Ask us to choose just one coat, and we’ll act like you’ve asked us to choose our favorite child—and then probably concede that a long black coat comes out on top. If there’s one piece of outerwear that we know will instantly enhance every outfit, from the sharpest black tie rig to the schlubbiest sweats and everything between, it’s a black topcoat. But not just any black topcoat.
5 Black Coats to Swaddle Yourself in Pronto
It wasn’t that long ago that trim-cut, thigh-length overcoats reigned supreme as the natural extension of a Mad-Men-ified era of slim suits and jeans. Today’s versions are longer, looser, and designed to match the more chill proportions that have infiltrated everything from hoodies to chinos. But why black? With all due respect to the great camel overcoats and khaki trenches of the world, black works with everything—and looks cooler while doing it. (Everyone from Jacob Elordi to the Olsen twins agree.)
If you think we’re being a bit specific here, know that there’s a full spectrum of spectacular black topcoats in all cuts, styles, and fabrics. From unstructured cashmere beauties to sharp-shouldered showstoppers to chill fleece sportswear-inspired versions, you’ve still got plenty of opportunity to make your personality shine through.
So we rounded up ten of ‘em (we told you we’re bad at picking favorites) to help you dial in the long black coat that’s right for you. Enjoy finding the only jacket you’ll ever need—even if it’s not the only one you’ll own.
The Anywhere-But-Wall-Street Coat
Back in the ’80s and ’90s, a full-length, strong-shouldered, double-breasted overcoat was the finishing touch to a suited-up look that told the world you believed greed was good. Today, a coat like this one from Swedish menswear masterminds Our Legacy will still play nice with your cockiest pinstripe two-piece and power tie, but you don’t need to orchestrate a hostile takeover to put it to work. Instead, treat it like it’ll see more brunches than boardrooms, and wear it with the most laid-back looks you’ve got.
The Quiet Luxury Coat
We checked with GQ’s legal team (the law firm of Bigg-Fitz LLP) to confirm that there are no statutes limiting the amount of cashmere one can legally possess. So until that changes, we’ll be swaddling ourselves in as much of the soft stuff as possible. This cloud-like Todd Snyder coat—the outerwear definition of the word “impeccable”—slides on with the power of the stealth wealth confidence built into its precise cut and quiet luxuriousness. Toss it on over anything and everything, including your (100% cashmere) sweaters and sweats.
The School’s-Out Coat
How do you turn down the dial on the implicit Paddington-Bear schoolyard energy of a duffel coat? By making it all-black, right down to the Corozo toggles, and swapping the dainty hood for a stand collar that accentuates the long-and-luxe looks of Lemaire’s take. This one’s both slightly oversized and unlined, so it’ll let you pack extra layers underneath—or just keep wearing it even after Spring Break.
The Trenchcoat with Extra Cool
A khaki trench coat has been the gentleman’s default defense against rain and chill for over a century, and we remain staunch fans. But a blacked-out alternative like this minimalist knee-length version from the Copenhagen-based Mfpen—big, flowy, with raglan shoulders like grandad’s overcoat— let’s everyone know you don’t do “default.” It looks a little cooler and moves a little looser, all while the lightly crinkly nylon-cotton shell shrugs off drizzle and snow just like its forebear.
The Minimalist Coat
This coat from Acne is all-killer, no-filler—literally. Unlined wool is married to timeless details like a three-button front, notch lapels, and a fit that’s neither too-slim nor giant-sized. All that Scandinavian simplicity means you’ll need an extra layer or two to help with tundra-grade temps. But the fact that this coat’s so pared down means it’s the perfect backdrop for even your funkiest, most eye-popping pieces.
The Peacoat with Panache
We love a peacoat as much as the next sailor, but if you’re ready to evolve beyond the standard-issue style, then this version from the recently-revamped Madewell is ready for duty. Like the original recipe, it features a double-breasted design and a set of healthy lapels. The extra length, though, transforms it into a swaggering oversized coat with nearly neck-to-ankles coverage for the windiest days on land or sea. At the regular price it’s a strong buy, but it’s on sale (as of the day we published this story), which makes it both a real steal—and, we’re guessing, likely to disappear soon.
The Supervillain Coat
Saint Laurent’s shoetop-skimming, peak-lapeled, pointy-shouldered overcoat brings a supervillain’s flair for the dramatic, but remains a hero when it comes to blocking out the cold thanks to 100% wool lined in pure silk. True, a floor-length coat amid snow and slush is probably impractical, unless your driver is always waiting outside. A little dry cleaning will be worth the gasps you’ll elicit as you power-stride into the room with your coat of dramatic armor, though.
The Workout-to-Working-Hard Coat
Since 2013, Nike’s tech fleece has been as common in weight rooms as creatine. Now you can enjoy that same soft comfort in a car coat that’s made from the Swoosh’s proprietary stretch-fleece fabric. It’s rounded off and laid back, with big patch pockets at the waist. Bust it out with sweaters and khakis for rest days, but don’t be afraid to toss it over workout gear when you head to the gym. It’ll definitely fit into the locker better than your giant puffer.
The Easy Elegance Coat
Fear of God designer Jerry Lorenzo has reinvented American menswear by mixing together streetwear details and 1990s oversized silhouettes, then rendering them through a stark and luxurious right-now lens. This virgin wool coat is pared down to the essentials (no pun intended), with only a pair of front buttons and an understated notch lapel. It certainly could be worn over one of the brand’s strong-shouldered suits, but hits its stride when paired with the precisely-cut athleisure the brand is famous for. This coat can, and will, turn a hoodie, sweats, and sneakers into a red carpet fit.
The Budget (But Not Basic) Coat
Okay, you got us—this coat from Gap isn’t technically black. But if you’re one of those menswear traditionalists whose closet is mix-‘n’-match shades of navy and gray, it’s going to fit in like the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle. Then you’ll fall in love with the relaxed fit and vintage-inflected charm of the raglan sleeves, cut from a geezer-y flecked fabric features with just the right amount of texture. Best of all? It can be had for a “good old days” price of less than 250 bucks.
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