When it is getting really cold outside, the most acceptable outer wear is the coat. There are many different ways to wear a coat.
No matter how many layers you put over your shirt, wearing just a blazer on top will not keep you warm during the cold winter days. A good coat should fit you well and keep you warm.
Fabric: Fits your Lifestyle
Your coat’s fabric determines how durable, comfortable and refined it looks. Here is a description of different fabrics for coats along with their pros and cons.
Wool: When buying one, you should consider what kind of fabric the coat is made of. If you plan to wear it for many years, make sure to buy one that is made of 100% wool.Dry clean it once a year and don’t hang it in a damp closet.
Cashmere: Cashmere is nice, soft and will keep you warm, but will double the price of a coat made of wool, for little to no advantage. Wool coats on the other hand are heavier and will last longer, because the fabric is more durable.Only dry clean the coat and instead of hanging fold it for storage.
Cotton Gabardine: It is stylish and water-resistant. It is best for rainy-weather, business travel. But it is less warm than wool. The machine washes gently and hangs for drying. You can iron it on low heat.
Tweed: It is rugged and textured. You can wear it for your trip to the countryside or weekends. Its drawback is, it is heavy and more casual. Brush regularly and air dry only. Dry clean only per need.
Synthetic(Polyester/Nylon): It is affordable, weather-resistant and lightweight. You can wear it for adventures and rainy seasons. But it is less breathable and does not give a fancy and formal look. Wipe clean or gentle wash.
Wool-blends: If you want warmth with affordability go for wool-polyster blends. They are lightweight and cheaper than pure wool. But they are not warm enough and less durable. Dry clean once in a season and steam iron only.
Different Coat Types
When picking the length of the coat, different men have different styles. Each coat style serves a different purpose. You should know what type of coat will fit you and how to style it.
1. Pea Coat
If you want to wear something shorter, stylish yet warm, Pea coat is your go-to option. This mid length, double breasted coat is a casual winter essential. This pea coat is traditionally made of melton wool, a tightly woven fabric that is water and air-resistant. Its wide lapels, vertical pockets, naval heritage and structured design make it flattering for every body type.
This coat is best for casual and semi-casual events–weekend outings, dinner dates and winter walks. It can pair with both jeans and chinos.
Styling Tips: For a semi-casual look, pair it with turtleneck, dark denim and leather boots. Add a scarf and gloves for extra warmth.
Nay is a perfect choice but charcoal, olive and camel tones can add personality.
Pro Tip: For shorter men pea coat’s cropped length can elongate the frame by making it a winter wardrobe essential.
2. Trench Coat
The trench coat is a masterpiece in terms of design. It is water-resistant, lightweight and comfortable, ideal for transitional weather–when it’s too hot for wool and too chilly to go without a coat.
This coat is mid thigh to knee length, double breasted fronts, waist belt and storm flaps, usually made of Gabardine–a cotton blend fabric, best in rainy days.
Perfect for layering over casual and formal wear. Trench coats always come in neutral shades like beige, khaki and navy which makes it versatile for every occasion.
Styling Tips
Smart look: Wear it over a dress shirt with tie and brown loafers for a classy look.
Modern Look: Leave it unbuttoned with a belt loosely tied at the back for a relaxed look.
Casual look: Layer over a crewneck sweater, dark jeans and Chelsea boots.
Pro Tip: For men with broader shoulders, a double-breasted trench coat will enhance the frame while the slim and leaner should prefer to single-breasted for a finer silhouette.
3. Overcoat
Traditionally made of heavy wool, an overcoat extending below the knee length is a perfect winter staple. It is an ideal choice for men who want warmth, sophistication and elegance at the same time. The variations like Chesterfield coats, polo coats and ulsters coats are in overcoats category.
Chesterfield Coat: It is perfectly popular for its slim cut and velvet collar, best for business settings and evening events.
Polo Coat: Polo coats usually made of camel hair provide a rich, classy and modern vibe.
Ulster Coat: A heavier and rugged version with a wide waistbelt and larger lapels are best for colder weather.
