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Men's Outerwear Buying Guide

Now that you're a grown man, no one can tell you to put on a jacket (though cold weather threats like hypothermia make jacket-wearing a wise choice). If you live in sunny Miami year round, all that you may need is a light coat, but gentlemen in Montana, on the other hand, will need a warm parka  and a few back-up coats just in case.  It's up to you to decide when to wear your jacket and what type to purchase; but remember you can stay fashionable and sensible at the same time. If you're starting from scratch, consider the following basics: a nice overcoat,  a heavy-duty winter coat,  a lightweight jacket,   a fleece  and some heavy sweatshirts. 

What's Hot

Vest are a great part of your winter look, and they never go out of style. They can be worn as your top layer of clothing or under your winter coat--check out a few recommendations.

The North Face Men's Nupste Vest 

Orvis Hague Line Vest 

Patagonia Micro Puff Vest 

Arcteryx Gamma AR Vest 

Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Vest 

In the Cold

Fancy Overcoat 

  • Elegant, masculine, and urban, these long coats are essential for the well-dressed man.
  • Wool,  cashmere  and their blends keep you warm for years.
  • Can be long or three-quarter length, like a navy peacoat.  Never get caught wearing a coat that is shorter than your suit jacket. 

Down Parka 

  • Hip and somewhat practical, puffy parkas envelop you with down feathers.
  • Down jackets provide warmth and breathability. They should be paired with your casual wardrobe and boots--not with professional work clothes.
  • North Face,  Patagonia,  and LL Bean  coats are all popular brands of ski jackets. 

Multi-Layer Gear 

  • Many men's jackets are ripstop  on the outside and fleece  on the inside. Feel free to zip off any part of the equation that you don't want that day. Great for winter sports.
  • Many of these jackets come with sleeveless shells or removable fleece vests  that can be worn separately.
  • Columbia,  EMS  and Under Armour  make reputable products.

In the Rain

Raincoat 

  • An extra flap across the shoulder blades acts to wick away rain.  Some lightweight parkas  are designed for a similar function.
  • Usually made of rubber, plastic or other water resistant  fabric. Many of these coats lack ventilation and get quite warm.

Trench Coat 

  • Classic and perfected by Burberry,  this is the belted brother of the raincoat.
  • Usually a cotton or wool fabric treated with a water-resistant chemical.

Poncho 

  • Either a big piece of hooded plastic  or a carpet-like woven cover.  Only the former is waterproof.
  • Save these for hiking trips and outdoor football games, since they are not very stylish.

Rain Shell 

  • High-tech outdoor wear companies have perfected these light rip-stop jackets that are also waterproof.
  • Many versions are built for running  and/or hiking. 

Hooded Sweatshirts 

  •  Perfect if you don't want to carry around an umbrella  but you want to cover your head.
  • Lightweight enough to wear while playing sports or lounging.

Lighter, Hipper Jackets

Leather 

  • Whether bomber,  motorcycle,  suede  or trench,  these are the coolest jackets around.
  • Quality leather could cost you a couple hundred dollars (Kenneth Cole ) or even a couple thousand dollars if you buy an expensive designer (Armani ), but if you want something affordable and stylish, opt for a brand like Golden Bear. 
  • Wear with jeans or casual trousers. Dress up the look with a turtleneck  underneath the jacket.

Denim 

  • Lightweight and long-lasting, these will only get more comfortable with time.
  • The hippest cuts and washes will cost more and get tired quickly--avoid them.
  • Never, ever, wear with jeans. The denim tuxedo look is horrendous.
  • Stick to brands you know: Levis,  Gap,  J.Crew  and buy a classic cut.
  • Wear with khakis, corduroys and other weekend-casual gear.

Sport Coat 

  • With corduroy,  wool,  khaki,  and linen  available, the fabric and cut will dictate how fancy this coat gets.
  • Blazers  (also known as sport coats) are often a more stylish alternative to denim and leather.
  • Opt for a sport coat with two or three buttons (single breasted of course!). Jacket should fit close to the body but not too tight.
  • Start with a navy sport coat.  Your next purchase should be a subtle print.

Windbreaker 

  • Often windbreakers have the same ripstop nylon as in the technical multi-layer jacket, making them lightweight and wind resistant at the same time.
  • Since these jackets don't take up much space in your bag, they are great for travel--throw these on when it's just a tad chilly and then throw it in your bag later.
  • Can be very stylish or ugly, depending on the designer.

Military-Style 

  • Safari,  military surplus  and military-inspired  coats get you lots of buttons, pockets, and ties.
  • Actual military clothing is intensely durable.
  • Too many pockets can make you look cluttered and silly. Only wear safari jackets when actually on safari.
  • Same goes for camouflage jackets --save them for hunting  or military exercises.

Layering

In addition to having great outerwear, proper layering is essential for protecting you from the wind and chill on those especially frigid days. Read up about a few key pieces below.

Long-Sleeve Shirts 

  • A couple of thin  long-sleeve shirts are great for wearing under jackets or sweaters.
  • Good for protecting  you against biting wind when one layer just won't cut it.

Leggings 

  • Not just for women; men's leggings are mostly designed as activewear and work perfectly under pants.
  • Certain styles can be worn in cold weather  to lock heat in or hot weather  to help your skin breathe.

T-Shirts 

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