warm, lightweight and formal - winter coat recommendations sought

[schitzo]

It's time to buy a non leather formal coat for wearing to the office in winter. Suffice to say I have no brand allegiance to anyone, I just want to find something that looks smart and ticks as many of the boxes as possible. I'm wondering which of the fabrics out there are best in terms of providing warmth minus bulk. Specifically, is there a modern fabric that outperforms wool? I don't really know where to start with this one so it's over to you chaps. Thanks for any suggestions

 

[Plumbline]

Hey Schitzo ..... depends on how formal you want ....

Hard to beat the old Schott 740N Peacoat as a great winter coat over a shirt or shirt and pullover. Mine is 5 years old and shows NO sign of wear or distress .... I think it'll outlast me and I picked it up for £65 on the bay BRAND NEW !

For a more formal full length Tyrwhitt do some very fine Wool and Cashmere coats ... very well made and they were on sale a few weeks ago. The also used to do a very formal Covert coat which was exceptionally well tailored .. even Mike Waterstone commented on mine and he usually doesn't have a good word to say about "modern" tailoring.

I haven't found anything from a "modern" perspective that has the capacity for warmth ( even when wet) that wool ..... for a formal coat. Now a raincoat .. that's a whole different kettle of worms

 

[ykurtz]

In the spirit of FL, I like the kind of overcoats available at O'Connell's: http://www.oconnellsclothing.com/home.php?cat=377 The coats are pretty classic. Granted, some of the items are a bit pricey, but you'll likely get some ideas.

 

[schitzo]

guys, thanks for these

Upon reflection I'm thinking of something a bit less formal than those overcoats. Tbh I don't care for open collars, and I also don't really like peacoats

 

[pauleway]

guys, thanks for these

Upon reflection I'm thinking of something a bit less formal than those overcoats. Tbh I don't care for open collars, and I also don't really like peacoats

Hello Schitz, I have an Aero 1930's HB in All Wool coming my way this week. If you do prefer a wool coat, you could take one of Aero's many designs and see if they can make it from the wool they have available. I think the colors they have are Navy Blue, Sherwood Green, and Black. Just a thought, and option for you!

 

[Grayland]

Hello Schitz, I have an Aero 1930's HB in All Wool coming my way this week. If you do prefer a wool coat, you could take one of Aero's many designs and see if they can make it from the wool they have available. I think the colors they have are Navy Blue, Sherwood Green, and Black. Just a thought, and option for you!

That Sherwood Green one you have coming is beautiful. Never even thought of doing that, but it looks really cool. A long halfbelt version of that would make a nice, more formal jacket.

I have picked up several really nice wool overcoats in thrift stores, but that doesn't seem to be what Schitzo is looking for.

 

[pauleway]

That Sherwood Green one you have coming is beautiful. Never even thought of doing that, but it looks really cool. A long halfbelt version of that would make a nice, more formal jacket.

I have picked up several really nice wool overcoats in thrift stores, but that doesn't seem to be what Schitzo is looking for.

Can't wait to see it myself. Inspired by the movie "Seabiscuit" that had a lot of the old style wool and leather jackets. BTW - that 30's HB I bought from you last year was a little tight on me, so I gave it to my younger son, and fits him like a glove!!

 

[Grayland]

Can't wait to see it myself. Inspired by the movie "Seabiscuit" that had a lot of the old style wool and leather jackets. BTW - that 30's HB I bought from you last year was a little tight on me, so I gave it to my younger son, and fits him like a glove!!

Glad to hear that. Damn, my dad never gave me any Aero leather jackets!

 

[tropicalbob]

Nothing beats a loden coat, imho, for warmth, looks, and rain-resistance. Plus, they never go out of style. I have a Schneider's that I got years ago, and it still looks great.

 

[Boyo]

Schitzo, I'm with the crowd on this one, if it's to be worn over a suit, or in to a "formal" office setting it has to be an overcoat, probably made from wool or some type of blend, the length should hit at about the knee or a bit above. You will probably have to settle for something from a department store..I'm sure you've already ruled out the Barbour and Belstaff line

 

[Peacoat]

I also don't really like peacoats

Heresy.

 

[Worf]

Heresy.

Mwa ha ha ha ha!!!!

Worf

 

[schitzo]

Heresy.

Sorry bud. I actually thought of you when I typed that, and hoped you wouldn't notice!

 

[Fanch]

Peacoat knows all and sees all.

 

[OneEyeMan]

Heresy.

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[GHT]

Heresy eh? Well at the risk of being a heretic.......
Seriously, what sort of budget do you have in mind? There is a tailor in Kings Lynn that specialises in made to measure coats. All you have to do is find a style that you like, from whatever era, just search the internet, select a material, and they will do the rest. Here's the link: George Goddard Ltd.