A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (2024)

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a man in possession of good fortune must be in want of a good topcoat. Isn't that what Jane Austen said? Oh, well. The point is—a topcoat is the marker of a man, the distinguisher between a boy who throws on a non-weather-appropriate hoodie and calls it a day, and a man who has a go-to coat, the perfect final layer, the crisp, clean last piece to the puzzle that brings his entire look together for winter.

The right topcoat isn't a piece you bring out once a year when winter calls for it; it's a closet staple, worn time and time again, just as wearable with denim as it is with silk, just as chic with sneakers as it is with loafers. A good topcoat should be warm, cozy, and durable. A great topcoat should be fashionable and versatile, too. A topcoat is meant to be layered, unlike an overcoat, which is typically heavier, longer, and, dare I say, all-consuming. It's a happy medium between overcoat and peacoat, hanging at or just above the knee, with lighter fabrics, easy layering abilities, and if you know where to look, sharp and elegant tailoring. But—well, you're here, so despite what Austen thinks, it seems like you do know where to look. And that makes for a fortunate man indeed.

best basic topcoat

Cole Haan Wool Cashmere Button-Front Coat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (7)

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (8)

Now 31% Off

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (9)Buyers love how soft it is
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (10)Timeless design
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (11)Some buyers report an awkward fit

Cole Haan has given us quality footwear at hard-to-beat prices since what feels like time immemorial. And though it hasn't been offering apparel for quite as long, its standards stay true across all categories. If there's one thing I love, it's reliability, and across footwear, outerwear, and more, this brand's got it—try this warm, timeless coat if you don't believe me. The piece features a cozy cashmere-blend fabric and leather-bound button holes and pocket trim for a more elevated look.

Colors5
SizesS-2XL
Materials70% Wool, 20% Nylon, 10% Cashmere

best classic topcoat

Polo Ralph Lauren Soft Wool-Blend Topcoat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (12)

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (13)Available in Short, Regular, and Long lengths
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (14)Fully lined sleeves are great for cold weather
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (15)Only one color option

When it comes to classic silhouettes, timeless colorways, and fabrics that'll last the long haul, few can hold a candle to Ralph Lauren. This double-breasted style is chicness incarnate, with PRL's signature elegance that our editors can't get enough of.

ColorsNavy
Sizes32-54
Materials75% Wool, 25% Polyamide

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best affordable topcoat

Uniqlo Wool Cashmere Chesterfield Coat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (16)

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (17)Great price for pure wool and cashmere
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (18)Relaxed silhouette is ideal for layering under
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (19)Dry-clean only

If you're going to get a versatile cashmere-and-wool coat anywhere, let it be Uniqlo. It knows outerwear like few retailers do, and unlike at many other places, its prices are almost ridiculously good for how durable and high-quality its pieces are.

ColorsBrown, Navy, Black
Sizes2XS-3XL
Materials90% Wool, 10% Cashmere
Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (21)Relaxed silhouette for comfort
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (22)Single vent for mobility and breathability
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (23)Dry-clean only

From underwear to outerwear, Calvin Klein's basics are pretty damn unbeatable. This is the brand I turn to for unending style, timeless designs, and a whole lot of comfort, too. With a minimalist design, this drop-shoulder topcoat has a contemporary hidden-button design that makes any fall fit that much cooler.

ColorsBoulevard Gray, Charcoal Heather
SizesXS-2XL
Materials50% Reprocessed Wool, 45% Polyester, 5% Other Fibers

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best timeless topcoat

Buck Mason Herringbone Italian Double-Faced Wool Town Coat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (24)

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (25)Has five total pockets
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (26)Fully lined
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (27)Only one color option

Buck Mason takes a classic topcoat and makes it even better. With four front pockets, a relaxed fit, and a heavyweight, fully lined design, this coat is warm and stylish, so you don't have to choose between chicness and comfort. Our editors love how easy this is to layer under, and how versatile it is to style, too; everything from suits to sweatpants are made all the more stylish.

ColorsCamel
SizesXS-2XL
Materials13 oz Wool

best minimalist topcoat

Cos Double-Faced Wool Coat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (28)

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (29)Relaxed fit is great for layering
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (30)Back vent for mobility
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (31)Dry-clean only

I can never get enough of Cos's contemporary minimalism, and I find throwing a topcoat over whatever I'm wearing to be the easiest way to get the look. With a timelessly cool, effortlessly chic vibe, this understated, double-faced coat is warm and simple, with a clean look that can make even the most basic of fits look that much more stylish.

ColorsBlack, Gray
SizesXS-XL
Materials60% Wool, 40% Lyocell

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best luxury topcoat

Balmain Double-Breasted Wool Coat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (32)

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (33)Insulated design
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (34)Bold, unique look
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (35)Pricey

Inspired by military coats, Balmain has an absolute showstopper of a winter staple. This look is warm and cozy, with an insulated design and stand collar to keep the chill out, and clearly it's damn stylish, too—peep the double-breasted look with silver-toned buttons.

