Pea coat, trench coat, Chesterfield; wool, leather, synthetic material; long, mid-length or short... There are dozens of different coat models and it's not always easy to find your way around when it's time to buy a new one when winter arrives. If so, you've come to the right place. Discover our few tips for choosing your next coat.
In the list of must-have clothes for men (or at least for men living in an oceanic or continental climate), the winter coat is arguably the longest piece to choose. Of course, you can very well take the first coat you find, but you are likely to regret it, for its inability to keep you warm, if not for its lack of fit and style.
Materials for winter
Indeed, before even looking at the style, it is important to look for a coat that will fulfill its mission:to protect you from the cold. This is why, before selecting a model that you like, you will have to choose a winter material:wool, cashmere, a leather jacket or a technical synthetic material such as Gore-Tex.
If they are of reasonable quality, all of these materials are the most recommended when the temperatures start to drop. It's up to you to choose the one that suits you best and in which you will feel most comfortable during the cold winter months. During the winter, don't forget to take care of your skin to avoid problems.
Coat Styles
Once you have explored the materials, you will have to decide on the shape you like. And there you will be spoiled for choice. Why not a trench coat or a caban? Two easy-to-wear classics with all kinds of looks. Straight and sophisticated, a Chesterfield or Ulster would surely be more suitable if you wear a lot of suits. Conversely, a duffle coat or down jacket would work better on more casual looks.
Long, short or mid-length coats?
Once the style of the coat has been chosen, you will always have to select the length that best suits your needs and the image you want to present. A long coat will be perfect for the chilly, but it will also give an imposing, sometimes even theatrical, look to a silhouette.
Short coats will be more versatile, but they obviously won't warm up as well as a more covering model. If in doubt, a mid-length coat (down to the middle of the thighs) will be a good counterpart.
The choice of color
Finally, all you have to do is choose a color. If you're looking for your main coat, the one you'll wear every day (or almost), with all kinds of outfits, then it's best to stick to a neutral color that's easy to match:black, navy blue, grey, brown or taupe.
If you already have this kind of sober coat, then you can let go:set your sights on an original color, on one that gives you a luminous complexion or on a print that puts you in a good mood. A winter coat is a piece that you keep for several years. It's time to buy the model you really love.
And for more Fashion advice, also discover our article on how to wear a striped suit, how to adopt layering and our 5 tips for wearing checks well.
