Top 10 Best Winter Coats for Men in the UK 2021

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.

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 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.

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. 

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.  

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. 

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 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!

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Now you've had a think about the kind of coat you'll require, let's take a look at our top recommendations. From a stylish and sleek overcoat to a technical stalwart saviour to keep you dry in the most dismal of downpours, we've got something for all climates, situations and sizes.

Getting yourself suited and booted with the right warm, waterproof, and protective gear will really make a difference when Jack Frost rears his head, so why not check out our other winter kit guides to help ease the freeze? 

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