Does no one wear a coat any more? – have you noticed this too?

[clary]

So I am really not a big coat person. Apart from a short waterproof badged with my club that I wear when my summer officiating role includes a rainy day, I own one coat – a 5yo Seasalt rainproof coat with a hood and a cosy lining.

The main times I am outdoors tbh in cold or rain are a) watching DS play his sport or b) when I am out at an event (Christmas craft fair, trip to concert or theatre) or on a winter city break where I use public transport. Otherwise I drive to work (not accessible any other way unless you live close enough to walk).

Maybe that's it. I mean I think of myself as a coat refuser but even I wore one to work yesterday – it’s almost November, chilly and possibly rainy. But when I put it on the coat stand and then took it off at the end of the day, there was only one other coat there.

So do Gen Zs and Millennials (I am neither but there are lots at my work) just not wear coats any more? Any thoughts?

My son (22yo) is often inappropriately dressed for the weather. My first words when I see him are usually 'aren't you hot?' or 'aren't you cold?'.

He's not trying to look well 'ard or anything. He's just oblivious to the conditions. He's a bit disorganised and sloppy generally, and I suspect he just pulls out whatever clothes he sees first without even thinking about it.

Everyone drives, doesn't go out or wears a fleecy quarter zip.

Part of it is boys just following fashion trends. Boys are notoriously insecure, and will wear the exact same clothes that other boys are wearing. The thought process is "no one can mock me for the clothes I'm wearing, because they're the same clothes that everyone else is wearing."

I'm surprised that a 22 year old is still influenced by this peer-pressure mentality, though. Usually kids grow out of it once they reach 16 or so.

I don’t have a coat that I wear every day but do have a black wool coat that comes out for funerals. Only.

Global warming? Its been a really mild autumn and just isnt that cold. Plus people drive everywhere. So coats not really needed.

Gen X here - very much a coat wearer. I can’t bear to be cold and don’t wish to catch cold.

I'm not sure if I didn't articulate myself well or your comprehension skills are lacking. There's no peer pressure involved. He literally doesn't notice the weather or think about it when getting dressed. It's not a deliberate act or statement.

Nope.

I've barely worn a jumper this year, it's lovely out most days. We've just got our coats out so I can waterproof spray them again ready for winter kicking off after bonfire night. Kids have worn their waterproofs a few times but only because they're playing with water in the garden still.

I think it depends more on lifestyle than age. If you're mostly driving from place to place, you can get away with a hoodie or jumper. I still think a decent coat is essential once winter properly kicks in, tho

I haven't noticed the coat thing but I have noticed that people in their early 20s don't really use shopping bags, they like to walk down the street carrying their groceries insouciantly in their arms.

I’m by the ocean so have a Helly, a waxed Barbour, a Jack Murphy, a North Face and a Haglofs. I choose depending on the rain/drizzle levels. I also have a wool winter dressy coat and a fancy designer leather coat and a silk brocade designer one 😂

I remember nights out in northern cities going out in a skimpy outfit no coat in the middle of winter. But going home in a cab. I think this maybe is still a thing?
Totally different in London as it’s usually a long trek home waiting around for trains.

Most people wear coats..

Also in Scotland.

Even when brave enough to shed our coats, many of us carry them with us just in case.

I have quite the coat collection - mostly long, warm and waterproof.

I'm also Scotland, I don't use coats going to work, but do going to shops.
I don't feel comfy driving in a coat

Old millennial, just about. I do wear one-has to be warm, with a hood and pockets. But when I went out as a teenager, I didn't bother.

My 18yo DS wore a North Face puffa out tonight to the pub, less than a ten minute walk. OTOH my 15yo would probably wear shorts and hoody all year round 🤷. We're in Surrey, not Scotland 😃. I love long wool coats and wore one today, only wear a puffa for sports sidelines.

Thanks for more responses all :)

@ElleintheWoods re watching sport – yes this is a time when I do wear a coat. Injury (DS not me) means it's not happened for a bit tho. Also it's more a place for something cosy but scruffy as it may rain, the terrain may be muddy and you may even slip. Not the place for a £500 wool MaxMara.

@Minasama you do know that catching a cold has nothing to do with being cold (and everything to do with being near someone with a virus)? But by all means avoid being cold.

I do also like a coat but I think I am less keen to buy them than I was as I simply won't get the wear. I wonder re my work whether all the coat wearers (or coat hangers-up; not that I have seen any coats on chairs) have simply left? there's a lot of churn there.

Funnily enough I went to work today just in a cardi over my dress and on leaving at almost 6pm I was pretty chilly dashing to the car! serves me right haha.

I don't often wear a coat these days. Only in midwinter. But I do live in a city and I'm rarely far from shelter. Coats are really awkward these days as there's rarely space to hang them.up.

It's about 4-10 degrees in Sweden and I've seen anything from full-length puffer jackets to people walking out and about in t-shirts and shorts. Personally, I think it's still a bit too early for coats. A t-shirt, jeans, and maybe a fleece vest is good enough for me for now.

Hello from North Canterbury.. definitely puffer jacket territory here!

Oh I love coats. Chucking a good coat on over a boring outfit can make it look smart and a bit more interesting so you can bother less with trying to make what’s underneath look good!

Annoying on the tube though, which is often a massively different temperature to outside.

I don’t really drive anywhere because I live in London (and when we do drive it’s often to go somewhere that will involve standing/walking outside), but generally wouldn’t wear a coat in the car.

I haven’t noticed this. I have loads of coats for various weathers/occasions, and often wear one just for the pockets as I would rather wear a coat than carry a bag.

Hello from Mid Canterbury!