As the days shorten and the mercury starts to fall, we're reaching for cosy layers to help battle the chill in style. Top of our list? A corduroy jacket, of course. Long associated with fuddy-duddy academic types, corduroy has made its way back into the mainstream, and it looks set to stick around. The velvety fabric lends itself perfectly to outerwear, thanks to its rugged, ridged construction and natural warmth. Easily dressed up or down, a corduroy jacket is your solution to smart-casual style. Ready to add one to your wardrobe? Scroll on for some essential styling advice, as well as our pick of the best men's corduroy jackets in 2022.

A corduroy jacket is one of the most versatile outerwear styles, so you'll have plenty of styling options at your fingertips. However, it's important to consider the cut and shape of your jacket. A tailored corduroy blazer is more suited to a formal event than a boxy corduroy worker jacket, for example. But both styles could easily pass as appropriate within a business casual dress code (blazer dressed down with chinos and leather trainers, worker jacket made more elegant with a collared shirt, tailored slacks and loafers).

In winter, embrace the tactility of corduroy and complement a corduroy jacket with other interesting textures: think a cashmere hoodie, raw denim jeans and suede Derby boots. If you're feeling brave, you could even try pairing a cord jacket with some corduroy trousers. Channel old-school '70s style by teaming a corduroy suit with a soft woollen roll-neck and Chelsea boots.

If you want to keep things classic, look for a corduroy jacket in a hue like black, navy, beige or chocolate brown. These colours will offer the most versatility. But if you want to elevate an ensemble with a hint of colour, a deep jewel tone is the way to go. Try bottle green, burgundy or mustard for just the right amount of flair.

This Western-inspired corduroy jacket from London menswear label Percival is the ultimate all-occasion piece, with a boxy fit that will flatter any body shape. Throw it over a crisp white tee and style with blue jeans and boots for an Americana-tinged outfit.

Forét's take on the corduroy jacket is a workwear-inspired garment characterised by a heavy cotton corduroy construction and utilitarian-style flap pockets. Size up for an on-trend oversized fit that's ideal for layering over a hoodie or bulky knitwear.

NYC label Corridor keeps things classic, with this lightweight corduroy jacket in black. A clean look and minimal detailing makes for a versatile piece you'll continuously reach for. Ethically crafted from 100% cotton in a family-run, mostly-female operated factory in India, it also happens to be a purchase you can feel good about.

Inject some much-needed colour into your winter wardrobe with this bold yellow-hued overshirt from Swedish label A Day's March. It's a handy layer that you can wear buttoned or unbuttoned, as lightweight outerwear in summer or beneath a heavier coat in the colder months.

With its subtle stone-washed look and three patch pockets (plus one on the inside), this wide-wale corduroy jacket from Closed offers a contemporary take on classic workwear style. Complete your look with smart slacks and Derby shoes for an effortless aesthetic that will see you stylishly from the office to after-work drinks.

Wax London's Whiting Overshirt, one of the brand's key signature pieces, has garnered itself a serious fan-base over the past few years. And it's not hard to see why. Inspired by the classic worker jacket, it's a relaxed staple that transcends trends and seasons. This particular corduroy iteration gets our pick for autumn/winter 2022. Layer it over a hoodie for a fail-safe weekend look.

With its roots in utilitarian-inspired outerwear, London based label Form&Thread is a reliable go-to for men's corduroy jackets and overshirts. This mid-weight cord liner jacket is the ultimate year-round layer, perfect as a lightweight spring jacket, but just as easily layered beneath a heavier coat in winter.

Crafted from 100% organic cotton, this minimalist corduroy overshirt from Scandi high street label COS boasts a super-soft handle that will add just the right amount of texture to any ensemble. We love its boxy fit and deep camel hue.

Folk's slightly cropped Cord Signal Blouson is a casual wardrobe hero that you'll reach for time and again. Team it with anything from tailored trousers to sweatpants. Weekend style sorted.

Can't get enough of corduroy? Check out our pick of the best corduroy trousers for men.

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