Marks & Spencer coats review: a fashion editor's top six picks from the new collection

Marks & Spencer coats are some of the best you'll find on the high street, with affordable prices and a range of on-trend styles that will appeal to almost every shopper. From rainproof puffer coats and classic trench coats to trendy borg aviators, there is no shortage of chic and practical M&S coats available this winter.

When it comes to shopping for the best winter coats, it can feel like an overwhelming task as you navigate the endless options available. Trying to pick a jacket or coat that will keep you warm and dry, will stand up to endless wear and that looks good as part of an autumn capsule wardrobe while not costing an arm and a leg can seem like a daunting task!

Thankfully, this is where Marks & Spencer’s latest coat offering comes into its own – considered by those in the know as one of the best British clothing brands, M&S truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re after practical waterproof jackets, puffer coats or a smart wool coat to see you through winter.

With humble beginnings as a market stall in Leeds, over a century later M&S is a British high street stalwart - one of the go-to fashion brands both in the UK and abroad, it is known for timeless and high-quality garments.

If you're looking for a well-cut coat in a classic style but perhaps with a fashionable twist, you'll find a wide range of types of coats in-store and online. Since the appointment of former Topshop fashion director Maddy Evans as head of womenswear in 2022, the brand has become even more fashionable and a destination store for those looking to update their wardrobe with key styles.

If you can bear to wait for the legendary M&S sale, you'll be sure to score a cool bargain or two but in the meantime, it's the coat rails that you need to be visiting.

How we tested the best Marks & Spencer coats

When trying each coat on, we asked freelance fashion editor Antonia Kraskowski to assess the fabric quality, fit, texture and warmth, as well as the shape and whether they fit true to size. An affordable option, most of us want a coat that we can pair wear for more than one season, so we tried on styles that we knew could become instant hits in your capsule wardrobe. As such, we used our findings to determine if each coat is worth the price tag.

My top 6 Marks & Spencer coats

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What our tester said:

"I'm a sucker for a faux fur jacket or coat and this bomber jacket caught my eye immediately with its chic cream hue and and super soft fabric. With a slightly oversized cut, it has more than a touch of the quiet luxury trend about it and will elevate any outfit, whether you wear it like I did with barrel leg jeans and trainers during the day or a swishy slip skirt for a more dressed up look.

I am a size 10-12 and tried on a 12 in this style, which gave it a slightly more oversized fit, allowing space for knitwear to fit comfortably underneath, which is something to consider when you're shopping for your winter coat. While the style is definitely warm and cosy on its own, it's good to think ahead to the colder winter months ahead and what you're likely to wear underneath.

While the gorgeous cream colour makes it look far more expensive than the £69 price tag, it's worth factoring in how much you may spend on keeping this jacket in its pristine condition, given that the care instructions are dry clean only and it's likely to get dirty quickly.

Given the affordable price and on-trend style, this faux fur bomber jacket get a thumbs up from me!"

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What our tester said:

"One of the key coat styles from Marks & Spencer's Autumn/Winter collection, I made a beeline for this wool longline trench coat which eagle-eyed fashionistas will have also spotted in their latest advertising campaign. The coat is based on a heritage style from the M&S archives, meaning it has a classic cut with a modern twist in the form of the gorgeous check wool/polyester fabric.

Speaking of which, as I slipped this over my t-shirt and jeans, I instantly felt warm and cosy - the fabric is heavy enough to feel like I am well-insulated without being overwhelming.

According to the website, this size comes up big and as I slip on a 12, I have to agree - the roomy cut will certainly allow for a knit but at only 5'3", this longline trench coat might be a bit too much for me, even though I love it! If you're taller and want a coat that will instantly smarten up every outfit, this is the M&S coat for you!"

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What our tester said:

"This vintage-inspired faux shearling borg Aviator jacket from the Per Una range at Marks & Spencer will add a touch of cool-girl nonchalance to every outfit. If you've ever wondered how to style wide leg jeans, this Seventies-influenced jacket is the perfect outerwear to complement flares, bell-bottoms and other wide leg denim styles.

Made of 100% polyester, this faux shearling jacket is super cosy and features an oversized collar that can be buckled to keep out the wind and cold instantly.

While the inside of the jacket doesn't feature a secondary lining, the faux-suede finish adds a warming feel to the jacket and with a slightly oversized cut, it would be easy to add an extra layer inside the generous cut of the body and sleeves.

This bohemian jacket is a must-have for the coming season, without a doubt. Team it with an autumnal dress and a pair of boots for an instant style update."

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What our tester said:

"Long considered one of the 10 types of coat every woman needs in her wardrobe, a classic camel coat is a great investment piece for your outerwear collection and this single breasted number from M&S looks far more pricey than the £69 price tag.

While my own style is far more casual, slipping on this coat instantly smartens up the jeans and t-shirt that I'm wearing underneath, making me look and feel pulled together - proof that camel coat outfits are the most effortlessly chic. Whether you're wearing it buttoned up on chilly days or open, this is the kind of coat that will complement whatever is worn underneath it, be it jeans and trainers or a smart dress.

One thing that's important to consider when it comes to camel coat purchases is the shade that you go for as not every colour will suit every skin tone. As my undertones are pink, this yellow-based camel worked for me but might not if your skin tone is more yellow based. If this is the case, you might find a deeper toffee tone offers a warming effect."

