When the first colorful leaves start falling from the trees, it's clear: it's time for a warm coat. Which coat men should choose this season and whether it should be suitable for fall and spring, the so-called transitional period, or also for winter, depends entirely on personal taste. All coats share a common history: the various types of coats were often designed for the military and served both a warming and a stylistic purpose. Today, the coat is an integral part of a man's business outfit. We'll show you which coat suits which style and how you can integrate it into your wardrobe.
Classic and stylish: the single-breasted wool coat for men
This very simple men's coat is made from wool blends and can range from down-to-earth to luxurious. The lapel collar harmonizes with elegant suits, making it one of the few coats that can be combined with a tuxedo. A more modern version of the wool coat comes with a stand-up collar and ensures a neat, well-groomed look.
The wool coat is available in classic colors such as black, navy blue, brown, gray, cream, and white, as well as more intense shades such as dark green, red, yellow, purple, and gold. Patterned versions, especially checks and pinstripes, are also becoming increasingly popular.
The classic coat cut ends above the knees, while a short coat should always cover the buttocks. Some styles extend below the knees and are particularly popular with fans of historically inspired clothing or fantasy enthusiasts. Particularly noteworthy is the Crombie, a single-breasted short coat from J & J Crombie, which achieved cult status in the 20th century and became synonymous with short coats made of heavy wool fabric.
Casual and warm: the duffle coat for men
Unlike all other classic wool coats, the duffle coat has a hood, making it particularly warm. It is mainly worn on cold winter days and is a true all-rounder as a winter coat: its casual, contemporary style makes it a popular choice for men, both for business casual looks and leisure wear. Paired with chinos or jeans, it is not only extremely comfortable to wear, but also makes a stylish fashion statement.
Duffle coats are available in all colors and often feature small details that add their own little highlights: in addition to patch pockets, these can include toggle fastenings. Incidentally, duffle refers to the fabric from which the duffle coat is traditionally made: it originally came from Düffel, a town in Belgium, and gave the classic men's coat its name. Because British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery usually wore this coat during World War II, it is also called a Montgomery coat.
Elegant and festive: the Chesterfield coat
This winter coat, which is often single-breasted and less commonly double-breasted, has a long cut, with the hem almost completely covering the thighs and often reaching down to the knees. It also has an elegant slit at the back hem and often features hidden pockets. It creates a very elegant look, which is why the Chesterfield can be easily combined with a suit. It was originally designed for walking around town and was long considered a visiting coat. It is named after Sir George Stanhope, 3rd Earl of Chesterfield, and became popular with both men and women in the 1920s.
In keeping with its English origins, the Chesterfield is often made from heavy tweed fabric, usually in charcoal gray, light brown, or navy blue. The collar is often lined with velvet, which gives the men's coat additional elegance. The width of the lapel collar can vary, so you can decide what you like best. The unlined coat for men is a model for fall, but with a quilted version, you can also wear it through the winter.
Formal and suitable for everyday wear: the pea coat
This men's coat is most similar to a blazer or suit jacket. This so-called overcoat or pea coat is an integral part of the Navy's winter equipment and has long since found its way into the fashion world. The double-breasted coat is usually available in navy blue, gray, and classic black, but green, burgundy, mottled colors, and checks are also becoming increasingly popular.
The pea coat is ideal as an outer layer over suits, both for festive occasions and with business attire. It often has pockets on the sides and always extends below the buttocks. In terms of material, pea coats are often made from wool blends, but there are also a variety of styles made from merino wool or cashmere.
Warm and windproof: the parka or down coat for men
It is probably the warmest coat, which originated with the Inuit: the parka. Since the 1960s, it has also become popular in fashion thanks to the so-called military look, not least because its warm lining and thick hood offer protection from all weather conditions. In addition, the parka or down coat for men is a very practical garment: it has several pockets that can hold small items such as wallets or gloves in winter.
The cut is usually loose and very comfortable, while the length varies greatly. The shortest models, short coats, end below the buttocks, while very long parkas can also cover the knees. The hood can usually be secured with an additional drawstring, and many down coats feature faux fur trim for extra warmth.
Windproof and waterproof: the puffer coat
The puffer coat is a further development of the parka: it has a warm lining, often with down or a down-fiber blend. The outer material is waterproof and dirt-repellent, making the puffer coat the ideal companion in all weather conditions. The cut often reaches to the knee, and the quilting gives it its typical surface.
Sometimes it is also referred to as a classic quilted coat, but a puffer coat is a fashion statement in its own right. It is one of the trendiest items of clothing for winter and comes with various extras, such as a hood, a warm stand-up collar, and adjustable sleeves. The typical large pockets on the front provide convenient storage space.
Sporty and soft: the polo coat
As the name suggests, this wool coat for men was originally worn for polo. It is designed as a double-breasted coat and features large pockets and a very loose fit. The wide lapel collar is often rounded off by a stand-up collar, which gives the polo coat a particularly elegant look. Its origins in British aristocracy are still clearly visible in modern versions. Details such as turned-up sleeves and patch pockets allow for variation , adding to its functionality.
The colors are dominated by muted tones of gray, camel, and cream, as camel hair was once a popular base for polo coats. Nowadays, dark tones such as black, navy, and anthracite are also available. The term "camel hair coat" is often used to refer to polo coats.
Flexible and comfortable: the trench coat for men
Hardly any other men's coat is as recognizable as the trench coat: with epaulettes, a belt, and storm flaps on the collar, it is perfect for cooler fall days. It is available in both single-breasted and double-breasted styles in all classic colors.
The trench coat originated during World War I, which is where this men's coat got its name. It was originally a raincoat designed to protect soldiers from the harsh conditions in the trenches. The trench coat can be worn in many different ways and is particularly suitable for quickly throwing on over chinos with a shirt or sweater. The coat can be left open to show off your outfit underneath. When buttoned up, the trench coat exudes a dignified Humphrey Bogart charm that needs to be used skillfully.
Which model should your new winter coat be? We will be happy to advise you comprehensively on suitable cuts, fabrics, and colors. Simply make an appointment—we look forward to seeing you!