We Try Before You Buy: The Very Best Winter Coats on the Market for 2025
Our We Try Before You Buy series aims to take the stress out of shopping and eliminate the number of Post Office visits you make each month to return failed online orders. We test new-season buys and styling ideas so you don’t have to, and this month, our editors gave dozens of new winter coats a spin to bring you their edit of the ones that are truly worth investing in.
The chilly season is officially upon us, and the desire to bundle up, take cover and shield ourselves from the elements is growing strong. This isn’t to say we’re going to retreat and hide indoors entirely; it is possible to wrap up, step out and look suitably stylish, too. Cashmere knitwear is one way to do this, as are cute, cosy accessories such as hats, gloves and scarves. However, I’d argue that the best way to stay warm and stylish during winter is to invest in a winter coat that suits your needs, budget and aesthetic requirements, whilst perfectly slipping into your existing capsule wardrobe. Not only will a great coat complete your look, it will make it.
For this instalment of We Try Before You Buy, Who What Wear UK’s host of (very picky, very style-conscious!) in-house editors have turned their attention to winter coats and winter coats only. We have been road-testing a wide array of styles, from classic wool and silky shearling to faux-fur alternatives, leather styles and some key trending pieces of the moment, so that you can get the full scoop before deciding which coat is for you. We gave a plethora of high-street and luxury styles a whirl, picking only our favourites, which we know are worth your hard-earned money and wardrobe space. So, ready to upgrade your coat for winter 2025?
Read on to see and shop the very best winter coats that get the Who What Wear UK stamp of approval. Happy shopping, and stay warm!
1. The Leather Coat
“I’m currently in the midst of curating an enduring capsule wardrobe composed of truly timeless pieces. Instantly, this Toteme coat fits right in. With a nod to the classic trench via the beige colourway, double-breasted silhouette, and belted waist, I can see myself reaching for it year after year. True to form, Toteme brings a contemporary update with a supple leather finish and collarless design, featuring ruching on the back that makes every angle of the coat eye-catching. Harmoniously balancing classic features and trending detailing is what Toteme does best, and this coat is a perfect example of that.” — Florrie Alexander, shopping editor
Pros: Looks great layered with knits or worn simply over a classic T-shirt.
Cons: The sleeve length is quite long, and it will need careful storage to avoid creasing.
Shop the Toteme Collarless Leather Coat:
Toteme
Collarless Leather Coat in Rye
Shop More Leather Coats:
Toteme
Belted Leather Coat in Black
Toteme
Army Leather Jacket in Camel
Toteme
Raglan Leather Coat in Black
2. The Mandarin Coat
“When considering the coat of the season, Róhe is front of mind for me. Ever since I first saw its Mandarin jacket—a shorter version of this one that comes in grey, black, cream and in wool, leather or linen—I’ve found myself yearning for it. This full-length coat version, however, is like its smarter, more professional older sister. It still has the signature toggle ties, which makes the coat a touch different from your standard black style, but its dramatic length feels somehow more grown-up. Whatever you wear underneath, be it jeans and a plain tee, or a satin gown for a special event during party season, this coat will elevate it like nothing else.”— Rebecca Rhys-Evans, acting deputy editor
Pros: Long and black, this coat feels timeless and effortless to throw on, and although it’s a trending piece, I think it’ll age well with me and my wardrobe.
Cons: Despite loving the toggle ties, they do make it a little trickier to wear the coat open.
Shop the Róhe Mandarin Wool Coat:
Shop More Mandarin Coats:
Róhe
Mandarin Leather Jacket
Róhe
Mandarin Faux Fur Coat
Róhe
Mandarin Wool Jacket
3. The Faux-Fur Coat
“Finding a winter coat is an art. When sourced well, this is a piece that will survive all subsequent winters and see you through every weather-related trial and outfit-associated tribulation the season throws at you. In turn, the quest to uncover the style you can wear with nearly everything else you own can be as arduous as navigating peak-hour congestion on the London Underground. In the past, this journey has led me to everything from Saville Row-inspired boxy, Herringbone tailored coats to something you’d find in Penny Lane’s wardrobe from Almost Famous.
For 2025, I’ve leaned slightly more towards the latter with a shaggy faux-fur midi coat from & Other Stories. To me, the textured fabric reminds me of something you’d find on a yeti, which is perfect for the frost-bitten months on the horizon. But better still, it’s a dead ringer for a style the Olsen Twins would’ve worn whilst stalking around New York during the mid-2000s. Just get me an oversized Starbucks cup and anti-paparazzi-flash-sunglasses, and I’ve got my cold-weather uniform sorted.” — Ava Gilchrist, SEO writer
Pros: The cut is generously oversized, meaning you can easily layer underneath it without worrying about overheating or feeling restricted.
Cons: The style is buttonless, which certainly gives it that chic collarless design, but it doesn’t help when you want to shield against freezing wind.
