I Asked My Fashion Editor Colleagues to Style the Best Winter Teddy Coats—This Is What they Chose

As we move deeper into winter, there's an inevitable growing need to invest in the right kind of coat, jacket or outerwear piece to keep the worst chills at bay. As such, we have seen a rising demand for more directional, trend-driven styles such as funnel-neck jackets, floor-skimming wool coats and options featuring handy scarf details this season.

However, there is one coat style that has been coming to the fore every winter since 2013. People with good taste—influencers, celebrities and street-style stars alike—have been championing this piece since it debuted on the Max Mara runway, and it has defied short-lived trends and flippant fads, rising to the dizzyingly high apex of fashion's most desirable items and firmly holding its place. I am, of course, talking about the teddy coat.

Testament to the teddy coat's unwavering popularity, Taylor Swift was recently snapped sporting Max Mara's Short Teddy Bear Icon Coat in a cool beige tone. She paired it with a khaki crew-neck sweater, a tartan miniskirt and charcoal-toned, knee-high suede heeled boots, for a grown-up but wealth-whispering take on prep, further adding to the celebrity kudos of the piece.

I wanted to launch a bit of an investigation as to why the teddy coat remains so popular, so I tapped an elite group of leading industry experts for their insights and styling advice, and, as we do so well at Who What Wear UK, tried on an assortment of styles with a little help from some of my most stylish colleagues. From luxury pieces to takes from emerging brands as well as affordable but chic high-street options, I've gathered a roster of perfect teddy coats for every taste and budget, so you can make a worthy investment, which will hopefully become your favourite winter staple, year after year.

Scroll on to get wrapped up in the best teddy coats.

Are Teddy Coats a Timeless Style?

"Well, yes," notes Ian Griffiths, creative director of Max Mara. "The teddy bear coat has been a best-seller for Max Mara since it was first introduced in 2013. So we're talking about 13 years later, and with no sign of the appetite for the teddy bear coat abating. So, I think you can truly describe it as a timeless item or an item whose appeal is timeless—what I would describe as an object of desire."

"Teddy coats return year after year because they’re genuinely timeless," adds celebrity stylist Emma Lane. "They’re cosy, practical and endlessly adaptable, which makes them the piece people reach for when the temperature drops. For 2025 and going into 2026, we’re seeing a renewed desire for comfort that still feels chic. Teddy coats deliver exactly that. The silhouette and texture feel luxurious yet relaxed, which means they never really date. Designers reinterpret them each season, but the core appeal stays the same: they add warmth, softness and instant style to any outfit. It’s one of those pieces clients consistently pull out, season after season."

What Is the Inspiration Behind the Teddy Coat?

"I mean, really, there's a clue in the name," says Griffiths. "I was noticing how people were attaching little toys to their bags and their keys, and so on, like little children's toys. This struck me as being synonymous with a desire to retreat to childhood in a big, scary world. I was looking for something that would give a tremendous sense of comfort. The Italian word 'coccole', meaning 'cuddle'; [I wanted to design] a coat that would cuddle you like a parent would a child. I wanted a coat that was like a big pet bear, your favourite animal, your favourite toy when you were a child."

Is the Teddy Coat Meant to Be Oversized?

"We first showed it in 2013. It was regarded as being almost shocking because it was so big, when everything else was so small. The Max Mara teddy bear coat was designed to be big and should be worn big," says Griffiths. "And one of the reasons why it became so successful was because it went against the grain of fashion at the time."

What Makes the Teddy Coat the Perfect Winter Coat?

"If you try one on, it's so light and so warm. Its volume is so completely cuddly," adds Griffiths.

"Teddy coats really are the ultimate winter staple because they tick every box: they’re super cosy, beautifully comfortable and effortlessly stylish, so you’re getting [a] three-in-one jacket," says Lane. "They are instantly warm, too, without losing the style aspect."

How Can I Style a Teddy Coat?

"The teddy coat can be styled for any occasion," says Irene Kostas, creative director of Onar Studios. "It can be worn from day to night, and with sneakers or pumps. I love to style it with a silk scarf and a minimal pillbox hat."

"One of the best things about a teddy coat is how versatile it is for styling. You can keep it casual with loafers, jeans and a cashmere jumper for an easy daytime look, or dress it up with black tights, heels and a little black dress underneath. It transitions seamlessly from daywear to elevated," Lane suggests.

Which Celebrities Have Been Spotted in Teddy Coats?

"The very latest is Taylor Swift. Everybody from Jennifer Lopez [and] Julia Roberts to Lady Gaga, Cardi B and Beyoncé. And just when you think it might be waning, another celebrity wears it, and it never loses its currency," affirms Griffiths.

