Outerwear Overhaul: These Are The 23 Best Men’s Pea Coats, Car Coats, Walker Coats, and Overcoats

These Are The 23 Best Men's Pea Coats, Car Coats, Walker Coats, and Overcoats

We've researched the best men's winter coats, based on material composition, product rating, and price.

A Note About Fabric:
High wool counts are always desirable for the quality of cloth, but the inclusion of polyester and synthetic fibers shouldn’t be as much of a turn-off when shopping for winter outerwear as when searching for a suit or clothing for warmer weather. Natural fibers like wool, cotton, silk, and linen are considered better for the environment, but what’s better when considering the wearer himself?

There’s a reason that it’s hard to find reasonably priced outerwear that doesn’t have a composition of at least 25% polyester or other synthetic fibers like nylon or rayon. Polyester is stronger and more flexible than many natural fibers, and its lack of breathability that makes it burdensome in the summer can be a blessing to wearers hoping to retain heat in the winter.

If you’re looking for dressier outerwear like an overcoat to wear with a suit, a higher wool count is desirable. If you’re looking for a durable winter workhorse such as a pea coat or casual walker, don’t let a high polyester count dissuade you.

Continuously updated as we find new ones or old ones go out of stock, rewritten and expanded in 2023.

What's the difference between pea coats, car coats, walker coats, and overcoats?

Generally speaking, these coats are defined by their length and formality:

what's the difference between a pea coat, car coat, walker coat, and overcoat

You'll notice in the product titles below that brands and retailers are inconsistent with the naming convention. Some that are listed as car coats are far longer than traditional ones, and some walker coats are simply titled topcoats. For our purposes, we're organizing them by length.

What is a topcoat?

Similarly and traditionally, topcoats and overcoats are defined by their length and weight. Topcoats were lighter weight material and end at or above the knee whereas an overcoat was a little heavier and longer. Today however, you'll find retailers and brands use these terms interchangeably to simply refer to longer coats that fall below the middle thigh.

The Best Pea Coats

The pea coat is a traditional winter wardrobe essential that originates in the 1720s. The British and Dutch navies, whose sailors utilized it to protect themselves from the fierce winds and rains of the North Sea, are where it first appeared. The coat, which was first referred to as a “p-coat” or “pijjekker,” was fashioned of strong, thick wool to help keep the sailors warm. The classic pea coat is double-breasted, has a wide collar that can be turned up for added protection, and is cut short to the hip.

Three centuries later, the pea coat retains its venerable double-breasted, short-length design properties but reimagined with a lighter fabric composition that better suits the needs of a modern wearer less prone to taking to the high seas. Today, you can find pea coats made from a variety of materials including wool, cashmere, cotton, and alpaca, which create a lighter and more comfortable version of the traditional pea coat. In terms of style, the pea coat has a timeless and classic look that is both elegant and functional.

Military uniforms have long served as a source of inspiration for fashion designers. Military garments' masculine and functional designs have been adapted for everything from streetwear to black tie, and the pea coat is no exception. The pea coat has become a staple for many men and  women due to its ability to provide cold-weather protection, its ageless classic design, and its ability to be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Read more about how military uniforms have influenced modern fashion.

How to Wear a Pea Coat

Pea coats can easily be worn with casual outfits all the way to more dressed up and professional styles

a man wearing a grey cashmere peacoat

Todd Snyder

Italian Wool Cashmere Peacoat

Buy on Todd Snyder for $799

Todd Snyder Rating:
5.0 (1 reviews)

Material:
90% wool, 10% cashmere

Color options:
Pewter

schott american made wool peac coat

Schott NYC

Classic Melton Wool Peacoat

Buy at Schott NYC for $380

Schott NYC Rating
4.5 (441 reviews)

Material
80% wool, 20% nylon

Color options
Black, Navy, Oxford Grey, New Navy, Dark Oxford Grey

a man wearing a green double breasted coat

Nautica

Double Breasted Wool Peacoat

Buy on Amazon for $80

Material
52% wool, 40% polyester, 8% other fibers

Color options
Black, Charcoal, Dark Navy, Camel, Light Grey, Loden, Vintage Charcoal, Vintage Dark Navy

Nick’s Note: Seems like a solid go-to for the budget pea coat shopper.

