Most of the popular styles of jackets around today can have their designs traced back to World War II, and even World War I. The jackets designed for those Wars had to be extremely functional and long lasting, and, with those being qualities that every man wants in a jacket, it’s really no surprise that they have continued to be widely worn for the past 50+ years. Bomber jackets are a prime example. Made to keep hot air in and to prevent cold air from seeping out, in terms of insulation, there are few, if any, better alternatives. Of course, a few extra stylish touches have been added, so today’s bomber jackets can be worn to impress too.

Pea coats are another style of jacket that have successfully made the transfer from the trenches to the mainstream. Thick, heavy and made from wool, a distinctive feature of them is the 3 or 4 oversized buttons that normally adorn the front of the jacket, which make them easy to do up in seconds. Extra touches and frills are rare on pea coats, as the main point is to keep it simple. What matters most is the cut of the jacket. Slim fitting, thigh length ones look best.

Wool trench coats are not that unlike pea coats in many ways. They also keep the focus on simplicity, but the difference is that they are more formal looking. They are normally full length, which means that however much it rains, nothing except your footwear will be getting wet. Muted color wool trench coats look best on men, and you’ll rarely seem them in colors other than black, gray, blue and brown. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to look ‘boring’, as you can wear a colored or patterned scarf to add some contrast to your look.

For times when looking smart and not protecting yourself from the elements is your main concern, consider getting yourself a nice looking blazer jacket. Note that these are not the same thing as a suit blazer. A blazer jacket has the same general look as a suit blazer, but the colors and materials available are much wider ranging. A nice blazer jacket can instantly turn the standard jeans and t-shirt look into a look suitable for a date or a night out with friends.

The jackets mentioned above are all classic styles which will be in style for a long while yet. So, rather than fret about what to buy the next time you need a new jacket, opt for one of the above styles and you can rest assured that you will look the part, whether it be for work or play.