Unbeatable Outerwear You Should Get to Know

Originally developed during the First World War, trench coats are traditionally made from beige gabardine, a tightly woven worsted wool fabric pioneered by Thomas Burberry (yes, that Burberry) in the late 1800s. The style became widely used by the British military during the war, where it earned its name. With a double-breasted, full-button construction and a belted waist, trench coats offer excellent protection against the elements.

The military influence is still evident today, with shoulder epaulets and a chest gun flap—details that have carried over from the coat’s functional past. Though a classic springtime staple, trench coats are often more formal by nature but can also be worn oversized for a more relaxed look.

Another jacket with military roots, this one gained popularity during the Second World War, when pilots wore these shorter, insulating jackets in aircraft cockpits. In the 1950s, the American Air Force adopted a more modern version, known as the MA-1. Made from nylon and lined with bright orange for increased visibility in case of a crash, the jacket quickly became a staple in military uniforms.

Over the decades, it has been reinterpreted by countless subcultures and brands, both streetwear and luxury. From Supreme to Saint Laurent, everyone has put their own spin on the collarless style, which has evolved beyond its technical origins. Today, it’s made from a range of materials, including fine leather and tactile wool, alongside the classic nylon version.

A workwear classic, chore coats are typically slightly longer than waist-length, with a straight, boxy cut and made from durable, unlined fabrics like moleskin or duck cotton. Brands like Carhartt and Dickies began producing this heavy-duty outerwear in the 20th century.

The buttoned-up, spread collar styles took inspiration from the more traditional French chore coats, which were more often than not dyed in a bold, cobalt blue and served as inspiration for more contemporary styles made by preppier-leaning brands such as Ralph Lauren and Todd Snyder.

Overcoats are a broad category of outerwear, encompassing any longer-length, lapel-bearing coat style. One of the most important pieces you can own, the right overcoat can define your look for the colder months year after year, thanks to the timeless appeal of long wool coats.

With such a wide range of options, there’s something for every style: you could opt for an exaggerated silhouette with a drop shoulder or ankle-length duster, a double-breasted style cinched with darts for a tailored feel, or a bold patterned overcoat that allows the outfit beneath to stay low-key while still looking sharp.

Inspired by naval uniforms, peacoats are typically made from coarse wool (originally called ‘pilot cloth,’ which is where the ‘P’ comes from) and are often adorned with embossed anchors on the buttons. Peacoats are shorter-length, wool jackets that have a dramatic collar, perfect for wearing with harder wearing denim and over chunky knitwear. Traditionally, peacoats would be found in navy blue, and while there are still the diehard originals out there, brands like Lemaire have given the style a more contemporary lease of life.

A staple piece for every rock band frontman and an eternal symbol of outcasts and rebels — thanks, in large part, to Marlon Brando’s wearing of a biker jacket in A Streetcar Named Desire — leather jackets are one of those pieces of clothing that will only get better the more you wear it.

Silhouettes like the biker — with its asymmetrical zip closure and more spread collar — along with racer’s — with its single zip closure and high, collarless neckline — have been coming in and out of the trend cycle for decades; but the everlasting appeal of a leather jacket, and the attitude it brings, have never truly fallen out of favor. Throw on over the top of a white t-shirt and some jeans for a true Brando-esque style, or follow the Hedi Slimane playbook and dress your leather up with some dark denim, a white shirt, and Cuban-heeled boots.

Characterized by four large patch pockets (two on the chest and two at the waist), field jackets are similar to chore coats but are typically made from lighter fabrics that allow more movement, and often feature a smaller or stand-up collar that sits higher on the neck.

Khaki green is the classic color, reflecting the jacket’s military origins. This versatile shade makes the field jacket easy to pair with almost anything. When in doubt, embrace a heritage look with a worn-in pair of jeans and a plaid shirt, à la Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver.

Also known as a down jacket or quilted jacket, puffers are often a technical, synthetic shell filled with deeply insulating down that offers pretty unparalleled warmth without the bulk. Puffer jackets lend themselves to being styled in more statement ways, as the volume the jacket gives your look means you can really make some impact.

Brands have long recognized this and incorporated puffers into their winter collections, including some of the most prominent luxury labels. Balenciaga, Prada, and Moncler all blend the jacket’s practical qualities with undeniable style.