bgsd peacoat

BGSD

Double Breasted Peacoat

Buy on Amazon for $80

Material
Shell: 70% wool 25% polyester 5% other; Lining: 100% polyester; Filling: 100% polyester

Color options
Black, Navy, Charcoal

marc new york peacoat

Andrew Marc

Melton Wool Peacoat

Pick up on Amazon for $110

Material
Shell: 60% Wool, 33% Polyester, 3% Rayon, 2% Nylon, 2% Acrylic; 100% Polyester; Sleeve Linging: 100% Polyester; 81% Acrylic, 18% Polyester, 1% Spandex; 100% Polyester

Color options
Black, Charcoal, Ink

lands end wool peacoat

Lands' End

Insulated Wool Peacoat

Buy on Lands' End for $260

LANDS' END Rating
N/A

Material
50% wool, 45% polyester, 5% other fibers

Color options
Dark charcoal heather, True navy

More Pea Coat Outfit Inspiration

Check out these Primer posts on how to style your new pea coat:

The Best Car Coats

If the pea coat originated at sea, the car coat began life inland as a warm outer layer for motorists that soon grew as ubiquitous as cars themselves. The term has been used interchangeably through the last century, but the general modern marketing use refers to a short casual jacket that looks great for a hard day of working in the snow or paired with a cardigan and tie on your way to that evening holiday party. Most car coats have a standard flap collar, but you may find some that have notch lapels.

Car coats are often made from wool or other thick materials that will provide insulation and protection from the wind, but they can also be made of cotton and have more of a rain jacket weight. Many car coats also feature a water-resistant or even waterproof coating, making them a great option for those who live in areas with lots of rain or snow.

One of the best things about car coats is their versatility. They can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. They look great with a work clothes, or paired with a crew neck and jeans for a casual day out. They also make great transitional pieces, as they can be worn over a sweater or light jacket during the fall, and then layered over a thicker coat when the temperature drops. Overall, car coats are a great investment for anyone looking for a stylish and functional coat to wear during the colder months that may be less nautical than a pea coat and less formal than an overcoat.

bgsd car coat

BGSD

Single Breasted Car Coat

Buy on Amazon for $150

Material:
Shell: 70% wool 25% polyester 5% other; Lining: 100% polyester; Filling: 100% polyester

Color options:
Black, Navy

a man wearing a wool blend car coat with scarf

Dockers

Weston Wool Blend Scarf Coat

Buy on Amazon for $126

Material:
Black: 67% Polyester, 8% Rayon, 8% Wool, 6% Cotton, 6% Nylon, 5% Acrylic; Charcoal: 77% Polyester, 7% Rayon, 7% Wool, 6% Acrylic, 3% Other Fibers

Color options:
Light Grey, Navy, Black/Light Grey Scarf, Camel/Light Grey Scarf, Charcoal/Light Grey Scarf, Charcoal

a man wearing a button front topcoat over a printed sweater and denim jeans

Old Navy

Button Front Topcoat

Buy on Old Navy for $80

Material:
66% cotton, 34% nylon, smooth taffeta lining

Color options:
In The Navy, A Stone's Throw

a black and grey buffalo check pattern coat

Land's End

Blake Shelton x Land's End Insulated Wool Rancher Coat

Buy on Land's End for $200

Land's End Rating:
4.0 (1 reviews)

Material:
Shell: 50% wool, 45% polyester, 5% other fibers; Lining/Insulation: 100% polyester

Color options:
Charcoal Buffalo Check, Evening Star Buffalo Check

a wool carcoat

Todd Snyder

Italina Donegal Wool Car Coat

Buy on Todd Snyder for $879

Todd Snyder Rating:
4.5(5 review)

Material:
100% wool, fully lined in silk

Color options:
Light grey

a man wearing a cashmere blend coat

Cole Haan

Cashmere Blend Classic Coat

Buy on Amazon for $215

Material:
70% wool, 20% nylon, 10% cashmere

Color options:
Espresso, Camel, Charcoal, Navy, Black

The Best Walker Coats & Topcoats

As its name implies, the walker is essentially a short overcoat that ends well above the knee to ease the wearer’s perambulations. Dressier than a car coat, a walker can be worn with a suit, particularly if one commutes to work in the city and needs a practical but warm top layer that won’t get caught in the car door or stuffy on the subway.

