A Guide To Men’s Coat: 4 Essential Types to Own Right Now

Coats are a staple in men’s outerwear clothing, especially to stay warm during the winter months. Whether you love the old-world charm of Cillian Murphy’s dapper coats in Peaky Blinders (2013) or have been fascinated by Clark Kent aka Superman’s trench transformation, owning essential coats will help you look stylish and chic.

Coats are a great way to show off your style when you step out in the cold or rain. The button openings allow your formal or casual outfits underneath to peek through or you can cover up on days you can’t be bothered to style a look.

While the different types of coats have evolved over the years, this guide lists four essential types that are a must-have in your wardrobe and how to style each one for a polished look. We also delve into key differences between coats and other outerwear options such as jackets or sweaters.

1. Winter Overcoats

An overcoat is the most common type of men’s coat, which is usually made of heavy fabrics such as wool to keep one warm in the winter. As the name suggests, they go over our outfits and are a must-have for a classy and stylish look in the cold. Overcoats come in varying lengths starting from your shoulder to the waist, knee, or foot. For a formal outfit, throw on an overcoat with a suit set or pair it with a turtleneck and denim jeans for a snazzy look, just like Shahrukh Khan.

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2. Formal Blazer

To oversimplify, blazers are a casual version of suit jackets that can be worn as part of a set or by itself. For a clean yet fun look like our muse Aditya Roy Kapoor, pair a pastel blazer with a complimentary striped or printed shirt and contrast trousers. Style an easy-going party look by pairing a blazer with a t-shirt and ripped jeans. Blazers also come in a variety of colours and prints that you can dress up or down with different shirts, t-shirts, and trousers.

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3. Trench Coat

Trench coats are made of a water-resistant material that makes them wearable in the cold as well as light rain. They were originally designed for the British army during the First World War and are still worn for their vintage charm. Trenches were also a signature of Superman’s disguise Clark Kent and cemented in pop culture for a suave look with other fictional detectives like Sherlock Holmes sporting trench coats.

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4. Waistcoat

The waistcoat has been a part of formal wear for centuries with roots in 17th-century Britain. Also known as the Bandi or Koti, they were popularised in India by the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in the 1940s. Waistcoats with ethnic prints are now a must-have for festive and occasion wear for a sophisticated look. Take a cue from Vicky Kaushal and opt for a bright gold detailed waistcoat this wedding season or go for a subtle yet stylish all-white outfit.

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Coats and Common Misconceptions: FAQs

1. Coats vs Jackets vs Sweater

Coats, jackets, and sweaters are all outerwear options for men that are commonly misnamed. While they can all be dressed up or down for formal looks, here are the key differences:

• Coats are made of heavy fabrics like wool that extend below the waist. They are often called overcoats, long coats, or outer coats.
• Jackets reach the waist or below and come in various styles such as quilted puffers, bombers, and varsity as well as different materials such as cosy fleece and shearling, windproof polyester, chic leather, or lightweight denim.
• Sweaters are made of knit yarn with button closures and can be of any length. The ones without any buttons are known as cardigans, while knit pullovers and turtlenecks do not have any openings. Learn how to style them here.

2. Single breasted vs Double Breasted

Single-breasted coats have one button or a single row of up to 3 buttons. Double-breasted coats feature two vertical rows with 3–4 buttons on each side, which allows you to get a slimmer fit. While both coats are suitable for formal occasions, the double-breasted is preferable.

3. What are coats with lining and fur called?

You can often find coats with two or three layers for extra insulation in extreme temperatures. One such well-known fur-lined coat is the parka, which has a fur hood and was traditionally worn in the Arctic.

4. Are coats unisex?

Women’s coats are usually more fitted around the waist as compared to men’s. The two also have prints, colours, and patterns as per gender-specific fashion preferences. However, you can totally break gender stereotypes and opt to wear a coat in the style and colour you like.

The tropical weather in India allows you to wear coats only for a few months every year. However, having these essentials in your wardrobe will help you stay prepared for future travel plans. Hope you find the right fit!