Men's winter 2026 coat: 5 cuts to adopt

A man's coat should be chosen for five months of rain, wind, and commutes, not for a photo. Every autumn, we are asked the same question at 15 rue des Grands Carmes, our men's boutique: "If you could only pick one, which would it be?" At Appart17, we have prepared the answer, cut by cut, with the models we actually have in stock for the winter of 2026.

1. The car coat: the city coat par excellence

Originally designed for driving (hence the name), the car coat ends around the knee, with a tailored collar and button fastening. It has the length of an overcoat without the stiffness: it’s the coat you slip on over a shirt and chinos during the week, then over a turtleneck sweater on the weekend.

What we have: the SLMRONNIE from Selected Homme, in recycled wool twill (50% recycled wool, 45% recycled polyester), knee-length, with a printed lining revealed when opened.

How to wear it: open over a thin sweater and straight-leg trousers; buttoned up, with a wool scarf tucked into the collar, when the wind picks up on the boulevard.

2. The mid-length straight wool coat: the reliable choice

Cut straight, without tapering, it falls below the hips and fits over a blazer or a chunky knit. It is the most versatile piece in a man's wardrobe: it works for the office in the morning and the restaurant in the evening without changing your style. This season, we prefer it in coffee brown rather than black—a color that warms up the greys and navy blues of winter.

What we have: the TRAVIS from Minimum, a dense 50% wool blend, tailored collar, two side pockets, in Turkish Coffee color.

Good to know: a wool blend should not be machine washed. A quick brush after each wear and a trip to the dry cleaner at the end of the season are enough to keep it looking sharp for several winters.

3. The duffle coat: the warmest city coat

Thick wool, hood, high collar: the duffle coat is made for damp cold. It is a bit roomier than other coats, which leaves space for a proper wool sweater underneath.

What we have: the Wool duffle coat from KnowledgeCotton Apparel, in pre-consumer recycled wool, with a detachable hood and mid-thigh length. It is the most premium piece in our men's selection this season (€500)—and the one that lasts the longest.

4. The insulated parka: for those who walk or cycle

If you cross Brussels by bike or wait for the tram in the rain, this is the one you need: waterproof membrane, insulation, hood. Two figures make the difference: the water column, which measures waterproofness, and the breathability, which tells you if the garment wicks away sweat or cooks you inside.

What we have: the TERROR WEATHER parka from Welter Shelter — 10,000 mm water column, 10,000 g/m²/24h breathability, 150g MEIDA insulation rated for up to -10°C, heat-sealed seams. Lighter and more accessible, the Fishtail Parka W3 from Rains (€129) is available in five colors.

The Rains code, decoded: on Rains labels, the letter "W" refers to the level of waterproofness and the letter "T" to the level of thermal insulation. A W3 piece is designed for rain; a W3T1 piece adds a light insulating layer.

5. The raincoat: the piece that serves from October to May

No insulation, just waterproof protection: the raincoat is worn over a sweatshirt in autumn and over a thick sweater in winter. If you already have a warm coat, this is the first purchase to make for Belgian rain.

What we have: the Jacket W3 from Rains (€89.90, nine colors), the Waterproof Jacket Archives from Flotte, and to add warmth underneath, the quilted Banja bomber from Rains, which can be worn alone in dry weather or under a raincoat when it freezes.

Which one to choose, if you only need one?

You mostly go to the office by public transport: the straight wool coat or the car coat.
You cycle or are outside for a long time: the insulated parka.
You already have a warm coat and are looking for protection against rain: the raincoat.
You get cold easily: the duffle coat.

For sizing: take your usual size if you wear a shirt or a thin sweater underneath, one size up if you plan on layering a chunky sweater under a tailored cut. The easiest way is to try it on: our men's boutique is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and you can also order online and collect your order for free at 17 Rue des Grands Carmes, ready within 1 hour (Click & Collect). Free delivery from €75 to Belgium, France and the EU; returns within 14 days.

To complete the look: our men's sweaters, our beanies and scarves, and our guide on how to choose the material for your beanie and scarf. The entire selection can be found in men's jackets and coats.

To go further: all of this season's styles are gathered in our men's coats collection, jackets and raincoats in men's jackets, and the knitwear to wear underneath in men's sweaters and sweatshirts.