Autumn Jackets Roundup: 2020 Edition
I don’t know about you guys but I LOVE it when fall comes around and this year is no exception in spite of the lockdown.
Why?
Cos fall is the time of the year when we can break out all of our favorite autumn jackets.
We can also start wearing cozy sweaters and rock some sharp layering, even during an epidemic. You do, after all, still have to start bundling up if you’re going out. No excuse not to do it in style.
Not sure where to begin?
Need a new fall coat? Maybe a few?
Fear not, gents. In today’s article I’ve got a complete rundown of all of my favorite autumn jackets so you can heat up your style even as the temperature cools.
I realize how nebulous the term “fall” is in terms of actual temperature or weather conditions. Rain? Sun? Frost? Hurricane?
I got you covered just the same: I’ve included light and heavy outerwear on this list, as well as a great many options that are waterproof.
Of course, the real question is whether you an pull off a duffle coat like Paddington Bear can.
Tough call.
Either way, I’ve got all your autumn jacket options covered so YOU can be covered in style for the next few months. Add a hat and gloves and a lot of these will serve you equally well through winter as long as you don’t live in Siberia.
Shall we begin then?
Bomber Jacket
Description: This number is a well-known staple thanks to Top Gun and other aviation movies, but it’s equally stylish in all casual situations on the ground and an excellent choice if you’re a biker.
Like most jackets in this roundup, it's waist-length. It has a gathered, ribbed waistband and matching cuffs. Although their collar styles can vary, bombers zip all the way up in front and they often have functional pockets at the top and sides.
My pick: The Alpha Industries MA-1 Skymaster.
Other brands to look out for: Levi’s, Paul Smith, Les Hommes, Kingsman, Ralph Lauren.
Denim Trucker
Description: The essential top half of the Canadian Tuxedo, the Trucker Jacket, also known as the jean jacket is a good pick for a cooler casual day if you’re going for a rugged aesthetic.
Structurally, it’s quite similar to the bomber jacket only the waist and cuffs are looser and the front is more often buttons than a zipper.
Avoid pairing it with jeans unless you manage to find some in the exact same shade as the jacket. Good luck with that. I don’t know how the model pulled it off.
My pick: Levi’s. Obviously.
Other brands to look out for: APC, Asos, River Island, All Saints, Gap, Carhart, H&M,
QuilTed Jacket
Description: This thin but surprisingly warm jacket's distinguishing feature is, of course, the quilting that appears all over it. It's not good over a suit (quilted jackets are pretty casual and not particularly roomy in the shoulders) but it's a good informal choice on a colder day.
Quilted jackets can vary when it comes to lengths and collar styles. They usually have a nylon shell and synthetic stuffing, sometimes with cotton collars and cuffs.
My pick: Barbour Benton.
Other brands to look out for: Taylor Stitch, Wellen, L.L. Bean, Flint and Tinder.
TrenCH Coat
Shout out to Darren Kennedy for the photo. Follow him on IG here.
Description: This style icon has honorable roots as the WWI soldier's outerwear of choice to protect him in the trenches. It remains popular to this day, and for good reason: like a lot of men's clothing with military origins, the trench coat is both stylish and functional. They're often waterproof, made of heavy-duty gabardine, waxed cotton or even leather, and generally have a removable insulated lining and raglan sleeves with epaulets. Their length varies from just above the ankles (the longest) to above the knee (the shortest).
Trench coats are double-breasted with 10 front buttons, and their other distinguishing features include wide lapels, a storm flap, and pockets that button closed. They're belted at the waist, although purists say you should always knot them instead.
My pick: Burberry, if you can afford it. They’ve been making them for a long time and they know what they’re doing. Worth the investment IMHO.
Other brands to look out for: American Trench, Hockerty, Mackintosh, Hugo Boss, Uniqlo, ASOS, Paul Smith, Aspesi.
Peacoat
Description: Another men's wardrobe staple with military origins, the peacoat is one of the more formal options on this list and perhaps your best choice if it's not quite cold enough for an overcoat. Peacoats are usually waist length or slightly longer and always made of wool. They are most often Navy blue and have broad lapels, vertical slash pockets and and double-breasted fronts. Their buttons are large and often wood or metal.
