Reiss coats review - our fashion team critiques the quality of Reiss' winter coat collection

Reiss coats are sharp, elegant, and flattering. If you have a keen eye for style you'll likely be able to spot one, despite the fact that they don't have any obvious logos or distinguishing design features. But Reiss' sophisticated colour palettes and quality tailoring make its designs stand out for all the right reasons.  

If you are searching for one of the best winter coats you may find that Reiss is a recommendation you hear often. But the price tag of this British clothing brand means that before you invest you will need to consider whether they suit your needs and offer what you consider to be good value.  

Staying both snug and stylish is no mean feat, so here at w&h HQ we’ve been busy inspecting as many Reiss coat designs as possible - from the best parkas and puffers to the best leather jackets and trench coats. In this collection review, a member of our fashion team poured over the collection, trying on each Reiss coat in this guide. Our writer tested it for feel, warmth, flattering cut and quality of fabrication, fastenings and hardware, assessing whether coats were good value and worth adding to your capsule wardrobe. 

Launched by David Reiss in 1971, the Reiss label started life as a men’s tailoring brand based in London’s financial district. They established an in-house design team in 1997 but didn’t expand into womenswear until 2000. The initial tailoring influence is clear to see in all womenswear pieces, from carefully crafted blouses through to structured dresses, but it comes through most clearing in its jacket and coat collections (they make some of the best blazers for women too). 

Reiss favors a muted color palette, with creams and camels making up the bulk of its 2023/2024 outerwear range, peppered with classic greys and black, which lean heavily into the coat trends 2023. Smart and timeless designs that won’t feel dated in years to come, they're almost unbeatable in terms of versatility, longevity and potential cost per wear.

Top 5 Reiss coats picks

We looked at the most popular and stylish winter coats in Reiss’ collection. We checked them for fabric quality, fit, feel and warmth, as well as whether they were true to size, or would need some sizing up to smuggle your best cashmere sweaters underneath. A coat is an investment piece and as such, the best winter coats often have high price tag. As part of our assessment, we wanted to ascertain whether these buys are worth the money. 

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A wool camel coat is a capsule wardrobe essential, and certainly an item you will hold onto for years to come. That's why we think investing in high-quality pieces made from enduring materials is important. This wool blend coat is made from 79 per cent wool with a silky viscose lining, and we could feel the premium quality. It is a fairly heavy coat that keeps you warm without trapping too much heat. Small details like the v-cut sleeves and sturdy buttons add to the luxe feel. 

"My first go to [coat for this season] would be a longline wool coat - a similar style to your go to blazer which you have worn all through spring and summer but with that added warmth," says celebrity and commercial stylist Ellis Ranson. "The style of this type of coat is perfect for day to night; it can be pared down with jeans, a trainer, and t-shirt or jumper and then styled up with a midi skirt or leathers and a heel."

We love this coat's subtle hourglass shape that adds definition to the waist and skims over the thighs perfectly, as well as the high quality stitching across the hems and collar. The perfect length to style with the best winter boots, it is available in regular or petite fit. If you are hoping to layer this with sweaters, your usual size should provide enough room for a light knit or hoodie. The only thing missing on this coat is pockets - something to keep in mind if this is a feature that's particularly important to you, otherwise you might want to get a pair of leather gloves.

This jacket sits towards the lower end of Reiss' coats collection in terms of price, but we think the quality is on the same level as the most expensive pieces. For a true investment piece that you can be sure will last physically and through numerous trend cycles, the Harlow is undoubtedly one of the best wool coats out there.

Ellis Ranson

Ellis Ranson has been in the fashion industry working as a stylist for over a decade. With her expertise spanning celebrity, commercial and editorial styling, she has styled a plethora of celebrities as well as campaigns for globally renowned fashion brands from Primark to Puma. Passionate about supporting the upcoming generation of styling talent, she also founded @school_ofstyle, aimed at those choosing not to take the route of further education to enter the fashion industry.

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"Is there ever a winter when you don't pull out a great puffer jacket? As we are seeing the athleisure trend working its way into our winter wardrobes, the puffer is the perfect added layer to complete this style," says Ranson. Whilst the look of an oversized, boxy coat makes a trendy statement, it can be slightly too bulky for every occasion. That's why we fell in love with Reiss' Larissa coat. With the option to wear it loose or add some definition to the waist with a comfortable elasticated belt, it can be adapted depending on the event or style you're after. We went for our usual size in this and it was just right, so you can count on a true to size fit.

