The great British weather has always been known for its unpredictability, but over the last few years it's been even more unsettled than usual. We've had flooding in summer, snow blizzards in spring, and winters that seem to last an eternity. It's now springtime again, and although the sun is finally putting in an appearance, it seems that none of us trusts the weather quite enough to stray too far from home without the obligatory coat and umbrella.
This is why investing in a quality coat has never been so imperative. As the seasons seem to become less defined with each year that passes, a quality jacket is something that makes sense all year round. With this in mind, I've picked my top 3 favourites that are available on the market right now. I've tried to choose ones that are practical, durable, offer protection from the elements, and most important of all, look uber-cool. So, without further ado...

1. HUF Burma M51 Jacket

This jacket is a key piece from Huf's autumn/winter 2012 collection. It's lightweight, durable and with its popper down storm flap and high-neck collar, is guaranteed to protect you from whatever the British weather decides to throw at you. The tiger camouflage print is a fresh twist on a classic look, and I love the drawstring detailing at the waist. This makes the jacket really versatile - wear it loose for a casual day look, or pull the drawstring in to create a smarter tailored look for the evening. All in all, a must-have coat, for any time of year.

2. Penfield Redington Officer's Jacket

This Penfield coat is fresh from their spring/summer 2013 collection. Smart, stylish and sophisticated, this jacket's the perfect choice for when you want to rock the ever-popular gentrified streetwear trend. With its tailored fit and classic blazer style, this would look great teamed with some slim-fit dark-coloured chinos, and a pair of canvas boots (Clae's 'Strayhorn Canvas Boot' in black camouflage would be a perfect choice here). 

3. Carhartt Women's Michigan Coat

This slim fit jacket is brand new for spring/summer 2013 and is already generating a lot of interest. And with its corduroy collar, camouflage design and tailored shaping, it really isn't hard to see why. Made from high quality cotton, and triple stitched for extra durability, it offers the perfect defence against all kinds of weather. Although incredibly soft and lightweight, don't be fooled, this jacket's built to last. It's a reworked version of an original workwear piece, so you're guaranteed a coat that offers protection, style and longevity.
If that little lot hasn't inspired you, you can see some more of Carhartt's latest designs by checking out the vids below:

A sneak peek at Carhartt's Men's Collection Spring/Summer 2013

A sneak peek at Carhartt's Women's Collection Spring/Summer 2013

The Hundreds started life somewhat humbly in 2003, as a blog and T-shirt line. Subsidised by a tiny $400 dollar investment, it's amazing to think that the company has now evolved into one of the most globally sought-after streetwear brands in history.
Having grown up on the sun-drenched streets of Southern California, Ben and Bobby Hundreds were exposed to an eclectic mix of subcultures. Punk, skateboarding, surfing and hip-hop struck an almost instantaneous chord with the two boys, and inspired a passion that would ultimately result in both becoming the proud owners of a multi-million dollar clothing brand, before turning the age of 30.

Unlike many streetwear brands, The Hundreds has stayed firmly in touch with its customer base. And even more unusually, Ben and Bobby are still majorly involved with the day-to-day running of the company. These boys have every excuse to just sit back and enjoy all the perks of the corporate lifestyle; but don't expect to find them up in the high-rise offices sipping Cristal champagne, oh no, you'll find them in the stores, answering the phones and sweeping the floors.
Ben and Bobby affectionately refer to their fans as 'The Kids', whose fierce loyalty to the brand is equalled only by the loyalty Ben and Bobby Hundreds show them in return. This mutual respect and dedication is bolstered by the fact that, through their clothing, they encourage their customer base to embrace individuality, and show that with a lot of hard work and dedication, any dream is achievable.

That's just a small part of what makes this brand truly special. The Hundreds isn't just a clothing brand; it's a lifestyle project, the world's first social merchandising company, and the ultimate rags to-riches story. The brand reflects the street-culture that Ben and Bobby continue to live and breathe - a culture that fuels their passions and provides the inspiration for every single thing that they do.

Unlike many other streetwear brands that claim to be 'down with the kids', it's clear that Ben and Bobby Hundreds really do care about their fans. It is this company ethos of 'people over product' that makes them truly unique in the world of streetwear and urban clothing.

The Hundreds clothing is distributed limitedly to only a select number of skating boutiques and streetwear merchants across the globe, so you won't find them just anywhere. But, if you're looking for a reliable UK-based distributor, try checking out online retailer, Street Casuals. They offer an extensive selection, ranging from snapback caps and T-shirts, right through to sweatshirts and coats, so you can get your hands on some awesome The Hundreds clothing, with minimal hassle.
Click the link below to check out their awesome 2013 Spring Lookbook!
http://thehundreds.com/lookbook/spring13/