Choosing The Perfect Best Man's Coat

When it comes to men's fashion, a coat is often an afterthought. However, it is an essential piece that showcases your style, sophistication, and even your professional status. The right coat is a fashion imperative, and choosing one depends on various factors, such as style, occasion, weather, and comfort.

There are many types of coats, from the classic overcoat, Chesterfield, and topcoat to the more casual quilted jacket, leather jacket, and bomber jacket. The type of coat you choose depends on the impression you want to make and the event you'll be attending. For formal events, a Chesterfield or Alpaca coat is a perfect choice, while casual hangouts offer more freedom to experiment with different styles.

The weather plays a crucial role in selecting a coat. For milder weather, a light coat like a trench coat is ideal, but when winter arrives, a heavier option like a parka is necessary.

Lastly, comfort is key. Even the most stylish coat won't be enjoyable if it's uncomfortable. Ensure the coat fits well and the material feels pleasant against your skin.

With so many options available, from different styles to materials and colours, choosing the best man's coat can be a daunting task. However, by considering your personal style, the occasion, weather conditions, and comfort, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect coat that suits your needs.

Choosing the right coat style for the occasion

Formal Events

For formal events, opt for a classic overcoat or a Chesterfield coat. An overcoat is a timeless piece that exudes sophistication and elegance. It is typically long, extending below the knee, and made from thick wool to provide warmth. A Chesterfield coat, on the other hand, is a single-breasted overcoat with a velvet collar, offering a more streamlined look. Both of these coats pair well with a suit, formal shirt, and dress shoes in neutral colours like black, navy, or grey.

Business Formal

If you're attending a business formal event or meeting, an overcoat is once again an excellent choice. Look for a well-cut, single or double-breasted style that falls below the knee in neutral shades such as navy, charcoal, or black. These colours offer versatility and can be effortlessly paired with most suits. Ensure that the overcoat complements the sharpness of your suit without adding unnecessary bulk.

Business Casual

For a business casual look, consider a topcoat or a mac coat. A topcoat is similar to an overcoat but lighter in weight, making it suitable for transitional seasons like fall and winter. It pairs well with suits, formal shirts, and dress shoes. A mac coat, on the other hand, is a lightweight, often waterproof coat known for its functional elegance. It goes well with a suit or business casual trousers, a shirt, and dress shoes.

Casual Hangouts

When it comes to casual hangouts, you have more freedom to experiment with different coat styles. A quilted jacket, leather jacket, or bomber jacket can be great choices for a laid-back vibe. Quilted jackets, with their casual quilted pattern, pair well with jeans or chinos, a casual shirt, and casual shoes. Leather jackets offer instant edge and timeless cool, while bomber jackets provide a simple yet stylish look.

Cold Weather

For extremely cold weather, your priority should be staying warm. A parka is an excellent choice as it is designed for extreme cold, with a long, insulated, and hooded design. Another option is a duffle coat, which is made from thick wool and features toggle fastenings and a hood. These coats will keep you cosy and stylish during freezing temperatures.

Transitional Weather

For transitional weather, such as spring and fall, a trench coat or a topcoat is ideal. A trench coat is perfect for mild, rainy weather as it is often made from water-resistant cotton. It has a stylish yet functional belted design. A topcoat, on the other hand, is made from lighter wool or wool-blend fabric, providing just enough warmth while maintaining a sleek, polished look.

Picking a coat that suits your body type

When it comes to picking a coat that suits your body type, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the function of the coat. Will you be wearing it primarily for business or pleasure? The right coat should look good whether you're dressing it up with a suit or keeping it casual with a pair of jeans. Next, think about the fabric and colour. If you're after something waterproof, you'll want to opt for a lightweight fabric. Darker colours like black, navy and grey are more adaptable, while camel is always a smart choice.

Now, let's get into the different styles of coats and how they can flatter your body type:

• The Single-Breasted Overcoat: This classic style suits all body types and heights. Traditionally, an overcoat should end below the knee, but nowadays you can find styles that finish an inch or two above the knee. Go for a heavier wool fabric like Melton, or choose something more lightweight like cashmere or fine merino. Avoid anything too fitted, as you'll want to have enough room to layer up underneath. If you have narrow shoulders, look for slimmer lapels. When it comes to colour, shades of camel are extremely flattering and versatile.
• The Double-Breasted Overcoat: This style is the most formal and tends to be broader in the cut, so it may not be the best choice if you're on the shorter side. To avoid looking wider around the middle, opt for well-tailored coats where the lapels and shoulders balance out your top half. The classic trench coat is a popular double-breasted style, but it can draw attention to your midsection if you're chunkier in the middle, especially in lighter colours and fabrics. Go for heavier pieces in navy or black, and wear the collar down for a smarter finish.
• The Raglan-Sleeved Overcoat: This style, with its seamless sleeve design, is comfortable and flattering for bigger builds. The sleeves are usually wider, so make sure they're not too short. Raglan sleeves often look good with gloves.
• The Peacoat: With its naval heritage, the peacoat works particularly well on a shorter frame. You can now find peacoats in a variety of materials, so there's sure to be one that suits your shape. Just make sure it's not too fitted, as you want to be able to move comfortably. Always leave the bottom button undone to ensure the coat hangs correctly and doesn't look too bulky.
• The Car Coat: With its roots in the early days of the automobile, the car coat has a cool retro feel, especially in sheepskin. It tends to have a dandy reputation, so it's a great choice if you're looking for an eye-catching colour or pattern. It works well with chunky rollnecks and slightly wider trousers.
• The Duffle Coat: With its military origins, the duffle coat is a casual style that's perfect for hiding wider middles or pear-shaped bodies. It typically features a hood, buttoned neck strap, patch pockets, and wood or horn toggles. Camel is a popular colour choice, but lighter shades of blue and green also work well. This coat pairs nicely with jeans or cords and chunky boots.

