Are Long Coats for Men in Fashion? How to Wear a Long Coat (Without it Wearing You)

Finding the perfect coat for winter can be a challenge, but if windows frost and temperatures drop sub zero, there’s one coat that’ll never let you down: the long coat.

The long coat has been a staple style for men since forever and it’s easy to see why. In the dead of winter, not only does it help you battle Jack Frost, but it adds a dose of sophistication to every outfit.

Though this timeless jacket dropped out of style for a little bit, it’s come back full force. Now you’d be hard pressed not to find a dapper gentleman wearing a trench or an overcoat. Keep reading to find out what makes long coats so great and get some of our top tips on how to style them.

If you’re wondering if long coats for men are in fashion right now, the answer is absolutely! 

Cord jackets and leather styles might have taken top spot in our wardrobes a few years ago but, recently, long coats have seen a resurgence. 

Modern men’s fashion is all about blending comfort and style. We’re seeing more relaxed shapes when it comes to coats and jackets, to allow for easy everyday wear. Polished yet roomy, it’s no wonder the long coat is stealing the spotlight.

Long coats are, arguably, the perfect winter coat. Made to protect you against the elements, a long overcoat stops either on or below the knee. This will keep the biting wind off your legs. Plus, many long winter coats are made from wool or cashmere, which are renowned for trapping heat and keeping out the cold. These features make them much more practical in cold weather than shorter jackets.

Aside from keeping you warm, long coats have a suave and sophisticated appearance. Many have double breasted designs, belts to define the waist, and workwear details (i.e. epaulettes and embossed buttons). These features make them a great choice if you’re looking for a way to refine your winter outfits.

Find your perfect winter coat in our blog: Which Winter Coats are the Warmest? Joe’s Favourite Coats for the Season.

To wear a men’s overcoat just right, it’s all about creating that classic, tailored look and the key is in the fit. Consider sleeve length, coat length, and shoulder alignment.

Some men prefer their overcoats oversized; some like a slim fit. That’s all up to preference, but if you see wrinkles or the buttons pull, it’s definitely too small. As it’s meant to go over shirts,  blazers, waistcoats, and even light jackets, you’ll need to make sure there’s a little extra room.

How to style your overcoat depends on the occasion. For corporate settings and formal events, wear it over a tailored suit, making sure to co-ordinate the colour of your coat with the hues of your outfit. We recommend shades of charcoal, black, and navy. Add a crisp linen shirt, and you can even style it with a waistcoat for an extra bit of flair. 

For elevated weekend looks, select a polo shirt, a chunky knit, and some denim jeans. Your long coat will create a flattering silhouette, making your casual outfit feel effortlessly put-together. 

If you want an even more casual way to style a long coat, you could layer it over a hoodie. This is a more modern, streetwear aesthetic that’s perfect for winter strolls.

Jeans have been a cornerstone of casual styling for decades, bringing both structure and edge to everyday outfits for men.

That’s why jeans are the ultimate way to style long coats for a casual look. To master the outfit, focus on the shape and structure. Opt for slim or straight jeans, and avoid baggy trousers as they could make your outfit appear ill-fitting.

Pair your coat and jeans with layering essentials, like plain t-shirts, henley tops, and turtle neck jumpers. Complete the look with trainers, or with leather boots for an edgier aesthetic.

Jeans are an easy way to create a laidback, yet polished, long coat outfit. And the best part is, you can take this style anywhere from weekend errands to smart casual occasions.

As you can tell, we’re big advocates for the long coat! So, let’s go through some of our top tips on how to style them this winter.

For a timeless long coat look, try pairing your jacket with a waistcoat. It’ll give your outfit all the sophistication of a suit, but with a heritage twist. To make this style stand out, choose contrasting fabrics (i.e. a tweed blazer layered under a wool blend overcoat) and co-ordinating colours. 

To really make a statement, consider choosing a waistcoat with an eye-catching print. For example, multi-coloured checks or paisley prints.

Leather trench coats are a great choice if you’re going for a more devil-may-care attitude. Layer it over a customised henley, add some dark wash jeans, and finish it off with a statement chain necklace. This outfit may seem effortless, but it makes a big impact.

Finally, there’s no better solution to a ‘smart casual’ dress code than a long coat. The perfect substitution for when a blazer feels too formal, your long coat can go just as easily over a crisp shirt.

Choose a classic colour, like black or navy, to bring that formal feel. White shirts never fail to impress but, if you’re feeling bold, you could choose a top with a funky pattern to add a touch of personality. Wear this outfit with chinos, and add brogues for a polished finishing touch.