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What our tester said:

"On the hunt since last year, I'd long been considering which Burberry trench coat to buy and whether it was worth the investment until I tried on this classic longline trench coat from M&S.

At only £79, it's a fraction of the price of its designer counterpart yet has bags of style with its timeless cut and universally flattering warm beige shade plus it's showerproof so will keep you dry in lighter rain showers.

If you know how to style a trench coat, you will have no trouble thinking up ensembles to go with this piece. Like camel coats, finding the right trench coat for your capsule wardrobe is like finding the key to unlock your wardrobe. Want to smarten up jeans and a tee? Add a trench coat. Something to wear to the office or an important meeting over your best trouser suits? Once again, a trench coat will pull your look together. Night out on the tiles? This style works with short or long dresses, from clubbing to country weddings.

Being of a petite height at 5'3", I prefer to leave the coat open rather than tie it at the waist as it creates an elongating silhouette that skims my body, and makes it one of the best winter coats for petites.

Importantly, I also opted to size up to a 12 for a slightly louche and slouchy look that instantly makes it look more expensive while also allowing for an additional layer such as my best leather jacket to be added underneath when the weather turns colder. While the trench coat is lined, as it's made from cotton, it is much thinner than many of the other styles, making it a preferrable style for spring and autumn, rather than deepest winter unless it's worn with another warm layer underneath.

This is my personal favourite of all of the coats I tried... and it may have come home with me!"

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What our tester said:

"This quilted puffer coat is a must-have for chilly, wet days spent outside. Whether you're walking the dog, standing on the sidelines of a football pitch or running errands, this coat will keep you warm and dry thanks to clever technology.

The coat's Stormwear coating means that it's water repellent in rain showers while the Thermowarmth padding keeps out the chilliest of winds.

Slipping this coat on, I was struck by how cosy I immediately felt, yet the coat wasn't as bulky as many other best puffer coats that I've tried. The two-way zipper also means that you can open up the bottom of the coat and avoid feeling too encased - perfect for those moments when you need to pick up the pace!

From a stylistic point of view, the diamond quilting is also a more stylish option than bulky striped bands on many other styles, giving the coat a chic feel, proving you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort.

With a price tag of only £69 and the added bonus of being machine washable, this coat gets two thumbs up for cold weather days!"

Marks & Spencer coats - verdict 

M&S offers a fantastic range of affordable and trendy coats that will work for absolutely any occasion. Whether you're looking for waterproofs or a smartly tailored coat for work, or something tactile and fun for party season, we thoroughly recommend M&S coats.

FAQs

What is the best coat to buy this year?

When purchasing a high ticket item such as a coat, it's important to think about how it needs to function for you and where you'll be wearing it most. For example, if you're walking the dog every day, you'll want a warm coat with pockets that doesn't feel too bulky but if you're on the commute, you may look for a slightly thinner fabric in a smarter style such as a camel wool coat or a classic cotton longline trench coat.

Technical elements such as showerproof coating to stop you getting soaked through and lightweight but warm padding are also good to look for.

What is the quality of Marks & Spencer coats like?

Overall, the quality of Marks & Spencer coats is impressive, even more so when you look at the price tags attached to them. Several types were made of more premium wool blends or thick cotton, offering a more expensive and luxurious feel to them - an added bonus when shopping for outerwear.

The addition of technologies such as water-repellent finishes and lightweight Thermowarmth padding means that you'll stay warm and dry in your chosen style too.

Each coat was finished beautifully, with sturdy fastenings and neat seams that add to the overall premium feel of the products and the wool-polyester blend checked trench also had a special label explaining the archive process and heritage behind the design, which further added to the special feel of these styles.

After all, these aren't just any coats - these are M&S coats.

How much do Marks & Spencer coats cost and are they worth it?

In Autumn 2024, the cheapest M&S coat is the Thermowarmth Quilted Coat, retailing for £45. The majority of coats come in at under £100, with the exception of outstanding leather styles such as the gorgeous Autograph cropped leather trench, which is priced at £275 and full length leather trench, £350, also from Autograph.

While these may seem like steep price tags, the quality on offer rivals many high end designer styles - like this Toteme lookalike - and with the right care, will last year after year.

Classic styles such as a camel coat can be purchased for the bargain price of £69, while water repellent timeless trench coats are between £89 and £99, making them a great addition to any wardrobe.

What is Marks & Spencer coat sizing like?

Marks & Spencer coats run true to size. The size you opt for will totally depend on personal preference, as you may prefer a more oversized fit on certain styles, particularly if you know you want to layer chunky knits underneath. However, you can be almost certain that your regular size will be just right in the vast majority of coats. Our tester tried a couple of coats on, in a size up, and didn't find them to be too oversized, but they did provide enough room for an extra layer. If you are usually between sizes, we recommend going for the size up to avoid any discomfort and to be sure of a good fit.

Does Marks & Spencer offer easy returns?

UK customers can return unwanted items within 35 days from purchase. Sale items usually allow returns up to 14 days from purchase. If you are returning an online order, your items don’t need to be in the original box or bag as long as they’re securely packaged.

For postal returns in the UK, return costs are determined by the courier you choose.

The company now also offers seamless drop-off returns in many stores, allowing you to skip the queue and process your return in less than 60 seconds at a computerised kiosk.