Buying guide for best fall coats for men
You probably already own a winter coat, but what about fall when it's too warm out for a thick coat but a sweater isn't always enough? The best fall coats for men solve this problem by being lightweight enough for milder fall weather but still warm enough to keep off a chill.
You'll find many types of fall coats and fall jackets for men, so deciding which styles you like is a good place to start. You should also think about what fall's like where you are. In some areas, the best fall jacket for men is a lightweight one, while in other areas you'll need a medium-thick coat for chilly fall days.
We trawled through more than 30 pieces of outerwear to find the best fall coat for men. The Carhartt Flannel-Lined Duck Active Jacket is our top choice. It's both stylish and practical and can be dressed up or down to work with a range of outfits.
Which fall coat for men is best?
Best rugged fall coat for men
Product Specifications
Size Range: S to 5XL | Number of Colors: 5 | Material: Cotton duck | Closure Type: Zipper
Those looking for a rugged fall coat should consider this Carhartt jacket. It has the quality you'd expect from Carhartt and is made to last, even with lots of heavy use, but it has a stylish cut that's somewhat similar to a bomber jacket.
The cotton duck fabric is water-repellent and wind-resistant, as well as being generally durable. The lining is made from a warm quilted fleece. We like the way the ribbed elastic cuffs and hems look and the practicality of having a hood. It comes in black, brown, Carhartt brown, gravel and navy.
This is our favorite fall coat for men. Not only is it extremely practical, but it looks good, too. We like that it has two extra interior pockets and think it's a good weight for cold or mid-temperature fall days.
Best men's fleece jacket for fall
Product Specifications
Size Range: S to 6XL | Number of Colors: 53 | Material: Polyester fleece | Closure Type: Zipper
What we think is great about this simple fleece jacket is its versatility throughout fall and into winter. Over just a T-shirt, it's ideal for mild fall days, but you can add extra layers underneath when it's a little cooler or you can wear it under a warmer coat during winter. If it's wet out, stick a waterproof shell jacket over the top.
With a whopping 53 color combinations to choose from — including all-black, desert orange and ice green — there's something to suit most tastes. The fleece fabric is super soft and machine-washable so keeping it clean is easy.
If you're looking for a fleece jacket for fall or hoping to pick up a bargain, this is an ideal pick. It's not going to appear on the runway at New York Fashion Week, but it's practical and cozy.
Best men's trucker jacket for fall
Product Specifications
Size Range: XS to 6XL | Number of Colors: 28 | Material: Cotton | Closure Type: Button
We love the effortless style and versatility of a trucker jacket and this is one of the best. It's made by Levi's, so the quality is great and the fit is on point. It comes in a total of 28 color combinations, including black stonewash, medium indigo and pine-needle green. Most of the options are made from denim, but some are made from other forms of cotton, such as canvas and flannel.
While jean jackets can be fairly lightweight and only suitable for mild days, this one has a Sherpa fleece lining to make it warmer. Since it's machine-washable, it's easy to take care of.
If you're looking for a jean jacket or a trucker jacket in another fabric, this one is an excellent choice. It's great for moderately chilly days and looks great layered over other items.
Best men's trench coat for fall
Product Specifications
Size Range: 36 to 60 Tall | Number of Colors: 7 | Material: Polyester-nylon blend| Closure Type: Button
Buyers searching for the best fall coats for men for smart and smart-casual outfits should consider a trench coat, such as this one from London Fog. It's great for wearing with suits or to smarten up a more casual outfit, such as jeans and a T-shirt.
We're fans of the detachable lining and wool collar. Without them, it's great for mild fall days, but with them, you'll be comfortable on cold days, too. It's available in seven muted hues, including black, charcoal and navy. The additional zippered inner pocket is great for holding items you'd be worried might fall out of the side pockets.
This is an excellent men's coat for fall. You can comfortably wear it on both mild and cold days — and it looks great. What more could you want?
Best men's bomber jacket for fall
Product Specifications
Size Range: XS to 5XL | Number of Colors: 3 | Material: Nylon | Closure Type: Zipper
If you want a fall jacket that's stylish and practical, this is a great choice. The military style and classic bomber cut make it an on-trend choice that works with a wide range of outfits. You can even get away with wearing it on smart-casual occasions, especially in blue or black (it also comes in sage green).
It's the same style that was originally made for Air Force and Navy pilots and is crafted from a durable flight-grade nylon. It's padded with a polyester filling, which makes it great on chillier fall days.
Everyone wants a cozy jacket that also looks great and we like that this one delivers on both fronts. The large pockets are handy, and it has authentic details, such as the "remove before flight" label on the zipper.
