Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (2024)

If you live in a climate where the temperatures drop during thewinter, you’re going to need a coat or two. So let’s talk about Overcoats & Peacoats. They’re not to be confused with a jacket or windbreaker or whatever other sorry excuse for a coat I see guys wearing during the winter months. You need a proper coat that’ll look sharp and timeless and last many, many seasons.Your coat is the first thing anyone is going to see (aside from your shoesand a scarf) during the winter months, so let’s make sure you look amazing.

In my travels, I see a lot of Overcoat blunders, so let me go over the common mistakes I see guys making with their coats before we dig in.

  • Too Boxy
    This makes stocky men look really wide and/or short and thin guys look even thinner.
  • Too Long
    This would technically fall under fit, but it’s such a big problem that it deserves it’s own section. Your overcoat is designed to go over your clothing, not be a blanket you threw over yourself! The worst is when I see guy’s sleeves going past the beginnings of their palms or their coats hitting mid-shin. If a coat goes past your knees, it’s going to collect dirt, mud and salt stains on the bottom – gross!
  • Too Complicated
    Some of my male friends suffer from this: They just have too much stuff going on with their coats. As I mentioned in my first #AskAW episode, you don’t need epaulettes/shoulder straps, sewn in sweaters or hoodies or a bunch of pockets or zippers or… things hanging off your coat. It looks cheap and tacky.
  • Too Trendy
    Even though I work in the fashion industry and attend the various Fashion Weeks around the world, good lord, there’s some jackets I see guys wearing on the street and I just wonder what happens once it goes out of style in a few weeks. I would never recommend something trendy as a Men’s Wardrobe Essential because you’ll probably only get one winter’s worth of wear out of it.
  • Not Appropriate For the Climate
    If you live in a warmer climate and are wearing a long overcoat without a suit, you look silly. There’s a time and a place for everything and it’s important to understand this in all things, but definitely in regards to coats. See below for details on when it is or isn’t appropriate to wear your coat.
  • For more style mistakes,check out my free “10 Most Overlooked Men’s Style Mistakes” and how to fix them ebook.

A man should own at least one of these two coats, maybeboth. See below to determine whether you need one or both coats in your closet.

Overcoat

There’s two factors to determine whether you should own an overcoat:

  1. Does it snow where you live?
    An overcoat is an essential if it snows where you live becauseit’ll cover more of your body and be a great coat to layer clothing under to keep warm on the colder days.
  2. Do you wear suits often?
    If you wear suits (like a gray suit), regardless of your climate, you need an overcoat because this is the only coat that compliments a suit.A Peacoatwon’t work with a suitbecause (if it fits properly) it’s too short to cover a blazer or suit jacket as well as too casual for this type of outfit.

Peacoat

Every guy, regardless of his climate or whether he wears suits regularly or not, should own a Peacoat because it’s great for casual outfits in your Essential Wardrobe. If you live in a colder climate, it’s also great for warmer winter days and through the early parts of Spring. Notice I’m leaving out Fall. This is because that’s when a Blazer,Leather Jacket and Harrington Jacket really shine. For moderate/warmer climates, like Southern California, a Peacoatwill be your “winter” coat.

A proper Peacoat is always double-breasted, so that’s not an issue.

As for Overcoats, stick to a single breasted coat becausea double breasted Overcoat would require you to wear it buttoned 24/7 sinceit looks really big and floppy when it’s left unbuttoned. Single breasted gives you the option to wear it buttoned or unbuttoned while still looking sharpand form-fitting.

For Peacoats, you want to go with the classic Navy color. For Overcoats, you can go with Navy, Camel (tan), Black or Dark Gray. If this is your first Overcoat, go with Dark Gray or Black. If it’s your second, get a Camel Overcoat to inject some color into your wardrobe, as it’s still a neutral color that will go with the rest of the Men’s Wardrobe Essentials.

Check out my Overcoat & Peacoat fit guide for how a man’s coats should fit.