"Recently, I spotted Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wearing a teddy coat, and she is the definition of chic," comments Lane. "Kendall Jenner has also been spotted in them consistently for almost a decade, which tells you everything you need to know!"

"I’ve spotted many celebrities in teddy coats, including Simone Ashley, Lily Collins and Hailey Bieber. Lily Collins has been spotted in our teddy aviator," shares Kostas.

What Colours Work Best When Choosing a Teddy Coat?

"A light brown is always a gorgeous choice, as it’s incredibly versatile," advises Lane. "It pairs beautifully with black, light denim, dark denim and even winter whites. If you want a teddy coat you’ll wear on repeat, that soft brown palette is definitely the most adaptable."

"We are excited to offer a colour selection of carefully developed naturals such as ivory white, deep black and deep cocoa brown, avoiding overly warm or yellow tones," says Kostas. And if you want something a little bit outside of the box? "Bright colours also work equally well, such as a statement rich orange, sophisticated pine green or a frozen-pink tone," she adds.

The 11 Best Teddy Coats, Tried and Tested by Fashion Editors

• The Best Luxury Teddy Coat: Max Mara Teddy Bear Icon Coat, £2760
• The Best Shearling Teddy Coat: ME+EM Luxe Collarless Coat, £1500
• The Best Funnel-Neck Teddy Coat: ASOS Design Shearling Coat, £95
• The Best Duffle Teddy Coat: Hush Teddy Duffle Coat, £220
• The Best Waisted Teddy Coat: Aligne Daphne Borg Coat, £199
• The Best Tall Teddy Coat: Next Toffee Brown Faux Fur Maxi Coat, £92
• The Best Petite Teddy Coat: New Look Petite Black Borg Coat, £35

1. Max Mara

Style Notes: First, the OG. What sets Max Mara's luxury style apart from the competition? "The fabric is a Max Mara exclusive," says Griffiths. "Nobody else has a fabric which is quite so light, voluminous, luxurious and warm. It's the original, and it's still the best. The Max Mara teddy bear coat is so distinctive because of its fabric, finish and volume. I think that's what gives it its timelessness."

Georgia Seago, copy editor at Who What Wear UK, gave it a thorough test-drive. "It’s cloud-soft, luxuriously heavy, impeccably made and the perfect layer to snuggle up in. I’d wear it with basically everything. Yes, it’s a lot of money, but you’d wear it forever, and it will never go out of style."

Colour/s: Camel, white, grey, black, beige, bronze, navy, cherry, pink

Sizes: XS L

Material: 88% camelwool, 12% silk (outer); 100% viscose (lining)

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2. Marks and Spencer

Style Notes: "I gave this coat a whirl as I was intrigued by its clean cut and collarless design. It has been heavily marketed as one of M&S's hero pieces of the season, and trying it on for myself, I can see why. Tapping into the chic, alpine-leaning mood of this winter, the oversized shape, double-breasted silhouette and bright white tone is undeniably chic. Just watch out for puddles! I draped it over a cashmere crew-neck knit, tailored trousers and smart sneakers for a day at the office, and it felt put-together and grown-up, which is my style MO going into 2026." — Sophie Watson, acting fashion editor

Colour/s: Ivory

Sizes: XS XL

Material: 100% polyester

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3. ASOS

Style Notes: "For someone with classic, French-leaning taste, this ASOS Design coat really appealed to me. I have been charting the rise of funnel-neck coats this year, a trend I foresee sticking around for 2026, too. This teddy coat takes that very trend and gives it a tactile spin, whilst the piped lining adds a little bit of vintage-feel interest. I'm tall, so this coat fits perfectly, thanks to its long, regular cut. I'll be wearing this with blue jeans, leather boots and chunky knits until spring hits." — Natalie Munro, news writer

Colour/s: Oatmeal, chocolate

Sizes: XS L

Material: 100% polyester

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4. Mango

Style Notes: "The Olsen twins, J.Law and the fictitious Penny Lane remain huge inspirations for my winter wardrobe, so when I saw this Mango Selection coat arrive online, I knew it had to be mine. The generous cut, oversized collar, shaggy pile and ankle-skimming length give A-lister energy, with a hedonist '70s twist. It's the sort of coat you can throw over any outfit, be that a tailored office ensemble or a sparkly weekend look, and it just works. This is not a practical coat by any means (TFL hates to see me coming wearing this), but it is infinitely stylish, warm and a little bit head-turning." — Ava Gilchrist, SEO writer

Colour/s: Beige

Sizes: XS L

Material: 100% polyester (outer); 55% polyester, 45% viscose (lining).

