Choose a men’s overcoat around the layers you wear, the length you prefer and the front style you want. A single-breasted coat gives a clean line, a double-breasted coat has a broader overlapping front, and a stand-collar coat offers a lapel-free alternative. Compare the fit over your usual jumper or jacket before choosing a size.
WARDLEY’s current range includes the Hampstead longline overcoat, Greenwich double-breasted overcoat and Pimlico stand-collar wool-blend coat. This guide compares their listed features and helps you choose between them.
Compare three men’s overcoat styles
- Hampstead Longline Overcoat: a single-breasted, three-button front with a notch lapel, welt pockets and full lining. Choose it if you prefer a long, clean silhouette over tailoring or knitwear.
- Greenwich Double-Breasted Overcoat: a long coat with wide notch lapels, a six-button front, a half-belt detail at the back and a lined body. Choose it if you prefer the more pronounced shape of an overlapping front. Its regular fit is cut to layer over a jumper.
- Pimlico Stand Collar Wool-Blend Coat: a slim, mid-thigh coat with a lapel-free stand collar, three-button front, slanted welt pockets and quilted lining. Choose it if you prefer a shorter line and a collar that stands up. Product-specific garment measurements are listed on its page.
View each product for current prices, colour and size availability. Browse the full men’s overcoat collection to compare the styles together.
How should a men’s overcoat fit?
Try the coat over the layers you intend to wear most often. If that means a suit jacket, check the shoulders and upper sleeves over the jacket; if it means a chunky jumper, allow space for that knit. Fasten the coat, reach forward and sit down. You should be able to move without the front pulling tightly or the shoulders restricting your arms.
Compare product-specific garment measurements with a coat that already fits you over similar layers. Do not assume that the same size will fit identically across all three styles: the Greenwich is regular fit, while the Pimlico stand-collar coat is slim fit. For the Hampstead, use the product’s sizing guidance and ask for measurements if the information you need is unavailable. Our size guide explains how to measure.
What length should an overcoat be?
Start with the jacket or knit you plan to cover, then consider how the hem feels when walking and sitting. A longer coat gives more coverage; a mid-thigh style may suit you if you prefer less length around the legs. Neither length is automatically better for every height or outfit.
The Hampstead and Greenwich are described as long coats. The Pimlico stand-collar coat is described as mid-thigh, with garment lengths listed by size. Use those measurements rather than judging length from a model photograph alone.
Navy, camel, black or grey: which colour should you choose?
Choose a colour that works with the clothes you already wear. These are styling suggestions; check the product selector for the options currently available.
- Navy: an easy partner for grey trousers, blue shirts and neutral knitwear. Navy is a listed option for the Hampstead and Pimlico stand-collar coat.
- Camel: adds contrast to black, charcoal and navy outfits. Camel is listed for the Hampstead and Greenwich.
- Black or charcoal: works with darker trousers and monochrome layers. Black is listed across all three; Charcoal is listed for the Hampstead and Greenwich.
- Grey: a lighter alternative to black. The Hampstead lists Light Grey, while the Pimlico stand-collar coat lists Grey.
Check the fabric, lining and care details
Read the composition for the particular coat you are considering. “Overcoat” describes a style, and a lined coat should not automatically be assumed to be wool. The Pimlico stand-collar coat is specifically described as a wool blend; check its product page for the composition. Follow each garment’s care label.
Choose weather protection separately from the silhouette. If you need a coat for prolonged rain or a particular temperature, look for a stated specification for that product rather than assuming that its length, lining or appearance establishes performance. For a different kind of winter layer, read our overcoat vs puffer jacket comparison.
What to wear under an overcoat
For work or dinner, pair your coat with a Marylebone roll neck jumper and pleated trousers. For a more relaxed outfit, use a crew-neck knit or hoodie with jeans. Check that your chosen layers leave enough room through the coat’s chest and upper arms.
Questions before you choose
Should I size up in an overcoat?
Follow the particular product’s fit guidance and compare garment measurements over your intended layers. Sizing up without checking those measurements can leave the shoulders or sleeves too large.
Can I wear an overcoat over a suit?
Yes, if the coat leaves enough room for the jacket and covers the length you want covered. The Hampstead is described as cut to sit over a suit jacket or chunky knit; check its measurements before ordering.
Is a double-breasted coat warmer?
The front style alone does not establish warmth. Compare the fabric, lining, fit and the layers underneath rather than choosing only by the number of buttons.
Ready to compare? View WARDLEY’s men’s overcoats or the wider coats and outerwear range. Our winter coat guide also covers other styles. Check each product page for delivery and returns details before ordering.
For a fine-knit layer beneath your overcoat, compare men’s mock neck and roll neck jumpers and check the coat still fastens comfortably.
From the Journal: Men’s longline overcoats — the UK guide
One layer makes every coat in this roundup warmer: a slim quilted gilet worn underneath it. Our gilet outfit guide covers which gilet sits flat under a coat without bulk — and how to wear the same gilet over knitwear when the coat comes off.
