Written by Orla Lavery in Essentials on the 22nd December 2017

This winter set your wardrobe priorities straight by investing in these three key outerwear pieces to take you through the outerwear seasons, year on year. Within our three ‘outerwear essentials’ categories we’ve compiled our list of good, better, and best, with the top pieces yielding the highest return on investment throughout the winter months. These coats are so good you'll need some persuading to take them off but you really should listen to F. Scott Fitzgerald when he said; “Take off that darn fur coat!...Or maybe you'd like to have us open all the windows.”

A High Performance Jacket  

When it comes to outerwear, practicality has to take some kind of precedence, right? Right. But, style and substance are not mutually exclusive. These three high performance jackets combine style and durability in its most sophisticated form. For the outdoorsy adventure-man these coats are high performers both outdoors and on the books, yielding the best return on investment for those who know how to take care of their outerwear. 

Good: Y-3 Quilted Shell Down Jacket in (£450) 

Better: Moncler Jeanbart Quilted Shell Hooded Down Jacket (£715)  

Best: Prada Quilted Shell Down Hooded Jacket (£1,030)

A Classic Wool Coat 

The King of classic, it’s hard to go wrong with a wool coat. Our advice? Go by fit and fabric. These things really take precedence, regardless of price. A high wool composition is important, and a little cashmere thrown in for good measure never hurt. The most important thing is making sure this coat can be worn over a suit while still looking perfectly tailored. The three wool coats that made our list tick all the boxes for timeless, classic menswear dressing. With the right tailoring, we predict these outerwear investments can last up to 15 years, with a yearly wearing at a modest 20% that gives you an average ‘cost per wear’ of 32p, 54p, and 82p - they’re practically a steal! 

Good: Schott Melton Wool Peacoat (£350) 

Better: Mr P. Double-Faced Virgin-Wool Overcoat (£595) 

Best: Acne Studios Matthew Double-Faced Wool and Cashmere-Blend Coat (£865)

Something Shearling 

When it comes to this fuzzy classic there really is no half measure. Although the price tag may come with that wince-inducing comma we think this classic outerwear piece is worth the investment, and here’s why. With shearling jackets, you can either invest and reap the rewards, or stay on budget with a piece that will last a matter of two or three seasons. We recommend the former, because this timeless trimming is not only a real winter warmer, it’s an easy outfit elevator and an investment that will stand the test of time. When you invest in a piece like this from a top-tier brand you not only buy into luxury construction and composition, but you also invest in the longevity of the garment. Many of the top designers offer care packages for their top ticket items and, with a friendly smile, you may even get a leather protector thrown in for good will.  

Good: Schott Type N-5A Shearling-Trimmed Leather and Wool-Blend Jacket (£930) 

Better: RRL Willard Leather-Trimmed Shearling Jacket (£2,170) 

Best: Tom Ford Shearling Bomber Jacket (£5,295)

We feature High Performance Jackets, Classic Wool Coats and Men's Shearling Clothing in 3 Outerwear Investments You Need To Make.