Short answer: Choose by what the coat has to survive. Wool holds its shape and looks formal, so it suits commuting and anything you want to look polished in. Puffer is the warmest for its weight and the best choice in genuinely cold, dry weather. Quilted sits between the two – lighter than wool, tidier than puffer – and works for most autumn and mild winter days. The right answer is usually one wool coat for the coldest formal days and one quilted or puffer coat for everything else.
Wool, puffer or quilted – which is warmest?
Short answer: Puffer is warmest for its weight, wool is warmest per layer for its structured look, and quilted is the lightest of the three. Warmth comes from trapped air, so a puffer with a good fill beats a thin wool coat, while a thick wool coat beats a thin quilted one.
| Coat type | Warmth | Best for | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool / wool blend | High, and wind-resistant | Commuting, work, anything formal | Wool content, a notched or stand collar, lined sleeves |
| Puffer | Highest for its weight | Cold, dry weather and long walks | A hood, a high collar, quilt channels that are not too wide |
| Quilted | Medium | Autumn and mild winter days | Diamond or channel quilting, a belt if you want shape |
| Fleece-lined jacket | Medium | Everyday wear, layering under a coat | Lining quality, zip quality, pocket depth |
What size should a winter coat be?
Short answer: Big enough to wear a knit sweater underneath without pulling across the chest, but not so big that the shoulders drop past your natural shoulder line. Try the coat on over the thickest knitwear you own, not over a t-shirt.
How do I tell whether a coat is well made?
Short answer: Check four things: whether the lining is stitched in rather than glued, whether the buttons are sewn through with a shank rather than flat, whether the seams inside the sleeve are finished, and whether the coat holds its shape when you hang it up empty. Those four tests tell you more than the label does.
How should I care for a wool coat?
Short answer: Brush it rather than wash it, hang it on a wide hanger so the shoulders keep their shape, and give it a day to air between wears. Wool is naturally stain-resistant, so most marks come out with a damp cloth and a light brush.
How many coats do I actually need?
Short answer: Two covers almost every situation: one wool coat for the formal and coldest days, one quilted or puffer coat for everything else. A third only earns its place if you regularly need a waterproof layer.
Browse our autumn and winter range.