It’s that time of year again lads; time to hang up the Hawaiian shirts and the chino shorts and hunt out the winter coats ready for the colder months. If you’re looking for a bit of a change, or simply want to update your wardrobe, look no further. This week we looked at the key styles and trends, bringing you a pocket guide to choosing the perfect winter coat from the classic duffle to the casual parka.

Bridging the gap between the office and the pub is the duffle coat. Offering a generous cut and rain-ready hood, the duffle has remained a winter staple for countless seasons. Avoid bright shades and stick with a neutral choice to ensure you look appropriate whatever the occasion.

Thanks to Calvin Klein and Christopher Raeburn the parka is back with a bang. You’ll find it hard to find an outfit that doesn’t go with this coat. Team it with a cable knit cardi, distressed jeans and your favourite trainers for an effortless low-key vibe, or embrace the parka’s Britpop heritage and wear it over a checked flannel shirt and straight-legged dark denim jeans.

Quilted jackets are also set to make a return this winter. Heralded by Gant and Burberry its traditional heritage makes it perfect for those long winter walks in the country (paired with slim-fit chinos and cashmere-blend jumpers). Or, if you’re a city boy, a sporty style bomber with a pop of colour or shiny texture teamed with a pair of black skinnies and retro trainers gives a classic European feel, perfect for a city break.

Just like last year, luxury leather, wool and suede bombers will carry you right through winter into spring. Although you can’t go wrong with a classic black biker jacket, the focus this winter is on shearling-collared aviator designs. These are great both for use on a night out or layered over a smart/casual day look. Harringtons and wool-blend bombers also offer great silhouettes, however, stick to earthy shades or a versatile tartan for something different.

And finally, if you’re planning on attending lots of outdoor events this winter then your best bet is a padded/puffer jacket. The feather-down lining offers warmth no matter what the British weather throws at you. Specialist outdoor brands such as Penfield, Moncler and Berghaus have a great selection however Uniqlo, ASOS and River Island remove the guilt factor as a cheap alternative on a student budget.

Picking the right winter coat for your wardrobe can be challenging but you can’t really get it wrong this winter with such a huge array of choices for us gents.

 

Grant Wilkinson