I realize that some people look at these coats and think of a cartoon bear, but I’ve always thought they were such chic preppy classics. In college I thrifted a pretty perfect specimen, and wore it until the rope toggles were badly frayed, and I’ve been looking for a suitable replacement for several decades now. This Brooks Brothers option is so minimal and cool.
Yes, there is a man modeling this one, but Uniqlo assures me it is unisex. It also rings in at just a hair under $150, which isn’t bad.
This one from Theory is nicely marked down, and I love the creamy hue.
A somewhat splurgy choice that has a quilted lining, which sounds cozy.
And here’s another camel option (it comes in other colors too) that also goes for around $150.
This long coat could work with anything from a party dress to jeans.
The texture and color here are pretty season-less.
This sherpa version is really more of a jacket than a coat, but it was too cute not to include.
As was this adorable one, which I included even though it’s sadly not left in many sizes.
Hmmm. I don’t think I can go with you-all on this particular style journey. Otoh, I think sentimental choices are healthy.
I picked up a lovely rust red toggle coat from LL Bean last winter that I’d highly recommend as they offer petite (and plus) sizing and has a hood, which is very handy on windy days and doesn’t affect the overall look. Price was good for the quality and timelessness of the coat.
Red wool coats are my Achilles Heel — so cheery for the dreary months!
I LURV the Brooks Brothers coat! And the Tuckernuck is so coastal grandmother, I die. And that’s not even my thing, lol!
GOACA’s I would love your opinions on this: I need a new wool coat and both the top Brooks Brothers & the Uniqlo picks would seem to fit the bill. They are quite different in price. Do I go with the BB and assume it to be better quality? Or is Uniqlo well made as well? Each has subtle differences that I like (the length of the Uniqlo / the tartan lining of the BB etc). All opinions welcome!
Uniqlo is unisex, meaning men’s, and they cut narrow even allowing for the idea that they don’t start with room for hips and bust. Overall their costs are excellent quality for the price; I have last year’s short women’s one-button wool coat and it’s been much nicer than you’d expect.
Good point about the cut. I also notice that the hood isn’t detachable.
Thank you, Sharona, for naming the problem! I get exceedingly, disproportionately riled up about the BS-ness of “unisex”clothing with no room for curves.
I’d go with the BB if the price suits your budget. I have several things from Uniqlo, and they’re all good for the price but I don’t think their fabrics and construction are top notch. I also believe a coat should last forever, which I’d bet the BB is more likely to do.
What I like about the Brooks Bro is there are no extra “things” going on––the cuffs of the sleeves don’t have that extra tab w/button that some might find fetching, but I would catch it on doorknobs and seat belts etc. which would mean the button would eventually come off and make the coat look abused. Also the BBro will last until you can’t stand to wear it another winter.
Well, you’ve got to love a guy who’ll eat a jam sandwich and not complain.
I love the idea of Toggle Coats.
As a person with a large bust, I have never found one that fits correctly.
The toggles are always in a bad spot.
I have this vague memory of my mother loving toggle coats, and hence, I always wore one as a kid. But it’s a fond memory, so I’d jump at these!
I love toggle coats and the selection in this post is great. I almost sprang for a very long navy one at Massimo Dutti. It didn’t have a hood but the collar and other details were nice. (I think Kim doesn’t endorse Massimo Dutti because it’s owned by Zara.)
I wonder if at 70+ I’m too old for a style that gives off collegiate vibes. Maybe Ali MacGraw wore one in “Love Story,” but how would she look wearing it now?
I think of toggle coats as being timeless classics, so I don’t think anyone is ever too old for them, including you, and Ali McGraw 🙂
Yeah, ditto what Elisabeth said. I’m not fond of them, but I wouldn’t even think about an age factor. They are classics imho.
Have any of you tried the Muji toggle coat? I’ve been blown away by how nice the quality is this year but without stretch the shapes don’t fit me and I haven’t tried it on. (The men’s merino v-neck, though? Very lovely this year, really a nice feel, would love it even if I could find women’s v-neck sweaters this season.)
I love that first Brooks Bros coat. So looking forward to the newest podcast––I’ve been very interested in reading Responsible Ejaculation–lots of good press out there about Gabrielle Blair.
I’ve always loved a toggle coat (also call them duffle coats, am I wrong?) since I’ve had one as a kid. I think they’re classic preppy chic but with a bit of a twist. I esp. love the evergreen form of the Montgomery duffle/toggle coats — they manage to be sweet and sexy. I’ve kept a Spiewak charcoal gray wool felt toggle coat back in the early aughts — even though I don’t live anywhere requiring such a coat, I keep it around in case of any winter trips to NYC, Toronto, etc. Couple friends got a much lighter camel Muji toggle coat — very adaptable and chic. Toggle coats look great on anyone — man, woman or child. When I wear one, I feel like I’m in a JD Salinger story.