The Best Men’s Coats to Invest In This Winter

Words by Tony Wilkes

Few wardrobe updates require as much consideration as a new winter coat. Though a not-insubstantial investment, chosen wisely and cared for properly, the right piece can be worn far beyond a single season. Across the board, Autumn/Winter 2025 has been a masterclass in elevation – translating, in outerwear terms, to classic overcoats, trending suede jackets and dynamic designs from bold, contemporary brands. Read on for our favourites of the season from Pal Zileri, Colombo, Raxxy (new to Harrods) and more.

Originally the preserve of outdoor specialists, puffer jackets first became trend-centric in the 1990s thanks to technical brands like Moncler and Canada Goose. Now, the names go on. Stone Island offers exceptional styles rooted in tireless research, while Raxxy – arriving at Harrods this season – combines the laws of mathematics with traditional Chinese crafts to create its futurist, avant-garde designs. But don’t think a puffer must always look casual. Channel the season’s sophisticated mood by wearing yours with a smart shirt and tie; an option in plain black or navy will also pair nicely with a sharp suit for work.

It’s no surprise that leather and suede emerged as key materials for Autumn/Winter 2025. Durable yet soft to the touch, they’re a perennial favourite for transitional dressing – and will last you for years if looked after, developing an appealing patina with age. Don’t miss our exclusive styles from Rick Owens, N.Peal, Lardini and Valstar – the latter, founded in Milan in 1913, is much loved by sartorial connoisseurs for its fine Italian leathers and time-honoured craftsmanship. As an introduction, look to its signature Valstarino. Designed in 1935, it’s inspired by the American Air Corps’ A1 flight jacket.

In all areas of design, there are classics that combine form and function so seamlessly the world has never grown tired of them. Menswear, too, has its bastions – including the overcoat. Becoming a status symbol in the 19th century, these single-breasted, knee-length pieces hardly differ from the dapper Chesterfield and Crombie. Arriving at Harrods this season, System and Auralee – based in Seoul and Tokyo respectively – offer modern iterations in soft and insulating wool, while Burberry brings trending heritage designs like the Long Dual Car Coat that nods to an archival look worn by British aviator Sir Alan Cobham in 1926.

In the past few years, one piece of outerwear has taken menswear by storm: the field jacket. The blueprint of the style, Barbour’s classic waxed options, still crafted by hand in England, have proven so popular that its profits rocketed by 26% last year. This season, the brand joins forces with another British menswear stalwart, Paul Smith, introducing the latter’s stripes and pops of colour to its signature shape. Elsewhere, Junya Watanabe (a new addition to the Second Floor) has collaborated with Seattle-based outerwear brand Filson to meld design innovation with rugged tradition, while Polo Ralph Lauren’s Beaton jacket is quilted for dependable warmth.

The key to wearing a shirt jacket in winter? It’s all down to layering. Take Prada’s new iteration, a super-soft blend of cashmere, mohair and wool. Start with a plain white T-shirt as your base, adding a knitted polo or a crewneck sweater in lightweight merino wool. A button-down cardigan will also work well, provided you keep the colours in some kind of harmony – wintry neutrals like black, brown and navy, or grey, white and beige. Just make sure the jacket is large enough to accommodate the different layers. You don’t want it to look packed and bulky.