The Best British Coat Brands To Shop In 2024
Whether you’re a Brit yourself or have visited our charming little Island, one thing is certain: a good coat is an absolute necessity. For those looking to invest in outerwear, it’s only fitting to turn to the best British brands – a nation known for its brisk climes and high chance of showers.
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My arsenal includes a classic Burberry trench coat, kindly inherited from my grandmother who used to work as a seamstress from the house in the late-Seventies; an Elizabeth Taylor-esque vintage faux fur number for when the rain clouds blow over and winter chills set in and my dad’s old rugged wax jacket for when it is particularly inclement outside. Whether you're after heritage pieces that have stood the test of time or statement designs that add a dash of British charm to your wardrobe, we've got you covered – literally.
Here are the best British coat brands the ELLE UK team is coveting this season:
Barbour: Best brand for wax jackets
Few garments elicit the same sense of rugged sophistication as the Barbour wax jacket. The instantly recognisable outerwear piece, favoured Princess Anne and Lady Diana, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, became a true bastion of Britishness, when Glastonbury Festival adopted it as its unofficial uniform for traipsing through the mud, worn with spattered wellies and thigh-crazing mini dresses by the likes of Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Lily Allen. Today, the Barbour jacket can be thrown over most daytime outfits – jeans, tartan or a mini skirt à la Moss. The best part? It will actually keep you dry when the heavens inevitably open.
Baracuta: Best brand for light jackets
Born in Manchester, one of the UK’s rainiest cities, Baracuta’s G9 Harrington Jacket was originally designed in 1937 as a short, waterproof zipper jacket practical for the golf course. However, the staple soon became the outwear of choice for Hollywood stars like Elvis, James Dean and Steve McQueen. Earlier this year, Baracuta introduced a womenswear collection, offering endless styling possibilities. Wear yours with a pleated skirt, loafers and white socks or tailored trousers and a button-up shirt for full preppy appeal.
Burberry: Best brand for trench coats
Despite its many iterations under various creative directors, one thing has remained steadfast at Burberry: the trench. The heritage house’s most famous coat, conceived during the First World War and typically crafted from gabardine with a belt fastening and double-breasted buttons, remains a bestseller for the brand. Thrown on with a pair of jeans and trainers or worn with a slinky evening dress, the Burberry trench is at once practical and sleek – a rightful outerwear icon.
Charlotte Simone: Best brand for a statement coat
For something perhaps a little less storm-faring but equally Great British in essence, Charlotte Simone is a fitting choice. Founded by British designer Charlotte Beecham, you might recognise the brand’s poodle-haired sweeping suede jackets or faux fur scarfs, favoured among the likes of Taylor Swift, former ELLE UK cover star Florence Pugh and most recently Charlie XCX. For outerwear that makes a sweet statement, this is your go-to investment piece. Embrace the Seventies feel with flared jeans and wooden-heeled wedges, or go all out with a sequin skirt and platform heels.
Shrimps: Best brand for faux-fur coats
Shrimps also has a certain playful British charm that’s hard to resist. Founded by designer Hannah Weiland in 2013, the London-based label is celebrated for its vibrant faux fur and whimsical hand-drawn prints. Perfect for those who want their outerwear to feel fun rather than functional, Shrimps coats – whether in pastel-hued faux fur or a bold check – are bold pieces that will complete any outdoor outfit. With Alexa Chung and Adwoa Aboah among the brand’s pack of loyalists, Shrimps’ signature pieces are ideal for injecting some personality into the typically grey British weather as well as your wardrobe. Pair one of these playful creations with a simple outfit to let the coat do all the talking.
Mackintosh: Best brand for weather-proof coats
Few brands are as synonymous with British rainwear as Mackintosh. 200 years ago the heritage label patented the waterproof rubberised fabric that renders its coats, and went on to inspire the widely-used term 'Rain Mac'. The classic Mackintosh coat is minimal and structured, offering a sharp silhouette that goes with pretty much anything. If you're in need of something both timeless and practical, the Mackintosh is a failsafe choice for enduring the UK's unpredictable weather. Whether layered over a full skirt or styled with wide-leg denim, a Mackintosh will always exude quiet elegance and purpose.
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