Yahoo Finance Camel coats are the key to completing your winter staple wardrobe – here are 12 of our favourites
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Camel coats are the key to completing your winter staple wardrobe – here are 12 of our favourites
We don't need to tell you that, for women at least, the camel coat will never date. Whereas navy and black are elegant in an understated way, biscuity beige and caramel shades will always spell out luxury.
From Lauren Bacall’s sequin-lined ‘Subway’ design and Jackie Kennedy’s neat-as-a-pin ‘60s styles, to the sumptuous wrap numbers Marilyn Monroe wore on set, camel coats have been a signifier of chic for as long as we can remember. Since 1908, in fact, when the outerwear was first created (by British brand Jaeger) from actual camel hairs, the rough strands forming a tactile but resilient nap.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and we’ve swapped this fabric for softer wool, cashmere and mohair iterations. The key shapes remain the same however. Which means: buy a camel coat now and you’ll still be wearing it for years to come.
The secret to longevity is in a timeless silhouette; so we’ve narrowed down the only 12 worth investing in. You don’t need them all, of course, but keep a few hanging in your wardrobe and you’ll be uniformed for every occasion. From classic chesterfield and belted iterations, to on-trend leather styles, here’s Bazaar's pick of the best camel coats out there.
Gotham - 2/13
1) Best Max Mara camel coat
The queen of the camel coat, Max Mara ups its game every season with a new take on the classic – but never strays too far from the signatures we know and love. Made entirely from camel hair brushed to create a sateen finish, this Manuela version has a simple wrap shape and self-tying belt, but the kimono sleeves are a modern update.
Manuela Icon Belted Camel Hair Coat, £1,585, Max Mara
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2) Best wrap camel coat
The appeal of the wrap coat is in its relaxed luxury, so the more similarities to a robe the better. With extra-wide sash belt, flared sleeves and striking shawl lapels, Totême's is perfect.
Flared-sleeve Belted Wool Coat, £800, Totême
. - 4/13
3) Best quilted camel coat
The one you weren't expecting to see in this edit: a quilted shell coat. But this style gained popularity in 2020 thanks to the change in lifestyle – when we were all swapping business meetings and commutes for long lunchtime walks. Comfort and warmth are key, so what's better than being shrouded in pillowy down and nestling into a generous funnel neck?
Oversized Quilted Coat, £150, Arket
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4) Best wool camel coat
Jigsaw's design is double-faced, rather than lined, which makes it look much more expensive than it actually is. We like how the cream lining is showcased in the wide spread collar, the contrast colours setting this neutral coat apart from classic camel styles.
Slade Double Face Trench, £350, Jigsaw
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5) Best high street camel coat
With both a generous wrap shape, sash belt and sweeping notched lapels, Marks & Spencer's offering ticks all of the typical ‘camel coat’ boxes in one. It's some of the best outerwear we've seen on the high street for under £150.
Wool Belted Longline Wrap Coat, £149, Autograph for M&S
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6) Best camel trench coat
If you loath to part with your precious camel coat in the transitional months, Allsaints' camel trench lets you to take this look further. Made from a lightweight wool-blend, it has storm flaps and a self-tying belt. Throw it over floral dresses now and then layer up with knitwear in the winter.
Wool-blend coat, £379, AllSaints
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7) Best camel chesterfield
Elegant as they are, long coats are undeniably impractical at times (especially since so many of us have swapped public transport for cycling these days). Vince has modernised the classic Chesterfield with an asymmetric fastening and minimal fastenings.
Classic Wool-blend Coat, £685, Vince
. - 9/13
8) Best sustainable camel coat
Cos' camel coat is made from responsibly-sourced wool and Tencel™ lyocell fibres (derived from wood pulp), so it's a more sustainable choice. We like how this classic wrap style is left unlined, to allow for easy layering in the trans-seasonal months.
Belted Wrap Coat, £190, Cos
. - 10/13
9) Best (faux) leather camel coat
Fashion’s obsession with leather is showing no signs of abating; so if you don’t already have an A-line skirt or cropped trousers made of the stuff, you’re missing a trick. Rejina Pyo's coat is proof that leather looks don't have to be dramatic or gothic, thanks to its 'Seventies-inspired belted shape, borg collar and tort buttons.
Hana Belted Faux-leather Coat, £795, Rejina Pyo
. - 11/13
10) Best camel overcoat
Unlike traditional camel coats, 8 by Yoox's feels minimal and sleek with its lightweight weave and open front. It won't serve you in the coldest months of winter, but it is perfect for fuss-free weekend or workwear looks. Try belting it at the waist to create a different silhouette.
Open Front Coat, £200, 8 By Yoox at yoox.com
. - 12/13
11) Best teddy camel coat
The teddy coat is a whole category in itself, of course, but we couldn't resist adding this cosy Staud version into our round-up. Cut in an oversized shape from tactile faux shearling, it's detailed with generous lapels and has concealed snap fastenings through the front.
Camille Camel Teddy Coat, £260, Stand Studio
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12) Best petite camel coat
Thanks to its neat knee-length hemline, Hobbs' camel coat won't swamp shorter frames. The tailored shape and notch lapels will keep this one feeling classic forever.
Wool Camel Coat, £239.20, Hobbs
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