The best black overcoats for bringing some class to the cold weather
From Reiss to Prada, fasten your ensemble with one of our picks of the best black overcoats for a timeless winter style move you won’t regret
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The return of chillier weather means a return to the most elegant wardrobe seasons, defined by an abundance of cosier textures and an abundance of longer layers. And while there are plenty of statement winter coats to stunt in for the new season, if you're looking for something a little more timeless, consider the black overcoat.
There’s something about a black overcoat that instantly seals an outfit with style. Commonly characterised through a simple, long silhouette (which does a nice job of elongating the body) and classic sartorial details (be it sharp shoulders, wide lapels or formal fastenings), a black overcoat is the swiftest way of elevating your ensemble without looking like you’ve really tried. Of course, not all are created equal and every brand has its take. Herewith, our pick of the very best. When in doubt this winter, you know what to wear…
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1/20Reiss
Cut to a crisp mid-length with some serious, sensible tailoring, nothing says “I’m a business, man” quite as succinctly as this overcoat from Reiss. When it’s not adding a flash finish to your workweek ‘fits, it’s a trusty companion for your casualwear too, thanks to slimline lapels and a comfy vented rear. £328. At reiss.com
2/20Mackintosh
To those looking for a black overcoat on the more refined side of the design scale, allow us to introduce this button-down offering from Mackintosh. Tailored in the UK from a wool-blend felt, it falls with an extremely elegant drape and comes complete with a belt for further warmth on colder days. £795. At matchesfashion.com
3/20Cos
Because Cos understands the particular nuisance a cumbersome coat creates, it’s double-faced the wool fabric of this overcoat for a single layer of lightweight cosiness. Disrobing on a too-hot tube just got that bit easier, as did showing up to all your winter occasions in sleek, Scandi style. £225. At cos.com
4/20Raey
For a marginally more relaxed take on a traditional, business-like staple, Raey has just the thing. This 100 per cent felted cashmere piece of outerwear genius melts into whatever surroundings it’s introduced. Elevated loungewear and a pair of trainers? Not a problem. Important boardroom meeting? It’s the loveliest coat in the room. £995. At matchesfashion.com
5/20Uniqlo
Assembled from a stunning wool-cashmere blend, Uniqlo’s latest black overcoat proves the high street store’s mastery of timeless seasonal pieces. Finished with ultra-functional details – from a smooth kersey weave lining to specially shaped buttons for easy fastening – it’s ideal for battling the imminent colder temperatures and will work brilliantly with other cosy staples from the brand. £149.90. At uniqlo.com
6/20Burberry
A voluminous shape that could sit atop even a smaller sized overcoat, Burberry’s wool twill creation is the only one you will ever need. Made from practically indestructible pure wool and finished with buffalo horn buttons, it’s more of a work of art than a coat: a work of art to be hung in your wardrobe and carefully added to just about any outfit you can possibly imagine. £2,490. At uk.burberry.com
7/20Marks & Spencer
Next time you’re in M&S for a food shop, be sure to take a trip to its clothing section, because the store has been serving quality staples like this overcoat for as long as we can remember. Shaped to instantly smarten up your outfit, this fresh revere design is fitted with full lining for maximum warmth, spacious pockets both in and out for storage and a regular fit to suit all body types. Easy win. £90. At marksandspencer.com
8/20Alexander McQueen
Cut from wool to a crisp mid-length design, nothing says “I’m a modern businessman” quite as succinctly as this overcoat from Alexander McQueen. Bringing a contemporary twist to the traditional style, its single-breasted structure is finished with a discreet buckled harness around the shoulders, which – let us tell you – will strap you in with some serious style. £2,650. At matchesfashion.com
9/20Asos Design
For a failsafe black overcoat which doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, Asos has got you covered. This comes via this shortened trench coat style: shaped with a regular fit, notch collar, double-breasted fastening and shower-resistant finish. Perfect for those unpredictable rainy days, it’s currently on sale for a very good price, so add it to your basket before it’s too late.
