The 10 best styles of men's coats for 2021

Winter is, in most cases, garbage. But everything that happens there - the cold, the dark, the wet - comes with a big bonus: you can wear big coats again. The right coat is an outfit in itself, a piece that combines practicality and style like nothing else in your wardrobe. They are also quite impervious to trends. This means that even a casual shopper can stealthily create a high-quality collection - from parkas to heirloom sheepskin jackets - in a matter of years. If so, you are buying well. “Look for something good quality, stylish and versatile,” says Nick Eley, head of design at ASOS. “You want something that will last and look good. Because you are going to be wearing it a lot, you need it to work with the other clothes in your wardrobe. " Style is, of course, a consideration. But not at the expense of comfort. No man ever looked very shivering. “The most important thing to look for in a winter coat is something that will keep you warm and dry,” says Freddie Kemp, stylist at Thread. “In an ideal world, you would have a collection of all styles here, as each serves a different practical and stylistic purpose. 1. Parka jacket

This Inuit original became known worldwide in the 1950s as a staple of the US Army, adopting its famous green color and fur lining. During the Korean War, the lighter fishtail parka evolved for tropical climates and then became a favorite with mods, who donned one over their suits to stay protected on their scooters. As with everything military, it has now become a staple in the modern wardrobe. Men's ready-to-wear brands are taking more and more lessons from outdoor brands specializing in technical fabrics. This season's parkas are therefore as functional as they are stylish. “A high level of water resistance is good,” says Kemp. “Don't be afraid of artificial technical fabrics because they tend to be better than natural fabrics at protecting against the elements. If you want more warmth, look for one that has a down filling. “Go for a loose fit, but avoid being too oversized because you don't want it loose. For length, choose a style that goes from mid-thigh to knee. " 2. Puffy jacket

Another style to enjoy the outdoorsy trend is one favored by hikers and '90s ravers. Down jackets offer almost unbeatable warmth, especially for the weight of the coat itself, and if the weather is changeable, they are ideal for putting on and taking off quickly. The most common styles are cropped at the waist, cut thinner than the Michelin Man, and styled in block colors that blend as easily with the seam as waterproof pants. The more modern examples, however, add a few extras. Look for parka-style hoods and longer hems for added protection, while hiker-style details like large patch pockets or contrasting color or fabric panels update the look. 3. Long coat

Can you touch your toes? Because your coat could this season. This year, designers are opting for trench coats that are reminiscent of early military styles, puffers that look like sleeping bags, and enveloping wool coats like the one Richard Gere wore in American Gigolo. Now, unless you live beyond the Arctic Circle, there's a question of whether you need such a terrific layer, but the practicality is only half the problem here. It's more about flair. These long coats create spectacular silhouettes and often feature epic lapels. It's a coat for strutting - not shivering - in it. 4. Duffle coat

This is the coat worn by sailors and school children, generals, and preppy students. He has a long history of military service while conjuring up images of Enid Blyton's characters. What to do with the duffle coat? Well, it's super warm, waterproof (assuming you're paying for some boiled wool), and gives a warm, laid-back note when you need to wrap yourself up for a chilly date night. The trend is also tough this season with designers' ups and downs reattaching the signature flip-flops and reassembling the giant hood. 5. Heritage overcoat

As winters get milder in the UK and beyond, the overcoat has become more of a fashion item than a functional item. Designers have therefore become more creative with fabrics, colors, and shapes. Rich tones, light wools, tweeds, and checks are common themes this winter and will be the perfect anchor for your winter wardrobe. Anything that isn't out of place in the Peaky Blinders wardrobe department will work. And you can wear it in many ways. It goes with your woolen pants and your grandfather collar shirt, without looking like a Shelby pastiche. But running into less formal styles will lead to even more wear and tear on such an investment coin. 6. Winter bomber jacket

Bomber jackets have been in fashion for decades, but they take on different personalities at different times. There is a place for slim Scandi versions and sleek varsity jackets, but this season the one we see looks more like an old-fashioned flight jacket (an A1 or a G2 for lovers of men's clothing. ). The business cards are a zip front, sheepskin trim, and large patch pockets on the front. Add a heritage check and you are golden. 7. Belted coats

Is it a coat or a dressing gown? The line goes blurry with this fall-winter trend, which sees luxurious overcoats wrapped around you in a belt to keep the sartorial hug in place. And we're not talking about trench coats, which usually come with a belt, but large, soft overcoats that wouldn't look out of place in a luxury hotel bathroom. It's a great look to be sure, preferred by mobsters, rock stars, and presidents at various points in history. That means there's a lot of inspiration out there - and when you dig into it you'll find it's a surprisingly versatile coat. 8. Trench coats

The origins of the trench are as murky as the time for which it was designed. Originally claimed by Aquascutum in the 1850s, Burberry reinvented the style in 1901 when the army officer's raincoat and his legend were forged in the Belgian trenches. But it also made its mark on civvy street. From the canary yellow of Dick Tracy to the outerwear of Morgan Freeman as Detective Lt. William Somerset in Se7en, the trench coat is the revealing uniform of the private eye. 9. Raincoat

Few of the so-called wear everywhere coats are suitable for use when the weather forecast worries Noah. Materials like shearling play badly with the rain. So when the heavens open you need something more sturdy. “A raincoat has to be true to size,” says Kemp. "Don't go too thin as you risk wearing it a few layers, or too tall as it will overwhelm your form and, more importantly, let the rain in." Waterproof fabrics are a must, of course. But don't be fooled by the "water repellent," which keeps the weird downpour but not the rain, it's like taking a shower. 10. Shearling jacket

Like the trench coat, the sheepskin coat also served its time in the forces. But as befits such a luxurious and delicate material, it was far from the mud, worn by the pilots to keep them warm in the open cockpits. Shearling goes very well with several fabrics. Leather is the most obvious, but combinations of denim and wool are also great options at a more affordable price. Just make sure the rest of your outfit is toned down, to let the jacket do the talking.