Don't let the idea of winter fashion overwhelm you. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to experiment with performance-driven layers that keep you warm and looking sharp. With a solid foundation of essential basics, everything else will seamlessly come together. The key is to invest in men's winter wardrobe essentials that you'll turn to time and again—and we have plenty of tips to help you with that.

From parkas to cozy knitwear and versatile footwear, plus every layer in between, here's how to kick off your search for winter essentials for men in 2025.

Puffer Jacket

As winter sets in, dragging yourself out of bed and leaving your duvet behind can feel increasingly tough. What's our solution? Snag yourself a wearable puffer jacket. The best puffer jackets are some of the warmest apparel available, designed with thick insulation and a generous silhouette. You can skip the guilt of leaving your quilt behind—just invest in a quality puffer.

For a reliable everyday option, consider the Puffer jacket Cloud 3Q from Moose Knuckles. If you're looking for something more versatile for travel, check out Duno's Quilted packable down jacket Tech.

Coat

Chilly winters call for a cozy winter coat. You'll want to choose between a topcoat, peacoat, or parka based on your style. In fact, having all three in your wardrobe is a smart move. 

For a casual day out, the Hooded Parka Coat Stag Lake from Moose Knuckles is an excellent option—pair it with jeans, a sturdy sweater, and your favorite work boots. On the other hand, Duno's Quilted Wool Coat Major works beautifully for more sophisticated occasions, making it an ideal layer over business attire.

Polo

The polo shirt is an excellent pick for the best winter outfits for men. It serves as a versatile base layer, allowing you to easily add cotton, flannel, or knit shirts and pullovers on top. For a stylish, triple-layer look that offers additional warmth, you can top these layers with an insulated coat.

The Poloneck pullover Eross from Tiger of Sweden boasts a sophisticated buttoned design, while the Poloneck pullover Orbit features a convenient zipped placket.

Jumper

A knit jumper is one of those classy options in knitwear. It's lightweight yet exceptionally warm, making it an ideal addition to your capsule wardrobe. 

Opt for classic styles in wool or cashmere. The Merino rollneck pullover Nevile from Tiger of Sweden is an essential element for achieving a polished formal look. For a more relaxed vibe, try the Merino wool pullover Edward from A.P.C.—a perfect laid-back choice.

Fleece

Fleeces are experiencing a significant comeback. Following gorp and explorer core trends, brands like Moose Knuckles and A.P.C. have given this once-simple fabric a stylish update.

The zip-up fleece jacket SAGLEK is built to endure cold weather, making it a reliable choice for chillier days. Meanwhile, the Fleece wool vest SEQUOIA offers a minimalist option for milder climates.

Joggers

Loungewear has never been more essential than in winter. As soon as your commute is over, there's nothing better than slipping into something cozy—a comfy pair of joggers, for example. 

Johnstons of Elgin features some fantastic options to elevate your indoor wardrobe. Our top picks are the Fine merino joggers made from luxurious wool and the Seamless cashmere joggers crafted from high-quality cashmere.

Shirt

Are you caught between jackets, navigating different climates, or craving a versatile layer that pairs with everything? The answer is a timeless button-up shirt, which has become more rugged and stylish than ever.

The must-have options often come in a go-to navy blue—take, for instance, the Corduroy shirt KRISTIAN from Les Deux. It pairs beautifully with earthy-toned pants and meshes with dark-washed jeans. Also, the Flannel check overshirt LENNON showcases a trendy design that's hard to resist.

Overcoat

Every wardrobe deserves a wool overcoat, which offers a chic, academic alternative to the streetwise puffer. For those of you who need to wear a suit to the office, a stylish overcoat elevates everyday outerwear to a more formal level.

The Wool coat VISCONTI from A.P.C. boasts a sleek silhouette and luxurious texture. The single-breasted checked coat ELIIAS from Tiger of Sweden is a versatile piece that easily fits into a winter capsule wardrobe for men.

Wide-Leg Trousers

Wide-leg trousers are similar to your favs but with a stylish twist. They balance out bulkier layers and fuller tops. A hidden advantage of wide-leg designs is the space they provide for discreet layering. Slip on some running tights underneath for those chilly outings on cold days and nights.