£60£42. At asos.com
10/20The Row
Any purchase from The Row is certainly a decadent one, but if you’re looking to splurge on an everlasting overcoat, this is the right place. Embracing the most insouciant stance via a dressing-gown-like silhouette, this knee-length design is cut from a masterful blend of wool and cashmere, framed with a grand shawl collar, double-breasted fastening and felted belt. The height of luxury. £2,770. At therow.com
11/20Weekday
The long drape of Weekday’s Albin wool coat is just the kind that adds effortless flair to even the most ordinary outfits. Obviously, it’s stylish, but it’s also full of substance, keeping cold firmly out with a knee-grazing twill fabric that’s lined with smooth satin for your comfort. Give an air of art-school cool by enhancing its oversized cut with your best chunky boots, then wrap up and watch the compliments roll in. £135. At weekday.com
12/20Dolce & Gabbana
If you’re a tall and/or broad man seeking a dramatic length in your overcoat, Dolce & Gabbana has the perfect solution for you. Emitting some of the sharpest style sensibilities known to man, this longline black design nods to nineties tailoring through its broad shoulders and tapered waist. Finished with peak lapels and flap pockets, it promises to bring the perfect dose of pizazz to your attire.
£2,600£780. At matchesfashion.com
13/20AllSaints
There’s often something militaristic about AllSaints’ designs, and in this overcoat it’s the exaggerated lapels and knee-length cut. You can always rely on the leather worker to add a touch of rock’n’roll to all of its pieces, too, making this choice a subtly cooler take on an otherwise traditional silhouette.
£399£223.20. At allsaints.com
14/20Prada
While most black overcoats you come across will be made from wool or wool-blend compositions, that is not always the case. Here, Prada demonstrates the benefits of nylon (or re-nylon as the brand has christened its recycled version of the fibre) with its plump imagining of an outfit finisher. Quicker drying than its woollen alternative, this option still allows for voluminous coverage and plenty of pocket space. £2,000. At matchesfashion.com
15/20M&S
To M&S we go for a sub-£200 high-street edition of the overcoat. We’re rarely disappointed with a visit to the storied department store and this time is no different: the brand’s newest take on its perennial winter offering is rich in wool (62%), sprinkled with cashmere (8%) and lightly tapered for a tailored finish that tops a suit off perfectly. £199. At marksandspencer.com
16/20Dunhill
Dunhill’s work with leather is world-renowned for its precision and beauty. Just clock the perfect, almost preternatural lines of this overcoat, which has been pieced together from panels of Italian leather before being finished with a pin neat row of buttons, dashing vintage-inspired collar and textural topstitch. £4,795. At matchesfashion.com
17/20Superdry
Elongated lapels keep the silhouette of this town coat sleek and streamlined which, along with its suit-like addition of horn buttons to the cuffs, make this the kind of coat John Wick might throw on over his all-black ensemble. Cut to a middle-length, it’s designed to be paired with your favourite workday suit and wouldn’t look amiss with a machine gun either, should your profession require one. £174.99. At superdry.com
18/20Auralee
Double-faced with wool, Auralee’s Carsey coat caught the light of the runway and can now be added to your workwear wardrobe. No doubt you'll be adding it with pride, too: double-breasting is always dapper, and that's absolutely the case here. £1,475. At matchesfashion.com
19/20Mr. P
It’s those colder climes that demand something particularly robust, and this weighted 100 per cent wool Mr. P overcoat serves exactly that. Created in Italy but built, we can easily imagine, for the icy tundras of wintertime in the American midwest, this overcoat begs to be worn with your best pair of leather gloves and a scarf. £645. At mrporter.com
20/20Edward Sexton
OK, so this one isn’t technically black, but its deep charcoal shade and impeccable details make it as good an outdoor option as any. The source? Edward Sexton, who made his mark on Savile Row through sharp silhouettes and flamboyant lapels, both of which you’ll find on this stunning 18oz woollen coat. £2,150. At edwardsexton.co.uk
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