Paddington wear Duffel coats for men aren't just warm this winter - they're hot

It's the coat most associated with a beloved children's character, so it makes sense that the duffel is a familiar sight in playgrounds across the UK. But this year it is once again - quietly enjoying a moment among grownups.

- Lauren Cochrane

In Waitrose's Christmas advert, the comedian Joe Wilkinson wears a duffel coat in the supermarket with Keira Knightley. Footballer Cole Palmer wore one in a 2024 Burberry campaign subtitled "It's Always Burberry Weather", and Tyler, the Creator, dons a short one in the recent video for "Darling, I".

Paddington Bear, meanwhile, is sporting his on stage in the West End at the moment.

Duffel coats are on the high street, too. Labrum's range for John Lewis includes a £279 cream design, while a £64 checked one is a fashion favourite at Marks & Spencer. John Lewis reports duffel sales are up 75% compared with last month, while on the resale app Depop, searches for the style are up 159% over the last four months.

Though the look might seem genderless, its current popularity is largely among men. Andrew Groves, director of the menswear archive at Westminster University, says it is part of a wider trend.