Designer Coats for Men
From LoveToKnow Men's Fashion
Among the few fashion essentials every gentleman should own, designer coats for men rank high. If hiked-up price tags are swimming before your eyes and keeping your guard up, think again: These days, it's surprisingly easy to score designer products at reasonable prices. At the same time, a high-quality coat is an investment piece that should ideally last for years, so it's also important to take its construction and fit into account when shopping.
The Price of Luxury
Much like a quality leather belt or wallet, the right coat will endure over time. It has the potential to last you for years, provided your size does not change, and if its style is classic enough, it will never lose relevance. The right coat will also be reliable – the one you turn to whenever the weather wreaks havoc with your day or requires an extra layer of warmth. It will be versatile and timeless, pairing well with everything from rugged denim and boots to dress slacks and shiny shoes.
Of course, such perfection will never be terribly cheap. You can expect to pay at least a bit more than average for something that holds so much promise and offers such a long-term commitment. For that alone, it will be worth the price you pay. In order to determine if it's really worth even a second glance, though, you must examine the finer details before you make your big purchase.
Designer Coats: It's In the Details
They say the devil is in the details, and that could not be more accurate when it comes to designer coats for men. Everything from embellishments to craftsmanship should be taken into consideration. A coat should obviously provide you with the most basic function of unsurpassed warmth in harsh conditions, but beyond that it should look the part – stylish, smart and crisply tailored. Additionally, be sure to pay attention to certain elements when you're shopping for your coat:
- Length/Fabric: Where do you live? If your climate is usually mild and you don't tend to experience harsh winters, you can probably get away with a shorter cut and a lighter fabric. Waist-length styles, such as pea coats, are timeless and polished. On the other hand, if you tend to deal with lots of rain and cold weather, you may want to invest in a waterproof style, such as a tailored, belted raincoat. Snowy climates require more substantial styles, so opt for long cuts with warm linings.
- Color: Less of an option in men's than women's fashion, color nonetheless does make a difference in how often the coat is likely to be worn. If you happen to own several coats, you can step out of the classic comfort zone and opt for something a bit more out of left field. However, in general it's best to go for something conventional and everyday-appropriate, like black, charcoal or rich brown. Steer clear of over-the-top embellishments, like decorative pockets or hardware.
- Cut: This is the most important detail of all. If your coat fits well, you'll find yourself wearing it much more often than if it's even a little big snug! The key is to purchase one that fits in well with how you plan to wear it. In a cold climate, you're like to slip a sweater or thick top underneath, so a coat in a slightly larger size is appropriate. If you don't need any extra bulk, a coat in an easy, perfect fit is just right. Do avoid the temptation to buy something that only just fits – this will not serve you well over long periods.
- Price: Again, while price is certainly an important factor, it should be weighed equally with the coat's quality and endurance. Remember that a superior coat will hold up well throughout the years and will undoubtedly pay for itself over time. If the coat you're eyeing is truly out of your budget, search for a similar style (made with the same material and in the same color) by a brand with more minimal price points. Don't necessarily shy away from something truly inexpensive, but don't be surprised if it doesn't hold up as long!
Where to Buy Designer Coats for Men
Your hunt can take you far and wide, so it's helpful to narrow your selection of shops down to a few choice locations. Here are a few great places to get started:
- Bluefly is the place to be if you really know and love your big name designers. In addition to such brands as Gucci and Elie Tahari, you'll find more reasonably priced offerings like Original Penguin and Loomstate. It's wise to try them on if you can prior to ordering them online; of course, you can always return it if it doesn't work, but save yourself the trouble. Try it on in person, then stop by Bluefly and order it for less than its original retail price.
- Nordstrom is chalk full of designer coats, and whether you shop online or in store you're certain to find one that suits your needs. Budget-conscious individuals can search the "$150 and Under" department for a small but quality selection of coats, while those with a bit more to spend can focus on the likes of Burberry, Cole Haan and Armani, to name a few.
- Smart Bargains is definitely a smart choice for finding just about anything by big names. This online haunt has a packed men's section that includes coats at discounted prices. Designers run the gamut from Joseph Abboud to Kenneth Cole New York, so you're bound to find something you love – and always at a price that's easy on the wallet.
When to Shop
Finally, it's helpful to know when to shop in order to find the very best selection out there. Of course you're guaranteed to find coats galore during fall and winter, but a great time to score a designer coat a bargain price is after the holiday season. Items are almost immediately marked down online and in stores, coupon codes abound and the chances of finding the coat of your dreams for a reasonable price multiplies. You'll even find similar deals during springtime. In other words, do your winter coat shopping well in advance.
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