The Esquire Guide to Keeping Warm This Fall: Coats

In case you couldn’t tell from these chilly mornings and the general lack of bikinis out in public, fall is looming. That means these chilly mornings are about to stop giving way to hot afternoons, and it’s time to pack up the polo shirts and ditch the short suit to make room in your closet for jackets. Not the heavy parkas of winter, but something a little more all-purpose. A coat that can be layered, then thrown over a shoulder or stuffed in a bag when temps take an uptick and you start to get your sweat on. Plus, they’re great to have handy when your lady friend starts to get chilly and you want to look like a badass. Here’s a guide to some classic coat styles you should be considering.

Rugged canvas and flannel lined, this is what you throw on whether the back 40's fences need mending or you’re just taking the pickup out to check the surf. Understated, but still making a statement, all while keeping it just casual enough. You’re ready for anything, and no cold weather is gonna stop you.

Classic barn coat ($169) by Orvis, orvis.com

Another all-American classic, the leather bomber jacket protected our men in the great wars, and has been making them look damn good ever since. Bill’s Khakis partnered with Cockpit USA to add a few updates, and then had it made in the USA to boot. This is one of those “must have” items for any man’s wardrobe. Even if you’re vegan.

Bowery jacket ($1,575) by Bill's Khakis, billskhakis.com

Basic. Clean lines. Subtle, yet stylish. Windproof. Zip up pockets to keep your stuff safe. Breathable. Meet the Icebreaker Ranger jacket. Constructed of and insulated with merino wool, it’s an easy choice and goes with just about everything, while keeping you as warm as a huddle of sheep in a snowstorm. Plus, no wool smell, because science is cool.

Merino loft ranger bomber jacket ($449.99) by Icebreaker, icebreaker.com

Like a grown up gas station jacket, if it grew up to get one of those really nice pickup trucks that have cushy leather seats, or spent a lot of time riding the range on horseback. Equally comfortable banging nails as it is directing four men, it’s a tough and comfortable way to take on the cold like a boss. See what we did there? Oh yeah, and it’s fireproof, too. Just saying.

Flame-resistant duck bomber jacket ($204.99) by Carhartt, carhartt.com

No longer the simply the top layer of a Canadian tuxedo, jean jackets are back with a vengeance, and boutique denim label Imogene + Willie have a damn near perfect one for you. Double stitched seams and selvedge cotton material ensure that it’s not coming undone like some stupid sweater, while mandatory orange contrast stitching and embossed buttons give you a hip take on a road-tested classic. Whether you’re grabbing the boss coffee or getting The Boss’s guitar tuned, it’s instant American credibility.

Wilkins denim jacket ($195) by Imogene + Willie, imogeneandwilie.com

Lighter-weight down jackets are just about the perfect choice for your do-it-all fall coat needs. Easily packable, warm, quick drying. This one, Patagonia’s Nano Puff, is also water and wind resistant, plus rugged as hell, designed to withstand the abuse of dudes who literally scale mountains, so whatever your urban adventures include, it’s up to the task.

Nano puff jacket ($199) by Patagonia, patagonia.com

Maybe you don’t want to commit to a jacket just yet, but grudgingly admit that it is getting a little cold. Or maybe you need your arms free so you can chop some wood. Maybe you just have confinement issues. If so, the down vest is a good option, and Mountain Hardwear’s is ready for action. O/Shield 650-fill down keeps you toasty as an English muffin even when wet, and the rip stop nylon body is just about impervious to damage, unless you happen to get in a tussle with a bear. As one does, from time to time.

Ratio down vest ($125) by Mountain Hardwear, mountainhardwear.com

Pretty self-explanatory, and an easy go-to when air turns crisp, fleece is made from polyethylene or other synthetic fibers woven to replicate wool. There are a million and one options out there, but this, the Lutsen from Penfield, will have you looking as good as you are warm.

Lutsen fleece ($120) by Penfield, penfield.com

Not just for punk rockers and, well, gas station attendants, this basic coat is all about non-descript, everyday function, and therein lays its charm. Best when worn with jeans or, at least, casual pants, it’s a great way to be comfortable, warm, and nostalgic for your skateboarding days, without looking like you shop at Zumiez. The price is right, too.

Lined Eisenhower jacket ($36.99) by Dickies, dickies.com

Remember Baracuta from way back when? Well, they’re still at it, and better than ever. Water repellent and wind proof, this is perfect for end of season sunset sails or cruising with Muffy in that old Saab convertible you leave at the Cape house.

G9 original jacket ($390) by Baracuta, baracuta.com

Because if it’s good enough for generations of sailors, it’s good enough for you. Looks great with everything, from jeans to a suit. Warm. Tough. Simple. Just like you. Well, except the simple part.

Classic peacoat ($329) by Tommy Hilfiger, tommy.com

Barbour has been infusing cotton with wax to make it waterproof and rugged for over 120 years. In the process, they’ve created an iconic jacket, something that, once again, every man should own at some point in their life. And that’s part of the beauty of it – you only have to buy one, they’re that tough, and they look better with age. With the trademark plaid lining and deep pockets, it’s a small investment that will keep you both warm and stylish for decades to come.

Classic Bedale jacket ($379) by Barbour, orvis.com

Sometimes life takes you places your barn coat can’t handle. When things get dicey, or you just have to field strip a moose and drag it back to your sled dogs, there’s the field coat. Lots of pockets, including one in the bag that’s specifically designed for putting dead birds in, water repellent, padded shoulder so guns don’t hurt as much… Whether you’re off into the wild or just want to be the baddest-ass at the local watering hole, this is a good choice. Pairs nicely with a brace of hunting dogs. Made in the USA.

Tin cloth field coat ($395) by Filson, filson.com