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
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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 like car coats. And while there are plenty of statements in the best winter coats for men 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…
What are GQ's best black overcoats for men?
You'll find all the black overcoats worth your consideration in the gallery below, but first, here's what our editors are wearing this season:
- Best overall black overcoat: Reiss, £328 at reiss.com
- Best affordable black overcoat: Weekday, £135 at weekday.com
- Best designer black overcoat: Saint Laurent, £3,375 at ysl.com
For more fashion, grooming, and technology releases delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our GQ Recommends newsletter.
Best overall black overcoat
1/10Reiss
Reiss
- Fabrication: Wool blend
- Sizes: XS-3XL
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.
Best designer black overcoat
2/10Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent
- Fabrication: Wool
- Sizes: 32-44
As far as black overcoats go, you won't find a sleeker silhouette than those provided by Saint Laurent. A signature frame mastered by the French house, this fresh grain de poudre design takes its cues from tuxedos: translating to a stunning set of satin peak lapels atop its double-breasted structure. Fitted with a flattering set of padded shoulders and two flap pockets at the front, it's an absolute beauty – making it an investment to last a lifetime.
Best budget black overcoat
3/10Weekday
Weekday
- Fabrication: Wool blend
- Sizes: XS-XL
Assembled from a recycled wool blend, Weekday's latest black overcoat proves the high street store’s mastery of timeless minimal pieces. Unstructured in its drape and falling just below the knee, it's detailed with a broad set of notch lapels, flap pockets and a back vent for ease of movement. We suggest styling it with relaxed tailored trousers and simple pumps for a stance that's sophisticated come rain or shine.
Oliver Spencer
4/10Oliver Spencer
Oliver Spencer
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XL
A voluminous shape that could sit well over a few of your favourite winter layers, Oliver Spencer's latest black overcoat is essential for off-duty days. Reflecting the designer's flair for utilitarian outerwear, this ‘Newington’ style is cut from a dry wax cotton, lined with fleece (coucou, cosiness) and fitted with a bunch of practical pockets: welted at the front and stitched into the inner. A piece of casual perfection if we ever did see it, it's an instant yes from team GQ.
Marks & Spencer
5/10Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer
- Fabrication: Polyester blend
- Sizes: S-4XL
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.
Enfants Riches Déprimés
6/10Enfants Riches Déprimés
Enfants Riches Déprimés
- Fabrication: Wool blend
- Sizes: XS-XXL
Pulling from the unparalleled dress codes of left-field culture, Parisian brand Enfants Riches Déprimés is one to watch in the menswear world – making now the ideal time to invest in one of its pieces. Since the black overcoat is one you'll wear for decades, a special shoutout goes to this new trench design: cut in an elegant longline profile, tailored with traditional shoulder epaulettes and cinched with an embellished silver buckle belt. Major punk energy.
AllSaints
7/10AllSaints
AllSaints
- Fabrication: Wool blend
- Sizes: 34-44
You'll often find militaristic qualities in AllSaints’ designs, and in the case of this overcoat, they come through the exaggerated lapels and knee-length cut. Assembled from a recycled wool blend and shaped to a relaxed fit to balance its bold details with a more nonchalant outline, it's also fused with a very subtle pinstripe for a touch of pizazz. Put simply, this one is guaranteed to strap your winter silhouette with effortless style.
The Row
8/10The Row
The Row
- Fabrication: Felted wool
- Sizes: S-XXL
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.
Asos Design
9/10Asos Design
Asos Design
- Fabrication: Polyester
- Sizes: XS-2XL
Searching for a fuss-free black overcoat that falls under the £100 bracket? Allow us to point you in the direction of Asos – specifically, for this wool look design. A fine example of the phrase “less is more” (note the collarless frame and concealed button placket for proof), it's designed to fall with a regular fit and would look great partnered with a primary-coloured turtleneck underneath. It's also currently on offer, so be sure to make the most of its affordable price while you can.
Edward Sexton
10/10Edward Sexton
Edward Sexton
- Fabrication: Wool
- Sizes: 38-48
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.
