When the temperature drops and city streets turn slick with rain, outerwear becomes more than fashion—it’s armor. But what if that armor could also whisper poetry? Enter the Gloverall Men’s Cocteau Duffle Jacket in Black, a garment that defies the utilitarian roots of its duffle lineage by weaving in bohemian elegance, meticulous English craftsmanship, and a quiet nod to one of the 20th century’s most inventive minds: Jean Cocteau.


Named after the French poet, filmmaker, and artist known for straddling tradition and avant-garde imagination, the Cocteau isn’t your grandfather’s navy surplus coat. It’s something softer, more sculptural—and surprisingly versatile. After wearing it through November drizzle, December frost, and even a fog-drenched weekend in Brighton, I can say with confidence: this is not just a winter jacket. It’s a statement of refined individuality.

Background

• Named after the endlessly inventive Jean Cocteau — poet, painter, playwright and provocateur — the Cocteau Duffle Jacket takes inspiration from a life lived at the intersection of tradition and imagination.
• With its shawl collar, the jacket departs gently from the expected, softening the classic duffle silhouette into something more sculptural, more romantic — but no less practical. It features wooden toggles and jute rope fastenings, a nod to its utilitarian origins, paired with two generous front patch pockets and a discreet internal buttoned pocket for small essentials.
• The result is a jacket that feels as comfortable in the artist’s studio as it does on the high street — bohemian in spirit, but precise in execution.
• The duffle coat’s story begins in the late 19th century, when it was adopted by the Royal Navy for its durability and ease of fastening — the toggles and rope closures proving ideal in cold, wet conditions, even with gloved hands. The style evolved from a continental coat made of coarse wool — the “duffel” fabric originally named after the Belgian town where it was first woven. After WWII, surplus duffle coats became a fixture in post-war Britain, embraced by students, artists, and free-thinkers who found comfort in its utilitarian honesty and unpretentious charm.
  

Crafted in England from a luxurious blend of 75% wool, 20% polyamide, and 5% cashmere, the fabric strikes a rare balance—dense enough to block wind, yet supple enough to drape like a tailored overcoat. The black hue is rich and matte, avoiding any synthetic gloss, and pairs effortlessly with everything from charcoal flannel trousers to dark selvedge denim. Unlike traditional duffle coats with boxy silhouettes, the Cocteau features a shawl collar that softens the neckline, lending it a rakish, almost lounge-inspired air. It feels equally at home in a Soho café as it does on a coastal walk.


The signature wooden toggles and jute rope fastenings are both functional and poetic—a tactile reminder of the duffle’s Royal Navy origins (designed for sailors to fasten with gloved hands in freezing seas). Yet here, they’re refined: smooth-finished horn-like toggles, thick but pliable rope, and precise stitching that elevates them from rustic hardware to design focal points. Two generous front patch pockets offer ample room for gloves or a paperback, while a discreet internal buttoned pocket secures phone and keys without distorting the clean lines.

Fit-wise, Gloverall labels it “regular”—and they’re right. It’s neither slim nor oversized. I’m 5’11”, 170 lbs, and the size Medium gives me room for a merino sweater underneath while maintaining a flattering silhouette. The unlined construction keeps it lighter than expected (ideal for transitional seasons), though you’ll want a thermal layer when temps dip below freezing.


One note on timing: orders placed between 19 December 2025 and 4 January 2026 will ship the week of 5 January 2026 due to a fulfillment break. While that requires planning, it’s a small trade-off for a jacket made with care in England—not outsourced to cut costs. And during this period, you can use code FESTIVE10 for 10% off, plus enjoy free shipping on orders over ￡450.

At ￡485, the Cocteau sits in the premium segment—but fairly so. Compare it to luxury brands charging ￡800+ for similar wool-cashmere blends (often manufactured overseas), and Gloverall’s value proposition shines. More importantly, you’re supporting a brand that has kept British outerwear alive since 1951.

Why Gloverall Deserves Your Trust

Gloverall isn’t chasing trends. They’re custodians of a legacy. As the brand that helped turn the military duffle into a post-war icon—worn by students, artists, and icons like David Bowie—they understand that true style endures. Their “Mainline” collection, where the Cocteau resides, embodies their ethos: modern classics in motion.

They also walk the sustainability talk. From transparent care guides (“dry clean only,” but spot-cleanable with care) to initiatives like Gloverall Renewed (refurbished vintage pieces), they encourage ownership over consumption. In an age of disposable fashion, that matters.

After six weeks of wear, the Cocteau shows no pilling, no loose threads—just a gentle softening that adds character. It’s become my go-to for days when I want to feel put-together without trying too hard. Strangers have asked where it’s from. Friends have called it “the perfect hybrid”—part coat, part art object.


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.


Final Verdict

The Men’s Cocteau Duffle Jacket in Black is for those who appreciate history but refuse to be bound by it. It honors the duffle’s rugged past while embracing a more poetic, contemporary future. If you seek winter outerwear that’s distinctive without being loud, practical without sacrificing beauty, and built to last beyond a single season, this jacket delivers on every front.

Ready to elevate your cold-weather wardrobe with a true British original?

👉 Add the Men’s Cocteau Duffle Jacket in Black to Your Cart

Free shipping on orders over ￡450. Use code FESTIVE10 for 10% off. Ships week commencing 5 January 2026.

Named after the endlessly inventive Jean Cocteau — poet, painter, playwright and provocateur — the Cocteau Duffle Jacket takes inspiration from a life lived at the intersection of tradition and imagination.