Spend any time scouring pages of menswear history (figuratively speaking) and you’ll find that some of the most reliable pieces on the market have stood the test of time for a reason.
Whether it’s the durability of the cotton chino pant (first trusted by the military), the practicality of the white T-shirt (once an undershirt, now an essential basic) or the tried-and-true dependability of the peacoat, it doesn’t hurt if a piece has some serious utility in the field.
The peacoat, usually made with thick wool, proved useful on the high seas, with double-breasted construction for added coverage and a hefty collar to fight back against the wind.
Today, it’s a casually stylish (yet no less useful) menswear essential that’s ideal for pairing with other rugged, versatile picks, like the fisherman sweater, wool pants or the henley. Here are the ones I recommend.
Buck Mason is a men’s clothing brand that knows its history, taking inspiration from the classics of yesteryear, like the peacoat or the T-shirt, all the while giving them some depth and style for the modern man.
It’s a winning formula, and this classic, burly Melton wool peacoat draws from throwback days while boasting a modern fit and luxe fabric.
The peacoat, first and foremost, should deliver standout warmth in a classic package. It’s the kind of dependable coat to wear with a handsome sweater, blue jeans and dress boots on a date (as opposed to,say, a more casual puffer jacket), and this Buck Mason option checks every box in terms of style and utility.
With its timeless six-button front design, a large collar for added wind protection and an array of crisp color options available – each as versatile as the last – Nautica delivers one of the best peacoats on the market with subtle style in mind.
It also makes sense that a “nautical”-inspired brand would deliver a truly classic peacoat.
So named for the designer’s Bond Street New York City store – and later worn to great fanfare by 007 – the Bond Peacoat is a certified modern menswear classic.
Billy Reid puts his own spin on it by lining the back collar in rich leather, so don’t be afraid to flip it up for warmth and added style points.
You needn’t spend hours scouring a surplus store or thrift shop to find one of the best peacoats in a tribute to the way they used to make ‘em.
Cockpit USA has that covered for you, using a sturdy Melton wool fabric blend for remarkable durability, plus its own custom lining for visual appeal.
Although packed with functional design features aplenty, the peacoat can still prove a luxurious style upgrade, as proven by British designer Paul Smith & co.
A wool and cashmere fabric blend provides an incredibly soft handfeel, while the grey contrasting under-collar is a distinctive touch for the refined gentleman.
Some menswear brands spread themselves thin, and others specialize in iconic pieces that only get better with age. Schott is an expert in the second of those two approaches, as proven by its handsome moto jackets, and it makes perfect sense that a legendary peacoat would be a trusty member of its arsenal.
A master in minimalist menswear, Kenneth Cole’s take on the peacoat is chic and streamlined, but also functional – it’s neither too formal nor too casual, making it the perfect overcoat to wear atop everything from a henley to a dress shirt.
The best peacoats for men nod to the classic roots of the style, using eight front buttons and a double-breasted design. Yet, don’t overlook an especially wide, useful collar and lapels, made to be turned up against frigid winds. This Alpine Swiss peacoat checks all of those boxes, and then some (at a very low price).
Northeast winters shaped and inspired the L.L. Bean brand, a tradition that continues to this day. It’s fitting, then, that this thick wool peacoat uses premium Italian fabric, yet still emphasizes winter warmth (and a dash of style, of course).
A peacoat, especially one of the best peacoats, can prove as formidable as it is fashionable, from its design to its luxurious construction.
With classic flap patch pockets and two hand warmer pockets, Quince hits the nail on the head when it comes to utility, while sustainable production using Italian wool delivers luxury.
At times, the best peacoats for men boast a difference you can feel in every stitch: The way the jacket wears on your body, the way the buttons and fabric feel, even the way the garment makes you feel. Drake’s accomplishes all of this with a handsome, splurge-worthy peacoat.
Consider this peacoat a cut above the rest, particularly from a manufacturer known for its famously weather-ready outerwear.
The Mackage Cole Peacoat takes on an air of luxury with a removable shearling collar, and the shearling itself gives this sturdy jacket a touch of rock n’roll edge and appeal.