Coach Jacket: Ultimate Guide, What to Buy and Best Buy Brands

A coach jacket is a lightweight, unlined windbreaker that originated from American baseball coaching staff uniforms—and yes, it's absolutely worth the investment for your wardrobe. This versatile piece bridges the gap between casual and smart-casual perfectly, offering that effortless layering solution we all crave for unpredictable weather.

As someone who's styled countless clients through transitional seasons, I can tell you that a well-chosen coach jacket is one of those rare pieces that works just as brilliantly thrown over a slip dress for evening drinks as it does paired with straight-leg jeans for weekend errands. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to find your perfect match.

What Makes a Coach Jacket Special?

The beauty of a coach jacket lies in its simplicity. Originally designed for baseball coaches who needed something lightweight yet practical, these jackets typically feature a snap-front closure, ribbed collar and cuffs, and that signature boxy, relaxed fit that's become so covetable.

Unlike a bomber jacket, which can feel quite structured, or a blazer that demands more formal styling, the coach jacket occupies this wonderful middle ground. It's sporty without being athletic, smart without being stuffy, and crucially, it works across multiple seasons.

Key Features to Look For

Fit and Silhouette

The ideal coach jacket should sit comfortably at your hip bone—not too cropped, not too long. You want enough room to layer a chunky knit underneath, but not so much that you're swimming in fabric. The sleeves should hit just below your wrist bone, allowing for slight movement when you bend your arms.

Fabric Choices

Traditional coach jackets come in lightweight nylon or polyester, but modern interpretations include everything from cotton twill to technical fabrics with water-resistant finishes. For versatility, I always recommend starting with a classic nylon version—it packs down brilliantly for travel and handles light showers like a dream.

Colour Considerations

While the classic coach jacket comes in team colours, for everyday wear, neutrals are your friends. Navy, black, olive, and khaki work seamlessly with most wardrobes, whilst burgundy or forest green add personality without being too bold.

How to Style Your Coach Jacket

Smart-Casual Excellence

Layer over a fine knit turtleneck with tailored trousers and white trainers. This combination works beautifully for casual Fridays or weekend lunches where you want to look put-together without trying too hard.

Weekend Warrior

The coach jacket's natural habitat is weekend dressing. Pair with high-waisted jeans, a striped Breton top, and chunky trainers for that effortless off-duty model aesthetic.

Evening Transition

Don't underestimate a coach jacket for evening wear. Over a midi slip dress with ankle boots, it adds an unexpected sporty element that feels modern and confident.

Best Buy Brands: High Street Heroes

Arket - £75-95

Arket's coach jackets are beautifully cut with attention to detail that belies their reasonable price point. Their recycled polyester versions come in gorgeous muted tones, and the fit is spot-on for UK body shapes.

Cos - £89-120

Trust Cos to elevate the humble coach jacket with considered design touches. Their versions often feature subtle pleating details or unexpected colour combinations that feel distinctly Scandi-minimal.

& Other Stories - £65-85

For those who like a bit more personality in their outerwear, & Other Stories consistently delivers coach jackets with interesting prints, embroidered details, or unexpected fabrications.

Uniqlo - £39.90

Uniqlo's pocketable coach jacket is legendary for good reason. It literally folds into its own pocket, making it perfect for unpredictable weather or travel. The fit runs slightly small, so size up.

Premium Picks Worth the Investment

Ganni - £195-245

Ganni brings their signature playful energy to the coach jacket format with bold prints and unexpected colour combinations. Their technical versions are particularly good for the British climate.

Norse Projects - £180-220

The Danish brand's take on the coach jacket feels both classic and contemporary. Their attention to cut and proportion is exceptional, and the quality justifies the price point.

A.P.C. - £210-280

For those who appreciate French minimalism, A.P.C.'s coach jackets offer that perfect balance of understated luxury and everyday wearability.

Designer Investment Pieces

Acne Studios - £390-450

Acne's coach jackets often feature their signature oversized fit and come in beautiful, unexpected colourways. The Swedish brand's attention to detail is evident in every stitch.

Stussy - £120-160

The streetwear pioneers know their way around a coach jacket. Their versions often feature collaborative graphics or limited edition colourways that become genuinely collectible.

Our Legacy - £280-350

This Swedish brand consistently produces some of the most thoughtfully designed coach jackets around, often playing with proportions and unexpected fabric combinations.

Sizing and Fit Guide

Coach jackets should feel relaxed but not oversized. As a general rule, they're designed to be worn as a light layer, so don't size up unless you specifically want an oversized look. If you're between sizes, I'd recommend going with your usual size for a classic fit, or sizing up once for a more contemporary, relaxed silhouette.

Budget Breakdown:High Street: £40-120Premium: £150-300Designer: £300-500+

Care and Maintenance

Most coach jackets are refreshingly low-maintenance. Machine wash on a cool cycle, avoid fabric softener (it can affect water-resistant treatments), and air dry rather than tumble drying to maintain the shape and prevent any heat damage to synthetic fabrics.

Perfect Fit Guaranteed with Tellar

Finding the right size across different brands can be frustrating—especially with coach jackets where fit is everything. That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes invaluable.

Here's how Tellar works:

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size. It's that simple.

2. Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—whether it's Cos, Arket, Ganni, or any of the 1500+ brands in their database.

3. Always free, no downloads needed—it works directly in your browser.

As the UK's leading sizing tool, Tellar matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly. Never look at a confusing size guide again! Plus, their Fashion Hub is stacked with free posts from top stylists—honest, unbiased, independent advice that's always free.

More Style Guides from Tellar:

Final Thoughts

A coach jacket is one of those rare wardrobe additions that genuinely earns its keep. It's practical without being boring, stylish without being precious, and versatile enough to work across seasons and occasions. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly Uniqlo version or invest in something more special from Acne Studios, you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.

The key is choosing one that fits well and suits your personal style. With the sizing confidence that Tellar.co.uk provides, you can shop any of these brands knowing you'll get the perfect fit first time. Because when it comes to outerwear, fit truly is everything.