My pick: Burnett Classic Wool Peacoat by Andrew Marc.
Other brands to look out for: Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, Nobis Kato, Todd Snyder.
Field Jacket
Description: As its name suggests, this option also has military origins and retains most of its tactical features. Field jackets often have a concealable hood, adjustable cuffs, snap buttons and a plethora of large pockets They're usually heavyweight cotton and the better brands use canvas construction, which adds a third layer between the outer shell and the lining to help the jacket keep its shape and offer a bit more warmth. Their most popular color is olive green (IMHO a painfully underrated color in menswear), but you'll also find them in brown and gray.
My pick: Filson 3-layer field jacket.
Other brands to look out for: Flint and Tinder, Mission Workshop, Proof, Barbour, Relwen.
Harrington
Description: One of the few jackets whose name comes directly from its best-known brand, the Harrington is a lightweight, waist-length jacket with a waistband and cuffs similar to a bomber. Its casual, preppy style almost makes it a type of athleisure and it’s a popular choice for European athletes and artists. Harrington jackets zip up the front and usually have a slimmer fit and two large front pockets. Their signature feature is a tartan plaid lining.
My pick: The Original Harrington
Other brands to look out for: G9, ASOS, Ben Sherman, Albam, Baracuta
Shirt Jacket
Description: Cryptic name, right? What could it possibly mean? You guessed it: this is a jacket designed in the style of a shirt. These jackets are usually button-down and have the same collar as your standard work shirt. They're often plaid and can be made of waxed cotton canvas, fleece, cotton flannel, or wool. They aren't particularly heavy but they often have a warm lining. This and their extra front pockets are the main features distinguishing them from a shirt.
My pick: Topo Designs Breaker Shirt Jacket
Other brands to look out for: Flint and Tinder, Filson, J. Crew, Patagonia, Taylor Stitch, Alex Mill, Peter Millar, Journeyman, Madewell
“Bro Sweater”
Description: Sorry for the silly name. Perhaps you better know this icon of casual young men's style as the half-zip mock. It's essentially a sweater with a zipper that goes midway down your chest and it's great for layering over dress shirts and ties in much the same way as a casual blazer. Some might say that they're not specifically outerwear, and that's understandable since they're usually rather lightweight. They're most often made of wool, cashmere, cotton or fleece and manufactured with a lighter weave known as "sweatshirt" fabric.
My pick: Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt
Other brands to look out for: Frank and Oak, Express, Quicksilver, Old Navy, Dillard’s.
Duffle COat
Description: Proably one of the warmer options on this list, the Duffle Coat is a bold choice but a sharp one. Made of water-repellent wool and often hooded, it usually comes to mid-thigh, has a button-up collar bar and large pockets. Its distinguishing feature is that its buttons are actually wooden toggles and rope loops, which makes it a good choice when winter comes cos these toggles are quite easy to fasten even when wearing gloves.
My pick: Gloverall Classic Morris Duffle Coat
Other brands to look out for: Moncler, Oliver Spencer, Original Montgomery, Burberry, Uniqlo
Casual Technical
Description: This odd but effective hybrid between a zip-mock and a vest is best for casual situations and borders on athleisure. It's great for a quick trip to the grocery store after the gym or even for an autumn meetup with your running club but avoid it on first dates and job interviews. Technical jackets are waist-length and made of a unique four-way stretch fabric, which is what usually explains their higher price tag. They feature a quilted front and a double zipper.
My pick: Enzo Hybrid Tech Jacket
Other brands to look out for: Formula 1, Icebreaker, Ralph Lauren, The North Face, Fisher & Baker.
Conclusion
So there you have it, gents. My autumn jacket round-up. Hope you found it helpful.
Do you agree with my list? What did I miss? What’s your go-to outerwear this time of year?
Let me know down in the comments or DM me on Instagram or Twitter.
What some inspiration for what to wear under your jackets? Check out my latest fall lookbook, courtesy of John Henric.
Until next time, gents, this is the Kavalier.