There are certain wardrobe staples that are inarguable – a blue jean, a white tee, a little black dress. But one that we'd argue should join the lineup (if it isn't already) is the black coat. It's practical as much as it is beautiful – and comes in so many iterations and variations these days that it's hard not to find one that you love.

Finding the best black coat is a mission mostly because there are so damn many to choose from. The hunt can feel as draining as finding a perfectly cut white tee, or your optimal shade of indigo denim – but if you're in need of a little assistance, categorisation and curation – we've got you covered with our pick of the best black coats to shop right now, below.

Tailored

Think of a tailored black coat as the fashion equivalent of good posture: clean through the shoulders, nipped slightly at the waist and cut close to the body. It's the sort of garment that's been championed by everyone from British tailoring Houses to minimalist 90s runway icons (thank you Calvin Klein and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy), and while it looks incredibly polished, we'd suggest sizing up if you're planning on wearing chunky knits underneath.

Polo Ralph Lauren Double-Faced Wool Coat

Scanlan Theodore Tuxedo Coat

Friends With Frank Thomas Coat

Double-breasted

With its overlapping front and double row of buttons, the double-breasted coat has a slightly more commanding feel than a classic single-breasted style. It's a style borrowed from naval uniforms and later embraced by power-dressing icons in the 80s (very à la Janet Jackson) and on countless designer runways like and Thierry Mugler's. It creates a beautifully structured silhouette, although it can feel a little bulkier when fully buttoned.

COS Tailored Double-Breasted Wool Coat

Balenciaga Hourglass Double-Breasted Coat

Loulou Studio Borneo Coat

Trench

The trench is one of those forever pieces that somehow makes every outfit look more considered and undone, thanks to its belted waist, storm flaps and easy, layer-friendly fit. Originally designed for British military officers before being transformed for fashion by Houses like Burberry, and becoming synonymous with old Hollywood film stars and Parisian street style. What's great about them is that they're practical and surprisingly wearable year-round.

Saba Karla Wool Short Trench

Bianca Spender Evolve Coat

Nour Hammour Jane Cotton Swing Coat

Leather

A black leather coat instantly adds a bit of attitude, whether it's cut sleek and tailored or slightly oversized and dramatic. Popularised everywhere from rock-and-roll culture to cult films like The Matrix, it's durable and endlessly cool – though usually heavier than wool styles and needs a little more care to keep it looking its best.

Bec + Bridge Stevie Longline Coat

Karen Millen Tailored Faux Leather Belted Trench Coat

Gucci Soft-Grain Leather Trench

Puffers and Parkas

Puffers and parkars are fashion's answer to staying warm without sacrificing style. Once reserved for ski trips and days of miserable weather, they've became a street-style staple thanks to brands like Moncler, Arc'teryx and The North Face, offering unbeatable warmth, and protective necks and hoods. Originally inspired by Arctic outerwear and later adopted by the Mod movement in the 1960s, it's practical and effortlessly cool, though it tends to feel more casual than tailored wool styles.

Harris Tapper Balmoral Parka Jacket

Aritzia The Super Puff₂o™ Mid - Rainstop

The North Face Nuptse Short Jacket

Nike Therma-FIT Puffer