Out of all the straight-to-market puffer coats we have tried, from the best John Lewis coats to cheaper high street options, this is a total standout. No detail has been missed here; the stretchy cuffs with a thumb hole make for extremely comfortable, movable wear that will also keep your hands warm in chilly weather. We also find that hoods can often be bulky or slip off the head frequently, but the way that this one is built into the coat ensures fuss-free wear. Plus, anything made sustainably is a win in our books, so we love that this contains recycled polyester. 

If you're going to be spending hundreds of pounds on a coat, you want to be sure that it will work for all weather conditions and can be trusted to stand the test of time. This puffer no doubt ticks every box. One of the cosiest Reiss coats we tried, we have no doubt that it will keep you protected even in snowy conditions. The classic quilted design will never age, and the black ensures that stains won't show. Versatile enough to style with everything from tailored trousers to a pair of the warmest leggings and best white trainers, if we could only have one winter coat in our arsenal, this would have to be it.

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If you are on the hunt for a shorter coat, then the aviator style is one to look out for. This jacket is just the right length to keep you feeling warm and covered without feeling suffocating, even on petites. Our favorite feature is that it's reversible, so whether you prefer the look of fur or leather, or want to change it up day-to-day, you're covered. 

Both leather and fur coats are big autumn/winter fashion trends for 2023, so this purchase has all the key textures in the bag. It is undoubtedly a stylish choice, but it is by far one of Reiss' priciest coats. This is due to the 100 percent leather fabric that really can't be beaten in terms of quality, and the levels of craftsmanship are clear. From the buttery soft leather to the smooth, dense fur, it is a coat that looks as good as it feels. Featuring metal hardware and an oversized collar, it is the perfect leather and fur jacket in one.

Straight-to-market and designer brands are packed with variations on the aviator jacket, and we do think that there are some great pieces available for a significantly lower price than the Reiss offering. However, none are likely to last anywhere near as long or look and feel quite as good. When it comes to outerwear, we think where possible, it is almost always worth spending a little bit more to get high-quality pieces that will withstand whatever you put them through. With warmth to rival the best cashmere jumpers, and the versatility expected from the best winter coats, the Melody is for anyone who wants a coat that can do it all and has the budget to invest.

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We typically dislike coats that aren't lined as they tend to have a less premium feel, so we were shocked by how much we loved the Layah. This grey wool blend absolutely nails the Quiet Luxury aesthetic through its timeless silhouette and neutral charcoal hue and it is so comfortable to wear. "Neutral colours such as black, grey, navy, tan, beige, and camel, look good on everyone. These versatile colours are easy to pair with the rest of our wardrobes," says stylist and luxury fashion expert Yenia Hernández Fonseca. The dark grey shade of the Layah coat couldn't be easier to style, so it's a truly foolproof pick.

However, be warned that this comes up very oversized. We took our usual size and it was baggy throughout and long in the arms, but we absolutely love the trendy look it gives. However, if you prefer a more form-fitting coat, you'll want to go down a size or even two - or consider opting for the petite version if you're shorter.

Layering is key during winter and we found this to be the most lightweight yet cosy Reiss coat that we tried on this year, making it ideal for throwing over bulky hoodies or the best jumpers. It isn't anywhere near as thick as the puffer jacket, for example, so it's one to go for if you prefer lighter outerwear that can see you through multiple seasons. Despite the lack of lining, it still felt extremely polished, thick, and beautifully finished, so this really wasn't a deal breaker when trying on this coat. The double-breasted fastenings also mean it can be worn undone for a more casual finish, or fully buttoned if you want to know how to dress simple but stylish. 

With the same trendless appeal as the best trench coats but geared towards frostier weather, we can't imagine anyone this jacket wouldn't appeal to. At £368 it definitely isn't a bargain buy, but it will last substantially longer than cheaper high street options. Not at all itchy on the skin, it is clear that the material is built to survive. We love pieces like this that can be thrown over even the most casual of outfits to add instant polish.