Designer Options

I chose these coatsbecause they all have a great tailored fit and the material, coat length, lapel width, buttons and the overall construction of them isimpeccable. I love the Brooks Brothers charcoal Overcoat, which I actually used ona recentshoot with Harrison Ford,and I was amazed at how well-designed this coat was. The Burberry and Billy ReidPeacoats are my favorite Peacoats of all time! The details are incredible and they’re flattering on every man. An interesting fact: The Billy Reid coatis named the “Bond” coat because it’s the exact one Daniel Craig wore in “Skyfall.” The Burberry runs on the slimmer and slightly longer side, so if you have a shorter and widerbuild, then this may not work for you, although my model (below) was wearing it and he was quite “built”, so YMMV (your mileage may vary).

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (1)

Brooks Brothers Charcoal Saxxon Overcoat

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (2)

Acne Studios Charcoal Coat

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (3)

Paul Smith Camel Coat

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Saint Laurent Camel Coat

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Burberry Navy Peacoat

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Billy Reid Navy “Bond” Peacoat

Brooks Brothers Charcoal Saxxon Overcoat

Acne Studios Charcoal Coat

Theory Delancey Double-FacedCashmere Overcoat

Saint Laurent Camel Coat

Burberry Navy Peacoat

Billy Reid Navy “Bond” Peacoat

Budget-Friendly Options

Each of these coats has asimple and clean design with no unnecessary flourishes, which you’ll usually find with cheaper alternatives. The price point is great for these considering they’re wool and wool-blended coats and will keep you warm and looking sharp. I love the Topman Camel Overcoat a lot, which is why I used it on my model below!

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Topman Camel Overcoat

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J.Crew Charcoal Ludlow Topcoat

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Zara Navy Coat

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Topman Navy Wool Blend Peacoat Jacket

Topman Camel Overcoat

J.Crew Charcoal Ludlow Topcoat

Zara Navy Coat

Topman Navy Wool Blend Peacoat Jacket

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Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (12)

Topman Camel Overcoat

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Topman Navy Skinny Three Piece Suit

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Brooks Brothers – Non-Iron Milano Fit Bengal Stripe Dress Shirt

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (15)

The Tie Bar Deep Burgandy Silk Knit Tie

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The Tie Bar Colored Tie Bar

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (17)

Allen Edmonds Carlyle Plain-toe Oxfords

Topman Camel Overcoat

Topman Navy Skinny Three Piece Suit

Brooks Brothers – Non-Iron Milano Fit Bengal Stripe Dress Shirt

The Tie Bar Deep Burgandy Silk Knit Tie

The Tie Bar Colored Tie Bar

Allen Edmonds Carlyle Plain-toe Oxfords

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (18)

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (19)

Brooks Brothers Charcoal Saxxon Overcoat

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (20)

Z Zegna Navy Drop 8 Two-Button Blazer

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (21)

Tommy Hilfiger – Men’s Slim-Fit Poplin Shirt

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (22)

Topman Selected Homme Grey Pants

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (23)

The Tie Bar Grenafaux Midnight Navy tie

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (24)

The Tie Bar Silver Shot Tie Bar

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Allen Edmonds Carlyle Plain Toe Oxfords

Brooks Brothers Charcoal Saxxon Overcoat

Z Zegna Navy Drop 8 Two-Button Blazer

Tommy Hilfiger – Men’s Slim-Fit Poplin Shirt

Topman – Selected Homme Grey Pants

The Tie Bar Grenafaux Midnight Navy tie

The Tie Bar Silver Shot Tie Bar

Allen Edmonds Carlyle Plain Toe Oxfords

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (26)

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (27)

Burberry Navy Peacoat

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (28)

Tommy Hilfiger – Men’s Slim-Fit Poplin Shirt

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (29)

Topman Selected Homme Grey Pants

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (30)

The Tie Bar Knit Stripe Tie

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (31)

Allen Edmonds Carlyle Plain Toe Oxfords

Burberry Brit Navy Peacoat

Tommy Hilfiger – Men’s Slim-Fit Poplin Shirt

Topman Selected Homme Grey Pants

The Tie Bar Knit Stripe Tie

Allen Edmonds Carlyle Plain Toe Oxfords

Credits

Photographer: Justiin Charles
Model: Joseph Boyd at Wilhelmina Models
Hair/Makeup: Brendan Robertson for Exclusive Artists Management using Clarins Skincare and Kevin Murphy Hair Care

Overcoats & Peacoats - Men's Wardrobe Essentials (2024)

FAQs

How many overcoats should a man have? ›

A man needs but three coats: a parka, an everyday one, and a formal one. Here's what to look for, and how to wear 'em. Whether you're making snowmen, desperately trying to keep your suit dry on an evening out, or navigating the winds blowing between the office and the parking garage, a good coat is indispensable.

