H & M

To be perfectly honest I was never a fan of the overcoat. There’s always been the need and love for a good Winter coat, denim jackets and bombers are always good for milder weather, and I finally joined the suede and leather crew a couple of years ago when I started buying those jackets and coats too. It didn’t feel like an overcoat had much of a place in my wardrobe, but as my style has evolved, and as I’ve learned more and more, and appreciated fashion more and more, I’ve finally started to get on board with the overcoat.

Camel Is The Colour

This season there’s been a huge influx of camel overcoats, it feels like more than usual, and so many people, including myself, is getting on board with this trend. Camel is of course, nothing new, and is a colour which is pretty much timeless, and can be found in all seasons of clothing; From camel linen suits and chinos in the Spring and Summer, to bombers in Autumn and of course the overcoat and peacoats in Winter.

The camel colour, unsparingly, comes from the colour of the hair of the humble camel. It’s a close colour to brown, and other similar shades are things such as sand, tan, beige, coffee, and khaki to name a few.

What Is An Overcoat?

I’ve touched on a couple of points below, but what is an overcoat anyway? Well it’s as it sounds, a coat that goes over your clothing. It really is that simple. Layering is something which guys can do with fashion in the Autumn and Winter, and an overcoat is the last layer which you can put on. If you want to layer up a knit or jumper, you can use the overcoat as your outerwear layer. If you’re looking to look smart in a suit but the weather is sub zero, an overcoat is perfect to layer over then take off once you’re inside.

Overcoats can be double breasted or single breast, but personally I prefer a single breast jacket. They come with a button closure, usually three or four, with straight or diagonal pockets which can be flap, a chest pocket, with buttons on the cuff and vent to the back. The length is no shorter than mid-length, and no longer than knee length.

Overcoat Or Peacoat?

Pea coats and overcoats are different, but sometimes can be categorised as the same, as they can share similar features, usually that they’re made from wool and are both pretty thick, heavy pieces usually with three or four buttons. The main differences are that a peacoat is double breasted, and is shorter, usually thigh length, whereas an overcoat is longer, usually mid length to knee length and can be single or double breasted.

What To Wear With A Camel Coat

Since camel is a neutral colour, lights and darks work well with a camel overcoat. That means whether you’re wearing black or white, navy or grey, the colours will work well with camel. When it comes to other colours, most will work fine, occasionally brighter, bolder colours may work, but are usually avoided as they’re not much of a Winter trend, and since the overcoat is a Wintery trend they’re not usually seen together.

You can wear this casually with a sweatshirt, layer over your favourite jumper and shirt combo, or wear over your suit if you’re going for the smart look. A favourite look for the season is a roll-neck knit, they work well in all colours, with hues of grey being a favourite, and black being sleek, with the lighter camel coat keeping the whole look light, warm and understated. An overcoat is designed to go over any clothing, whether it’s smart, smart casual or even something as casual as a hoodie, and it will smarten up the more casual pieces, or add to a smarter look.

Related: Knitwear Guide For Autumn/Winter

The Best Camel Coats For 2017

Here’s the best camel overcoats for 2017, from budget options to more expensive and designer brands, there’s an option for whatever your budget.

Budget Camel Coats

H&M

H&M Blended Wool Coat – £80 – here

H&M Cashmere-Wool Blend – £120 – here

H&M Wool Blend Dark Camel – £120 – here

Zara

Zara Camel Overcoat – £100 – here

Zara Camel Coat – £120 – here

Zara Overcoat in dark Camel – £120 – here

High Street

Peter Werth Overcoat – £174 – here

Farah Askern Wool Coat – £170 – here

Corsivo Quintino Overcoat – £180 – here

The Crombie

I have to mention one of the most quintessentially British brands so synonymous with the overcoat that many people call them all Crombies. There’s only one Crombie, and it’s a brand, rather than the style of coat and has been around since 1805 when John Crobie started producing luxury overcoats which are still available today. Here’s two in camel, and a bonus one in brown.

Wool And Cashmere Crombie – £995 – here

Pure Wool Camel Coat – £895 – here

Herringbone Retro Brown Crombie – £895 – here 

Verdict

The Camel overcoat is a timeless trend which is worth the investment. Having said that, it really is an Autumn/Winter trend, so you’ll only get limited uses and wears from the coat, and will probably mix it up with your proper winter coat. When you’re going for a smart look and it’s sub zero temperatures outside, it’s a great piece of clothing to pull out of you wardrobe, and with budget options available, there’s no reason not to get yourself one of these. Check out more men’s fashion trends over on the blog, and let me know what you think of this style.