When it comes to the depths of winter, ask yourself: how is your outerwear game looking? Fine? Got it covered with a windbreaker and a bomber jacket or two? Suit yourself.

Let us know how that goes when the mercury has nose-dived, the branches are bare, and you’re having to sharpen your elbows just to grab the last winter coat. In the wrong size. In pink. (Not that there’s anything wrong with going oversized, mind, or pink for that matter.)

For those with a little more sartorial savvy, it’s good to get in early and have your pick of this season’s outerwear abundance, you’ll be happier (and much warmer) when you’re fully covered from ski jackets to winter party jackets. This is exactly why we’ve drawn up an edit of the eight best winter coats for men currently in style. Offering a balanced mix of classic and contemporary, these versatile coats on show here will keep you safe from the elements (and the sale rail).

The Check Overcoat

Heritage designs – and more specifically, checks – have been popular for a number of seasons, squaring up on everything from trousers and shoes to tailoring and knits, one of the reasons it’s the best winter coat for men. However, it’s on outerwear that such motifs offer the most bang for their patterned buck. Capable of turning what is a simple, classic piece of outerwear into a hero piece, a check coat is the easiest way to ensure you won’t get bored of your buy.

Whether you opt for Prince of Wales or windowpane, checks are also a great way of subtly incorporating color into your wardrobe, or you can keep things monochromatic with a black and grey check which will wear well with basically anything.

Alongside luxury brands and Savile Row houses, plenty of shops across the high street are embracing looser silhouettes, so don’t be afraid to wear this style a little bigger (though you should look for coats cut with a generous shape, not just buy two sizes up). And a simple rule of thumb for styling: if the pattern is big and colorful, keep it in check by teaming with a more neutral outfit.