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On the coldest days of the year, nothing will keep you warmer than a good coat, but extra-cozy outerwear sometimes comes off as schlumpy. That’s where a classic wool coat comes in. It’s the smart basic that you can throw over any work outfit. But if yours is starting to look a little worse for the wear, or you’re just in the mood for a new version, you don’t necessarily have to splurge on a new winter wool coat. In fact, there are plenty of stylish and good quality options for $400 or less. But if you’re not sure where to begin, here’s some tips to guide you in your search for the wool coat that’s right for you and your winter wardrobe.
So whether you want to diverge from your classic camel coat, want a classic shape and pattern, an oversize option, or something with personality, scroll ahead to shop our wool coat favorites.
The Double-Breasted One
Sizes: XXS–XL | Materials: Wool, polyamide | Colors: 2
For those who like the traditional look of a classic double-breasted coat but prefer a more relaxed fit, this Rag & Bone style is the essential wardrobe piece you’ve been looking for. The vintage-inspired military jacket is made from Italian double-faced wool and features the brand’s signature metal dagger buttons, backed in leather.
Because Brown Is Trending
Sizes: 2XS–XL | Materials: Virgin wool, nylon | Colors: 9
If you haven’t already heard, brown is the new black — especially for the fall-winter season. Sport the trend with this sophisticated peaked lapel coat that’s made of melton wool. With a vegan chamois lining, it’s constructed to keep you cozy in cold temperatures.
The One With a Detachable Scarf
Sizes: S–L | Materials: Wool, recycled polyester | Colors: 1
We love a convertible coat like this GSTQ design that has a detachable matching scarf. The herringbone-pattern coat features a double-faced wool exterior and a recycled polyester interior, making it just as chic as it is warm. On chiller days, wrap up in the detachable matching scarf.
The Cream-Colored Coat
Sizes: XS–XXL | Materials: Wool, polyester, acrylic | Colors: 4
It’s always a great idea to break up the dark winter tones with something light, and a cream-colored coat is one great way to do that. This Zara wool wrap coat has a thick lapel collar and waist-belt closure, so it’s an easy-to-wear coat that’ll fit right into your winter wardrobe rotation.
If You Want to Be Bold
Sizes: 2–14 | Materials: Wool | Colors: 4
You can also steer away from dark winter color palettes with a bold eye-catching hue. This Sézane coat comes in an assortment of hues, from vibrant royal purple to a soft pink. The double-faced coat is made of 100 percent wool and designed to keep you 100 percent warm.
The Under-$200 Find
Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: Acrylic, polyester, wool | Colors: 1
Who doesn’t love a sharp pinstripe look? This sleek and structured navy coat is a sophisticated option that will top off any outfit and make you look and feel like a million bucks — all for under $200.
The Sleek Fitted One
Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: Wool-inspired fabrics, viscose, polyester | Colors: 2
This sleek and structured Free People coat is ideal for those who like the crisp, tailored look. It features thin, long lapels with cool side slits and a one-button closure.
The Most Flattering One
Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: Recycled wool, recycled polyamide, polyamide | Colors: 4
Snatch your waistline with this fitted coat from Reformation; style it as a double-breasted coat on cold days or wear it unbuttoned like a duster in more mild temperatures.
The Wool Trench Coat
Sizes: XXS–XL | Materials: Wool | Colors: 1
Lighter trench coats might not transition well into the winter. If you prefer the trench style but want something a bit heavier, this butter-colored Sandro coat might be exactly what you need. The 100 percent wool design features a removable tie waist belt and button cuffs on the sleeves.
The Leopard-Print Coat
Sizes: S–L | Materials: Wool, recycled polyester | Colors: 1
This chocolate-brown and black animal-print coat combines ecoconscious ethics with style. Made from upcycled materials, the single-breasted, straight-hemmed design will earn you compliments as soon as you enter a room.
The Glacial-Gray Coat
Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: Wool, recycled polyester | Colors: 1
Gray is a great alternative to white or cream if you want to lighten up your winter wardrobe. And you can do so with this feminine military-style coat by Astr the Label. The best-selling design has all elements of a classic coat but with a more vintage feel, thanks to the bold padded shoulders.
The Plaid Option
Sizes: XXS–XL | Materials: Recycled wool, recycled polyester | Colors: 3
Trade in your solid coats for a plaid peacoat — this one has versatile charcoal and biscotti tones that will elevate your winter basics.
The Surprise Favorite
Sizes: 0–18 | Materials: Wool, polyester, cashmere | Colors: 8
When a wool coat costs $200, it’s fair to be skeptical, but if reviews are any indication, this coat is a surprise winner. It has a timeless silhouette that’s perfect to wear for any occasion.