How many overcoats should I have? ›

The simple answer is you should own a minimum of 3 jackets. A casual jacket for everyday wear, a smart jacket and a winter coat. But it's not as simple as that. There's a good chance you already have more than that, and that's ok because so have most other people.

What is an overcoat vs peacoat? ›

An overcoat is much warmer and heavier than a peacoat. A peacoat is a great choice for cool spring/fall weather but won't keep you as warm. Do you wear suits and blazers on a daily basis, or do you have more flexibility in your wardrobe? Overcoats pair well with suits, peacoats do not.

What do men wear inside an overcoat? ›

We like a plain top for a casual overcoat pairing. Or at the very most, a casual striped or checkered look. Whatever you go with, just make sure it fits well under your overcoat. Custom-made sweaters or a custom casual shirt is your best bet.

What is the best color for an overcoat? ›

For Overcoats, you can go with Navy, Camel (tan), Black or Dark Gray. If this is your first Overcoat, go with Dark Gray or Black. If it's your second, get a Camel Overcoat to inject some color into your wardrobe, as it's still a neutral color that will go with the rest of the Men's Wardrobe Essentials.

How many coats and jackets should a man own? ›

Reiss believes that at the minimum, men should own three types of coats. “You definitely need an everyday one that you're going to wear—if you live in the city, that could be like a parka,” he says, noting that he likes an almost three-quarter-length style, which hits just at the hip, to offer a little more coverage.

Do men wear overcoats anymore? ›

Overcoats are still relatively common in menswear today, of course, especially in cold climates.

How much does a good overcoat cost? ›

The price for overcoats can range widely. At Hugo Boss, for example, overcoats are currently on sale for between $297 and $1,646.

Should overcoat be tight or loose? ›

Your overcoat should never feel like it's suffocating you. Even if you prefer a tighter fit on your clothes, the overcoat should drape comfortably over your body. With that said, you don't want the overcoat to feel "roomy", either.

What season do you wear peacoat? ›

Pea coats are a versatile piece that can be styled in many ways and for many occasions. It works for any season that requires a jacket: fall, winter, maybe even the first few months of spring if you live somewhere with a cooler climate.

Are peacoats still in style? ›

The classic silhouette can be styled in modern ways but will always remain a wardrobe staple.” A peacoat's timelessness is the ultimate draw, but those concerned with fall 2022 fashion trends will delight in the newest designer iterations.

Why do people wear overcoats? ›

In colder weather, people usually wear coats when going outside. Coats keep us warm because of the material of the coat. Our body supplies the heat, and the material helps to trap body heat and keeps the heat from escaping into the air. This is what keeps us warm.

What color overcoat goes with everything? ›

A black overcoat is classy and goes with everything. In addition, it's a color that's hard to stain, which is always a plus.

Do you wear suit under overcoat? ›

Coats are literally predestined to be worn on top of a suit. You just need to find the right design for a successful, well-balanced combination: In order to look particularly elegantly dressed, men can also choose to wear a classic paletot or double-breasted overcoat on top of a suit.

What are 3 basic coat colors? ›

Base Coat Colors—Horses have three basic coat colors, Graves said: red (or chestnut), bay, and black, all of which are controlled by the interaction of two genes.

What color coat goes with everything for men? ›

Dark indigo is the most versatile color, but dark blue, dark grey, and black can work as well. Everyone has a black coat - you'll stand out a little. ; The choices that don't make the list could still work, though I'm trying to keep this simple. Check Latest Price.

What is the best length men's overcoat? ›

How Long should an overcoat be? No matter what climate you live in, it should end somewhere above your knee – never longer. A good rule of thumb is mid-thigh to just above your knee is where your Overcoat should hit.

How many pairs of pants should a man own? ›

Let's start with pants. Seven is a good number (excluding track pants, pajamas and shorts). Three pairs of jeans — dark blue, light blue and black or grey. Two pairs of chinos — one beige, one another shade.

