Let’s not beat around the bush here. Blindly chasing every seasonal menswear trend under the low-hanging winter sun is a fast track to feeling like a fashion industry puppet, and no one needs that. This season, men’s fashion has plenty of new twists and turns, from the return of raw denim to the continuation of the so-called ‘eclectic grandpa’ aesthetic. The trick to true style is knowing when to dip your toe in and when to just sit back.

Think of trends as seasoning, not the main course. You first need to establish what you like and what works for you, building a core wardrobe accordingly. Then, you can work in the occasional trendy piece, adding a bit of freshness to the mix.

With that in mind, here’s a detailed breakdown of the trends, pieces and materials we’ve noticed rising in popularity in line with the oncoming winter season. Which ones should you throw yourself into? Well, that’s up to you.

Key Pieces

Big Wool Coat

We could sit here all day and write an essay about the countless reasons you should buy a proper wool overcoat, but suffice today: this is one of the most timeless and versatile pieces of outerwear any man can own.

The best part is, despite never really going out of style, it is peaking in popularity right now, making this season an excellent time to take the plunge. Look for raglan sleeves for a relaxed fit that can be paired with tailoring or casual clothes, and opt for a subtle pattern like a houndstooth or Prince of Wales check to give it a bit of visual character.

Crew-Neck Cardigan

Classic cardigans will always be a strong option for winter knitwear, but this season, it’s the crew-neck variety that’s getting all the attention. These knitted layers button all the way up to the neck, offering a slightly off-beat look.

Go for a merino or cashmere fabric for excellent insulation, and wear open over a T-shirt or layered underneath a cropped jacket.

Leather Flight Jacket

Leather aviators have taken flight once again, which could be viewed as another symptom of the overarching trend for cropped, short-fitting jackets. This one, admittedly, will be an expensive purchase, but it’s a piece of outerwear you’ll likely have until you’re old and grey.

Yeah, we know it’s trending right now, but looking at the past for reassurance, there’s no reason to think this type of jacket will ever not look great. Pay close attention to fit, construction and materials, and you can keep reaching for it for decades.

Fuzzy Sweater

Hairy knitwear has been big for years now, but this winter, pullover styles are peaking in popularity. It’s like having your very own wearable hug, and this season, the fluffier, the better. We’re talking shaggy mohair blends and teddy bear textures you’ll want to live in all through the cold months.

Try one in a rich jewel tone or classic cream, and pair it with tailored trousers for a high-low, casual-but-polished effect.

Oxford Shirt

Ah, the Oxford shirt. It’s the staple that doesn’t know how to quit, which is why it deserves prime real estate in your winter wardrobe.

What makes this button-up different from your typical office fodder is its heavyweight cotton fabric, bringing a touch of casual texture to the table. What’s more, while it’s true this is an evergreen classic, it’s having a bit of a menswear moment right now. The Oxford has become the fashion crowd’s shirt of choice lately, so there’s never been a better time to throw one on.

Roll up the sleeves for a laid-back vibe, or wear it under a chunky knit for a foolproof layered look. Timeless, functional, and as versatile as they come.

Relaxed Wool Pants

We’re past the era of slim trousers. Right now, it’s all about relaxed silhouettes. The kind with enough drape to move gracefully but not so much that they look like your grandad’s old slacks (although that may not be the fashion crime it used to be – more on that later). Think soft, roomy, and sophisticated.

Wear them with a turtleneck for a modern, smart-casual outfit, or tuck in a casual tee to tackle the weekend in style. They feel like pyjamas but have the aesthetic of luxury tailoring. It’s a win-win situation, and your legs will thank you.

Raw Denim

Winter is the prime time to break in a pair of raw denim jeans. The stuff’s stiff as a board at first, but trust in the process because it moulds to your body and fades in a way that tells your story.

Throw them on with some hefty boots and a classic wool coat, and you’ve got a foolproof winter workwear-inspired look.

A little distressing on the knees adds character, but maybe save your holiest pair for milder days unless you enjoy icy breezes in unexpected places.