Yenia Hernández Fonseca

Yenia is a writer, stylist, and visual presentation designer with over ten years of experience in the luxury fashion industry working with globally recognised designers, high-end specialty stores, and premium service companies. She's also the founder of @RockFashionHistory, a fashion studies Instagram account that explores the relationship between fashion and identity in rock & roll culture.

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A white coat can be a risky choice for wet winter weather, but when it looks this good, who can resist? This is another unlined Reiss coat but, much like the Layah, it still lived up to the price tag. With a familiar trench cut and waist fastening to add more shape to the look, this is an ultra-chic coat that looks even more expensive than it is. 

What we loved most when trying this piece on was how soft it was. It's slightly thicker than the Layah, so will provide some extra warmth, and sit comfortably against the skin without feeling too heavy or stuffy. We also found that it has a form, true-to-size fit that can be made even more flattering with the waist tie, or worn loose when spring rolls back around. Finished beautifully and just the right length on the arms and body, it is the epitome of Reiss' reliable and chic offering. Featuring deep pockets, a thick waist tie, and cuff details, it has everything you could want. On petites this hits mid-calf, so will be just below the knee on those who are slightly taller. Both lengths fit the criteria of a midi coat, so it really is adaptable. 

As with most staple Reiss pieces, this is a minimalist piece of outerwear that is not one for those who want to make a real statement. However, that, to us, is what makes it worth the investment. It answers the question of how to style bootcut jeans and will also look right at home worn over a formal evening dress, whilst the bright hue means that it won't get lost amongst your other winter jackets. Cheaper than Reiss' leather offerings but with the same high-quality finish, it is one of our top picks from this season's collection.

What is the quality of Reiss' coats like?

In a nutshell: very good. Reiss coats are exceptionally well cut, the fabrics feel luxurious to the touch and they wear well with repeated use. The linings are premium and feel well attached. Having given the pockets a good tug at the seams, we don't foresee holes appearing any time soon. Stitching is sturdy and neat, and the finishing hardware is overall luxurious. 

How much do Reiss coats cost and are they worth it?

At the time of writing, the cheapest piece in Reiss’ winter coat collection is the Immy Bomber Jacket, ringing in at £298. You can expect to pay around £370 for a tailored wool coat, about £330 for a simple leather jacket and over £1000 for an indulgent shearling coat.

There’s no denying these prices are enough to make some shoppers’ eyes water, but remember, your coat is the hardest-working layer in your wardrobe. If you wear yours every day across a couple of seasons, the cost-per-wear will quickly whittle down. If you can afford it, we think the coats are absolutely worth the prices.

What is Reiss' coat sizing like?

Reiss coats do run true to size, but as with all winter coats, consider what you want to wear under your coat before adding to your basket. If you favour thin jumpers and lightweight blouses, your normal size should fit perfectly. If you’re a lover of chunky knits and oversized jumpers, you might need to size up to accommodate them. Wearing structured, woolen coats in a size bigger than normal can make them look more expensive, too, playing up to the oversized aesthetic that's easy to pull off. 

How easy are Reiss coats to clean and care for?

The majority of Reiss coats require specialist dry cleaning to avoid damaging the integrity of the fabric. If in doubt, check the specific care instructions, as some lighter, polyester styles can be popped in the machine on a delicate cycle.

Leather and shearling styles require a specialist leather clean, so enquire with your local dry cleaner to see if this is something they can offer. If not, there are plenty of online services you can post your jacket or coat to, for them to clean and return to you. 

Are Reiss coats worn by anyone famous?

Giving the brand her royal seal of approval, the Princess of Wales has been busy flying the flag for Reiss coats for years. She was first spotted in a white Olivia pea coat by the brand at Prince William’s graduation from the Central Flying School in 2008 and was praised for re-wearing it during their 2020 tour of Ireland - proof that good-quality fabrics and simple yet stylish design always stand the test of time. 

More recently, Kate Middleton has been spotted championing Reiss' tailoring in a gorgeous double-breasted cream blazer. A longstanding fan of the brand, Kate often opts for Reiss' timeless wardrobe classics that'll never date. 

Reiss coats collection - our verdict 

Reiss coats might be pricey, but thanks to classic shapes and colourways, they’ll more than earn their keep in your wardrobe.  If you can spend upwards of £300 on a coat, we highly recommend them for fit, fabric and style.