Hobbs winter coats collection review: Invest now if you want a coat that will last 10 years

Depending on where you live, it’s likely you’ll be wearing your winter coat for at least six months of the year, so it pays to invest wisely in one of the best winter coats.

The heating’s on, the days are getting shorter and here at w&h HQ we’ve been busy trialling as many winter coats as we can get our hands on. From bulky parkas to sophisticated wool numbers, we’ve put them through their paces to make sure they deliver on fit, quality and design – and now we can reliably inform you which are the very best winter coats worth parting with your hard-earned cash for. In this review, the spotlight is on heritage brand Hobbs' coats...

Hobbs coat collection specifications 

• Starting price point: £149
• Size range: 6-20
• Collection size: 50+ 

VIEW NOW: Hobbs coat collection

Hobbs sits at the pricier end of the high street, but for a timeless coat you’ll wear winter after winter, it’s worth splashing out. 

What’s so special about Hobbs coats?

Founded in London’s Hampstead in 1981, Hobbs designs have always been heavily influenced by the capital but, more specifically, by the busy women who populate the city. Not one to be swayed by ever-changing trends, Hobbs’ speciality is high-quality, classic coats that you’ll still be wearing in 10 years’ time. It’s not a new idea, but one that feels all the more important as our eyes are increasingly opened to the pitfalls of so-called fast fashion. 

The Duchess of Cambridge is regularly spotted in Hobbs coats and dresses, not only giving them the royal seal of approval, but proving just how classic their pieces really are. They might be looking at the bigger picture, but thanks to their very own in-house atelier, Hobbs pays just as much attention to the little details. 

A sculpted collar on a pea coat, a perfectly precise contrast hem on a trench coat, a silky-smooth lining – all of these tiny touches have been carefully executed by their talented team of both designers and makers.

How much do Hobbs coats cost? 

Hobbs coats vary quite dramatically in price, starting at around £150 for a bum-grazing puffer jacket, all the way up to £499 for a calf-length, Alpaca wool wrap coat. It’s the fabric you’re paying more for, so the more luxe it is, the higher the price tag will be.

And remember - although they might be pricey, woollen numbers are some of the warmest winter coats around. In our opinion, they're worth every penny to keep the cold at bay. 

How sustainable are Hobbs coats?

Making giant leaps in the right direction, Hobbs is working hard to ensure the products they produce are created with sustainability in mind.

The linings of a selection of their coats are now made of recycled polyester from discarded water bottles, helping to avoid the harmful processes required to manufacture virgin polyester. 

Hobbs is also diverting waste from landfill by sourcing recycled wool from trusted Italian mills. This not only reduces energy consumption, but the use of water, dyes and chemicals too. 

Concerned about the welfare of the animals behind the wool? All wool used by Hobbs has been certified by the Responsible Wool Standard; tracking the fabric from farm to mill to ensure both the sheep and the land they live on are properly looked after. Hobbs has been collaborating with the Abraham Moon & Sons mill in Yorkshire for the last 30 years, responsibly sourcing wool that’s been approved by the Wool Integrity Programme. 

Which Hobbs coats are best?

We looked at the whole collection and these are the three best and most popular Hobbs coats...

Tilda

It doesn’t get much more classic than a wool coat and the tailored Tilda is ticking all of our winter coat boxes. Structured seams create a feminine silhouette and stop the masculine shoulders from overwhelming your frame. A perfect example of Hobbs’ immaculate attention to detail, look out for the colour-matched piping and contrast undercollar. 

Olivia

Made from 100% wool, Olivia is the kind of coat that’ll make even jeans and a T-shirt look effortlessly glam. Tie the waist-whittling belt taunt to show off your shape or wear undone for a more laid-back feel. 

Bethany

Everything you’d want from a faux-fur coat, Bethany is plush, oversized and oh-so soft. It’s a statement piece, but the neutral mink and charcoal shades mean it’ll slot seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. 

Are Hobbs coats true to size?

Making shopping online easy (and negating the need for potential returns), Hobbs coats run true to size.

How easy are Hobbs coats to care for?

All Hobbs coats are professional dry clean only, to help keep the fabric in tip-top condition. Don’t be tempted to pop a coat of this calibre in the washing machine – it’ll only end in disappointment. 

Does Hobbs offer easy returns?

If you’ve ordered the wrong size or aren’t over the moon with your new Hobbs coat, you can return it, unworn, within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.

Return for free in a standalone Hobbs store, via the post or via Collect+. 

It takes up to 10 working days for postal returns to be received and processed, but you should get your money sooner if you refund in store. 

Hobbs coats verdict 

Maintaining their reputation as a British brand you can rely on, Hobbs’ 2020 coats collection is full of the timeless, signature styles we’ve come to expect. Pick up a tailored wool coat now and wear for at least 10 years, possibly forever.