Best men's waterproof jacket for fall
Product Specifications
Size Range: 34 to 52 | Number of Colors: 2 | Material: Waxed cotton | Closure Type: Zipper and snaps
Made by an iconic British country-apparel brand, this jacket is perfect for active outdoor types — or for treading the city streets while daydreaming that you just stepped out of an English country manor. Its waterproofing is different from that on most jackets — it's made from heavy-duty cotton that's waxed to make it watertight.
It comes in olive green or sage, both with a checked lining that you might get a flash of when wearing this jacket open. It's the right thickness for moderate fall weather, but you can also buy a liner that zips or snaps in place, making it suitable for cooler weather.
The wax jacket is among our favorites for anyone who wants a rugged jacket that's also stylish in an understated way. You could just as easily wear this on a hike as you could for a dinner out, depending on how you style it.
Best men's Harrington jacket for fall
Product Specifications
Size Range: 36 to 46 | Number of Colors: 5 | Material: Cotton-polyester blend | Closure Type: Zipper
The original Harrington jacket, this garment will make you look effortlessly stylish. It has ribbed cuffs and a ribbed hem similar to a bomber jacket, but with a slimmer, straighter cut.
What's cool about this jacket is how versatile it is. It can look super casual and sporty or smart enough to wear with business-casual attire, depending on how you choose to style it. You can choose from five classic colors, including black, tan and beech. The tartan lining is an iconic part of the design and provides a pop of color when you're wearing this jacket undone. It's lightweight with a cotton lining, so it's best suited to mild fall weather.
If you're looking for a stylish jacket from a designer brand, it's a great choice even though it's on the pricey side. We love that it's weather-resistant, standing up well to rain.
Why a fall jacket is essential
You've got your summer clothes and you've got a thick winter coat, so why do you need a fall jacket? One of the primary reasons is to help you transition from summer to winter. Though fall temperatures vary by region, there will often be days when a sweater or a thick flannel shirt won't cut it, but you'll be roasting if you wear a winter coat.
Then there's the matter of layering. If you have a relatively lightweight fall jacket, you can layer it over other warm items. Over your T-shirt, you might have a button-down shirt, a sweater and a jacket. This gives you the versatility to shed items of clothing if you get too warm. Not to mention that a jacket can be a stylish addition to your wardrobe.
Factors to consider when choosing a fall jacket
While you shop, there are a few things to keep in mind before settling on the right fall jacket for you.
- Weather conditions. Think about the typical weather conditions where you live throughout fall and choose accordingly. We love jean jackets and other unlined jackets for mild fall weather, while lined or padded coats and jackets are better for cooler weather. You might want a waterproof fall jacket if it rains a lot where you live.
- Personal style. Everyone has their own style, so it can take some shopping around before you find the perfect fall coat. You might want a leather jacket or a varsity jacket if your style leans toward the casual or a trench coat or peacoat if you want something on the smarter side.
- Functionality. Coats for fall need to be practical, not just stylish, and some features make them extra functional. Removable linings are great if temperatures fluctuate where you live. Sizable pockets are perfect for carrying around essentials. Storm cuffs help keep your arms warm. Consider what's functional for you and work from there.
- Budget. Decide what your budget is before looking for a men's coat for fall. You can pay anywhere from $20 to well over $500 on a fall jacket, depending on the type of jacket, its quality and the brand. Designer coats and high-end brands obviously cost more, but you don't have to spend a fortune to get a quality piece of outerwear. We've found some excellent coats and jackets in the $50 to $100 range.
Types of fall jackets and coats
Not sure if you need a Harrington jacket or a peacoat? Here’s a breakdown of what the most popular styles look like.
- Denim jackets: A classic choice, denim jackets or jean jackets are casual and versatile. We love them for layering over various outfits.
- Trucker jackets: While they have the same boxy cut as denim jackets, trucker jackets can be made from any material. They can be lined for extra warmth.
- Bomber jackets: These short, zip-front jackets have a fitted or elastic waist and cuffs. They often have a military-inspired design.
- Puffer jackets: If you’re looking for something on the warmer side, we’re fans of puffer jackets. These insulated jackets have a quilted design and are filled with down or synthetic materials.
- Leather jackets: Timeless and versatile, leather jackets can add some edge to any outfit. We love them for bringing a casual edge to smart ensembles.
- Peacoats: These double-breasted wool coats are stylish and warm — but not too warm for fall.
- Trench coats: Lightweight and waterproof, these coats are great for fall. They bring a classic, sophisticated look to outfits.
- Harrington jackets: These waist-length, lightweight jackets have a simple straight cut and a distinctive tartan or checkered lining.
