Which Type Of Mens Coat Suits You?

Arguably, men's coats say more about their wearers than any other item in the wardrobe, and so often these garments contribute to the first impression someone has of a new acquaintance.

You can spend a lot of time and money, on a beautiful sweater or fitted shirt, but throw any old jacket over them, and all that effort goes to waste.

Classic? Or Of The Moment?

One of the first decisions you have to make is whether you’re after a coat which will be a wardrobe staple for years to come, or one which makes a statement about the kind of person you are now.

If you’re looking at men’s coats with the intent of buying just one, and one which will last for several years, go for one in black or dark grey as a smart investment. This means you will be able to wear it for most occasions, and it should complement everything else you wear, so you don’t have to worry about matching it up with fitted shirts or other garments. A trench coat will always be a wise choice.

Which Material To Choose?

Depending on where you live, the material you go for with your men’s coats is important. You’ll probably need it to keep you warm, and for it to be waterproof. Although wool and tweed remain classic choices of fabric for men’s coats, in recent years cotton polyester blends have become popular too. These materials have the great advantage of not needing to be dry-cleaned.

If you are lucky enough to live somewhere where a coat is less of a necessity and more of a fashion accessory, you can get away with a shorter cut and a lighter material. For example, you might want to think about investing in a pea coat, which ends at the waist. Another shorter item which seems to be gaining ground is the sports jacket, in corduroy for example, teamed with button-down fitted shirts or even casual T-shirts and denims.

Your Body Shape

Whatever style of mens coats you go for, get one that fits your body shape. Ideally this means being broader in the shoulders than the waist, and is known as the coveted 'inverted triangle' shape. If this sounds like you, then almost any coat will look good. The best-looking coats should taper in between the shoulder and waist to highlight this. A high neck can also divert attention upwards, towards the broader shoulders.

If your shoulders, middle and hips fall into line with each other, go for a coat with more shoulder detail and a wider neck to get the most flattering look.

If the widest part of your body is the middle, it’s still perfectly possible to find attractive men’s coats to flatter your shape. Go for wide lapels at the top and a straight cut. Black is a good colour choice, as are longer trench coats, especially those with low pockets. If the weather allows it, undo buttons and wear a high neck fitted shirt underneath to further flatter your body shape.