Shop the & Other Stories Faux-Fur Midi Coat:
& Other Stories
Faux-Fur Midi Coat
Shop More Faux-Fur Coats:
& Other Stories
Faux Fur Leopard Coat
& Other Stories
Belted Faux Fur Coat
& Other Stories
Short Faux Fur Jacket
4. The Classic Wool Coat
“When shopping for my next investment buy, I’m always keen to keep things simple, classic and pared-back, with key pieces which will seamlessly slip into my curated wardrobe. So when it comes to coats and jackets, my eye naturally gravitates towards styles that hark back to classic, heritage shapes. Luckily for me, this best-selling Lori coat from my favourite brand, Whistles, is back in stock, just in time for winter. Structured, longline, double-breasted and in true black, this is the kind of coat I know I’ll be wearing all through till February and for years to come.” — Emily Post, graphic designer
Pros: Classic, heavy fabric, wool-blend.
Cons: We wish it were made from 100% wool.
Shop the Whistles Lori Coat:
Whistles
Black Lori Longline Coat
Shop More Classic Wool Coats:
Massimo Dutti
100% Wool Long Double-Breasted Coat
Polo Ralph Lauren
Double Breasted Wool Melton Coat
M&S x Bella Freud
Pure Wool Belted Double Breasted Coat
5. The Luxury Shearling Coat
“When hunting for a new winter coat, I knew I wanted something fuzzy, luxe and very warm. Nour Hammour is the brand on every fashion insider’s lips of late, and so I naturally gravitated to its line of premium shearling styles, which are setting the benchmark for chic, high-quality coats and jackets right now. I opted for the Elsa style, a mid-length coat in lustrous shearling complete with snap closures, a short funnel neck and a tie waist, and it comes in a decadent shade of marbled chocolate brown.
“This is the type of coat that can take you from more casual daytime looks (like a cashmere jumper, indigo jeans and pointed flats), or draped over a chic evening look, such as fine merino knitwear with tailored trousers and heeled boots. This coat gives classic Carolyn Bessette Kennedy energy—my ultimate style reference. Regarding sizing, I’m typically a UK 10, but I took the coat in an XS, as it’s oversized and I wanted a more tailored, cinched-in look.” — Sophie Watson, acting fashion editor
Pros: Premium quality, 100% lambskin shearling and timeless in style.
Cons: High price-point, but the quality reflects this. It is a true investment piece.
Shop the Nour Hammour Elsa Coat:
Nour Hammour
The Elsa Coat
Shop More Luxury Shearling Coats:
Nour Hammour
The Evita Coat
Nour Hammour
The Carolyn Coat
Nour Hammour
The Linden Coat
6. The Khaki Coat
“I take finding the perfect winter coat incredibly seriously. Existing in a perpetual state of cold, there’s nothing I desire more than a cosy silhouette that oozes chic whilst feeling like I’ve taken my bed out with me. I’m pretty tall, so when looking to invest, I tend to gravitate towards sweeping maxi styles which work perfectly with my 5’10” height, typically in a muted winter neutral. Reiss’s sumptuous olive coat took my fancy, even though it’s a departure from the taupe, beige and biscuit tones I normally go for.
“With a trench-like silhouette, the plush brushed wool offers both comfort and structure, and the elevated green shade (which is fast becoming one of this winter’s defining colours) complemented my complexion and felt quietly festive. Finished with tortoiseshell buttons and a matching belt, this coat is nothing short of sublime, and for the first time in months, I’m looking forward to the chillier days.” — Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, junior fashion editor
Pros: Plush, cosy, warm and in a modern olive hue.
Cons: Dry-clean only, but it is made from premium 100% wool.
Shop the Reiss Atelier Khaki Wool Coat:
Reiss
Atelier Wool Belted Blindseam Coat
Shop More Khaki Coats:
Whistles
Khaki Romy Boucle Coat
M&S Collection
Wool Blend Collared Car Coat
COS
Oversized Wool Long Coat
7. The Funnel-Neck Coat
“As much as funnel-neck coats are seriously trending right now, I think they have firmly cemented their status as a classic outerwear style. Having reported on their ascension this autumn, winter is when they’ll really come to the fore. Hush is on the money with its double-faced wool options, and the high funnel neck will be sure to keep me warm and my hair protected from the blustery London winds this season. I opted for a navy style, as I find black coats a little heavy in tone, and this deep navy pairs well with jeans and leather accessories for that Parisienne look and feel.” — Natalie Munro, news writer
Pros: Chic navy tone, 100% soft wool, ankle-length and good for tall people.
Cons: The silhouette isn’t structured, and the coat is dry-clean only.
Shop the Hush Funnel-Neck Coat:
HUSH
Pure Wool Double-Faced Funnel-Neck Belted Coat
Shop More Funnel-Neck Coats:
Whistles
Taupe Morgan Funnel-Neck Coat
HUSH
Funnel-Neck Belted Coat
8. The Wrap Coat
“I was drawn to this double-faced wool coat from The White Company because it delivers exactly what I’m looking for: clean lines, a refined silhouette and real quality that doesn’t shout. As someone who has a fairly classic sense of style, I value pieces that quietly stand the test of time, not just reflect the current season’s hype. The fabric has a nicely substantial feel, and the belt-wrap style adds polish without fuss. I’ve long admired The White Company for creating wardrobe foundations that feel elevated yet perfectly wearable, so this coat isn’t just a 2025 treat; it’s a considered investment. I know it will work effortlessly with everything from tailoring to relaxed knitwear, and it’ll stay relevant far beyond this year.” — Humaa Hussain, junior branded content editor
Pros: Feels cosy and warm, neutral in tone.