- Chore coats: Originally meant as workwear, but now popular as streetwear, chore coats are rugged and stylish. They have a simple, utilitarian design, featuring multiple pockets and durable materials to withstand rough use.
- Fleece jackets: Not the most stylish, but a practical choice, fleece jackets are warm without being overly warm. You can also layer them under thicker coats when fall turns to winter.
How to style your fall jacket
There are so many ways to style a fall jacket and the exact way you do so will depend on your chosen jacket and your usual wardrobe. These are some ideas for casual, smart-casual and workwear looks.
Casual
If you want to go for a casual look, start with a casual outfit such as jeans and a plain T-shirt. On cool days, consider wearing a flannel shirt under your jacket as an extra layer — you can leave it unbuttoned over your T-shirt or button it if it gets cool. Opt for boots and a plaid shirt for a classic fall outfit. Or lose the flannel and wear some fresh sneakers and a baseball cap for a sportier look.
Smart-casual
There are also plenty of smart-casual or semi-formal ways to style a men's fall coat or jacket. We love pairing a trench coat with a dress shirt, tailored trousers and dress shoes for a polished look that's suitable for business-casual occasions. Or you could wear a Harrington jacket with a button-up shirt, chinos and loafers for an effortlessly sophisticated and stylish look. It's also possible to dress down a semiformal outfit with the right jacket. For instance, if you've been wearing a suit for work, take off the jacket and replace it with a leather jacket or dark jean jacket for an outfit that's suitable for casual post-work drinks.
Workwear
Want to know how to look stylish in workwear? Well, you can find plenty of chore coats and field jackets that are both practical and stylish. These look great paired with a thick plaid flannel and heavy work boots for an outfit that's both functional for outdoor work and screams "fall."
Layering tips
A fall day can start out positively chilly in the morning but warm up considerably by the afternoon. That’s where the art of layering comes in.
- Start with a base layer but don't forget a mid-layer: Begin with a lightweight base layer, such as a crew neck T-shirt, a long-sleeved Henley or a casual button-up shirt. Next, add a mid-layer, such as a sweater or a flannel shirt.
- Choose the right jacket or coat: In early fall, opt for lightweight jackets. We're particularly into denim jackets, bomber jackets and Harrington jackets. Then, as the weather cools, you can transition to midweight options like leather jackets, field jackets or quilted jackets, which are warm but not too bulky.
- Mix textures and fabrics: Having a range of textures in your outfit can really make it pop. For example, pair a smooth leather jacket with a chunky knit sweater or a denim jacket with a soft flannel shirt.
- Focus on fit: Each layer should fit well. Bulky layers under a slim-fit jacket won't look right, nor will overly tight layers under loose-fitting ones. Well-fitted base and mid-layers let your jacket fit comfortably over them.
- Pay attention to proportions: Be mindful of the lengths of your layers when layering men's coats for fall. Longer shirts or sweaters can peek out from under your jacket, adding dimension to your outfit. That said, shirts that are too long can look out of proportion.
Care and maintenance
Caring for your coats and jackets properly will help them last many falls to come. Pay attention to the care instructions on your coat, as this varies widely. Some can be thrown in the washer and dryer, while others are dry-clean only. You should hang your coat on a clothes hanger or a coat rack when not in use, but make sure you let it dry before putting it away to avoid it getting moldy or musty.
How we analyzed
Lauren Corona has been reporting for BestReviews since 2017, covering a range of topics, including clothing, shoes and accessories. Her style leans masculine-of-center, so she's no stranger to menswear. She considered over 30 pieces of outerwear before deciding on the best fall coats for men. She looked at factors such as jacket type, style, water resistance, practicality and durability.
Best fall jacket for men FAQ
Q. Can I wear my winter coat in the fall?
A. You can wear your winter coat in the fall, but it's likely to be too warm for much of the season. You may end up sweating in your winter coat or decide to go without a coat on milder days and spend the day cold as a result. The best fall coats for men are lighter than winter ones and, therefore, better suited to milder weather conditions.
Q. How many fall jackets do I need?
A. There's really no hard-and-fast rule on this. Your answer may depend on the weather where you live. For instance, in some places, you may only need one weight of fall jacket for the whole season. Other areas have more variable weather, so you might find use for both a lighter and a heavier fall coat. Then there's the question of fashion. Some people are happy to wear the same fall jacket every day throughout the season, while others want a range of jackets in various cuts and colors to go with different outfits.
Q. What are the trending colors for fall jackets?
A. Currently, neutral colors are trending for fall jackets. Think hues such as camel, khaki, navy blue and — of course — black. The bonus of these kinds of hues is that they go with a range of outfits. They're also classic, so even when they're no longer trendy, they won't completely go out of style.
