London, November. The kind of damp cold that seeps through layers and demands respect. On days like this, I reach not for the latest tech-fabric shell or a minimalist Scandinavian silhouette, but for something with weight, history, and quiet authority. That’s when the Gloverall Men’s Horatio Coat in Black earns its place—not just in my wardrobe, but in my daily rhythm.


Background

• Named in honour of Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson — naval commander, tactician, and enduring British icon — the Horatio Coat takes its cues from garments built for purpose and permanence, reimagined through a contemporary lens.
• Cut from 100% wool, the coat offers dependable warmth and comfort. It features button-down front fastenings, two front patch pockets, and a discreet internal buttoned pocket — ideal for keeping essentials close. A fixed hood with drawstring lends a subtle maritime sensibility, offering both practicality and a hint of naval tradition.
• The silhouette is relaxed but composed, designed to be layered with ease — over tailoring, knitwear, or a roll neck on colder days. There’s a quiet robustness to it, a sense of utility elevated through careful detailing and fine materials.
• The double-breasted coat, with its broad lapels and structured front, has long been a staple of naval outerwear — prized for its wind-blocking overlap and commanding silhouette. Originating in 19th-century military uniforms, this style was engineered for life at sea, where warmth, functionality, and ease of movement were paramount.
  

Named after Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson—Britain’s legendary naval hero—the Horatio Coat is more than a stylistic nod; it’s a functional homage. From its double-breasted front and broad lapels to the fixed hood with subtle drawstring, every detail echoes the maritime outerwear engineered for survival on 19th-century decks. Yet Gloverall, a brand rooted in post-war British workwear and duffle coat heritage, has masterfully reimagined it for contemporary urban life.


Crafted entirely in England from 100% wool, the coat feels substantial the moment you lift it—dense, warm, and reassuringly durable. The black shade is deep and matte, avoiding any synthetic sheen; it reads as classic rather than trendy. After six weeks of near-daily wear—through rain-slicked commutes, weekend walks in Hampstead Heath, and even a brisk Christmas market evening—it shows no pilling, no fraying, and only the gentlest softening at the cuffs, which somehow adds character rather than wear.

The relaxed fit is one of its greatest strengths. It accommodates layering without bulk: I’ve worn it over a chunky roll-neck sweater and an unstructured blazer with ease. The silhouette remains clean thanks to thoughtful tailoring—slightly tapered through the waist, with enough room in the shoulders to move naturally. The two large patch pockets are perfectly positioned for hands (or gloves), while the discreet internal buttoned pocket keeps my phone and wallet secure without distorting the coat’s lines.


What truly sets the Horatio apart is its balance of utility and elegance. The fly-front button closure—a clever design where the buttons sit beneath a fabric placket—not only enhances wind resistance but gives the front a sleek, uninterrupted look. The fixed hood, often a point of contention on formal coats, here feels intentional: minimal, structured, and easily tucked away when not needed. It’s not an afterthought; it’s part of the narrative.

Inside, the lining blends 100% cotton and acetate, offering smoothness against clothing and just enough slip for easy on-and-off. Care instructions are clear: dry clean only. But after multiple rainy outings, a quick brush and air-dry were all it needed to look pristine again—a testament to the quality of the wool.

At ￡695, the Horatio sits firmly in the investment category. But consider this: many luxury brands charge upwards of ￡1,200 for similar wool overcoats, often manufactured in Eastern Europe or Asia. Gloverall’s commitment to Made in England production—supporting local mills and skilled artisans—is increasingly rare, and deeply meaningful in an era of opaque global supply chains.

Moreover, Gloverall isn’t just trading on nostalgia. Their “Mainline” collection, which includes the Horatio, reflects a philosophy of “modern classics in motion”—garments designed to evolve with the wearer, not fall out of fashion by next season. The brand also champions longevity through initiatives like their Care & Repair program and transparent size guides, encouraging customers to buy less but better.


I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the hood on a double-breasted wool coat. But during an unexpected downpour on Oxford Street, it proved its worth—keeping my head dry without the awkwardness of an umbrella in a crowd. That moment crystallized what Gloverall gets right: form follows function, but never at the expense of beauty.

For those seeking an overcoat that bridges heritage and modernity, tradition and practicality, the Horatio delivers. It’s not loud. It doesn’t need to be. Like Nelson himself, it commands presence through substance, not spectacle.


Why I Recommend Gloverall

In a market saturated with greenwashing and fleeting collaborations, Gloverall stands out for its authenticity. Founded in 11951, the brand helped popularize the duffle coat globally, yet remains fiercely committed to British manufacturing. Their attention to detail—from fabric sourcing to final stitching—reflects a slower, more considered approach to fashion. And in a world where “timeless” is overused, Gloverall actually earns the word.

If you’re ready to invest in outerwear that will age gracefully, perform reliably, and look impeccable for years, the Horatio Coat is a definitive choice.

Named in honour of Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson — naval commander, tactician, and enduring British icon — the Horatio Coat takes its cues from garments built for purpose and permanence, reimagined through a contemporary lens.

Dispatch

Please note: orders placed between 19th December 2025 and 4th January 2026 will ship during w/c 5th January 2026. Use the discount code FESTIVE10 for a 10% discount during this period.

The Gloverall Team will usually dispatch your order promptly and efficiently within 48 hours of receipt, subject to stock availability.

Non-UK orders are generally delivered within 8 days from date of dispatch. You will receive free shipping on orders over ￡450. All orders under ￡450 will be subject to a delivery charge of ￡30.

Ready to make it yours?

👉Add the Men’s Horatio Coat in Black to Your Cart

Free shipping on orders over ￡450. Use code FESTIVE10 for 10% off. Please note: orders placed between 19 December 2025 and 4 January 2026 will ship week commencing 5 January 2026.

Named in honour of Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson — naval commander, tactician, and enduring British icon — the Horatio Coat takes its cues from garments built for purpose and permanence, reimagined through a contemporary lens.