BEST WINTER COATS
FOR 2024
Cue the season of countryside resets, cosy pub fires and the most extravagant end-of-year celebrations. Winter serves a myriad of occasions and a variety of winter coats to covet.
From plush faux fur and Merino wool blends to our best-selling trenches that nod to British heritage – layer beautifully and transcend every season – discover the best winter coats for 2024 and beyond.
What’s the difference between a coat and a jacket?
Generally speaking, the difference is in the length. Coats are usually made from heavier fabrics and fall to the knee or beyond, such as a wool coat. Whereas jackets are typically lighter and finish at the hip, for example a blazer or leather jacket. But as expert makers of both, there are exceptions to the rule, such as a parka raincoat – it's long but light!
What is the best coat to buy now?
As staunch believers in timelessness over trends, the best winter coat is one that is designed and made to last. Look to a camel trench coat, black wool overcoat, faux fur coat or practical puffer jacket for wardrobe staples you'll turn to again and again.
But if tapping into trends with longevity is on your radar this year, opt for styles that fuse modernity with practicality. Think black bomber jackets and belted midi silhouettes – the kind of coats that pair as beautifully with elegant silk dresses as they do with denim and knitwear.
Although, what matters most of all? The fit. Ensuring a coat is a flattering shape that makes you feel great whenever you wear it, also ensures the longevity of it in your winter wardrobe for years to come.
What is the best material for a winter coat?
Look for fibres that are known for their warmth and temperature-regulating properties. Wool and cashmere are naturally warm and sustainable, and while they retain heat – they’re breathable too, so you shouldn't need to layer up as much.
We’ve always been an advocate of using natural fibres, so we made sure the majority of our wool winter coats are made with warm, traceable wool and Merino blends.
Known for its easy-to-style silhouette and warm wool fabrication, look to our Cavendish coat – the Tilda coat, reimagined – for a new, everyday winter coat.
What is the best coat for extreme cold?
For icy British winters, a puffer jacket will always come out on top for maximum warmth. The outer fabric is cleverly made with cold weather conditions in mind, while generous padding will keep you snug. The quilted design isn't just stylish either, it creates air pockets that store heat. Practical features like a hood, drawstring waists and elasticated cuffs – all help to maintain cosy temperatures too.
However, our puffer jackets are designed to be different. Crafted with distinctive details that are feminine, flattering and just as practical. Think contoured silhouettes with side panelling. Luxurious faux fur linings and hoods. And polished designs that stay timeless.
“When you buy from Hobbs, you know you’re buying quality – it’s in the details. From precisely placed quilting to functional fabrics and insignia hardware, these are no ordinary puffers.”Anna Town
Senior Buyer
How do you style a winter coat?
When it comes to styling winter coats, consider the weather, the occasion and as always, comfort.
For end-of-year elegance and festive party dress codes, look to style maxi wool coats and faux fur coats with velvet co-ords, sparkly dresses and luxurious silk. Alternatively, these styles infuse textural elevation into your desk-to-dinner looks throughout the rest of the year, too.
If you’re a fan of a September reset, escape to the coast in trench coats and heritage-rich check patterns – styled with layered knits, denim and knee-high boots.
And if it’s strictly back to business, return to the city in tailored silhouettes and quality wool blends that pair perfectly with workwear.
“Through winter, it’s about experimenting with layers in complementary colours. Think camel knits and warm plum blazers styled underneath tonal burgundy wool coats.”Maddy Moxham
Brand Photography and Styling Manager
How do i choose the right size and style of winter coat for me?
From everyday styles that will see you through April showers to luxurious wool coats that complement the depths of festive occasionwear, there’s a covetable coat for everyone in our outerwear collection.
Choosing the right style
Transition seamlessly from desk to dinner in our tailored silhouettes and wool coats, while a puffer jacket is a must-have if you’re after a casual coat that exudes warmth. And for endless outfitting solutions, year-round wearability and timeless appeal, look to our best-selling trench coats.
Choosing the right size
Although size is down to personal preference, we generally recommend for those who are after a neat fit to stick to your regular size. But if you’d prefer a looser, contemporary fit (with room to layer) we recommend to size up.
Petite coats
Perfectly proportioned for those 5’3” and under, our range of petite coats offer shorter lengths of our best-selling trench coats, wool coats and puffer jackets in petite-friendly measurements.
"Absolutely gorgeous coat. This is a classic and so well cut – the petite fit was spot on. Highly recommend it."
The Petite Saskia Trench Coat
Customer Review
Do you have any winter coat care or storage tips?
How to care for your winter coat
To ensure you get years of wear out of your winter coat, opt for regular lint rolling to keep on top of loose fibres and gentle spot cleans, where required.
And after heavy use throughout winter, we recommend taking your coat to the dry cleaners to ensure it stays fresh in storage.
How to store your winter coat
When it comes to storing your coat, it’s best to keep it hung in a protective zip bag in your wardrobe or stored safely in a vacuum bag for space saving. You should also consider moth repellent hangers for coats in wool, cashmere and other natural fibres – it’s better to be safe than sorry!
With so many styles to choose from, it's fair to say there's no 'one size fits all' when it comes to the best winter coats for women. Just keep in mind the three F's: function, fit and future appeal. What function do you need it to serve: work, weekends or both? What fit do you prefer? Lastly, ask yourself will you wear it in future years? Keeping this in mind is sure to lead you to the perfect coat.
COATS & JACKETS
Find your perfect coat today in our range of heritage-rich, elegant coats and jackets.
