Best Winter Coats for Men Under $500
Budget-Friendly Ways to Bundle Up This Winter
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It’s that time of year again. That time that where you find yourself reaching for the thicker sweaters, lacing up the weather-proof boots, and grabbing the hat, scarf, and gloves. Probably the most important in your efforts to stay warm is the winter coat. The only issue is, temperatures are less predictable than they used to be guaranteeing that winter may have it’s warmer days in addition to it’s harshest days.
So this begs the question, how much do you really want to spend on a winter coat that you may or may not wear a lot. Or, if you are the guy known around town as being particularly stylish, how many coats are you going to be able to get on your budget?
Well, we are happy to let you know we have the answer to any and all questions you may have about any winter coat worth it’s weight in snow. There are certain coats that work better in certain situations than others. Imagine going skiing in your dressy coat. To the stylish crown that makes as much sense as wearing your ski coat with your suit. We are going to break down the must-have coats of the brisk winter season ahead. The best part of all? None of these winter-weather warmers are going to cost you more than $500.
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The Peacoat
The Peacoat is generally of a navy colored heavy wool, originally worn by sailors, European and later American members of the navy. Pea coats are characterized by short length, broad lapels, double-breasted fronts, often large wooden, metal or plastic buttons, and vertical or slash pockets.
These stylish guys have withheld the test of time and never seem to go out of style. Given the classic color, flattering shape, and level of functionality, it’s no surprise it can been seen back as far as the early 1700’s and has remained relatively unchanged.
ASOS River Island Suedette Shearling Peacoat
ASOS
This classic number from River Island looks like a million bucks. What’s better? The shearling lining traps heat inside, while the extra-long design prevents cold winds from stealing your warmth.
$220 at ASOS.com
Michael Kors Wool Blend Pea Coat
Michael Kors
If you are looking to have a classic coat, but want something a little warmer than navy, go with this khaki number from Michael Kors. This is sure to be a favorite come those dressed up days of winter.
$399.20 at Nordstrom.com
Calvin Klein Classic Peacoat
Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein has been making simple, classic peacoats for decades, and this light grey pea coat by the designer is a must. It’s practically criminal to pass on it.
$295.72 at Amazon.com
The Shearling
The shorn skin of sheep, or shearling, has been around for roughly the same amount of time as people. Yes, it dates back to pre-historic times and was worn by just about everyone due to it’s durability and warmth. Whereas it has come a long way from it’s neanderthal roots, it still proves to be a durable, warm option. That being said, the price tag has gone up quite a bit from the days following the dinosaurs.
Sure it’s not going to coat you what a full length mink will (and you should never be buying something that for ANYONE), but it’s certainly more than it’s friendly-faux option. Either way, these are the best options to ensure you’ll be that badass this winter.
Infinity B3 Shearling WWII Bomber Jacket
Infinity
If navy isn’t your speed, but you love the style, go classic with this rich, buttery soft brown sheepskin number from Infinity. It’ll cost you a little bit more at $360, but you are practically guaranteed to have it forever. Plus, it only gets better with age.
$349.99 at Amazon.com
Vince Camuto Faux Shearling Wool Blend Coat
Vince Camuto
This all-black genuine shearling jacket from Vince Camuto is bad ass. It’s as simple as that. Originally priced at $498, you’re not going to regret this investment.
$260 at Nordstrom.com
The Puffer
Nothing says winter more than a big, puffy, down-filled coat. Who can forget that scene from A Christmas Story when Randy can’t move because he’s padded to the max? Well, he’s sure to be warm, no doubt about that. But now, puffer coats have evolved into sleek, streamlined numbers that are actually stylish. Here’s the trick with down – it’s not all created equal. Some folks don’t like the feather aspect at all, other’s wouldn’t go synthetic even if you paid them.
So what is the difference? True down is from ducks or geese and is ultralight, ultrawarm, and ultra-packable. Fill levels range from about 450 (less warm) to 900 (warm as hell). Sounds perfect, right? Almost – you can’t get down wet, or it quickly loses those appealing attributes. So what is the alternative? Synthetic down has certainly taken a big, yet not too bulky, bite out of the market. Still super warm, synthetic down is going to be slightly heavier and less packable.
For most guys, the difference in warmth and bulk will be negligible, but the difference in price will be quite appealing. Coming in under the price of down, it usually wins the hearts of men looking to invest less to still gain maximum results. The last option is pretty obvious – a hybrid of the above two. The appeal of a hybrid is you get the positive attributes of both options, and typically pay less than you would for full down.
Penfield Hudson Script Hooded Puffer Jacket
Penfield
This is one hell of a functional jacket in a handsome, stylish package. With 550 fill (80% down and 20% feathers), a water-resistant and windproof lightweight ripstop shell, and inset lycra cuffs, this jacket is designed for the seriously stylish guy who who isn’t interested in spending a fortune.
$133.31 at Huckberry.com
Adidas Essentials Down Jacket
adidas
Don’t let the slim silhouette of this down jacket from Adidas fool you. Made from 100% polyester and featuring a full-length zipper to cut the wind, it’s surprisingly warm while giving you maximum arm mobility, while the iconic Adidas logo and striped styling mark it off from a mile away as belonging to the German brand.
