Men’s Winter Coats and Jackets:
A Hackett Guide

Gilet

Winter can bring very unpredictable weather, but investing in a gilet will prepare you for all conditions. If temperatures are mild, you can wear one over a shirt, sweater or hoodie for a little extra warmth. Once the winter weather turns sharp and frosty, a streamlined gilet will fit perfectly under heavier outerwear like wool blazers or car coats. Unlike other men’s winter coats and jackets, the cosy gilet also offers you more flexibility and ease of movement.

Though generally considered to be a more casual item, gilets in muted colours like black, navy or olive green are also great to wear over a suit. This will give you a modern look that still shows off your tailoring, while still providing a little extra protection from the winter chill. At the weekends, pair your gilet with knitwear, chinos and trainers for maximum comfort.

Corduroy jacket

A corduroy jacket is smart, yet far more relaxed than your typical tailored pieces. They make for a great winter jacket, as the thick, durable fabric is good for locking in heat, and the striking material will help you stand out from the crowd.

Common wisdom dictates that you run the risk of looking a tad gaudy if you wear corduroy in vibrant colours. However, if black is a bit too tame for your tastes, treat yourself to a green or brown corduroy winter jacket. These shades will probably complement many pieces in your winter wardrobe just as well as black. It’s easy to wear corduroy casually, but if you fancy sprucing up, try combining the garment with smart trousers, a soft roll neck and boots.

Velospeed jacket

The iconic Velospeed jacket is a must-have in every man’s winter wardrobe. Comfortable yet stylish, this form-fitting piece flatters anybody who slips into it, and is packed with practical features like its four flap pockets.

There are plenty of styles and materials to choose from, allowing you to pick the warm winter jacket most suited to your individual fashion sense. For instance, if you like a rock and roll look, a luxurious leather Velospeed could be the one for you. However, if your top priority is pure comfort, casual cotton variations will be more up your street. These look particularly suave thrown over a simple shirt and crew neck jumper pairing.

Water-repellent jackets

As the weather turns colder and wetter, you’ll need a winter coat that’s well-equipped to shield you from the elements. And when it comes to water-repellent jackets, there are plenty to choose from.

Windbreakers are best for those who want to add an understated urban feel to their outfit, and thankfully these winter jackets aren’t as flashy as they were back in the nineties. Now, they’re available as slick, blouson-style fitted garments.

Raincoats are another fail-safe option, and can work as a formal winter coat if you choose one with a streamlined cut, dark colour and thick wool blend. Sophisticated pieces like this are also suitable as business outerwear, and their versatility means you can dress them up or down as you see fit.

Padded or quilted jackets

Quilted jackets are just the ticket when you need to wrap up for a winter weekend getaway. The down-filled interior means their sporty designs are never restrictive, yet also surprisingly warm.

This winter jacket is most effective when it looks like it’s just been thrown on, so you don’t need to try too hard with the rest of your outfit. Jeans or chinos, a shirt and a hoodie are simple and stylish for casual cold-busting—just slide on a pair of sleek white trainers to complete the ensemble. This easygoing aesthetic can then be tied together with a smart holdall or duffle bag.

Wool coat

If you want a winter coat that’s suitable for every occasion, you can’t go wrong with wool. These are classic and timeless, and make every outfit look a little bit smarter, especially if the coat is a slick, dark shade like navy. And of course, high-quality wool was made to be worn in winter.

Every man will look exquisite in a knee-length, single-breasted blazer-style variation, as they simultaneously broaden the shoulders and make your frame appear longer. Best of all, a men’s wool winter coat is one of the most adaptable examples of outerwear there is. As well as adding pizzazz to your finest suit, it can easily enhance simple weekend garments like casual shirts and blazers or a pair of lace-up boots.

Parkas

Brought back to prominence during the heady days of Britpop, a parka is one of the most popular winter coats. With a relaxed fit and large front pockets, this comfy and practical garment offers with maximum wearability. And given that the style was created by the Inuit people of the Arctic, perhaps it’s your best option for when conditions are particularly icy.

Dark green is the quintessential colour for a parka, but make sure you choose a lined style that lets you stay toasty throughout the season. A men’s parka with a fur hood appears slightly more extravagant, but works well with smart tailoring and formal wear. Here at Hackett, we use faux fur across all of our hooded parkas. And luckily for you, this versatile winter coat is equally at home with your favourite chinos, chukka boots and a half-zip sweater.