During the fall, men’s coats and jackets should act as the foundation of your cold-weather wardrobe. A great outerwear piece can be dressed up, dressed down, and worn just about anywhere, any time.
In this guide to fall jackets for men, we’ve rounded up the biggest outerwear trends of the season and the best fall jackets to add to your closet. But first, let’s take a look at a few things to keep in mind while you shop for your new favorite coat:
Look for layerable pieces — The best fall jackets are easy to layer over your tees, collared shirts, and sweatshirts. Ideally, the armholes should be large enough to accommodate bulkier tops like hoodies and sweaters instead of just thin tees and button-downs.
Factor in fall weather — Fall weather conditions can vary widely depending on where you live, so you’ll need to consider how heavy of a jacket you’ll really need. On warmer fall days, stick to versatile layering pieces like bomber jackets and denim jackets. Switch to a heavy wool coat or puffer as temperatures start to dip.
Stick to practical fabrics — Before you buy an expensive suede jacket, remember that fall weather can wreak havoc on your wardrobe. Sticking to jackets made from cold weather-friendly materials like ripstop nylon, wool, leather, waterproof performance fabric, or waxed cotton ensures they withstand the elements and keep you nice and warm for years to come.
Invest in timeless pieces — Think of your fall coats and jackets as long-term investments. It’s worth splurging on one or two jackets you’ll wear for years to come instead of wasting money on short-lived trends you won’t wear past this season.
When in doubt, opt for a neutral color — Not sure what color to pick? You can never go wrong with a basic black, brown, or camel coat. Sticking with a neutral color ensures your new coat stays in style for many fall seasons to come.
Now that you’re ready to shop, let’s take a look at the biggest men’s outerwear trends for fall 2022. These versatile, cold weather-friendly styles are a worthwhile investment for any man’s fall wardrobe.
The Best Men’s Coats and Jackets for Fall 2022
Shirt Jacket
A shirt jacket— or shacket— is a great layering option in weird fall weather. It’s heavier than a standard flannel but isn’t as heavy as a full-blown wool coat. To nail the look, stick with earth tones and timeless plaid prints with an outdoorsy feel.
One of the best things about shirt jackets is that they’re incredibly easy to style. They’re versatile enough to throw on over all your tees, sweaters, and hoodies. Once winter weather hits, layer your shacket under a heavy wool coat or puffer for added warmth.
Wax London’s Whiting Overshirt is undoubtedly one of our top picks for men’s jackets of the season. It’s thoughtfully designed to be as versatile, durable, and sustainable as possible. You truly can’t go wrong choosing any of the six plaid color options available. Mix it up!
The relaxed silhouette is cut from a heavyweight weave made with a blend of recycled cotton and finished with eco-friendly Corozo nut buttons. Two front patch pockets provide the perfect place to stash your phone, mask, or wallet while you’re out and about.
Bomber Jacket
It’s a fact: bomber jackets will never go out of style. But after years of oversized nylon bombers, this season’s jackets are more streamlined and sophisticated. Thanks to their sleek lines and elevated fabrics, they make a great alternative to a blazer when you return to the office.
For an elevated take on the classic outerwear style, forego army green and opt for a timeless neutral color like tan, brown, or black. The minimalist color increases your outfit options while coming across as effortlessly sophisticated. This fall, throw your bomber on over a sleek button-down shirt, a pair of crisp khaki chinos, and your go-to leather sneakers.
If you don’t already own a basic bomber like this John Elliot Bogota Bomber II jacket, now’s the time to add one to your closet. It’s the type of wardrobe essential you’ll find yourself gravitating towards time and time again. But don’t let the sleek design fool you; this best-seller is fully water-repellent and lined with quilted Primaloft fabric for optimal warmth and total protection from the elements.
Leather Jacket
Think of buying a leather jacket as making a long-term investment in your wardrobe. It’s worth paying more to ensure you get a high-quality piece that complements your personal style and fits just right. With proper care, a good leather jacket can quite literally last a lifetime.
Chances are, you’ve already got a leather moto jacket (or two) in your closet, so this fall, elevate your wardrobe with a sleek cafe racer jacket instead. The classic outerwear style is characterized by a more fitted silhouette, side pockets, and a center front zip with a tab at the neck. It instantly adds a European feel to any fall outfit.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great leather jacket. Just take it from this luxe Thursday Boots Racer Jacket. It’s handcrafted with a focus on fit and careful attention to detail. Over time, the buttery soft lambskin leather will mold to your body for a custom fit that gets better and better with each wear. While there’s an array of rich browns to choose from, you can never go wrong with a basic black leather jacket.
Workwear Jacket
When it comes to lightweight fall jackets, a functional work jacket is hard to beat. These chore coats are designed with practical pockets and durable heavyweight twill or cotton canvas fabric that’s often waxed for a waterproof finish. They lend a laid-back feel to casual outfits and pair well with jeans, tees, and crewneck sweaters.
A work coat should offer a balance of comfort and practicality. Look for styles made with multiple pockets, heavy-duty metal hardware, and durable fabric that can withstand the elements. The best part is, the lived-in outerwear style only gets better with age.
Hiroshi Kato’s ‘The Blade’ Heavy Melton Wool Camel Jacket draws inspiration from 1930s workwear and classic denim jackets. The wool-nylon blend naturally repels water and offers a bit of added stretch through the shoulders. It’s versatile, practical, and totally timeless.
Lightweight Puffer Jacket
While down-filled puffers are great for winter, they’re typically too heavy to wear during the fall. It’s worth adding a lightweight puffer jacket to your fall wardrobe for outdoor adventures, exercise, and travel. You’ll be amazed at how often you find yourself wearing it during the spring too.
Thanks to their athletic feel, lightweight puffers pair well with casual athleisure like sweatshirts, sweatpants, and fleece half-zips. For maximum layerability, opt for a slightly oversized fit that can accommodate heavier tops underneath.
Kuhl designs technical outerwear— like this versatile Spyfire Hoody— that’s functional for outdoor activities and stylish enough for everyday wear. The goose-down filling and lightweight ripstop nylon fabric can be rolled into a compact size that’s easy to toss in your backpack or carry-on. Four practical zippered pockets on the chest and hips offer plenty of places to store your wallet, phone, and keys while you’re on the go.
Camel Coat
If there’s one coat worth investing in for fall and winter, it’s a classic camel coat. No matter what you’re layering over, the timeless tan color and luxe wool fabric instantly add a sensible, refined attitude to your look. Plus, you’ll stay nice and toasty regardless of the weather conditions outside.
A good camel coat can be layered over just about anything. A slightly oversized silhouette makes it easy to style as an overcoat over professional blazers and suits. Or try tossing yours on over sweatpants and other athleisure for an effortlessly modern look on your next grocery run.
Todd Snyder’s Italian Balmacaan Camel Coat is as classic as it gets. The timeless style has a relaxed, unstructured silhouette that perfectly balances out prim and proper design details like genuine horn buttons, welt pockets, and a Prussian collar. The luxurious wool-cashmere blend fabric keeps you nice and warm without weighing you down.
