Judging by the morning thermostat and the view out of our window here at Coggles, the time has come once more to upgrade your outerwear for the autumn/winter season. Alongside your sturdy winter boots and heavyweight denim, your winter coat demands and merits the investment; considering it will be keeping you looking cool and feeling dry potentially every day for the next five months. When it comes to outerwear, we are fortunate to be able to call upon several core styles, all of which have been staples for many years, and have returned once again to expend their glory for AW18.
From the parka and plaid to the leather and shearling, the timelessness of these silhouettes and their rich heritage makes it virtually impossible to go wrong. Instead, what differentiates a truly great coat from a mediocre one is the fabrication and quality of construction. A well-designed coat made with high-quality fabrics will not only keep you dry and warm throughout the autumn/winter season, but will also ensure you have invested in outerwear that will pass the test of time. Look out for details such as taped seams, quilted linings, robust buttons, waterproofed fabrics or lining stitching which are all indicators of a high-quality, durable construction that will last you, most likely, a few decades.
To offer a guiding hand on selecting your winter coat this season, we caught up with the expert menswear and womenswear buying team here at Coggles. Making note of the runway and traditional winter pieces, we have listed the best styles among our autumn/winter 2018 collections.
Men
1. Smart
Overcoats are a staple piece for every man’s wardrobe and are not to be confused with a topcoat. Usually made from a heavier material such as wool blends or cashmere, they can be single or double breasted, tailored and are typically knee length. As a key part of men’s dress since the 18th century, they were adopted during the 20th century as a uniform piece, intended to show formality and class. Today we consider the smart jacket as classic; a stylish alternative and wardrobe staple.