We're including topcoats starting in this section, but as mentioned above that terms is now used inconsistently by brands.

man wearing topcoat with flannel shirt and henley

From: Desert Hues

How to Wear a Topcoat

Topcoats are a classic outerwear choice that can be worn with any outfit, from jeans and t-shirt to a dressed up professional suit – providing warmth, protection from the weather and a polished, masculine look.

image of a topper jacket with bib

Cole Haan

Classic Topper with Knit Bib

Pick it up on Amazon for $123

Material:
Wool, Faux leather

Color options:
Charcoal, Navy, Black

an wool blend topcoat

J.Crew

Ludlow Topcoat

Buy on J.Crew for $548

J.Crew Rating:
4.1 (11 reviews)

Material:
95% wool, 5% cashmere

Color options:
Navy

peter-manning-topcoat

Peter Manning

Fulton Wool Cashmere Topcoat

Buy on Peter Manning for $395

Peter Manning Rating:
5.0 (64 reviews)

Material:
10% cashmere, 70% wool, 20% nylon

Color options:
Charcoal, Navy, Black, Camel

a man wearing a grey overcoat and a turtleneck sweater

Suit Supply

Wool Overcoat

Buy on Suit Supply for $499

Suit Supply Ratings:
N/A

Material:
100% wool

Color options:
Dark grey

image of a grey wool peacoat

Dockers

Wool Blend Topcoat

Pick it up on Amazon for $140

Material:
SHELL: 77% polyester, 11% wool, 6% acrylic, 4% rayon, 2% nylon BIB: 100% nylon

Color options:
Camel, Charcoal Herringbone, Black

a man wearing a long grey topper coat

Cole Haan

Wool Blend Melton Classic Topper

Buy on Nordstrom for $115

Nordstrom Rating:
4.5 (25 reviews)

Material:
60% wool, 30% polyester, 5% nylon, 5% other fibers; Shell: 100% polyester lining

Color options:
Charcoal, Black

A man drinking a cocktail in a bar

The Best Overcoats

A traditional full-length overcoat is the most appropriate to be worn with a suit, though it can add an elegant – and warm – layer to a dressed-down wool sweater worn with your best jeans and boots. A mostly-wool single-breasted overcoat, knee-length or longer, is a good place to start before graduating to more complex overcoats like the Chesterfield, covert coat, guards coat, or paletot.

When it comes to color, a neutral hue such as black, navy, olive, brown or grey is always a safe choice. These colors are versatile and can be easily paired with a variety of outfits. If you want to add a pop of color to your wardrobe, consider an overcoat in a bold shade such as red or forest green. Just be mindful of the formality of the occasion and choose a color that is appropriate.

Another important factor to consider when shopping for an overcoat is the type of closure. A single-breasted overcoat with buttons is a classic choice that can be dressed up or down. A double-breasted overcoat with buttons is a more formal option that exudes sophistication. An inner bib with a zipper closure can be a practical choice for an overcoat that will be worn in wet or cold weather.

In terms of length, a knee-length or longer overcoat is a good choice for formal occasions, while a shorter overcoat can be worn more casually. The length of the overcoat should also be determined by your personal style and body type. If you are tall, a longer overcoat may be more flattering, while a shorter overcoat may be more suitable for those who aren’t.

image of a black full length topcoat

Adam Baker

Luxury Wool Full Length Topcoat

Pick it up on Amazon for $150

Material:
65% Wool, 30% Polyester, 5% Others

Color options:
Camel Tan, Charcoal Grey, Navy Blue, Black, Rust

a man wearing a wool topcoat over a sweater

Bonobos

The Italian Wool Topcoat

Buy it on Bonobos for $349

Bonobos Rating:
N/A

Material:
70% wool, 30% nylon

Color options:
Charcoal, Camel

a man wearing a wool blend over coat over a collared shirt

Cole Haan

Wool Blend Overcoat

Buy on Nordstrom for $359

Nordstrom Ratings:
N/A

Material:
70% wool, 20% nylon, 10% recycled cashmere with leather trim

Color options:
Charcoal, Espresso, Camel, Navy

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Nick Guzan

Nick Guzan is a public relations consultant and writer living in Pittsburgh. He blogs about men's style in movies and TV at BAMFStyle.com. His interests include old movies, muscle cars, maritime disasters, fast food, and single malt Scotch.