Slim Sneakers

The unthinkable is happening. After years of chunky sneakers reigning supreme, slim kicks are back, and they’re sleeker than ever. Think streamlined leather trainers with minimal fuss, perfect for grounding bulkier winter outfits.

Pair them with everything from wide-leg trousers to raw denim, and let them provide a touch of sophistication to your casual getups. Clean lines, unfussy designs, and quiet elegance.

Think Maison Margiela Replica, Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, and even the classic Common Projects Achilles Low.

Leather Hiking Boots

They don’t make them like they used to, and if you’re a hiker, that’s no bad thing. Modern hiking boots are light, nimble and made from durable synthetic materials. But unfortunately, they look a little out of place anywhere but on a mountain.

Far more aesthetically pleasing are the rugged leather hiking boots of yesteryear. We’re talking rich weatherproof leathers, thick grippy soles, metal hardware… the works.

Wear them with your weekend gear or juxtapose them with a more tailored outfit for something a little different.

Winter Fragrance

Applying a good winter fragrance should feel like wrapping yourself in a cashmere scarf made of smoky woods, spices and a touch of festive warmth.

Think heavier, more opulent scents that linger in the air, with notes of leather, amber and oud. Forget the zesty, floral fragrances of summer that wither under the weight of the cold.

But remember: less is more. You want to be intriguing, not overpowering.

Key Winter Fabrics

Tweed

SIRPLUS

The best fabrics for tackling winter are the ones that simultaneously add texture and insulation, and tweed absolutely nails that brief.

It’s an excellent option for tailored pieces like trousers and blazers, but it’s also great for outerwear. Think nice heavy overcoats, barn coats and even overshirts.

Leather

Velasca

With the return of the flight jacket, leather outerwear is experiencing a resurgence of sorts. Of course, this stuff never goes away, but its popularity fluctuates over time.

Even if the flight jacket silhouette isn’t for you, there are many other ways to incorporate this material into your wardrobe. Why not go for a classic biker jacket? Or even a leather bomber if it’s the collar of the flight jacket that’s putting you off.

Corduroy

Wax London

Corduroy is another great textured option that’s also very insulating. You can make this stuff as striking or as subtle as you’d like to, depending on the ‘wale count’.

For the uninitiated, that’s the amount of raised fuzzy strips the corduroy fabric has. The more there are, the thinner and finer they will be. A higher wale count results in a lighter corduroy effect, while a low wale count means thick, heavy cord with a very striking visual appearance,

Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex makes a lot of sense at this time of year. This waterproof fabric uses clever tech that prevents water droplets from getting through from the outside while simultaneously allowing water vapour to escape from the inside. This means that you stay protected from the rain, but not at the expense of breathability.

The material’s crinkly matte finish makes it an interesting option from an aesthetics standpoint, too. There are the obvious brands like Arc’teryx and The North Face building garments that lean into the functional aspects of the materials, but you also have more fashion-led labels using Gore-Tex to create updated, weatherised versions of classic casual outerwear silhouettes.

Take a look at the likes of Nanamica, Norse Projects and Goldwin.

Key Winter 2024 Trends

Grandpa Mode

Noah

The ongoing ‘eclectic grandpa’ trend sits at the crossroads between nostalgia and comfort. Argyll knitwear, big checked coats and loafers meet baseball caps, bold-framed glasses and sneakers.

It’s a look perfected by Tyler the Creator and perpetuated by countless others, blending Ivy League prep with subtle streetwear nods and a hint of workwear thrown in for good measure.

The Long And The Short Of It

Gant

Outerwear silhouettes seem to exist only in extremes at the moment. It’s either short cropped jackets or long flowing coats. There’s really not a great deal worth mentioning in the middle.

This has been creeping in for a while, but it’s gaining momentum as we head into the colder months. To nail it, make sure you have a piece from each camp. We recommend a nice canvas worker jacket on the cropped side of things and a classic balmacaan for your long coat.