You don’t want the winter freeze to kill your sense of fashion or the distinction between formal and casual dress. You can always look your best while staying warm during colder months by understanding:
-The different types of coats
-What circumstances they suit
-How to style them correctly
The generous selection of jackets and coats men can choose from is enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. Don’t be tempted to just slap anything on during winter; with Family Britches’ guidance, you can keep both warm and fashionable.
Here’s a guide and a list of essential coats and jackets for men in winter.
Coats vs Jackets
Commonly bundled in phrases, sometimes interchangeably, coats and jackets are types of outerwear. The main difference is that coats are generally more formal, and jackets often feature on casual occasions.
1. Wool Shirt Jackets
This type of coat is befitting for casual occasions and provides just the right amount of insulation without being too bulky. They’re usually woolen and sometimes feature fur-lined lapels or a quilted lining for extra warmth.
Wool shirt jackets combine the best of both worlds. They’re stylish yet comfortable, warm but lightweight. Shirt jackets come in various colors and lengths, so you can choose the look that best fits your style.
2. Parkas
Parkas are the warmest type of outerwear you can get and provide the best protection against cold weather conditions. They’re usually ankle-length and feature a fur-lined hood for added insulation.
Parkas vary in styles and colors, with designers customizing their sheepskin and fur accents to match the season.
The formality of a parka depends on the fabric and design. More formal parkas feature muted colors and thicker, luxurious fabrics. Formal parkas designs are also more tailored and structured, while casual parkas are looser in fit.
3. Top Coats
From tweed top coats to three-quarter-length overcoats, this outerwear category suits formal occasions. Top coats are tailored and structured to complement your suit or dress clothes. Varying fabrics, including wool, cashmere, and tweed are available.
They’re designed to provide additional warmth without compromising your style. Top coats come in various lengths and colors, so you can find the perfect one to complete your look.
4. Pea Coats
A pea coat is a classic type of men’s outerwear. It features a double-breasted front, either knee- or thigh-length cut, and usually comes in dark colors such as navy blue or black. It’s an excellent choice for both formal and casual occasions, and its classic look gives it an air of timeless sophistication.
The cold weather-proofing of a pea coat comes from its thick material usually made of wool, cashmere, or tweed. If you live in colder regions, then a pea coat is an essential staple for your wardrobe.
5. Reversible Vests
A reversible vest is a perfect balance between formality and functional insulation. It’s versatile, can be worn with varying looks, and provides extra warmth without the bulk of a coat or jacket.
The range of fabrics and designs that experienced, professional tailors, incorporate into reversible vests makes them perfect for formal and casual occasions.
They come in various colors, including earthy tones, such as browns and greens that are perfect for the fall season.
6. Leather Jackets
A leather jacket keeps you cozy while also looking effortlessly cool. It’s the reason leather jackets long became synonymous with coolness and masculinity. They are:
-The undisputed quintessential look of rock ‘n’ roll
-The perfect casual statement piece
-A warm option for cold weather
Look out for thicker material, such as lambskin or cowhide treated with a finish to repel water to ensure your leather jacket is winter-proof. Styles like the biker jacket work best for colder weather and are just as suitable for formal occasions.
Some formal settings won’t let you wear a leather jacket, but with the right style and pairings, you can easily dress it up.
7. Quilted Pullover Jackets
The quilted pullover jacket is the perfect addition to a casual look. This outerwear will keep you warm in cold weather conditions with its thick insulation.
It has an athletic design and usually comes in earthy colors like green or brown. Quilted pullovers are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to layer with other pieces: the perfect choice for active occasions such as hiking or skiing.
8. Shearling Jackets
Shearling jackets are fashionable winter outwear options that exude luxury and sophistication. The best thing about them is their versatility. Excellent designs fit effortlessly in formal and casual settings alike.
Shearling jackets are perfect for those living in cold climates, as the luxurious fur lining keeps you toasty warm even in sub-zero temperatures. They come in various styles and lengths, from short bomber jackets to full-length shearling coats.
Pair shearling jackets with dressy attire like tailored trousers and a dress shirt for a more formal look or with jeans and boots for casual occasions.
Keep Warm and Fashionable
When it gets cold in the winter, it can be freezing outside. Keeping warm isn’t just a matter of convenience but survival. You’ll need a coat or jacket to insulate your body from cold temperatures. But not just any coat or jacket will do, especially if you live in colder regions.
At Family Britches, our winter designs are informed by decades of precision cuts and experience consulting with clients. Contact us, and we’ll talk about your winter style.
