats start above the hundred-pound mark for the simple reason of the assumption that they are created to be used for a long period. They are high quality, keep you protected and looking sharp. While the short term investment may feel steep, if you plan on using your coat for a long time, investing in something of high quality means your initial purchase is slowly paid off, year-by-year.
Top 10 Best Winter Coats for Men in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Helly Hansen Crew Insulator Men's Water Repellent Jacket | | The Ultimate Lightweight Winter Jacket | |
2 | The North Face Evolve II Triclimate 3-in-1 Jacket | | A Total Winter Classic for a Reason | |
3 | John Lewis & Partners Italian Twill Funnel Neck Tailored Overcoat | | Dress to Impress No Matter the Weather | |
4 | Berghaus RG Alpha 2.0 Men's 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket | | A Safe and Sturdy Option | |
5 | Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Jacket | | A Windbreaker for All Seasons | |
6 | Helly Hansen Men's Crew Midlayer Waterproof Jacket | | A Staple of the UK | |
7 | Columbia Challenger Windbreaker Jacket | | Affordable Winter Fashion | |
8 | The North Face Saikuru Jacket | | When You Need A Jacket to Match | |
9 | LUKE 1977 Worldly Performance Padded Jacket | | A Hooded Coat for Anywhere | |
10 | FatFace Hayle Quilted Jacket | | Easy Going Jacket for Normal Winters |
Helly HansenCrew Insulator Men's Water Repellent Jacket
The Ultimate Lightweight Winter Jacket
Helly Hansen never fails to look great, but also provide some of the best winter wear on the market. This water repellent jacket is the perfect mix of function and style with a simple design making it great for anyone's wardrobe.
With an elasticated inside hem, Primaloft insulation and made of 100% polyester, this jacket is perfect for normal to extreme weather and easy enough to throw in your wardrobe when the weather gets warmer, though, it looks so good you may want to keep wearing it!
The North FaceEvolve II Triclimate 3-in-1 Jacket
A Total Winter Classic for a Reason
What's not love about this astonishing piece of kit? A 3-in-1, it's equipped with an inner lining fleece for insulation and an outer shell that's brilliantly weatherproof. To accomplish this they use Dryvent technology, which is waterproof, windproof and breathable. Plus it has fully sealed seams, just to be doubly sure.
It'll look just as good (and work just as well) whether wandering around the streets of Bristol or on the mountains of Snøhetta. Additionally, if bought in the right colourway, this jacket wouldn't look out of place over professional wear if the weather was abhorrent.
John Lewis & PartnersItalian Twill Funnel Neck Tailored Overcoat
Dress to Impress No Matter the Weather
Smart, chic and cut correctly, this staple from John Lewis is the perfect overcoat for any occasion. Beautifully crafted to fit snug over a suit, this overcoat made by John Lewis is sure to stand the test of time.
With easy to access slanted front pockets, button cuffs and a single vent to the reverse, this overcoat has all the staples you need for a smart yet functioning winter jacket. Investing in an item like this goes a long way, which is why it takes the 3rd spot!
BerghausRG Alpha 2.0 Men's 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket
A Safe and Sturdy Option
Built to protect the wearer, if you are planning to enter some extreme environments, this 3-in-1 jacket from Berghaus is the one to go for. Built to last and made of 100% polyamide, it is hard to go wrong.
Designed with a taffeta and mesh lining to enable breathability and added comfort. The best part? Complete waterproofing so you can keep dry and safe at all times. A worthy winter purchase!
A Windbreaker for All Seasons
Lightweight and waterproof with a striking colour, this Fjällräven windbreaker is a great addition to your wardrobe. Easy to store and light enough to wear over any clothes, it is great for multiple scenarios ranging from walks in the rain to more extreme cold.
Moreover, the windbreaker has 4 pockets and an easy to access zip, making it great for windy conditions. This jacket is striking and sure to keep you protected while looking great.
A Staple of the UK
Helly Hansen is well known for their sailing jackets, but their popularity has reached new heights over the past decade. With smaller, more fitted, yet equally durable jackets being released, they have become a staple for all men across the UK.
Crafted to be waterproof, windproof and with breathable protection, this jacket is perfect for any type of sport, outdoor activity or just to wear on a walk with the fully fleeced body providing additional warmth. With so many colours to choose from, you're spoilt for choice!
Affordable Winter Fashion
Columbia's challenger windbreaker is a stylish and sporty addition to our list. Able to be worn around cities or parks, but also providing support for more intense weather, this jacket is a great option for those who care about looking good.
With water-resistant fabric and elasticated cuffs, you can keep your body warm and dry during rainy spells, which we often so find ourselves in. The lightweight fabric also helps your body breathe through any humidity, too!
When You Need A Jacket to Match
The North Face has really hit it out of the park with this simple, yet well-formed jacket. In a simple black design, this jacket is great because it can go with anything in your wardrobe, which means you can spend less time wondering what to wear.
Moreover, this jacket is water repellent and works as an excellent insulator, which makes it viable for taking on a snowboarding trip or a walk down the moor. This style of jacket is an all-rounded package of quality, albeit slightly expensive.
A Hooded Coat for Anywhere
Smart enough to wear with a suit yet simple enough to blend in as casual wear, this coat is the perfect medium when you are looking for a coat that does a little bit of everything.
Showerproof and reflective taping that enables the coat to shine in the dark are just some of the reasons why this coat is good in wet weather, but with a lack of additional information in regard to how much wetness it can withstand, it may not be the best option for anything too extreme.
Easy Going Jacket for Normal Winters
This jacket is perfect for those looking for something light and easy to wear in mild to semi-cold winters. From sizes to S to XL it is ready-made for anyone's size, which makes it the ideal candidate for when you need to dress up warm and then throw something on top (preferably this!).
While this jacket is certainly something to write home about, compared to the rest of the selection, it fails to be the best dressed or most feature-full. A good option, but there is a chance that you will like the other stuff we have chosen more.
Summary
Whether you're after an office-ready smart coat, a high-spec travel buddy or a casual jacket that keeps you going through the winter months, we hope you've found our winter coat recommendations useful. Even if you don't need to wear yours every day of the season, it's good to know it's got your back.
Author: Lewis Clark
Top 5 Winter Coats for Men
No. 1: Helly Hansen｜Crew Insulator Men's Water Repellent Jacket
No. 2: The North Face｜Evolve II Triclimate 3-in-1 Jacket
No. 3: John Lewis & Partners｜Italian Twill Funnel Neck Tailored Overcoat
No. 4: Berghaus｜RG Alpha 2.0 Men's 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket
No. 5: Fjällräven｜High Coast Hydratic Jacket
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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