Marks & Spencer’s Denim Car Coat has nudged denim jackets aside, offering warmth, polish and a price that lands squarely in mid-range territory. Early demand points to a crowd-pleaser, with buyers sharing that compliments arrive quickly and often.
Why shoppers are switching coats
Cold mornings and mild afternoons call for structure without bulk. The M&S Denim Car Coat answers that brief. It has a regular fit that layers over knitwear, a longline shape to shield legs from wind, and a cord collar that reads autumn without trying too hard.
£80 price point, sizes 6–22, dark denim only, and a 112 cm neck-to-hem length in size 12
Store data shows momentum. The coat has sold more than 20 times in the past five days, a clear sign that word of mouth is doing heavy lifting as temperatures drop.
Shoppers report steady compliments and say friends have bought the same coat after seeing it styled in real life
The details that matter
Key features at a glance
- Regular fit with added stretch for movement on long walks.
- Tan cord collar that softens the denim and frames scarves.
- Two large patch pockets for phone, gloves and keys.
- Zip fastening covered with buttons for wind protection.
- Longline cut to channel heat and lengthen the silhouette.
Sizing, colour and cut
The range runs from size 6 to 22 in dark denim only. The dark rinse adds smartness, pairs well with black and brown leather, and hides scuffs from drizzly pavements. On a size 12, the neck-to-hem length measures 112 cm, giving mid-calf coverage for most heights.
How it feels on the move
Added stretch means the shoulders and elbows flex on buses, bikes and long walks. The cord collar lifts to shield the neck, and the longline hem stops gusts at station platforms. Patch pockets sit high enough to warm hands while keeping valuables secure.
What buyers are saying
Early reviews praise the coat’s polish and ease. Many mention regular compliments from colleagues and strangers. Several buyers note that friends asked to try it, then ordered their own. Stock flickers online at busy times, which suggests the style is trending beyond a niche audience.
At the time of writing, no negative feedback appears on the product page. That may change as volumes grow, but it aligns with the practical brief: warm, neat, unfussy.
How to wear it for work and weekends
Office polish
- Over a fine merino roll-neck, tailored trousers and loafers.
- With a silk scarf tucked under the cord collar.
- Carry a structured tote; the longline coat keeps the look sharp.
Off-duty layers
- Chunky knit, straight jeans and ankle boots for park walks.
- Hoodie, leggings and trainers for school runs and errands.
- Bucket hat or beanie on wet days; the collar reduces drizzle on the neck.
Value check: is £80 fair?
For a transitional coat with stretch, hardware and a lined collar, £80 sits below many designer-inspired options. Work out cost-per-wear to gauge value for your wardrobe.
| Scenario | Wears | Cost-per-wear |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days a week, 16 weeks per year, 3 years | 144 | £0.56 |
| 5 days a week, 12 weeks per year, 2 years | 120 | £0.67 |
The longline cut and dark rinse stretch its season from early October to late March when layered well. That timeline helps the numbers make sense for most budgets.
How it stacks up against a cosy rival
If you run cold, you may prefer extra plushness. Next sells a Mid Blue Borg Lined Denim Jacket for £78. It brings a shorter hem, a tall collar and a warm borg lining. The trade-off is coverage and smarter lines.
- M&S Denim Car Coat: longline silhouette, dark rinse, smarter for office-to-pub days.
- Next Borg Lined Jacket: shorter, cosier, better for driving and casual layers.
Your choice hinges on priorities: warmth at the torso versus coverage at the legs; polish versus puff.
Care, colour and wear-in tips
Dark denim can transfer dye, especially at first. Pair with darker knits for the initial wears. Wash cold, inside out, and line dry to reduce fading. A fabric brush keeps the cord collar neat. A short steam softens creases at the placket without flattening the denim’s structure.
Buying pointers before you commit
- Check sleeve mobility over your thickest jumper; the stretch should prevent tight elbows.
- Confirm hem length against your boots; mid-calf works best with ankle or knee boots.
- Test pocket depth with your phone; the patch design should hold it flat while walking.
- If between sizes, try both; a clean line at the shoulder seam keeps the coat looking tailored.
What the early sales tell you
More than 20 sales in five days signals momentum without tipping into scarcity. Stock may ebb online at peak times, so in-store try-ons could save a return journey. Social proof appears strong, with buyers noting repeat compliments and quick copycat purchases among friends.
If you want the same polish for less
Consider second-hand searches for “long denim coat” and “car coat” filters. Vintage finds often come unlined, so factor in a thermal base layer. If you prefer new but lighter on spend, look for cotton twill macs in navy or black; they mimic the shape and pair with the same outfits.
A final fit note
The longline profile flatters most body shapes because the eye travels vertically. A belt can add waist definition without spoiling the clean front; try a slim leather belt over knitwear and under the open coat for shape on milder days. For colder spells, add a thin down gilet beneath; the stretch should accommodate it without strain.
Just tried it on in-store—surprisingly light but warm. The longline cut makes everything look sharper, and the cord collar screams autumn. For £80 this feels like a steal. Anyone else getting random complimemts already?
20+ sales in five days doesn’t sound that wild tbh. Is this just marketing fluff? I want real durability—how does the denim hold up after rain and a few cold washes?