Men's Coats and Jackets

A Coat has long sleeves and is generally used as an outer garment. It is popular during cold seasons and used for formal occasions or business affairs. Jackets are usually lighter and shorter, usually ending just above the thigh. It is used in informal occasions as an outer garment. Coats and Jackets are at times used interchangeably.

Styles of Coats

A Trench Coat is a formal waterproof, knee-length apparel made from strong fabric or leather for protection from the rain and cold. Movies like The Terminator and The Matrix feature the lead characters wearing long leather trench coats.

A Morning Coat is a sporty type of half dress for men. The left and right parts of the coat are joined by one button in the center while they slightly slant behind. This is also known as the Cutaway coat.

A Pea Coat is a classic design that is made of dark blue wool with six to eight metal or wooden buttons. This was used by European sailors and American navies. Nowadays they are sold in various colors. Pea is a kind of blue twill textile.

A Laboratory Coat is used in laboratories, is usually knee-length and made from light fabric with light colors. Most lab coats are long-sleeved, to protect the wearer from chemicals and other compounds, but there are also short-sleeved versions for those who don’t need that kind of coverage.

Styles of Jackets

Jackets are named according to the materials used or their purpose.

                                                                            According to materials used

A Denim Jacket is sometimes a little longer than the normal jacket. It has two breast pockets and buttons. It’s casual and can help protect from cold due to the thickness of the fabric. Colors vary from blue to black. Others prefer the light colors of denim.

A Kilt Jacket is made from wool and can be used in formal or casual events. Prince Charlie and Argyll Jackets are examples of kilt jackets that others use on weddings and evening affairs. It is combined with knee-length pleaded skirt called kilt worn by Scottish men.

A Leather Jacket is typically black or brown made from leather materials and used for cold weather protection or for fashion. This jacket makes the person look strong and daring.

A Flannel Jacket is made from flannel, a soft and light warm cloth; and just like other jackets, it has two chest pockets and has a wide variety of colors and designs.

According to purpose

A Blazer is considered a jacket that is less formal than the suit jacket but more formal than other styles of jackets. It is almost similar to a suit coat except that it is sportier. Originally made of bright-colored materials, blazers are now of sturdy fabrics fastened with metal or plastic buttons. Blazers are presently used as school uniforms or as business attire.

A Dinner Jacket is used as a formal evening wear, known as the Tuxedo in the US.

A Ball Jacket is a casual jacket like the football, basketball or baseball jackets.

A Field Jacket is worn by military men with rolled up hood around the neck that serves as a collar and a head covering in case of emergency. It has four pockets and drawstring around the waist.

A Varsity Jacket is used to display someone’s school or team. It is also known as Letterman Jacket that is still being used for fashion reason.

A Motorcycle Jacket is made of ballistic nylon or tough leather, usually with bright colors for better visibility at night and heavy pads on the shoulder, arm and back to protect the body in case of accidents.

A Parka is a knee-length jacket. It was for military men five centuries ago but has grown popularity since then due to their ability to protect the wearer from freezing temperature. It is heavy because of the hood and big pockets.

Simple Tips in Buying Coats and Jackets

Choose the coat or jacket that fits your personality. If you are the outgoing type, styles that are sporty and less formal are the right choice. Most people buy apparels that get stuck in the closet because those are not really their type.

Buy a coat or a jacket with the occasion in mind. Where are you going to use it and for what event? A trench coat and a blazer would fit any formal occasion.

Try on the garment and button it up to see if it fits you. Move around and sit to see if you feel comfortable with it. It shouldn’t be too big or too small. Try to cross your arms or lift them to check if the garment fits your shoulder. Give an allowance for your inner garment.

The sleeve of the coat should almost reach the tip of your thumb, While that of the jacket should be between the wrist and the hand.

Consider the materials in buying any garment. Wool and waterproof cotton are great options.