Sophisticated Classics—The Overcoat
In the autumn and especially winter months, you may want a coat to wear over the rest of your clothes to keep you warm. Today we typically wear shorter coats that extend to the waist or just below it. However, a longer coat can be just as comfortable and stylish, help you to stay warmer, and protect your clothes from the elements.
So what exactly is an overcoat?
What is an overcoat?
Overcoats are a type of coat that extends past the thighs when worn. They are called “overcoats” because they are meant to be worn over your entire outfit, even your suit jackets. Overcoats are often considered more formal, where car coats, a shorter version of an overcoat, can be considered more casual.
Common traits of overcoats
Thick/soft fabric
Heavy construction
Longer length
Can be worn over entire outfit, including suit jackets
Overcoats vs. Jackets
There are a few important differences between jackets and overcoats. First, jackets are usually shorter, around waist length, while overcoats tend to extend past the thigh and even the knee.
Overcoats are designed to be worn as the outermost item of clothing in an outfit, whereas a jacket can be layered underneath. Although jackets can be worn on their own in the spring and summer months, overcoats are the best option for a stylish additional layer in the colder fall and winter months.
Additionally, overcoats are usually heavily constructed using a thicker weight material, often tweed, wool, cashmere, or some kind of blend. Due to this construction, they are extra warm. Jackets usually use thinner weight fabrics and are not always constructed for keeping out the cold. Jackets can be worn during cool, but not cold months, while overcoats can be worn during both cool and cold months.
Overcoat fabrics
Overcoats are always made out of a thick material; wool and cashmere are the fabrics most often used at Threadwell. Wool is used for overcoats because it is both moisture-wicking and extremely warm, which allows you to stay warm, but not sweat. Wool is also very flexible and durable, so you will be able to wear your coat for many years. It is also naturally water resistant and even when it’s wet it will still retain its insulating properties. This means that even in the rain or snow, you and your outfit underneath will be protected.
Tweed is a distinct type of wool that is spun very tightly to create a specific look. Due to this weave, one of the main properties of tweed is that it is very good at protecting against both the cold and the elements.
Cashmere is another type of wool that is derived from the fur of goats native to central Asia and the gobi desert. This fabric is well known for being luxuriously soft, while still maintaining the same durability of wool. It is lightweight while still warm and moisture-wicking. The best part? Cashmere tends to get softer with age, so the more you wear your overcoat the softer it will get.
Tips for wearing your overcoat
The longer the better
Today, people don’t typically wear overcoats that extend longer than their knees, but the longer your overcoat is, the warmer you will stay, and the more protected your outfit will be.
You can wear it casually
Though overcoats may seem a little bit more formal, they can be worn with virtually any outfit.
Opt for neutral colors
Neutral colors are great options for your overcoat because they can be layered over many different pieces. You can select darker colors such as black or grey, if that fits better with your wardrobe, or go with a lighter tan or camel to match a wide variety of outfits.
Should I choose double-breasted or single-breasted?
Whichever button type you choose is based on your personal preference, and what type of coat you like to wear. However, double-breasted coats can keep you warmer because there is an extra layer of fabric in the front where the buttons go.
How does an overcoat fit?
Your overcoat should be a little bit snug when you are wearing your thickest suit. Since it is meant to be worn over your outfit, it should feel snug in the shoulders but fit well over the rest of your clothes.