I tried seven cosy ‘Teddy’ coats to find the best option for winter – this was the winner
Sheepskin jackets haven’t caused this much of a fashion furore since Arthur Daley and Derek Trotter’s preferred outerwear ruled the early Eighties menswear scene. Yet forty years later, a shearling – or faux sheepskin – jacket has become fashion’s favourite outerwear. It’s all thanks to Swedish brand Toteme, the minimalist label has created several outerwear hits (the scarf coat and waxed jacket included) – but their iconic “Teddy” style remains the stand-out winter warmer. Now swathes of brands across the high street – and the high end – have reignited their appreciation for sheepskin’s warmth and aesthetic.
But with so many versions of seemingly similar jackets, which is the best buy? Toteme “Teddy” jacket owner Jess Templeton can attest to its longevity. One of the top-lenders on rental app By Rotation (@jesswithdresses), Templeton initially trialled the trend with a high street version. “It’s light-coloured so I didn’t know if I could be trusted with the expensive version!” she admits. She bought a similar style from Mango instead. “I wore it a few times and always got compliments, so when I saw the Toteme jacket reduced in the sale, I made the investment. I know I will have it for my entire life.” The Mango jacket found a new owner on Vinted and Templeton also rents her Toteme jacket on By Rotation for £350 for a week.
For the purposes of test-driving the most popular sheepskin, faux-shearling and borg jackets, we rounded up a selection of styles at every price point. Awarded points out of 10 for their style, warmth, price and overall value, paying attention to the fabric and design details… Read on to see the styles which we rated.
Textured buckle coat
£75, Marks & Spencer
The bobbly borg fabric gives this style a real sheepskin look and it kept me warm on a shopping trip (although I was nipping in and out of heated shops). Marks & Spencer have hit the sweet spot where quality meets design, and the attention to detail was stand-out for the price. The pockets have poppers, and although the metal toggles are fiddly to fasten, there are poppers underneath for a secure fit. It’s polyester, with no details on the specific fibre origins, but as part of M&S’s sustainability plans, they’ve pledged to “ensure 70 per cent of the polyester used in our products is recycled”. Slightly large, online reviews recommend you size down.
Verdict: 7/10
Celia borg jacket
£295, Wyse
Definitely more suited to autumn days, this lightweight jacket has a sporty feel, which I loved, and the colour block detail makes it a bit different. There’s a suedette lining and mock horn buttons, which add style. Of course, your jacket doesn’t have to do all the heavy lifting at keeping you warm – fine layers are often cosier than one big jacket – but you’ll need to go up a couple of sizes if you want to add layers beneath. I came back from a riverside walk quite chilly and pondered the meaning of value for money for a 100 per cent polyester jacket. It’s chic but definitely save this one for milder days.
Verdict: 5/10
Dakota faux fur duffle
£150, Monsoon
The long faux fur on this style was incredibly silky, making it super-soft to wear, while the grey colour makes it stand out on the high street. The shade has a silver-y sheen, making it particularly suited to evening wear. The pockets aren’t fur-lined but the high neck definitely wins points for extra warmth. Looking closely, the faux-horn toggles have a texture that makes them look real, and the polyester content – both outer and lining – are 100 per cent recycled polyester.
Verdict: 7/10
Shearling military crop jacket
£1200, ME+EM
Sharp and chic, ME+EM have taken the sheepskin jacket trend and given it their own spin. My mother always advised me to buy a winter coat that kept my kidneys warm, but despite the cropped finish, I was toasty in this version. Perhaps due to the fact it’s 100 per cent sheepskin (which is noted as being a by-product.) There is a supple leather lining and the gold embossed buttons add extra polish. It’s an incredibly chic option, although it does come at a price. Unfortunately I couldn’t plunge my hands into the pockets to keep warm, as they’re not particularly deep.
Verdict: 7/10
Teddy shearling clasp jacket off-white
£2,160, Toteme
The original, and among the very best. This is the style that kick-started the trend. It’s the most expensive in our trial but you get what you pay for – butter-soft caramel-coloured leather on the inside, creamy 100 per cent lamb shearling on the outside. The metal fastenings add style while the pockets are sheepskin-lined for cosiness. I wore it to watch a hockey match and while I usually need a hot bath to return to normality afterwards, I stayed snuggly throughout. It does come up purposefully oversized, so if you’re not wearing it in sub-zero temperatures and need multiple layers, size down. If you can afford it, definitely buy it.
Verdict: 9/10
Borg duffle jacket
£49.50, F&F (available at select stores)
This jacket has the look of the moment nailed and the price deserves a double take. It’s made from super silky faux fur (actually, the softest in the edit) with faux-woven faux-leather covered buttons which are more detailed than the sub-£50 price tag would have you believe. There’s a faux leather lining which I found to be brilliantly wind proof during Storm Darragh. The pockets are faux-fur lined too, for warm hands and a touch of luxury. The polyester is made from 50 per cent recycled sources and you can pop it in your washing machine!
Verdict: 9/10
Applique fur effect coat
£119.99, Mango
This is a style Mango brings out each winter and its sleek, contemporary look is the most fashionable – and original – of the high street versions. The high collar is cosy and although it’s entirely synthetic the faux-sheepskin lining continues inside the pockets. The buttons are covered with faux leather. They’ve definitely considered supreme warmth in the design process as the faux-leather lining proved very handy on my windy walk. The fit is neat but there’s room for a chunky jumper underneath, while not swamping me.
Verdict: 10/10
