The Best Camel Coats for Women: Fabrics, Cuts and Max Mara Picks

The best camel coat for women is cut with room for knitwear, made from a dense natural fibre and dyed a warm mid-tone that flatters most skin. Max Mara, founded in Reggio Emilia in 1951, sets the benchmark. Its 101801 coat, designed by Anne-Marie Beretta in 1981, is a double-breasted camel coat in wool and cashmere with kimono sleeves, and it is still the reference point for the category.

Key facts

• The benchmark: the Max Mara 101801, designed by Anne-Marie Beretta in 1981, a double-breasted camel coat in wool and cashmere with kimono sleeves.
• The wrap classic: the Manuela, a house classic in pure camel hair with a notched collar, side pockets and a belt.
• The textured option: the Teddy Bear coat, first shown on the Autumn/Winter 2013 runway and designed by creative director Ian Griffiths.
• Three fibres: camel coats are made in camel hair, wool and cashmere, often blended; the fibre changes the warmth, the drape and the price.
• Price range on Coveti: Max Mara camel coats run from $1,050 (Weekend Max Mara) to $8,910 (Max Mara Runway).
• Sizing: Max Mara uses Italian sizing, so IT 40 is a UK 8 and a US 4.
• Where to buy: Coveti stocks Max Mara coats and ships to the US.

What makes a good camel coat?

Four things separate a camel coat you keep for twenty winters from one you replace in three. The first is the cloth. Look for a dense, smooth face that springs back when you squeeze it. Pure wool, camel hair and cashmere all qualify; a blend with a small share of polyamide adds strength without spoiling the hand, as long as natural fibre still dominates.

The second is weight. Double cloth, also sold as double-faced wool and double broadcloth, is two layers woven together. It is warmer and holds its shape better than a single layer, and the best versions are hand-finished at the edges so they need no lining. Max Mara uses double cloth across its coat lines, from ‘S Max Mara up to the Max Mara Atelier pieces.

The third is the cut. A camel coat should close over a chunky jumper without pulling across the back. Dropped shoulders, kimono sleeves and raglan sleeves all give that room. A coat that only fits over a shirt will spend half the winter on the hook.

The fourth is colour. True camel sits between sand and caramel. Pale sand reads softer and lighter; tobacco and caramel read richer and suit darker hair and deeper skin tones. If you are buying one camel coat, the mid-tone is the safest choice, because it works with black, navy, grey and denim.

Camel hair versus wool versus cashmere: which is best?

The word “camel” describes a colour first and a fibre second. Plenty of camel coats contain no camel hair at all. Here is how the three main fibres compare.

Camel hair comes from the soft undercoat of the camel. It is light for its warmth, it has a natural golden tone, and it has a slightly dry, matte surface. The Max Mara Manuela and the Ready coat are pure camel hair.

Wool is the hardest-wearing of the three. Pure virgin wool drap and broadcloth hold a sharp shape, resist rubbing at the cuffs and pockets, and cost the least. Most Weekend Max Mara and ‘S Max Mara camel coats are pure wool.

Cashmere is the softest and the most expensive. It drapes rather than stands, which suits wrap and robe coats. It is more prone to pilling where a bag strap rubs, so it rewards a little care. The Ludmilla and the Lilia are pure cashmere.

Blends split the difference. The 101801 mixes 90% virgin wool with 10% cashmere, which gives the structure of wool with a softer hand.

Which camel coat cut suits you?

The double-breasted coat is the most structured choice. Two rows of buttons and wide lapels give it a tailored line that looks right over suiting. The 101801 is the obvious example; the Studio line’s Bcollag and the Weekend Max Mara Resina cost far less.

The wrap coat has no buttons and closes with a belt. It flatters most figures because you control where the waist sits, and it is the easiest cut to wear over bulky knits. The Manuela, the Loriana and the Pedale are all wrap coats.

The robe coat is a softer, longer wrap, usually with a shawl collar. It looks relaxed and expensive. Try the Poldo from ‘S Max Mara and the Rialto, which adds a hood.

The cocoon coat curves out from the shoulder and back in at the hem. It is a good choice if you are petite, because the rounded line adds presence without length. The ‘S Max Mara Arona is a short cocoon in double-faced wool.

The short coat stops at the hip and works with wide trousers and longer skirts. The Rebus brings the 101801 above the knee; the Weekend Max Mara Neo is a boxy, double-breasted short coat.

The teddy coat swaps a smooth cloth for a deep pile. It is the warmest look of the lot and the most casual. See our full Max Mara Teddy Bear coat review before you buy one.

Max Mara 101801 versus Manuela versus Ludmilla

These are the three Max Mara camel coats people compare most. The 101801 is double-breasted, oversized and made in wool and cashmere beaver cloth. It is the most formal of the three and the one to choose if you wear tailoring. The Manuela is a wrap coat in pure camel hair with a notched collar and a belt. It is lighter, easier to wear open, and the most versatile. The Ludmilla is a generous wrap coat in pure cashmere. It is the softest and the most expensive, and it suits a wardrobe built on knits.

If you want one camel coat for work and weekends, start with the Manuela. If you live in suits, take the 101801. If softness matters more than structure, save for the Ludmilla. Our Max Mara coats guide covers every model in more detail.

How much should a good camel coat cost?

