It may not seem like it, but Winter is coming. Over the last few weeks we’ve all suffered from the regret of wearing our autumn clothes and sweating through an afternoon in the office. Whilst it might still be t-shirt weather, in true British style we’re expecting the temperatures to drop and those summer evenings in the beer garden to be a distant memory pretty soon.
Winter isn’t all bad, yes the nights are longer and you forget the last time you left the house when it wasn’t pitch black - but with a new season comes new trends and in particular, your new winter coat.
A good coat will see you through the colder months, protecting from the elements whilst also keeping you bang on trend. With this in mind, it’s never as simple as just picking one up off the rack and thinking ‘yeah it’ll do’. There’s a whole host of designs, fits and colours to think about before you commit to your jacket, which is why at Dandy Fellow, we’ve broken down the key points you need to consider before you buy.
Purpose
Are you a 5 minute walk to the tube station type of guy, or are you more accustomed to spending hours outside? The practical functions of a winter jacket need to be the first consideration. If you’re looking for warmth, a parka is the perfect option. Padded, with a hood and a waterproof outer, the parka is a style staple and guaranteed not to go out of style. A good parka, such as those from the infamous Canada Goose label, will see you through more than a few winters. Whether you’re covering up for the commute, or battling the elements on a winter break, we think these are the perfect choice.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, perhaps to layer over winter knits, a leather jacket or harrington style jacket are great picks. Light enough to wear all year round, these are ideal for throwing on over your winter outfits for a night out. We rate the classic Barbour jacket for those looking for a lighter look coat that still ‘does the job’ or for more British heritage brands check out the selection from Fred Perry.
If style takes precedent over function, you can always make a statement in a retro wool coat or classic trench. We’re big fans of the current selection from Crombie, the bright red lining gives it that splash of Dandy flamboyance which contrasts nicely with the traditional pure wool materials. Longer coats like these or a trench, are ideal for those looking for a smarter option, ideal for colder days at the office or for special occasions.
Fit
You’re worked out what you need your coat for, now it’s time to find the right one to suit you. With so many different types of coats to choose from we’ve boiled it down to the basics, with three of the most popular styles.
Parka Jacket
The benefit of a parka jacket is that it can go with everything, from throwing over your office suit to chucking on with jeans to walk the dog. The general rule of thumb for ensuring a parka fits is simple - check that it is long enough to keep your backside covered but not long enough so that the hem drops below the knee. If wearing with a suit, make sure your suit jacket doesn’t drop below the bottom of the jacket.
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| Canada Goose Citadel Black Parka |
Canada Goose Chateau Black Jacket |
Canada Goose Expedition Parka |
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Leather Jacket
If you’re opting for a leather jacket, size really does matter - especially if you’ve invested in a quality piece. If you’re planning on making your leather jacket your ‘go to’ winter coat, you may need to size up to accommodate layers. Although this goes against the common idea of leather fitting like a second skin, you will feel the benefit on those colder days! Sleeves should come down no longer than the wrist and the bottom of the jacket should sit at waist height.
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| Schott NYC Classic Perfecto 118 |
Hugo Boss Jolmen Black Leather Jacket |
Matinique Dark brown Leather Jacket |
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Peacoat/Overcoat
If you’re going for a smarter looking winter coat, a peacoat or overcoat is a great choice. When picking out the right fit, ensure that you try yours on wearing the clothes you would normally wear with it. If you’re in a suit 9-5, this is what you should wear when making the final decision. Check that the shoulder seams end where your shoulders do, if they are too tight you will be left with a wrinkled looks - and an uncomfortable arm. Sleeves should reach the top of your hand and the coat should lie close to the body when buttoned up, it should never feel constricting. For length, the general rule is to ensure it rests at your mid thigh, or just above your knee.
Colour
When you consider that you will be wearing this coat throughout the winter months (and hopefully beyond if you invest in a good one) it’s important to pick a colour that’s going to stay in style. The easiest way to ensure you’re going to have a lasting style choice is to stick to neutral tones, this way - you can pair it with anything and let your clothes underneath showcase any seasonal trends. Black, grey, navy, brown or creams are all great options, and guaranteed to outlast any trends. If you do want to add a little colour into your winter look, scarves and hats in this season’s colours are the perfect way. Think teals, emerald green and of course, burgundy to keep your A/W 2016 look on trend.
For all of your A/W clothing, Dandy Fellow has you covered. Check out our latest collection and follow us on Instagram for style inspiration.```
