ultra lightweight packable down jacket:Best Duffle Coat

As proud and hard-wearing as its military heritage suggests, the Duffle coat is a true British heritage icon.

Considered by many to be the best men’s wool coat, the Duffle is often mistakenly presumed to originate from the Belgian town of Duffel, which is famous for making a cloth of the same name, but the Duffle coat has various different traceable origins.

What is certain though is that, much like the peacoat, it was a favourite of the British Navy owing to it’s hard-wearing nature and ability to keep out even the most bitter of winds.

One of the most interesting features of the Duffle coat is the hood, a rare find on traditional men’s coats, but one that is waterproof, perfect for protecting you and keeping you insulated from the weather. For this reason, it is often regarded as one of the best British winter coats.

The Duffle coat is incredibly versatile and works well with most casual outfits. It has a slightly looser fit, meaning that it is perfect for layering over a heavier sweater - the way that it was worn in the navy.

In terms of colour, you can’t go wrong with a simple grey, navy or black, though camel is a popular choice and looks great when styling with a variety of outfits.

When looking to buy a Duffle coat, it would be wise to avoid synthetic fabrics and we recommend opting for natural fibres such as wool or Loden.

These are the most breathable but also the most durable, making them well worth your investment.