As we hit peak winter, wrap up warm in a duvet coat – the sartorial hug you didn’t know you needed. Here, we’ve rounded up the best offerings for both form and function.
As we settle into the third round of national lockdown there will naturally be some habits we resurrect from round one, namely baking and long walks to get some fresh air into our housebound lungs. While walks in the middle of summer were a welcome break, getting ourselves out of the house when the winter chill has set in is less appealing.
But screen breaks are essential, and studies have shown that using your lunch breaks to get out and about can have a positive impact on everything from your concentration and creativity to your overall enjoyment of the work you’re doing, as well as obvious physical and mental health benefits. All you need is a duvet coat.
Previously an item of clothing preferred by artic explorers and Arsene Wenger, the now highly coveted duvet coat has had something of a fashion do-over. Scoring you a lot more style points than before, this long-line puffer-style coat is padded to create layers of insulation to ensure you stay warmer for longer, ideal for long winter walks.
For the most part we will be chucking our duvet coats on with our leggings and hoodies to get out of the house, but don’t overlook the style points of a duvet coat when dressed up. Opt for a length that hits mid-calf and wear yours with a chunky cardigan, cropped jeans and stomper boots for an effortlessly cool look. For those wanting something less conventional than another black coat, try out khaki or cream.
Now, as we prepare for an uncertain winter where walks are the highlight of the day, a duvet coat is as essential as a comfy two-piece loungewear set and a tie-dye hoody. Shop our edit of the most stylish versions here.
Best puffer coats
H&M
Best duvet coats: H&M For an everyday outfit, this is the one. In black or soft pastel blue, it’s the rope belt and sleek collar that gets our strong seal of approval.
Massimo Dutti
Duvet coats: Massimo Dutti The lustrous sheen on Massimo Dutti’s cream duvet coat gives this piece real luxe appeal. Wear with beige, black and khaki for a classic colour palette that works.
Weekday
Best duvet coats: Weekday Weekday’s recycled polyester coat will see you through winter in comfort and style. The check print puffer is the perfect option if you love statement-making outerwear.
H&M
Best duvet coats: H&M For those looking for a shorter version of the duvet coat, H&M has got you covered. Pair yours with heavy duty denim and rubber boots.
Second Female
Best duvet coats: Second Female Scandi label Second Female uses recycled materials to create this classic winter essential. The hood means you needn’t take an umbrella on your daily walk – sold.
Shop Second Female Prudence quilted hooded coat at Anthropologie, £252
Monki
Best duvet coats: Monki If you fancy a fresh look then go for a pastel shade. This minty cropped number from Monki will look so good with dark jeans and loafers.
Mango
Best duvet coats: Mango Made from recycled polyester, Mango’s coat is as close to a wearable duvet as we are going to get, and we are here for it.
Shop belt quilted coat at Mango, £83.99 (previously £119.99)
Ganni
Best duvet coats: Ganni Leave it to Ganni, the cool girl’s brand of choice, to serve up the most stylish take on the trend. We love the black and camel colour combination of this long padded coat.
Shop Ganni heavy tech oversized puffer coat at Farfetch, £425
Uniqlo
Best duvet coats: Uniqlo There is no one who does technical outerwear at affordable prices like Uniqlo, and that remains true for the brand’s duvet coat offering. A windproof and waterproof design with hidden stitches for better heat retention, this coat hit both form and function in one.
Shop seamless hooded long coat at Uniqlo, £139.90 (previously £159.90)
Asos Curve
Best duvet coats: Asos Curve Wrap up in Asos Curve’s winter warmer. Throw this over your matching tracksuit for a sleek seasonal look.
Shop puffer maxi coat with belt in hazelnut at Asos Curve, £29.25 (previously £65)
Arket
Best duvet coats: Arket Crafted from a high-shine fabric made of recycled polyester, this coat is filled with Re:Down® 100% recycled down and feathers to provide a sustainable lightweight insulating layer. The glossy finish will add some much needed glamour to any and all winter walks.
Samsøe Samsøe
Best duvet coats: Samsøe Samsøe Scandi brand Samsøe Samsøe know a thing or two about keeping warm; try out this duvet style in place of your existing camel coat.
Images: Getty / Courtesy of brands