This season, our top pick is the Wide-leg wool trousers Lan from Holzweiler.

Sweater

Knitwear comes in a variety of styles, but a chunky knit is really a wardrobe essential. These versatile pieces pair with everything from jeans to suit pants, and they look great layered with a collared shirt underneath.

Cable-knit sweaters are always a reliable choice, and Les Deux has a nice option with the stylish Cable-knit round-neck pullover FERNANDO. However, high-necks and cardigans are also in the spotlight of winter fashion for men. Take a look at the Half-zip wool sweater CASTLE from Holzweiler; it features a beautiful Nordic Jacquard print and a convenient half-zip opening.

Jeans

Gone are the days when raw denim dominated men's cold-weather fashion. The jeans we're embracing now offer much more than just the ability to stand on their own. These styles feature looser silhouettes, bolder branding, and hems designed to be worn uncuffed. While they still whisker like the best of them, they encourage a style that fits your preference.

For a men's casual winter outfit, we suggest a dark blue wash, like the Tapered Classic jeans ADLER from Citizens of Humanity. If you aim for a sleeker appearance, check out the black Slim-fit jeans PISTOLERO from Tiger of Sweden.

Hoodie

There's no doubt about it—men's hoodies are casual, but when styled correctly, they can look just as polished as any casual sweater. For a standout appearance, keep it simple: choose a solid color and steer clear of large prints.

The Fleece Cotton Hoodie PIECE from Les Deux is a fantastic choice for casual outings. Yet, if you want to add a pop of color to your streetwear ensemble, try the Logo-Embroidered Hoodie SERGE from Moose Knuckles, which comes in a trendy orchid hue.

Boots

Prioritize a pair of boots with sturdy rubber soles that provide excellent grip on slippery terrain. Look for a design made in full-grain leather with high water resistance, allowing you to apply waterproof treatments like dubbin wax to shield yourself from the elements. 

We are particularly in love with Fracap's winter boots due to their durability and stylish look. The Leather hiking boots MAGNIFICO M120 ALTO in classic black are an elegant choice. If you lean toward suede, try out the Suede boots MAGNIFICO M120 ROC in a rich brown shade—they're a true must-have for fashion-forward guys.

Sneakers

If you're eager to embrace the great outdoors this winter or simply dreading your daily commute, a sturdy pair of fur-lined sneakers is the way to go. Look for a pair with exceptional grip on the outsoles, supportive insoles, and outer layers designed for water resistance and breathability. Choose your favorites, lace them up, and hit the ground.

Take a look at our curated male selection from Voile Blanche. The Fur suede wool sneakers STORM are perfect for casual everyday outfit ideas, while the Fur-lined leather sneakers LIAM PUMP offer a more refined and polished appearance.

Beanie

This winter, there are plenty of stylish hats to choose from to elevate your look. Whether you prefer to wear your beanie folded down or rock it as a slouchy style with extra fabric at the back, you can customize it to suit your taste.

For a versatile option, consider the Chunky Knit Beanie FERVEN from Tiger of Sweden, crafted from pure merino wool in a classic black shade—perfect for any winter men's outfit ideas. For a more exciting look, the Wool Beanie WAYNE from Les Deux delivers a more vibrant and contemporary vibe.

Scarf

Even if you're the kind of guy who lays out his outfits the night before, you might still find yourself grabbing a scarf you snagged on a whim at a random college football game. That's perfectly fine—but it's also a bit of a missed opportunity. Wrapping your neck in sumptuous wool or cashmere doesn't just shield you from biting winds; it also allows you to showcase your unique sense of style in a place where few expect it.

The wool scarf SYLAN from Tiger of Sweden is a versatile accessory that pairs well with various outfits, while the stitched alpaca scarf ASTER from Holzweiler offers a chic way to fend off the chill of winter.

Gloves

A stylish pair of gloves—whether leather or knit—offers two key benefits: warmth and a touch of elegance for your everyday outfits. They're versatile, allowing you to pair them with both casual and more formal attire.

If you're leaning towards leather, we recommend the Leather gloves GERON from Tiger of Sweden. For a knit alternative, the Cashmere gloves from Johnstons of Elgin would be an excellent choice.