The Case for the Camel Overcoat
Few garments ask so little and give so much. Why a well-cut camel coat remains the cornerstone of a considered winter wardrobe.
4 min read
There is a reason the camel overcoat keeps returning. It sits comfortably over a suit on a weekday morning and just as easily over a knit and corduroy at the weekend. It flatters most complexions, it works with navy, grey, brown and cream alike, and it never quite looks new — which is precisely the point.
Cut before colour
The coat should finish at or just below the knee and close cleanly over a jacket without pulling across the buttons. Look for a shoulder that follows your own rather than one built up with heavy padding; the softer line ages better and moves with you.
A single-breasted front with notch lapels is the most versatile choice. It can be worn open over a crewneck or buttoned to the top with a scarf when the weather turns.
The best coat is the one you stop noticing — because it simply goes with everything.
What to wear it with
- Navy tailoring and a pale blue Oxford shirt for the office.
- A chocolate merino turtleneck and charcoal flannel trousers for the evening.
- A cream cable knit and stone chinos for a long walk on a cold weekend.
Keeping it for years
Brush the coat after wearing to lift dust from the fibres, hang it on a broad wooden hanger and give it a day of rest between wears. Professional cleaning once a season is usually enough.
