The Winter Coats To Invest In Right Now!

The arrival of winters makes one reach out for comfy and protective layers. It's time to put the linens and cottons in storage and bring back heavy layering essentials in either leather, suede, shearling or wool. Think Tom Cruise in Eyes Wide Shut (1999) wandering through the lanes of New York in a long black coat worn with gloves or Christian Bale's Patrick Bateman in American Psycho (2000) picking up women on the streets in his limousine.

There's something charming yet badass about a big voluminous coat. Whether you want to bring out your inner detective or a gangster - the winter coat aces just about any look you are vouching for. A well-tailored coat crafted in either handwoven textile or buttery leather is democratic and complements most body types. It adds to the height and makes the overall look sharper, more flattering.

Look no further than Jonathan Anderson's preppy yet couture-informed take on it at Dior Men. The new season Dior's belted trench in khaki comes with pronounced leather collars making it a neutral layer which can help one make a seamless day to night transition. Demna's take on it at Gucci in the classic glen plaid textile is rather preppy and lends itself to many settings - from work meetings to cocktail hour. Hermès' longline check coat with zipper detailing says Ivy League and can work beautifully for winter strolls in gardens and even nature hikes. On the other hand, Canali's super light suede version makes for a perfect car coat for chilly evenings ahead. Bottega Veneta's leather variant with the house signature intrecciato woven epaulet is worth considering for a red-carpet outing.

Among the high street brands, Rare Rabbit's top coats and Primal Gray's trench coats look absolutely chic and wearable and also easy on the pocket. Arun Kumar, Head of Design at Rare Rabbit notes that this season’s standout coat is defined by its elongated, uninterrupted silhouette, a piece that speaks to modern restraint and architectural precision. "Cut with a clean, uninterrupted silhouette, it strips away excess to focus on proportion, texture, and movement. What makes this piece exceptional is how effortlessly it lends itself to layering. Worn over sharp tailoring or relaxed knits, each layer remains visible, adding dimension and depth to the overall look. The result is a study in balance, freedom, and refinement in equal measure," he shares.

Stylist Vikram Seth suggests focusing on longevity and craftsmanship when investing in winter outerwear. "A well-tailored leather or shearling coat isn’t just a purchase; it’s a legacy piece. Look for supple, full-grain leather, genuine shearling with rich texture, and heritage textiles like tweed or wool blends that age beautifully with time. Opt for timeless silhouettes, trench coats, oversized bombers, or belted long coats that balance structure and fluidity," he suggests.

Yuv Bharat Ram, Founder & Creative Director, Primal Gray personally loves styling a trench coat open at the front and tying the belt at the back. "It subtly defines your waist without looking too formal, giving the outfit a modern, effortless edge. Underneath, play with texture; a relaxed cashmere or a chunky wool knit adds both warmth and visual depth. The trench works beautifully layered over these tactile fabrics, allowing you to mix comfort with sophistication," he shares.

Layering is an art form that thrives on contrast and play. "Pair rugged shearling with a sleek turtleneck or balance a bold leather trench over soft knits or printed or silk scarves. The key is texture play, mix matte with gloss, heavy with light, and vintage with modern. Mix colours like deep oxbloods, forest greens, and warm caramels bring life to the grey winter palette. Keep inner layers flat if your coat is voluminous. Moreover, play with accessories like winter gloves, long and silk scarves, and long boots in contrasting tones which can elevate even the simplest outerwear," quips Seth.

Here are five picks of the season:

Bottega Veneta

This vibrant topcoat in leather which comes with intrecciato leather epaulet is ideal for European getaways and peak Delhi winters. Layer it over a cable knit jumper or a turtleneck.

Canali

Lightweight and crafted in suede, this works wonderfully as a car coat. Dior This belted trench coat with leather accented collar is a chic collectible. Ideal for harsh weather conditions, this can be styled in multiple ways.

Gucci

This preppy boxy coat in glen plaid could be a timeless addition to your winter wardrobe and can be styled with just about any separate under the sun.

Hermès

This check overcoat with zipper detailing radiates a charming collegiate vibe. Channel your innate Chuck Bass as you ace this classic.

Rare Rabbit

This black knee-length coat captures the evening mood - ideal for layering over your dinner jacket.

Primal Gray

Multi-pocketed and belted, this lightweight trench is ideal for daytime picnics or a jungle safari.