Sorry, Puffers: A Wool Jacket Is My Secret to Looking Chic in the Cold, and These 6 Are Impeccable

When the weather turns brisk and trench season gives way to chillier days, nothing feels more polished—or more practical—than a beautifully cut wool jacket. Much like a wool coat works overtime in winter, a wool jacket is the quiet hero of my autumn wardrobe: structured enough to smarten up denim, soft enough to slip over a knit, and instantly elevating no matter what’s underneath. This year, it’s all about shape over bulk—cropped boxy cuts, softly belted wraps and those effortless, slightly oversized menswear silhouettes.

So, in the name of thorough research (and a little self-indulgence), I’ve been trying on the best wool jackets across the high street and beyond. The verdict? Every brand brings something different to the table. COS, unsurprisingly, is the minimalist’s dream—its cropped and cape styles have that heavy, structured drape that feels far more expensive than the price tag suggests. Zara’s edit is pure trend appeal, from zip-up styles to exaggerated shoulders, while Other Stories continues to lead the way with rich neutrals and thoughtful tailoring. And then there’s Massimo Dutti, whose wool jackets are the definition of quiet luxury—refined, effortless, and the sort of thing that makes you feel instantly put-together.

What ties them all together is that elusive versatility. Whether cropped or oversized, belted or boxy, a wool jacket has this magic ability to make any outfit feel intentional. Lately, I’ve been pairing mine with wide-leg trousers and Mary Janes for workdays, or shrugging one over a knit and satin skirt come the weekend. They’re the kind of pieces that do all the hard work for you.

Keep scrolling to shop the best wool jackets on the market, as tried and tested by me.

Shop The Best Wool Jackets

1. COS Boxy Short Wool Jacket

I’ve seen this COS jacket everywhere lately, and now that I’ve tried it, I completely understand the hype. The cut is deliberately boxy, giving it that cool, slightly oversized shape that feels instantly modern. It’s made from COS’s signature double-faced wool, which gives it real substance—structured enough to hold its shape but still soft against the skin. What I love most is how versatile it is: it looks chic layered over a fine roll-neck and trousers for work, but equally great styled with jeans and loafers at the weekend. It’s one of those pieces that makes you look instantly put-together, even if you’ve made zero effort.

Material: 60% RWS Wool, 40% TENCEL

Colours: Khaki, brown, black, grey

Sizes: XXS-L

2. Zara Wool Jacket

Zara’s ZW Collection continues to impress me with its attention to detail, and this wool-blend jacket is no exception. The zip front gives it a contemporary twist that feels slightly more relaxed than a traditional buttoned style, yet it still reads smart and elevated. The wool blend is dense and soft, striking that balance between cosy and polished—exactly what I want when the temperature drops. I’ve been wearing mine with a cashmere crew neck and tailored trousers, but it also works beautifully over a satin skirt and boots for evening. It’s one of those rare Zara finds that genuinely feels premium in both fit and fabrication.

Material: 50% wool

Colours: Ecru and Black

Sizes: S-L

3. Massimo Dutti Wool Jacket

Massimo Dutti has become one of my go-tos for classic outerwear, and this short wool-blend coat captures exactly why. The silhouette feels timeless—cropped just above the hip with clean tailoring and subtle button detailing that keeps it sleek. The wool blend itself has that thick, brushed texture you only find in really well-made coats, and it hangs beautifully when worn open. What I love most, though, is how adaptable it is: you can wear it over a fine knit and wide-leg trousers for work, then throw it over jeans and chunky boots on the weekend and it still looks smart. It’s the kind of coat that will quietly become a staple for years to come.

Material: 60% Wool

Colours: Camel

Sizes: UK8-UK14

4. COS Double-Faced Wool Jacket

If I could only pick one jacket to define my autumn style, this would probably be it. It’s minimalist in design—no unnecessary details, no fuss—yet it somehow manages to feel incredibly elevated. The double-faced wool gives it a beautiful weight and structure, so it sits perfectly on the shoulders and layers easily without bulk. The cropped length makes it ideal for pairing with high-waisted trousers or maxi skirts, keeping proportions just right. It’s the sort of piece you can wear every day and never tire of; it quietly pulls any outfit together and always looks refined. To me, this is COS at its best—clean, architectural, and endlessly wearable.

Material: 60% RWS Wool, 40% TENCEL

Colours: Dark brown and black

Sizes: XXS-L

5. Zara Herringbone Coat

I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting much when I tried on this coat, but it completely surprised me. The herringbone pattern instantly adds a touch of heritage charm, yet the overall cut feels refreshingly modern. At just under £80, the quality is genuinely impressive—the wool-blend fabric feels far more premium than you'd imagine, and the fit is beautifully tailored.

Material: 50% wool

Colours: Camel

Sizes: S-L

6. COS Cape Wool Coat

This design honestly feels like a stroke of genius from COS. The built-in scarf detail drapes elegantly around the neckline, creating a layered effect that feels both sculptural and practical. It’s crafted from heavy wool that keeps its shape while still feeling soft and warm, and the silhouette is clean and slightly oversized—the perfect balance of sharp and relaxed. I love wearing it with straight-leg trousers and chunky boots for that effortlessly polished city look. It’s one of those jackets that gives you a little styling confidence boost every time you put it on; the sort of piece that makes people ask, “Where is that from?"

Material: 60% RWS Wool, 40% TENCEL

Colours: Grey, black, checked

Sizes: XXS-L

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