What is the etiquette of coat? ›

COAT- Always button your coat throughout the day until the reception. Keep it buttoned unless you sit down, then unbutton your coat. If your jacket is unbuttoned, your hands should gently tuck your jacket back before you put your hands in your pockets. Don't load your pockets.

How many pairs of shirts should a man own? ›

Generally, it is suggested that men own around 8-12 dress shirts if you wear them every day for work, or just 3 if you only wear them for special occasions. That includes button-down shirts that can be worn with or without a jacket, more stylish shirts with some tailoring or style, and a few different colors.

Are peacoats out of style for men? ›

MUCH LIKE blue jeans and the essential white T-shirt, the peacoat is an iconic staple of menswear that, quite literally, never goes out of style.

Do men still wear peacoats? ›

It is always double-breasted, shorter than a traditional overcoat, and has broad lapels that can be buttoned up. In more modern times, peacoats have been adopted by civilians and remain a popular option season after season.

What is the best material for a men's overcoat? ›

For warmth, durability and ease of tailoring, a good men's overcoat should be constructed from natural animal fibres. Wool adds warmth and is fairly resistant to wear and tear. Cashmere adds yet more warmth and that unmistakable softness.

Should overcoat be one size bigger? ›

Fit Is Everything

A topcoat should be trim. It should reach to just above your knee, and it should be the same size as the suit you wear (not a size larger). You can be like this fellow and go for a dark single-breasted version (it never fails), or maybe you want something bolder.

Should I buy an overcoat a size larger? ›

It's usually a good idea to buy one size larger based on chest measurements so that you'll have ample room to move comfortably in your coat. If your measurement is between sizes, round up.

What color wool coat to get? ›

If you mostly wear your coat during colder weather, choose a heavier woolen coat in an earthy color like brown or black. If you mostly wear your coat during warmer weather, choose a lighter woolen coat in a breezy color like white or blue.

How do I look slim in overcoat? ›

MONOCHROMATIC CLOTHING – go for monochromatic clothing underneath to elongate and slim your figure. This neutrals or black. LEAVE UNBUTTONED – rather than button up your coat, leave it open. This lets your silhouette be seen and the oversized, unbuttoned coat will accentuate your figure!

Is overcoat formal or casual? ›

An overcoat is a type of formal or semi-formal coat that extends past the waist when worn. They are known as "overcoats" because they are designed to be worn over your entire outfit.

What shoes to wear with peacoat? ›

Various ankle boots go perfectly well with a Pea coat: those flat and with a small “men's” heel, decorated with metallic riveting, buckles or with pleated boot-top. Another attractive casual solution is high boots with laces and thick ribbed soles, military style.

Who wears a peacoat? ›

A pea coat (or peacoat, pea jacket, pilot jacket, reefer jacket) is an outer coat, generally of a navy-coloured heavy wool, originally worn by sailors of European and later American navies.

Should you wash a peacoat? ›

Pea coats, and coats in general, only need to be washed twice a season. To ensure that your pea coat stays in top condition between washes, remove lint, pet hair, and debris once a week. Hang your coat on a hanger, where you can clearly see it. Using a soft-bristled brush, gently brush away any debris that you can see.

Are pea coats in style 2023? ›

Oversized and double breasted. Are peacoats in style 2023? Yes, peacoats are very fashionable for winter 2023. What coat to wear with a long formal dress?

Does a peacoat go with jeans? ›

The versatile pea coat works with casual get-ups to slightly dressier attire. It looks good over jeans, khakis, and wool trousers; sweaters, turtlenecks, and dress shirts; and leather boots, brogues, and canvas sneakers.

What replaced the peacoat? ›

On October 1, the US Navy completed the phase-out of the venerable Navy peacoat in favor of the “Black Cold Weather Parka.” The new parka is superior in every way: warmer, lighter, more versatile, and able to be stuffed into a seabag.

When should you wear overcoats? ›

Overcoats are designed to be an outer garment and to be worn in the colder months. Many people feel it's an additional item to a suit, but it has so much more potential. Smart: The overcoat lends itself to smarten your outfit up without needing a suit jacket, this gives your outfit a stronger and boxier silhouette.

Do overcoats look good on men? ›

The proper overcoat length can be very flattering to your look, and it should be proportional to your height. If you're a shorter man, go with something that is knee length or slightly shorter. If you're a taller man, go with something knee length or slightly longer.