No matter your body type, the key to finding the perfect coat is to ensure it flatters your figure while keeping you warm and comfortable. So, don't be afraid to try on different styles and find the one that makes you feel confident and stylish.

Considering the coat's material and insulation

When buying a coat, it is important to consider the material and insulation. The best winter jackets for men should be resistant to all weather conditions. In addition to insulation, they need to be waterproof and windproof as well (or at least resistant) to keep you dry and warm in winter. In our testing, we found most waterproof and windproof winter jackets are made of polyester, nylon, or a synthetic blend. Ideally, your winter jacket should be able to shed rain and snow or moisture in general, and be seam-sealed to prevent any wind from getting in.

The best insulation is often down fill or synthetic fill, both of which use baffling to trap warm air. Down fill is the most popular and reliable option, usually consisting of clusters of light, fluffy filaments from goose, duck, or waterfowl. Synthetic fill, on the other hand, is more breathable and less expensive than down fill. It often consists of polyester and some of the better-known synthetic insulations are PrimaLoft and Thinsulate, both made of a fiber blend.

The best winter coats for men should have a fit that offers full coverage and room for layering, but is still snug enough to look tailored and prevent cold air from getting in. Ideally, the jacket should reach below the waist for optimal coverage, and the sleeves should be long enough to cover your wrists. A longer coat will shield your thighs and lower body. The overall fit should be comfortable, allowing for ease of movement without feeling overly baggy or restrictive.

Checking for additional features like pockets and hoods

When buying a coat, it's important to consider the additional features that will make the coat more functional and suitable for your needs. Two of the most important features to look for are pockets and a hood.

Pockets are essential for keeping your hands warm and storing small items like your phone, wallet, or keys. When checking for pockets, consider the number, placement, and size. Look for coats with deep pockets that are easily accessible and can accommodate your everyday items. Some coats also offer interior pockets, which can be great for added security or storing valuables.

A hood can provide extra warmth and protection from the elements. If you plan to use the coat in cold or rainy weather, look for a removable hood or one with adjustable features like a drawstring or removable faux fur trim. A hood with a brim can also provide some shade and protection from the wind.

Other additional features to consider include adjustable cuffs, a two-way zipper, and an adjustable waist. These features can help with temperature regulation and ensure a comfortable fit. For example, adjustable cuffs with thumbholes can provide extra hand protection, while a two-way zipper allows for more flexibility and breathability.

When choosing a coat, it's essential to think about the specific features that align with your needs and preferences. Consider the climate you live in, the activities you'll be doing, and the level of warmth and protection you require. By taking these factors into account, you can select a coat with the right combination of features to suit your lifestyle.

Making sure the coat is comfortable and fits well

• Arms and Shoulder Fit Matters: You should be able to move your arms freely in the coat. Check if you can raise and lower your arms comfortably and roll your shoulders without feeling that you might rip the seams. The coat should also fit nicely around your neck.
• Know Your Proper Shirt or Sweater Size: Coat patterns are typically based on shirt patterns, so knowing your shirt or sweater size is a good starting point for choosing the right coat size.
• You Should Be Able to Close It: A coat that can be closed will keep you warm. Make sure that the zipper or buttons work well and that you can close the coat comfortably, even when wearing chunky knits or multiple layers.
• Consider Your Height: The length of the coat should be suitable for your height. Pea coats, for example, are generally better for shorter people due to their shorter length. For taller people, hip-length coats or loose-shaped coats can be a good option.
• Check the Sleeve Length: The sleeves of the coat should be long enough to cover your jacket, sweater, and shirt sleeves. For heavy outerwear, the sleeves can cover up to an inch of your palm, while for lighter coats, they should not go past the base of your palm.
• Try It On with Your Winter Gear: When trying on the coat, wear it over your winter gear, such as a sweatshirt, hoodie, or sweater. This will ensure that the coat still fits comfortably and allows you to move freely, even with the extra layers.
• Check the Shoulder Fit: Pay attention to the fit around your shoulders when you raise your arms. If the shoulders are too narrow, the jacket may ride up and expose your midsection.
• Ensure Adequate Sleeve Length: When your arms are straight out in front of you, the cuffs of the coat should ideally hit right at the base of your hands. Sleeves that are too short will expose your wrists, while sleeves that are too long will swallow your hands.

Frequently asked questions