Styling Tips: For a formal setting wear it over a tailored suit with leather shoes for a sophisticated look. For a modern twist, layer it over a roll-over sweater with fine trousers.
Choose navy, black,charcoal and tan tone to stand out–these neutral shades complement each outfit.
You can wear coats over a shirt and a sweater/cardigan or over a fancy winter turtleneck. It will keep you warm and will not make you look thicker at the same time, making a very elegant stylish look.
Pro tip: If you are tall, go for a longer overcoat that adds balance, but for a shorter person a knee-length version will be better to avoid overwhelming his frame.
Right fit for your body
While style is important–fit and fabric add charm to your look.
Slim Builds: Select tailored cuts that add structure, a double breasted will work fine too.
Athletic Builds: Go for structured shoulders and a slightly tapered waist to highlight your physique.
Larger Builds: Don’t go for overly-tight fits, choose straight cuts and single-breasted, in solids and dark colors to add personality.
How the coat fits is, again, a preference. Some prefer looser fit, while some prefer slimmer fit. Generally, the younger you are the slimmer it should fit for an overall better and more elegant look.
There are two relevant types of styles (just like with blazers): single breasted or double-breasted. The former is an all-rounder while the latter is best suited for more formal events.
Color and Styling Coordination
Be sure not to mix many colors when wearing a coat. Stick to two, possibly three for a more coordinated look. Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are complementary colors, while colors that border each other on the color wheel are analogous colors. When you are putting together your outfit, stick to complementary and analogous colors. And remember gentlemen that less is more.
Navy: It works equally well for casual and formal wear. It is flattering but less severe than black.
Camel: It provides richness and elegance best for winter days. It can work effortlessly great with greys and blues.
Black: It is timeless classic and formal. It is perfect for night dinners and formal events.
These three coats are an excellent choice for every event or occasion.
A man’s wardrobe should consist of these 3 coats, one black medium length and one grey or camel medium/short length to provide a variety of ways to wear a coat during winter.
Coat care and storage tips
Your coat is an investment piece. Follow these care tips to extend its life and durability.
- Switch your coats, don’t wear a single coat daily.
- Use wooden hangers to maintain shoulder structure.
- Remove the dirt and lint after every wear.
- Steam your coat to maintain its texture.
- Dry clean only when needed. (Over cleaning can wear down fibers.
- Store in a breathable fabric bag in off season.
- Stuff sleeves with tissue papers to maintain shape.
Fit like a Gentleman: Tailoring and measuring tips
A thousand-dollar coat will lower your confidence and style if it doesn’t fit you. A proper coat fit will elevate your appearance instantly.
Here how to check your fit:
Shoulders: The seam should exactly align to your shoulder bone.
Chest: You should comfortably button it over your suit or sweater.
Sleeves: They should just end below your wrist bone–enough to show ½ inch of your shirt cuff
Length:
Short: Above the knee length should be best for modern and casual wear such as Pea and Duffle coats.
Medium: Mid-knee lengths overcoat and Trench coats are timeless and balanced–works for smart-casuals and business settings.
Long: Below the length Chesterfield coats are dramatic, old school elegant–ideal for taller men and formal occasions.
There are 3 length types and ways to wear a coat that should be considered when buying it, but it mostly depends on the individual’s preference.
The ideal coat length is subjective and depends on personal style. Most seasoned gentlemen prefer longer coats that stretch below the knees.
How to measure yourself
Take a measuring tape and follow these key areas:
Measure the fullest part of the chest. For shoulders, measure from one shoulder edge to another edge. The seam of sleeves should sit below the wrist bone.
For the length of the coat, it should be from collar base to desired hem.
If you feel unsure, visit a tailor for measurement, even a small adjustment can makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts
To finalize, remember–your coat is not only an outwear but a statement piece that describes your taste, confidence, style and personality. Whether you select the sharp structure of Chesterfield, the weather demand of a Trench coat or the timeless charm of a Pea coat–the key is to choose one that aligns your personality, fits perfectly and flatters your frame.
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