As sun-drenched afternoon beer garden sessions give way to street-lit evening commutes, most men's winter wish lists are topped by a durable winter coat.

Indeed, it is an expensive purchase. Yet, like a pair of well-made shoes or a well-tailored suit, it is one of the most significant decisions you can make. And if you purchase wisely, it will last you for many years. Yet getting it correctly requires distinguishing between pea coats and parkas.

Heavy Parka Coat

A quality parka is arguably the perfect winter garment, as it will keep you warm in even the coldest weather. This style is favored by Antarctic explorers, mountaineers, and individuals who reside in the world's coldest regions. For the sake of argument, we'll suppose you don't fall into any of these categories, but it's still great to know that your outerwear would be up to the task if you got lost on the way to work and ended up on the north face of K2.

Peacoat

One of the greatest challenges winter poses is dressing both warmly and stylishly. Yet, if you have a classic peacoat hanging in your closet, you will never have to worry about it again. This cold-weather necessity is another example of the military's effect on men's fashion; it was initially designed for Navy officers at sea.

The world has realized in recent years that it pairs well with tailoring, selvedge denim, and minimalist sneakers. The appeal of the peacoat resides in the fact that it is warm, adaptable, and easy to dress up or down. It has never been easier to look good in the cold.

Chore Coat

The chore coat was designed to protect manual laborers from the weather, utilizing materials and building techniques that could survive severe abuse. Today, it is more likely to be worn by baristas in East London than by weather-beaten railway workers, but its usefulness as a winter garment remains unchanged.

This tough style complements a casual, workwear-inspired ensemble the best. Nonetheless, this does not mean that smarter attire is prohibited. For a modern take on work casual, try substituting your chore coat for your blazer and pairing it with wool pants, black leather Chelsea boots, and a textured shirt.

Overcoat

There are few things more unpleasant than getting drenched on the way to work and spending the rest of the day in a wetsuit. Choosing a proper outer layer that pairs well with tailored clothing can be difficult, but the overcoat gives a guaranteed solution. Wool is inherently insulating and water-repellent, and the added length in the body protects the wearer from the elements, trousers included. Needless to add, it looks really slick too. If the cost per wear is a problem, have no fear, as this timeless classic looks as good with jeans, a roll-neck, and trainers.

Raincoat

When the skies truly decide to open, it is necessary to have a completely waterproof layer that may be worn over your clothes. Enter the umbrella. A quality raincoat is a must-have item of menswear, especially for people who reside in the United Kingdom, and they come in a variety of styles, from simple rubberized versions to more refined macs. The majority of winter coats hold the elements at bay, but a raincoat will stop them in its tracks.

Owing to its casual yet streamlined design, the mackintosh is a highly adaptable piece of equipment that can be worn over anything from a suit to a hoodie and joggers on the weekend. A real generalist.