$100 at Adidas.com
Amazon Essentials Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket
Amazon
If you’re on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice quality, pick up this packable puffer jacket from Amazon Essentials. It’s available in a massive array of colors (seriously, no less than 20 at any given moment!) and offers a convenient, water-resistant jacket you can pack down into a handy travel-sized pouch, making it a perfect option for traveling, camping or keeping in a car or at the office. It’s made from 100% polyester and is completely machine washable, so upkeep is a breeze too.
From $24.40 at Amazon.com
The Overcoat
Overcoat. Top coat. Officer’s Coat. No matter what it’s referred to as, this coat covers a lot of ground. If you are looking for a solid, sturdy coat that goes with everything, but goes remarkably well with suits, this is the coat you’re going to want to go with. What makes these different from a trench coat or a top coat? First, the length. Overcoats are meant to hit below the knee. Something that goes shorter tends to be referred to as a car coat, but can also be a peacoat.
The second notable difference? The fabrication. Overcoats are made from a heavy wool or even camel hair. The body may or may not be lined, but the sleeves tend to always have a Clean and classic, this is a coat every man should have in his wardrobe.
To ensure your money is well spent, make sure your overcoat comes in a neutral color that goes with everything. Navy and Camel are best, charcoal gray and black are great options as well. This style has been the same for over 100 years, you want to make sure you can wear yours as long if you so choose.
Hart Schaffner Marx Cashmere Blend Topcoat
Hart Schaffner
Every good man deserves a good camel colored coat. This one from Hart Schaffner Marx is made from a rich 90% wool and 10% cashmere. Although this style of coat comes in a variety of colors, you are doing yourself a disservice by not getting this camel colored bit of perfection from a classic tailoring brand.
$169.87 at Amazon.com
Schott NYC Wool Blend Officer’s Coat
Schott NYC
Called an Officer’s Coat due to it’s origin in WWI, this modern take on the style moves it in the twenty first century. By streamlining the traditional double-breast style into a single breasted and removing the epaulets, this navy style is perfect for dressing up your casual attire, or keeping your suited look sophisticated. The best part? It’s U.S.A. made!
$500 at SchottNYC.com
The Ski Jacket
Sure, you may wear your ski jacket for a lot more than just skiing, but what sport is more synonymous with winter? You want to make sure you have a jacket that is ready for the slopes, or the sidewalk, wherever you may be tackling the snow.
Ski jackets may have similarities to the puffer jacket due to their fill, but a good ski-friendly jacket it going to use a synthetic fill and water-proof stitching to ensure it can handle the slopes as well as you do. And if you don’t then you won’t mind, because you’ll still be dry and toasty.
Helly Hansen Alpha 3.0 Ski Jacket
Helly Hansen
If ever there is a time to stand out, it’s on the slopes. Who wants to be boring when you’ve already gotten the all-day lift ticket? This Helly Hansen coat is high quality and well worth every penny.
From $332.50 at Amazon.com
Arc’Teryx Atom LT Trim Fit Hooded Jacket
Arc’Teryx
When business meets pleasure, you’ll get this Arc’Teryx ski jacket. Packed with Coreloft 60 fill to keep you warm while you hit the slopes or hit the streets. The water-repellent finish, elastic hood, and packability make this trim fit jacket a great find.
$259 at Arcteryx.com
The North Face Mountain Light FUTURELIGHT Triclimate Jacket
The North Face
This 3-in-1 jacket starts off with a windproof, waterproof, breathable seam-sealed Gore-Tex 2-layer shell with taffeta lining. Add to that the zip-in liner jacket with 550-fill goose down offers superior warmth yet remains highly compressible. This 3-in-1 may be all you need for all the winters to come.
$400 at TheNorthFace.com
The Parka
A parka is a classic style coat with a hood, usually lined or trimmed with fur or faux fur, but not always anymore. Invented by the indigenous Inuit people of the Arctic regions of Greenland, Canada and Alaska, this coat was made to be all function. Originally this cold weather coat was typically made entirely of fur. In the U.S.the functional coat came to be fashionable in the 1950’s when it was adopted by the military, and the popularity has only continued to grow.
Offered in myriad iterations now, the simplicity of this utilitarian design allow for a all the warm you need in the winter months, with all the style you crave, since it can go with just about anything.
Ugg Butte Water-Resistant Parka
Ugg
Not always easy to find, a 3-in-1 parka, like this one from UGG, made to keep you warm in a snow storm and dry in a downpour. The hood is lined with with UGG signature shearling to help protect your face from blistering wind. Remove the 550 fill power outter to reveal a quilted lining vest. Wear either on their own, or together for a substantial warmth and sophisticated style.
$495 at Ugg.com
Frank + Oak The Alpine Parka
Frank + Oak
This Parka from Frank + Oak was truly inspired by the original, but designed for today. Free of any animal products you’ll find in traditional parkas, this fur-less, down-less jacket holds it’s own next to those opting for the more organic construction. PrimaLoft PowerPlume insulation is as warm as 550 fill power down, but fully vegan and maintains 98 percent of its warmth while wet. That is what the parka is all about.
$399 at FrankAndOak.com
