And the coat search continues!
My second stop was Burberry, of whom I am a big fan. Were it not for Burberry’s steep retail prices, I would own more of it in my closet. Both styles reviewed in the post are great options for those in the market for duffle coats.
The Minstead Duffle Coat is a classic style for Burberry and appears poised for a price hike (currently retails for $995); it has four toggle buttons with leather trim, concealed front zippers, toggles at the cuff, two oversized flap pockets, hood with Burberry check lining, and a protective throat latch. None of its features are extraneous and the design is so clean and streamlined I can’t find even one element to nitpick.
The 100% wool material is great, as expected from the 1K price tag. It is sufficiently warm but not bulky.
The Minstead in size 0–sizes run 0-16–hit 5’2 me at low-thigh (originally designed to end at mid-thigh); the shape is straight but, in the right size, slim. Duffle coats are not bodycon dresses and do not need to be perfectly form-fitting; I find that while sizing is true to Burberry Brit and Burberry London, those between sizes can probably order a size down.
Measurements for the size 0 can be found below.
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| Straight Fit Duffle Coat // New Camel // US0 // 39530631 Overall Length: 34″ // Shoulder: 14.25 // Sleeve Length: 24.25″ // Underarm to underarm: 18″ // Waist: 18″ |
Buy a similar version with fur trim here; similar Finsdale in additional colors here.
The Paddlesdale was also a potential keeper. Its weight was surprising but explained the warmness of it. The beech wood toggle closure is a nice touch but I was slightly disappointed to learn that it has snap buttons instead of zippers, which are more difficult to redo and undo.
According to NAP, “the duffle coat was originally worn by the British Navy in the Second World War to protect against the harsh weather conditions at sea”; if it’s good enough for the British Navy, it’s good enough for New England winters.
The boiled wool blend–78% wool and 22% polyamide–is sturdy, heavy, but also a lint-magnet. It went on sale earlier this week and I re-ordered it with the intention of keeping it (or gifting to mom for Christmas). I hope Burberry restocks the style for next season.
As it just went on sale, you should be able to call a Burberry store and locate one in every size this week.
This coat has several fun details that may justify its hefty price tag, in addition to the aforementioned beech wood toggles. I also liked the circular vents located near the underarm (undoubtedly to accentuate breathability).
The style is cut loosely so while I consider it true to Burberry size, those who are between sizes can safely size down. The length (of the coat in size 2) was mid-calf on me but is meant to cover the knee on a person of average height. Sleeves are predictably long on a shorter person like myself but not comically so.
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| Long Wool Blend Duffle Coat // Navy // US2 // 39485981 Overall Length: 42″ // Shoulder: 16.5 // Sleeve Length: 24″ // Underarm to underarm: 20″ // Waist: 20″ |
Shop more Burberry duffle coats here.
Previously on my outerwear search: J. Crew Winter 2014 Part I