Price follows the fibre and the finishing. On Coveti, Max Mara camel coats fall into clear tiers. Weekend Max Mara starts at $1,050 for the short Neo and reaches $1,670 for the Tempera teddy coat. ‘S Max Mara camel coats run from $1,660 for the Arona to $2,830 for the Aris in wool, cashmere and angora. Max Mara Studio sits close by, from $1,880 for the Bcollag and the Cles to $2,250 for the long Giambo.

The main Max Mara line is where the signature coats live: the Rebus at $3,620, the Manuela at $4,290, the 101801 at $5,170 and the Ludmilla at $8,470. The Runway pieces, such as the Cerchio in pure cashmere, sit at the top. If you are weighing the spend, our honest take on whether Max Mara is worth it looks at cost per wear.

The best Max Mara camel coats to buy now

1. Madame 101801 Icon Coat in Camel

The double-breasted original, cut oversized in wool and cashmere beaver cloth with kimono sleeves. Buy it if you want one coat that works over suits and knits for decades. From $5,170.

2. Manuela Icon Coat in Camel

The house wrap coat in pure camel hair, with a wide lapel, side pockets and a belt. Lighter than the 101801 and easier to wear open. From $4,290.

3. Ludmilla Icon Coat in Camel

A generous wrap coat in hand-stitched double cashmere drap. The softest camel coat in the collection, best worn over fine knits. From $8,470.

4. Teddy Bear Icon Coat in Camel

Camel hair and silk pile in the oversized shape that turned the teddy coat into a winter uniform. The warmest option here. From $5,280.

5. Rebus Short 101801 Icon Coat in Camel

The 101801 cut above the knee, with pick stitching along the edges. A good choice if you are petite and want the signature look without the length. From $3,620.

6. Rialto Camel Robe Coat in Camel

A hooded robe coat in pure camel broadcloth with patch pockets. Relaxed enough for weekends, smart enough for the office. From $4,070.

7. Paola Belted Wool and Cashmere Coat in Camel

An ‘S Max Mara wrap coat, hand-sewn in 70% wool and 30% cashmere with a deep back slit. Much of the softness of cashmere for far less. From $2,810.

8. Poldo Wool Broadcloth Robe Coat in Camel

A long, straight robe coat in pure wool double broadcloth, lined in silk. A sound first camel coat. From $1,810.

9. Cles Wool, Cashmere and Silk Wrap Coat in Camel

Max Mara Studio’s enveloping wrap coat in double wool with a touch of cashmere and silk, with kimono sleeves. From $1,880.

10. Pedale Wool Wrap Coat in Camel

A Weekend Max Mara midi wrap coat in pure wool drap, finished with pick stitch. The most accessible camel wrap coat in the edit. From $1,460.

11. Arona Short Double-Faced Wool Coat in Camel

A short cocoon coat in double-faced pure wool with a darted back waist. Wear it with wide trousers and midi skirts. From $1,660.

12. Neo Short Double Wool Coat in Camel

A boxy, double-breasted short coat in hand-sewn pure wool broadcloth with turn-up cuffs. The entry point to the collection. From $1,050.

See every style in our wool coats edit, and the full range of women’s coats.

Where can I buy Max Mara camel coats in the US?

Coveti stocks Max Mara coats across Weekend Max Mara, ‘S Max Mara, Max Mara Studio and the main line, and ships to the US by DHL Express and FedEx International Priority. Shop the full Max Mara collection. Orders ship Delivered Duty Unpaid, so import duties are usually payable on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best camel coat for women?

The Max Mara 101801 is the reference camel coat: double-breasted, oversized and made in wool and cashmere, designed by Anne-Marie Beretta in 1981. If you prefer a softer wrap shape, the Manuela in pure camel hair is the more versatile choice. For a smaller budget, the ‘S Max Mara Poldo in pure wool gives a similar line.

Is a Max Mara camel coat made of camel hair?

Not always. “Camel” usually means the colour. The Manuela, the Rialto and the Ready are pure camel hair, the 101801 is wool and cashmere, the Ludmilla is pure cashmere, and many Weekend Max Mara and ‘S Max Mara camel coats are pure virgin wool. Check the composition on each product page.

Which is warmer, camel hair versus cashmere?

Both are very warm for their weight, and both are warmer than the same weight of standard wool. Camel hair feels lighter and drier, while cashmere feels softer and drapes more. In double cloth, either will see you through a northern US winter with a jumper underneath.

Should I buy the Max Mara 101801 versus the Manuela?

Choose the 101801 if you wear tailoring and want a structured, double-breasted coat. Choose the Manuela if you want a lighter wrap coat that you can wear belted, open and over chunky knits. The Manuela costs less, at $4,290 against $5,170 on Coveti.

What size Max Mara camel coat should I buy?

Max Mara uses Italian sizing: IT 40 is a UK 8 and a US 4, IT 42 is a UK 10 and a US 6, and IT 44 is a UK 12 and a US 8. Most of the signature coats are cut oversized, so many women take their usual size. Our Max Mara size guide has the full chart.

Is a camel coat still in style?

Yes. A well-cut camel coat has been a winter staple for decades because it works with almost every colour and dress code. Choose a classic shape in a natural fibre and it will not date. The Max Mara 101801 was designed in 1981 and still looks current.

Shop every camel coat in our Max Mara edit, then read how to style a camel coat and our guide to women’s wool coats.