New M&S survey unpacks men’s outerwear buying behaviours and style expert shares advice on building the perfect year-round wardrobe.
Jackets are an essential part of our wardrobes. From a laidback leather jacket to a timeless trench, a great coat or jacket is often the key to elevating your everyday look. But how many jackets do you need to build the perfect capsule collection?
To find out, M&S surveyed 2,000 British men to reveal their habits when it comes to jackets, uncovering confidence boosters, trending favourites, must have qualities and more.
Less is more
The survey revealed that the majority of men (59%) have between one and three jackets on rotation, highlighting a commitment to a streamlined collection.
Interestingly, younger generations are more likely to have alarger outerwear wardrobe. 46% of 18-24-year-olds and 43% of 25-34-year-olds have between four and six jackets on rotation.
“You don’t need a wardrobe full of jackets. Instead, invest in afew key pieces. Look for versatile outerwear which you’ll be able to wear throughout the year. A quality transitional jacketcan usually be worn in both spring and autumn. You’ll also want to think about layering. A great hack to get more mileage out of your lightweight jackets is to wear a quilted gilet as a mid-layer in colder weather. Finally, consider technology when choosing coats and jackets. Look out for water-repellent Stormwear or warm-yet-lightweight Air Yarn.”
– says Mitch Hughes, director of menswear at M&S.
The nation’s favourite styles
When it comes to fashion, British men are keeping it classic. The most popular jacket aesthetic was ‘classic and timeless’, favoured by 32% of men. This was followed by ‘sporty andathleisure’ (12%). These priorities emphasise a desire to invest in good quality clothes that will never go out of styleand last a long time.
Younger generations favoured ‘oversized’ styles the most – no surprise given social media’s influence on fashion. In fact, searches for ‘baggy outfit ideas’ on Pinterest have increased by 204% over the last year*.
“Having versatility in your wardrobe is important. While timeless jackets are great go-tos, tapping into new trends allows you to express your creativity and evolve your look over time. I love to see new iterations of classic styles. For example, a Harrington jacket in buttery suede, rather than the usual durable cotton or canvas.”
– adds Mitch Hughes, director of menswear at M&S.
Confidence is key
Fashion is a brilliant way to express your personality. As part of the survey, M&S wanted to investigate what style of jacket makes men feel the most confident. Interestingly, leather was the most popular choice amongst Brits (14%), closely followed by blazers (12%), demonstrating a divide between those who prefer more casual and more tailored aesthetics.
Among younger men, jackets play a key role in self-expression. A striking 42% of those aged 18–24 say wearing a jacket helps them to ‘finish their outfit’.
“In early 2025, we saw the field or barn jacket gain cult status. I love this boxy, durable shape and while I don’t see this casual style disappearing as we move into autumn/winter, this season I predict the bomber jacket will spike in demand. Because of its slouchy, cropped shape, this type of jacket is usually considered casual. But, for a more elevated look that oozes masculine confidence, try a suede or faux-suede bomber.”
– explains Mitch Hughes, director of menswear at M&S.
Making your jackets last
Jackets and coats tend to be investment purchases so it’s important to look after them properly. Follow these tips to ensure your outerwear stands the test of time.
• Be careful not to over-wash outerwear as this can degrade the material. Coats and jackets do not need washing as frequently as base layers.
• Always consult the garment care label for advice on washing and drying. For example, dry cleaning is often recommended for wool coats.
• Hang your jackets on a wooden hanger to maintain shoulder structure.
• When storing coats and jackets, avoid overcrowding your wardrobe to prevent wrinkles.
• For long-term storage, vacuum storage bags arerecommended as they protect against dust and moisture. They also help reduce the amount of space they take up too.
• To deter moths, natural repellents like lavender work well. Keeping your wardrobe and clothes clean will also help prevent moths as they’re attracted to dirt and food particles.
Explore the entire M&S men’s jackets collection.
