Sure, we all love summer. Who doesn’t enjoy the long, sunny evenings and afternoons spent with friends in a pub garden or sandy beach? But you know what the worst part about summer is? You can’t wear a jacket.
As summer draws to a close, the leaves begin to fall and the days start to get that little bit shorter, it is time to start planning for the winter months ahead. And, undoubtedly the most important weapon in any gentleman’s fashion armoury is a strong jacket.
But it can be so difficult to get it right. What if it’s not that cold? What if it’s sub-zero? What if it rains? What can I wear now I’m back in the office? How about casual wear?
We have all been there. The house is positively balmy, you have been chilling in just a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, so you assume it cannot be much different outside – it looks pretty mild, after all. You step outside the front door and it hits you. It’s freezing and you don’t have a thick jacket to keep you warm.
Sometimes it’s not even a matter of practicality and you are simply looking for something a bit different to make a statement now that you can rock up to the pub or football in some natty new threads.
Well, once again, ES Best has scoured the market to bring you the best items out there this autumn and winter season because there really is a coat for every occasion. Here is what we found.
Lyle & Scott Winter Weight Micro Fleece Lined Parka
We know how cold the winter months can be and, for the chilly British weather, every man needs a big, chunky coat.
Lyle & Scott is such a reliable brand for most menswear and the best thing is that you don’t even have to pay a premium for proper good quality items.
This parka looks quintessentially British in its olive shade of green and wouldn’t look out of place on Brighton seafront as you get battered by the bitter sea breeze. It’s a solid product and highly recommended by us.
K Way Le Vrai 3.0 Claude
This is an instant classic. K Way is a brand that crosses the divide from dad’s fighting the elements on a wet Welsh holiday to being football terrace chic for the casual connoisseur.
The Le Vrai 3.0 Claude truly is a timeless men’s jacket. We all know what the average autumn day is like; one minute, sunny intervals, downpours the next. And this is the coat you need for this time of year.
It’s lightweight, waterproof and – best of all – is packable. It folds up and fits inside its own pocket before you clip it onto your belt for safe keeping.
Fred Perry Made In England Linen Harrington
Now, we know we have been banging on about the weather and – boring – the functionality of different men’s jackets.
And, while there can be no denying that a Harrington is for the warmer months but you know what? Sometimes you just need something to look good.
Step up your style game in the Fred Perry Harrington jacket. The soft linen texture lends itself to a really classy piece.
It’s a really sharp design with the classic subtle tartan lining completing the look.
Adidas Blue Version Beckenbauer Track Top
It’s a classic look that comes straight out of the 1970s but Adidas has managed to move the design on as part of its newly released Blue Version collection.
OK, so a tracksuit top might not be officially a jacket but we guarantee you will be wearing it just like one, such is the quality.
The Beckenbauer track top is the ultimate in streetwear and is the perfect addition to any outfit for a mild autumn’s evening.
It is a roomy fit but that only goes further in terms of adding comfort while wearing it out and about.
Pretty Green Insulated Seam Sealed
This jacket is the happy medium. It’s insulated, while still feeling extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear.
In an almost metallic charcoal, it stands out from the usual autumn and winter colours you will see when out and about, but you still look sharp. The big hood is a winner too.
At £120, it is actually very reasonably priced for what you get for your money. The lightweight design isn’t going to help you much if it’s sub-zero conditions but this is a good pick for that time of year when you can’t decide which weight of coat to wear out.
Berghaus Smock 86
A real throwback to the late 80s and early 90s, the design of this Berghaus Smock will appeal to anybody who likes to stand out from the crowd.
The retro design and high collar evokes memories of a simpler time of block colours and, for some, skiing holidays of years gone by.
It comes in an oversized fit so is particularly roomy. It will keep the rain off and, while not especially warm, you’ll have no problem fitting a sweater underneath.
Napapijri Rainforest Mercury
If you want comfort, then look no further. Napapijri are clear market leaders when it comes to outerwear just… feeling good.
Like the Berghaus smock, the Rainforest Mercury brings with it a vintage feel with its block colours and, once again, it stands out because of its bright design.
Puffer jackets get a bad press but needs must sometimes and this design ticks a lot of boxes. It also incorporates recycled down-free Thermo-Fibre insulation for the environmentally conscious.
Barbour International Lenox Wax
You can’t write a feature about autumn or winter coats without mentioning Barbour and the famous heritage brand has delivered again in 2021.
Crafted from waxed cotton, the Barbour International Lenox wax jacket will look at home on the back of a motorbike but it also has an angled zip front fastening for a contemporary look.
A Barbour International x Engineered Garments label features underneath the angled chest pocket flap.
Of course, Barbour has many other timeless designs and, if the Lenox isn’t right for you, we would recommend going for the slightly cheaper Duke design.
Peaceful Hooligan Fuji
Here is another puffer jacket, essentially, and unlike many other styles this is a very smart design.
This latest effort from Peaceful Hooligan will likely be the talk of the terrace this winter, with a well-insulated finish that also looks classically smart casual.
And at £135, it is a fair price for a jacket you will likely wear over and over again.
Tommy Hilfiger Slim Fit Packable Trench Coat
We have reviewed some fashionable jackets, as well as others that are functional. This Tommy trench coat covers off both of those needs, plus it’s work-friendly.
It is actually well insulated but not enough to see you overheated on the bus or the tube during the commute.
This trench coat comes in at just the right length and we would highly recommend it for this winter – it can be worn across various seasons and will keep you looking smart all year round.
Fjallraven Vardag Light Padded
There isn’t a bad word that can be said about this jacket. It’s the perfect weight for autumn moving into the colder winter months.
There is plenty of space for layers underneath, but without being too spacious or roomy, and it comes in three colour variations.
I’ve chosen the green option, complete with the heritage Fjallraven logo.
As the name says, it’s ‘light padded’ so may not be suitable for the worst frosty weather come January but will see you through either side no problem at all. A very high quality product all round.
Woolrich Arctic Parka
Another parka but this time at the other end of the price spectrum. It’s expensive but sometimes it’s worth splashing out on a bit of luxury.
This is one of those times. It’s built for all-weather use and will keep you dry, as well as protected from the elements.
For a parka jacket, it has a really nice cut to it and could almost be described as slim fit.
One thing is certain, however, once this is in your wardrobe you won’t ever have to worry about cold weather conditions again – insulated with duck down, this is top tier parka territory.
Ellesse Vallia
The newly-released for autumn/winter 2021 Vallia is an item that will really make a statement, while keeping you warm.
It looks so slick, with the glossed black finish but the unique camo print design that pays homage to the brand’s heritage, depicting the Perugia mountains.
It is ultimately a classy piece of streetwear and a jacket that, thanks to its artistic roots, will offer something alternative to your usual winter coat selections.
Verdict
There is a lot on the market to choose from this AW21 season and ES Best have tried to cover all bases, from the lightweight to heavy winter wears. But the coat that stands out for us is the Lyle & Scott Winter Weight Micro Fleece Lined Parka. Sure, there are other parkas out there – some offering a little bit more – but this is surely best value for money at £160. A special mention must also go to the Fred Perry Linen Harrington design as well. It won’t keep you warm but will keep you in style.