Because You’re an Everlane Fanatic
Sizes: XXS–XL | Materials: Recycled wool, recycled nylon, recycled polyester | Colors: 1
You know what you like. And it definitely includes this minimalist, cocoon coat made from the brand’s own Rewool.
The Best Double-Breasted Wool Coat
Sizes: XS–L | Materials: Acrylic, wool, polyester, rayon | Colors: 1
Made with 35 percent wool, this double-breasted coat is ideal if you’re aiming for a preppy look.
The Best Classic Wool Coat
Sizes: 2XS–2XL | Materials: Camel hair, virgin wool, polyamide | Colors: 2
A classic black coat is necessary for every wardrobe. Its slouchy silhouette is also perfect for layering.
If All You Want Is a Good Black Coat
Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: Wool, nylon, cashmere, polyester | Colors: 2
Made of recycled MWool®, this wrap-tie coat is an easy, street chic item to throw on for cool days when you want to achieve that “model off duty,” effortless fall fashion girl look.
If You Want One That Looks Like a Shirt
Sizes: 2XS–XL | Materials: Wool, polyester | Colors: 6
A shirt jacket (or “shacket,” as the internet so lovingly refers to it) is always a great option for an added layer on those 60-degree, slightly chilly days. And while plaid and flannel shacket styles are always a popular choice, the soft lilac is a fun choice for something a little different. But if you’re someone who really loves their plaid, or even classic camel, the style also comes in a varied selection of colors and patterns.
The Best Duster
Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: Recycled MWool, recycled polyamide, polyamide | Colors: 3
This houndstooth coat exudes an elevated elegance, especially when styled over a pair of cool leather pants or some baggy jeans for a full fall look.
The Dad Coat
Sizes: 2XS–2XL | Materials: Polyester, wool, acrylic, nylon, viscose | Colors: 4
If you love a good boyfriend sweater, then this Abercrombie “Dad Coat” is for you. Similar to Reformation’s houndstooth style coat, this brown color scheme gives vintage ’70s dad blazer vibes, but in tailored-jacket form.
The One With the Structured Shoulders
Sizes: 2XS–XL | Materials: Wool, polyester | Colors: 1
If you haven’t heard, structured shoulders are back, and they’re the crème de la crème of this stylish beige coat. But the best part of this L’Academie design? If you’re not totally feeling the structured look one day, the coat’s shoulder pads are removable!
The Sale Find
Sizes: 00–12 | Materials: Wool, recycled polyester | Colors: 3
For this sharp mid-length, peacoat style, you’d normally have to shell out about $800. But now, you can score this double-breasted design for a fraction of the price. This deep Bordeaux colorway is a rich hue that isn’t just black or gray, plus it goes with the fall jewel-tone aesthetic.
The Best Belted Wool Coat
Sizes: XS–L | Materials: Wool | Colors: 4
There’s something so elegant and yet so cool about coats with a wrap-tie closure, but on days when it’s truly freezing, those ties don’t help much with true warmth. Luckily this trendy oversize coat has both a tie closure and concealed double-breasted buttons so that you’re double secured for those extra cold days.
The One With the Statement Collar
Sizes: XS–L | Materials: Wool, acrylic, nylon | Colors: 2
Featuring a large notched collar and puckered-cuff sleeves, this style is timeless and feminine. The oversize silhouette makes it perfect for layering over your favorite seasonal sweaters.
FAQs
How can I get a bang for my buck?
The key is to focus on the fabric percentages. Obviously, if the coat is made from only wool, nothing to question. But if it’s a wool-blend coat, aim for the material composition to be at least 50 percent or more wool, or look for the inclusion of other warm quality fabrics like cashmere, so you can get the bang for your buck without sacrificing your limbs to the cold.
What is the best color for a wool coat?
Color is always a personal preference, but it’s no surprise that people often gravitate toward darker shades in the fall-winter months. Sure, having a wool coat in black or gray is always versatile, and probably forever classic. But if you want to diverge from the winter wardrobe darkness, brighten up your coat closet with some colorful wool coat options and even some winter whites or cream colors. You don’t have to have a rainbow of coats (though that is an ambition of some), but why not have a versatile assortment? You know, one black wool for everyday and one spicy red for special occasions.
How do I take care of my wool coat?
Make sure to double-check the recommendations for washing the coat before attempting that first clean. Either read the tag or the material and cleaning details on line before ordering to know if you have to take it to the dry cleaners or if you can wash it at home. (Although it’s pretty safe to say the majority of wool coats will need to be dry cleaned). In addition to cleaning, there are other care protocols such as de-wrinkling, fabric care, etc, that you want to make sure of before, let’s say, putting a hot iron on a coat that can only take low heat and damaging the fibers.