Cons: Lacks structure, but this is good for off-duty dressing.
Shop The White Company Double-Faced Wool Coat:
The White Company
Double-Faced Wool Coat
Shop More Wrap Coats:
& Other Stories
Shawl-Collar Wool Maxi Coat
ASOS
Collarless Boucle Coat
9. The Scarf Coat
“What better way to face the chilly winter days ahead than in a coat with a built-in scarf? Róhe has been offering this style for a few seasons now, and I thought it was high time to give its signature outerwear piece a spin. I picked the soft grey melange tone, which pairs well with black, chocolate-brown and winter white hues (my autumn/winter 2025 palette of choice). The scarf attachment is a little fiddly to get the hang of initially, so just throw caution to the wind and let it fall over your shoulders gently and fluidly. The wind will pick it up and bring the drama! This coat is a wealth-whispering showstopper, if you ask me.” — Sophie Watson, acting fashion editor
Pros: Scarf attachment allows for more styling options—no need for extra accessories!
Cons: Needs some attention to get the scarf to fall nicely, but you’ll get the hang of it.
Shop the Róhe Signature Scarf Coat:
Róhe
Signature Double-Faced Scarf Coat
Shop More Scarf Coats:
Róhe
Signature Scarf Coat With Belt
Róhe
Signature Scarf Coat
Róhe
Oversized Classic Scarf Trench
10. The Cape Coat
“I never imagined I’d find myself waxing lyrical about a cape coat, but here we are. Me+Em’s swing cape in this espresso shade is, quite genuinely, the epitome of chic. As someone who’s 5’2″, I assumed the volume would overwhelm me, but it did the exact opposite. It hits that rare balance of oversized and refined; structured enough to hold its shape, but with a nonchalant, effortless sway that feels incredibly expensive. I love it!” — Marina Avraam, senior shopping editor
Pros: Great for petites; it creates shape rather than swallowing you.
Cons: Not the warmest option for the coldest days, so you’ll need layers underneath.
Shop the Me+Em Curved Seam Cape Coat:
ME+EM
Curved Seam Cape Coat
Shop More Cape Coats:
JAEGER
Pure Wool Cape Coat
COS
Double-Faced Wool Long Cape
11. The White Coat
“I never thought I needed a white coat, but this one has me completely sold. The Frankie Shop is a destination for staple pieces, and the Gaia is exactly that. It’s a coat that would live in my wardrobe forever. At 5’9″, this was a great length on me (but this is potentially a warning for shorter dressers!). I love the boxy shoulders and oversized fit, and it really feels like I could throw this over anything and it would look put-together. Yes, it’s an investment, but when it comes to outerwear, spending a little more on good quality is worth it in the long run. Let me wear this coat all winter and live out my Hallmark Christmas-movie dreams.” — Megan Storey, social media editor
Pros: Classic shape, structured shoulders, cool, oversized silhouette.
Cons: Needs careful handling, dry-clean only, not one for public transport!
Shop The Frankie Shop Gaia Coat:
The Frankie Shop
Gaia Double Breasted Coat
Shop More White Coats:
LOULOU DE SAISON
Cashmere-Blend Coat
YVES SALOMON
Shearling Coat
12. The Teddy Coat
“If money were no object, I’d already own Max Mara’s Teddy Bear Icon Coat. It’s cloud-soft, luxuriously heavy, impeccably made and the perfect layer to snuggle up in. I’d wear it with basically everything; it would even make trackies and Crocs look chic. Yes, it’s a lot of money, but you’d wear it forever, and it would never go out of style.” — Georgia Seago, copy editor
Pros: Super warm, a modern classic, natural tone which suits everyone.
Cons: Expensive, but this is reflected in the quality and fabric.
Shop the Max Mara Teddy Bear Icon Coat:
Max Mara
Teddy Bear Icon Coat
Shop More Teddy Coats:
Max Mara
Teddy Bear Icon Coat in Alpaca and Wool
Max Mara
Teddy Bear Icon Coat in Alpaca and Wool
Max Mara
Teddy Bear Icon Coat in Alpaca and Wool
13. The Shearling Coat
“When the temperatures drop, I immediately look to Whistles to kit out my winter wardrobe. I’ve been on the hunt for a statement coat that would keep me warm, and this furry option ticks all of the boxes. The super-soft shearling pairs well with a dressed-down outfit but could also easily elevate an evening ensemble, which is just what I need for party season.” — Jerrylyn Saguiped, client success manager
Pros: Eye-catching olive colour, soft shearling fabric.
Cons: High price, but this piece is 100% shearling.
Shop the Whistles Tamina Shearling Coat:
Whistles
Olive Tamina Short Shearling Coat
Shop More Shearling Coats:
Whistles
Ivory Hema Shearling Coat
Whistles
Black Shearling Coat
Whistles
Navy Hema Shearling Coat
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