Men's coats and jackets on clearance

Bombers Alpha Industries, aviator jackets

Alpha Industries was born in 1959 in Knoxville, Tennessee, thanks to a contract with the US Army. Its bombers take inspiration from pilots' flight jackets: the MA-1 in nylon owes its orange lining, adopted in 1963, to the international colour of rescue; when reversed, the jacket made a downed pilot visible to rescuers. The B-15, which preceded it, is identifiable by its very warm synthetic fur collar. The hooded model modernises this silhouette for the city. A bomber is worn short, tight at the wrists and waist with ribbed cuffs, and should be roomy enough to close over a thick knit.

Other end-of-line items

The men's lifestyle clearance also includes:

• Sneakers.
• Jackets.
• T-Shirts.
• Sweats.
• Parka.
• Puffer Jackets.
• Trousers.

All end-of-line items are gathered on the lifestyle men's page.

Puffer jackets: the warmth of down

The puffer jacket gets its warmth from its filling, either down or synthetic fibres, which trap air between two layers of fabric. The Pharrell comes from Parajumpers, an Italian brand founded in 2006, inspired by a US Army rescue unit in Alaska, hence models designed for extreme cold. The Superdry Everest and Sports, from the British brand, blend a hood with outdoor inspiration. The Lyle & Scott puffer, featuring the eagle embroidered of the Scottish brand, opts for simplicity, while the Helly Hansen Urb Pro jacket, filled with down, combines warmth and waterproofing for the city. The fluffier the filling, the better the puffer insulates at the same weight.

Parkas and duffle coats: length against the cold

The parka, longer than a jacket, covers the hips and often the upper thighs: it protects against wind and rain, and its hood keeps the head warm. The Faguo Cheverny parka comes from a French brand founded in 2009, that plants trees with each sale. The Kariban parka, with its padded lining, offers a simple and warm alternative. The duffle coat, originally the sailors' jacket, is known for its straight cut and wide collar that can be lifted against the wind; the one from Fred Perry, made of cotton, makes it lighter and more urban, suitable for cool days rather than freezing ones.

Which coat for which cold, and how to care for it

For the city in dry weather, a bomber or a duffle coat is enough until the first frost. Below zero, the puffer jacket provides the best balance of warmth and weight, while the parka offers better protection against the wind and showers. Always try on your coat over a thick knit: it should close without pulling and allow you to raise your arms. A puffer jacket can be washed in cold water with a special down detergent, then tumble-dried on a low setting with two clean balls to restore its fluffiness. Off-season, hang coats on a wide hanger, in a breathable cover, and avoid compressing down for long periods.

Frequently asked questions

What is the warmest coat for winter?

A long down-filled puffer jacket with a hood and high collar remains the warmest for the same weight. For everyday use in the rain, a lined parka or waterproof puffer protects against both cold and moisture.

How to store winter coats to save space?

Puffer jackets can be folded easily into a bag made of breathable fabric for a few months, as long as they are clean and dry; avoid vacuum bags for too long. Duffle coats and structured coats should stay on a wide hanger.

Can you machine wash a bomber?

Most nylon bombers can be machine washed at thirty degrees, on a delicate cycle, with the zip done up and turned inside out. Air dry it, without a tumble dryer, to preserve the lining and the ribbing of the cuffs, and always check the label.

Down or synthetic filling: what to choose?

Down is warmer, lighter and compresses better, but loses its insulating properties when wet. Synthetic insulates a bit less at equal weight, dries faster and retains warmth in the rain, an advantage in humid climates.

How to choose the length of your coat?

A coat that stops at the hips, like a bomber, allows for free movement and is suitable for short trips or cycling. A mid-thigh model, like a parka, keeps the lower back warmer and offers protection when waiting outside.