As the mercury dips, Marks & Spencer’s latest denim car coat is quietly moving from wish-lists to doorsteps. Word of mouth seems to be doing the heavy lifting, with customers reporting compliments from strangers and copycat purchases from friends.
The coat shoppers keep talking about
Marks & Spencer has put a fresh spin on a heritage shape with its Denim Car Coat, priced at £80. The piece sits in a regular fit with a longline cut that gives more coverage than a classic trucker jacket. A tan corduroy collar softens the look, while two generous patch pockets and a zip concealed by a buttoned placket keep things practical on breezy days. The brand notes added stretch in the fabric for comfort, useful when layering over chunky knitwear.
The coat arrives only in dark denim and, at the time of writing, sizes run from 6 to 22. For reference, the neck-to-hem length measures 112 cm in a size 12, which places it below the knee for many wearers. That length matters when you want something that can span a commute, a weekend stroll and a pub lunch without changing silhouette or shoes.
Price: £80. Colour: dark denim. Sizes: 6–22. Length in size 12: 112 cm. Fabric: stretch denim with cord collar.
According to the retailer’s recent activity indicator, the coat has sold more than 20 times in the last five days. That is not a viral stampede, but it does signal steady demand during a week of colder mornings and earlier sunsets.
What buyers say
Early reviewers lean the same way: they describe a piece that looks sharper than a standard denim layer, draws compliments, and seems to trigger “where did you get that?” conversations. Several mention friends trying the coat on and ordering their own after seeing it in person. One shopper even said they struggled to catch it in stock online and only secured it after rechecking.
Customer buzz centres on compliments, repeat buys among friendship groups and a cut that feels “chic” rather than casual.
At the time of writing, the visible feedback on the product page skews positive, with no negative reviews shown. That can change quickly as more sizes ship, but it gives a snapshot of how the first wave of buyers feels.
Fit, fabric and function
The car coat cut originally emerged as a simple, straight layer built for movement. Here, that DNA shows up in clean lines and easy stride space. The longline hem adds wind protection, the stretch helps across the shoulders when you drive, cycle or carry a tote, and the cord collar adds texture against scarves. The denim feels robust enough for everyday wear, yet it still reads polished thanks to the darker wash.
Denim resists wear well, but it is not a rain shell. If you expect showers, pair it with a compact umbrella or a lightweight, packable waterproof beneath. On dry days, the coat covers a surprising number of dress codes: smart with tailored trousers and loafers; relaxed with a roll-neck and trainers; weekend-ready over leggings and chunky boots.
- Office-ready: wear with a fine-gauge knit, tapered trousers and polished flats.
- Off-duty: throw over a hoodie, straight-leg jeans and trainers in the same tonal family.
- Evening casual: belt the coat to sculpt the waist and add heeled ankle boots.
- Walking plans: layer over thermal base layers and wool socks for warmth on long routes.
How it compares on the high street
Next has a rival at a similar price point: the Mid Blue Borg Lined Denim Jacket at £78. It is shorter, warmer on paper thanks to the borg lining, and finished with a tall collar that hugs the neck. The trade-off is coverage; mid-thigh length is useful in cold snaps, especially when you sit on chilly benches or wait for trains.
| Feature | M&S denim car coat | Next borg lined denim jacket |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £80 | £78 |
| Length | Longline; 112 cm in size 12 | Shorter, jacket length |
| Lining | Not stated; stretch denim | Borg lining for added warmth |
| Collar | Tan corduroy | Tall collar |
| Colour | Dark denim | Mid blue |
| Best for | Layering, longer coverage, smart-casual outfits | Instant warmth, casual styling |
Cost-per-wear and care
If you wear the M&S coat twice a week for the next 16 autumn weeks, that is 32 outings. At £80, you are paying £2.50 per wear before it even sees spring. Keep it in rotation through cool summer evenings and it falls further.
Cost-per-wear at two outings weekly over 16 weeks: roughly £2.50, before spring and summer rewear.
Care tips help that maths. Spot clean when you can, brush away surface dust, and wash on a cool cycle with the coat turned inside out. Skip the tumble dryer to preserve the fabric handle and the cord collar’s texture. Hang on a broad-shouldered hanger to avoid dents at the seam.
What to check before you buy
A longline coat rewards a quick set of measurements and a try-on with layers. That prevents returns and ensures the silhouette works with your height and footwear.
- Length: compare the 112 cm measurement to a coat you already own to see where the hem will land.
- Shoulders: make sure seams sit at the shoulder bone when worn over a jumper.
- Sleeve room: bend and reach; the stretch should prevent tugging at the elbows.
- Layering: try with your chunkiest knit to confirm the zip and buttons close comfortably.
- Pockets: check phone fit and whether the pockets sit at a comfortable height for your hands.
- Weather plan: if you commute in rain, consider a compact umbrella or a thin shell beneath.
Availability and buying tips
Recent restocks suggest demand is steady. Sizes can reappear during the day, so it pays to keep an eye on your preferred size and colour. If you are between sizes, the added stretch may help, but those who layer heavy knits often prefer the larger option for easy movement. Standard retailer returns apply, which takes the pressure off testing length and fit at home.
Why the longer denim coat now
Short denim jackets can feel abrupt once the wind picks up. A below-the-knee layer aligns with the way people dress for early sunsets: warmer legs, a sleeker line over midi dresses, and less fuss when switching from trainers to boots. The cord collar nods to workwear and gives a hint of countryside without the heft of a waxed coat. Pair with leather loafers for weekday polish or with lug-soled boots when pavements turn slick.
If you want maximum warmth without sacrificing denim’s structure, the Next borg-lined option sits just below this price and brings instant insulation. If coverage and a more tailored outline matter more, the M&S car coat makes a compelling case as a single piece you can wear across work, walks and weekends while the season turns.
Tried it in-store—longline cut is surprisingly flattering and the cord collar looks premium. For £80, it feels more polished than a standard denim jacket.