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5. H&M

Style Notes: "I have long been a fan of teddy coats and their cute, soft, warm appeal. I spotted this new-in H&M beauty a mile off, as I was drawn to its premium look and minimalist design. It's straight in cut, has a collarless neckline and hits just at the knee, which, for me, all make for a practical coat which I can reach for daily. I'm pairing this one with minidresses, tights, loafers and vintage accessories for a preppy spin. I wouldn't say this is the warmest coat I've ever tried on, but it has enough room to layer my trusty cashmere jumpers and merino roll necks underneath." — Annie Wheatland-Clinch, assistant social media editor

Colour/s: Beige

Sizes: XXS XXL

Material: 100% polyester

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6. Hush

Style Notes: "I am a jacket girl through and through, so this shorter teddy-coat style was a sure winner for me. The duffle toggle details give it a vintage finish, and I love the curliness to the fabric—it's so tactile and textured. The regular cut suits my size 10 frame to the tee (I tried an S/M), and I know I will be wearing this jacket every weekend for the foreseeable future, with jeans, sweats and leggings. Hush does it again!" — Natasha Wilson, video producer and editor

Colour/s: Off-white

Sizes: XXS XL

Material: 100% polyester (outer); 65% polyester, 35% cotton (lining)

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7. Aligne

Style Notes: "I always return to Aligne for cool-girl, anti-trend wardrobe staples. When the Daphne coat dropped online (an update to its best-selling Daphne blazer), I knew I had to get my hands on it right away. Waisted cardigans have a special place in my heart, and now, this waisted coat is coming for the crown. The collarless design means everything is about the cut: nipped-in, sleek and fitted. I found the hook-and-eye fastening a little fiddly to navigate, but once done up, the jacket offers a smart, expensive but thoroughly modern take on the teddy-coat trend. I plan to wear this for dressy evening events, with lace-trimmed satin camis, tailored trousers and kitten heels. Party season, sorted!" — Marina Avraam, senior shopping editor

Colour/s: Ecru

Sizes: XS XL

Material: 100% recycled polyester (outer); 55% recycled polyester, 45% Ecovero viscose (lining)

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8. Next

Style Notes: "As a tall girl, I am always on the hunt for outerwear which fits my long frame but equally, doesn't drown me. Enter this chic, toffee-toned faux-fur coat from high-street hero Next. The maxi length works spot-on for me, and the fabric feels exceedingly gentle on the skin. The wide lapels and double-breasted cut give this coat a timeless quality, too. I know it will work hard all week and weekend long, but for party season, I will be wearing it over lacy dresses and pointed-toe boots for a sleek but sophisticated ensemble." — Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, junior fashion editor

Colour/s: Toffee brown

Sizes: XS 2XL, regular and petite fits

Material: 100% recycled polyester

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9. Mint Velvet

Style Notes: "I have been on the hunt for the perfect teddy jacket, and as a minimalist dresser, this has been a tricky task. However, when I set eyes upon this Mint Velvet beauty, I knew the search was over. Short in shape, with a tight teddy borg fabric, this is exactly what I have been needing for off-duty days, weekends with friends, and even jaunts to the countryside. The gold-rimmed buttons are easy to fasten and give an expensive-looking touch, and the neutral beige hue will no doubt pair with all of my favourite jeans. Did I tell you it's really soft, too?" — Florrie Alexander, shopping editor

Colour/s: Neutral

Sizes: XS XL

Material: 100% recycled polyester

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10. ME+EM

Style Notes: "I am a picky shopper, and will only select items I know I will legitimately get long wear out of. I typically look to premium and luxury brands to shape my aesthetic, and so this Me+Em shearling piece really caught my eye. The price is reflected in the luxurious fabric and finish of the coat. With hook-and-eye fastenings, a collarless cut and longline shape, it feels like something I will reach for to elevate my looks, starting with knitwear-jeans-and-loafers outfits. The toffee tone is delicious, too!" — Humaa Hussain, junior branded content editor

Colour/s: Toffee

Sizes: XS L

Material: 100% shearling leather

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11. New Look

Style Notes: "As the temperature has rapidly started to drop, I knew a teddy coat was the only way to kit out my winter wardrobe to ward off the cold. I opted for a black teddy coat from New Look, as this is one of the few high-street stores that offer great prices, trend-led styles and petite fits, too. This coat feels classic and warm, and will pair with monochromatic 'fits and more colourful looks, too. I am now so ready for winter!" — Jerrylyn Saguiped, client success manager

Colour/s: Black, cream, tan, mink, burgundy.

Sizes: 4 16, regular and petite fits

Material: 100% polyester

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