ColorsBlack
SizesIT 44-IT 54
Materials100% Wool

best elevated topcoat

Todd Snyder Italian Cashmere Topcoat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (36)

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (37)Has chest, hip, and interior pockets
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (38)Oversize design is great for layering
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (39)Dry-clean only

Not only does this cashmere topcoat look good, but it is good, being crafted from purely recycled cashmere. I'm a major Todd Snyder fan for everything but especially outerwear; during a season of cold, wet, dreary weather, this tailored piece will keep its clean, pristine look, so even when you feel like a mess during your morning commute, you won't look it.

ColorsRaisin
SizesXS-2XL
Materials100% Recycled Cashmere

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best designer topcoat

Saint Laurent Slim-Fit Wool Coat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (40)

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (41)Mid-weight fabric is good for most weather
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (42)High-quality construction
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (43)Slim silhouette isn't great for layering

If you're ready to invest in a staple black topcoat that's as timeless as it is well-made, look no further. Saint Laurent has a minimalist style that'll never be out of fashion, with a mid-weight single-breasted design.

ColorsBlack
SizesIT 48-IT 56
Materials100% Wool

best versatile topcoat

Bonobos Italian Wool Topcoat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (44)

Now 50% Off

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (45)Flap pockets can be tucked in
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (46)Vented back
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (47)Some buyers find it too heavy

Warm but not bulky, not too casual, not too formal—consider this the ultimate versatile topcoat. Our editors love how easy this is to style with everything from jeans and sneakers to pleated pants and loafers.

ColorsCamel, Charcoal
Sizes36-40
Materials70% Wool, 30% Nylon

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best everyday topcoat

Adam Baker Single Breasted Topcoat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (48)

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (49)Available in Short, Tall, and Regular lengths
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (50)Fully lined
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (51)Some buyers report the sleeves are too long

When you're in a pinch, Adam Baker has an easy, effortlessly stylish solution. This is a long-line, single-breasted look that won't cost you too much for all the times you'll certainly wear it.

ColorsNavy, Camel, Charcoal, Black
Sizes34-60
Materials70% Wool, 20% Polyester, 10% Cashmere

best go-to topcoat

Reiss Gable Wool Blend Overcoat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (52)

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (53)Vented back
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (54)Easy to dress up or down
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (55)Runs slightly small

If I could wear a coat year-round, this would be the one. Its simple look makes it endlessly easy to style. and it's soft as hell, too. Meet a timeless, basic camel overcoat that you'll wear for years to come and probably miss during warmer months.

ColorsCamel, Navy
SizesS-2XL
Materials60% Wool, 22% Viscose, 18% Nylon

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best casual topcoat

Nautica Classic Double Breasted Peacoat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (56)

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (57)

Now 40% Off

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (58)Expansive size range with Tall fits
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (59)Great price
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (60)Some buyers report an awkward fit

Nautica doesn't overcomplicate things. This is a topcoat you can wear with anything and certainly bring anywhere. The timeless elegance is only made better by the fact that its on sale for 100 bucks right now.

Colors5
SizesS-6X
Materials52% Wool, 40% Polyester, 8% Other Fibers

best simple topcoat

Dockers Henry Wool Blend Top Coat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (61)

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (62)Has dual front closure
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (63)Deep pockets
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (64)Nonfunctional button cuffs

For sleek, suave style under $100, Dockers is the way to go. Gray pairs with just about everything, and who doesn't love a single-breasted, two-button design?

ColorsCamel, Black, Charcoal Herringbone
SizesXS-3XL
Materials77% Polyester, 11% Wool, 6% Acrylic, 4% Rayon, 2% Nylon

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best warm topcoat

MooRER Herringbone Bib Topcoat with Shearling

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (65)

Pros
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (66)Stand collar with shearling lining for warmth
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (67)Welt pockets
Cons
  • A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (68)Pricey

This topcoat isn't only sleek, stylish, and timeless, but it's also ridiculously warm, thanks to its suede trim and shearling lining. With a classic herringbone design and chic silhouette, this is an investment piece you'll wear for many winters to come.

ColorsGray
Sizes38-48
MaterialsWool

What to Look for in a Topcoat

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (69)

A topcoat isn't rocket science, but it is an important piece to own during the cold months. So pay attention to a few key things when shopping for your perfect topcoat.

The way your topcoat fits is significant, especially during layering season. If you're the kind of guy who likes to wear thick sweaters, hoodies, and multiple layers under your coat, go for an oversize or relaxed silhouette; slim-fit won't do you any good here.

Pay attention to pocket space, too. In my books, the more, the merrier; anything you can do to reduce a too-heavy shoulder bag sliding down your arm every five seconds is great, and pocket storage means you can carry more with you on the go.

Finally, consider the fabric. Wool and cashmere are both luxe and warm, but know you won't be able to throw 'em in the wash to clean them. Think about when, where, and how often you'll wear it before deciding.

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Why You Can Trust Esquire

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (70)

We're not going to say something is great unless it's actually great. Every product in Esquire's roundups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to topcoats, you can rest assured that we're hand-selecting styles that we've personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse. We've had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these topcoats are the ones that are simply the best.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don't, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you're looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

A Topcoat Makes Every Outfit Heaps Cooler. Here Are the 15 Best. (2024)
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