How heavy should an overcoat be? ›

Some mills start their overcoating range at 370g or 13oz, which is very light. It's the kind of weight I'd recommend for a jacket, rather than a coat. Most start closer to 500g or 18oz, which is more like it. Personally, I'd say someone buying a first good coat should be looking at 600-700g, or 20-25oz.

What size overcoat should I get? ›

What is the way to find the right fit/cut with an overcoat? The label size of an overcoat should correspond to the size of your chest, just like a suit coat would. So if you have a 42 inch chest, you wear a size 42 jacket and a size 42 overcoat.

Do you wear a blazer under an overcoat? ›

Doubling up on coats and jackets, and showing off blazers and suiting effortlessly under outerwear. Layering a blazer under a coat is no easy feat. After all, bulky broad shoulders are no match for a fitted coat. But when styled in the right way, the two can be a perfect match.

Should I button my overcoat? ›

But what about overcoats? Generally speaking, I would still leave the bottom button undone. It looks less stiff. And if you are sitting down in your coat – for example when travelling on public transport – it will be more comfortable.

What goes with an overcoat? ›

They're arranged from casual to formal outfits.
  • Overcoat With Joggers and a Hoodie. ...
  • Overcoat With a T-shirt and Jeans. ...
  • Overcoat With a Cardigan, Chinos, and a Beanie. ...
  • Double-breasted Overcoat Worn Open. ...
  • Overcoat With Layered Sweaters and Earmuffs. ...
  • Overcoat With a Scarf, Boots, and a Sweater. ...
  • Overcoat With a Smart Casual Look.
Mar 8, 2023

Do you take off your overcoat when sitting? ›

The traditional etiquette states that you should keep your jacket on when sitting down for a meal. You shouldn't remove your jacket unless you absolutely have to, and when you're wearing it, you'll want to make sure it's unbuttoned when you're sitting.

How many coats is enough? ›

Generally, you will want a minimum of two coats of paint – this is a good rule of thumb for any wall or ceiling you're painting. You'll rarely get a seamless finish from just one coat of paint, and even if you do, coverage isn't the only goal when it comes to painting a room.

How many coats does a person need? ›

If you live in a place with a true winter, then you probably need at least three coats: one for everyday wear, one for dressier occasions, and one for when it's super cold out. But if you don't get a lot of snow and the coldest it gets is around freezing, then you can probably get away with just two coats.

Can you wait too long between coats? ›

It's fine to wait as long as 7 days to add a second coat of paint, and some manufacturers even suggest waiting that long. However, if you wait too long, factors such as dust, UV rays, and more can change the color of the paint and impact the look if you add a second coat.

How many years does a coat last? ›

“Prioritize a great coat within your shopping budget and it will serve you well.” In other words, it makes sense to spend a bit more to score a quality piece. After all, as Franch explains, a quality wool coat should last a lifetime, while you can expect a good-quality parka to last three to five years.

Is three coats too much? ›

You will want between two and three coats of paint depending on the situation. After the first two coats are applied and dry, take a look to see if the old paint is showing through. You may just need to touch up a few areas, or if lots of paint is showing through, you'll need an entire third coat.

What coats do I need men? ›

So, check out this list, because you may just want to invest in one of each.
  • Bomber Jacket. ...
  • Denim Jacket. ...
  • Biker Jacket. ...
  • Chore Coat. ...
  • Harrington Jacket. ...
  • Trench Coat. ...
  • Peacoat. ...
  • Camel Coat.
Feb 25, 2022

Do you need a coat in 50? ›

For most of us, a coat or jacket is necessary for 50-degree weather, especially if it is raining or windy. It's also necessary to have a jacket if you are going to be outside for an extended period of time. Is 50 degrees winter coat weather? You don't need to choose the heaviest winter coats.

How often should I change my coat? ›

Change and wash your workout clothes, swimwear, and underwear after every wear. Casual and formal clothes can last up to five times wearing them. Coats, jackets, parkas, hats, gloves, and other accessories can be laundered once a season.

Should an overcoat go past knees? ›

With that said, most people like their overcoat to fall just below the knee for a dynamic silhouette. This would be considered a full-length coat. However, if you're on the shorter end of the spectrum, you may want to go with an above-the-knee length.

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