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.

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.

Uniqlo is one of our favourite high street brands for its consistently high quality. The versatile coat is affordable and has kept us warm as the weather cools down. The classic style is easy to throw on over a casual outfit but works equally as well when completing an office or event look.

Depending on your style, it comes in three different colourways. We opted for the navy, which is very dark, almost black in person. If this coat is like the other Uniqlo pieces we’ve tried, it will last for years and have a low cost per wear. The back vent is convenient for sitting down and lends stylish movement to the overall look. It’s made from a wool and polyester blend that provides warmth and a silky polyester lining for comfort. This is an oversized style with a drop shoulder.

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.

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.

Another great jacket that treads the line between formal and casual, this blazer from British brand Wax London is the perfect oversized fit. The chalk line pinstripe is a lovely detail against the brown woolly texture. Details that we love include the back vent, buttons on the sleeves that can be undone for a relaxed look, nice functional pockets and the double breast which creates movement when left open. It’s roomy enough to fit a thick jumper underneath on colder days and our tester loved creating unexpected looks, pairing loafers and vintage jeans with the blazer or a graphic tee underneath.

Giant coats are a huge trend and this one is certainly oversized. Made with a wool blend, this coat is heavy and warm, and we really felt protected against chilly winds. The double breasted front and notch collar created a tailored look that will smarten up a casual outfit. Details we loved include the button detailing on the sleeves and back vent for extra movement. The design makes this coat look more expensive than it is. Go for sleek black trousers and some trainers for a smart-casual outfit.

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.

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.

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.