Not all forms of men's outerwear are made equal. There are many different types of coats and jackets from which you can choose. Some of them are more versatile and, therefore, valuable than others. When shopping for outerwear, you'll need to choose the right type of coat or jacket. Below are six of the most popular types of men's coats and jackets.
#1) Peacoat
Also known as a reefer coat, a peacoat is a form of outerwear that's characterized by a woolen construction and double-breasted front. You can find peacoats in dozens of colors and patterns. Regardless, they are made of wool. A woolen construction is one of the features that distinguishes peacoats from other coats. Peacoats are specifically constructed of wool.
In addition to a woolen construction, peacoats feature a double-breasted front. In other words, they are designed with two columns of buttons on the front. Other forms of outerwear are available in single-breasted and double-breasted fronts. Single-breasted, conversely, means they only have one column of buttons on the front.
#2) Overcoat
An overcoat is a form of outerwear that's defined by its length. Overcoats are typically longer than most other coats and jackets. A typical overcoat will extend past your knees when worn. Overcoats have been around for centuries. In the past, they were worn by military officers and socialites. Today, they are worn by the general population. Millions of men, as well as women, now wear overcoats in their daily outfits.
They are known as "overcoats" because they are designed to be worn as the outermost layer in a given outfit. You can often wear other types of coats and jackets underneath certain garments. With an overcoat, you'll need to wear as the outermost layer.
It's important to note that overcoats aren't the same as topcoats. They may feature similar materials, but topcoats have a shorter length than overcoat counterparts. Most topcoats only extend to the knees -- sometimes even shorter -- when worn. In comparison, overcoats almost always extend past the knees when worn.
#3) Blazer
Another popular form of outwear among fashion-conscious men is a blazer. What is a blazer exactly? It's a classic type of men's outerwear that offers a uniform appearance. Blazers are worn in a variety of outfits. Some men wear them with chinos and a polo shirt. Other men wear blazers with jeans and a t-shirt. With their classic style, blazers are versatile in the sense that they can be worn with many different garments and accessories.
Most blazers are designed with a single-breasted front. Unlike with peacoats and other forms of double-breasted outerwear, they don't have two columns of buttons on the front. Rather, blazers have a single-breasted front that's characterized by the use of a single column of buttons on the front. Blazers are also thinner than both peacoats and overcoats.
#4) Sport Coat
Sport coats have become increasingly popular in recent years. Also known as a sport jacket, a sport coat is a type of casual lounge jacket. It can be worn either with or without a pair of matching trousers. They are known as "sport coats" because they were traditionally worn for sporting activities. While some men still wear them for sporting activities, sport coats have since become a versatile and popular form of outerwear for all purposes.
Sport coats are available in different fabrics. Some of the most common fabrics for sport coats include wool, cotton, suede, corduroy and tweed. Along with a variety of fabrics, sport coats are available in many different colors. Some of them feature a single color, such as black, whereas others feature two ore more colors in a particular pattern.
#5) Suit Jacket
We can't talk about popular forms of men's outerwear without mentioning suit jackets. A suit jacket is a type of formal jacket that, as the name suggests, is designed for use in a suit outfit. If you're planning to wear a suit, you'll need to choose a suit jacket for it. All suits require the use of a jacket. A two-piece suit consists of a suit jacket and a pair of matching trousers. A three-piece suit, on the other hand, consists of a suit jacket, a pair of matching trousers and a waistcoat or vest.
Some men assume that suit jackets are the same as blazers and sport coats, but this isn't necessarily true. Of those three forms of men's outerwear, suit jackets are the most formal. Sport jackets, conversely, are the least formal, while blazers fall somewhere in the middle in regards to formality.
If you're going to buy a suit jacket, follow these tips:
- Make sure it matches your suit trousers. The suit jacket should feature the same color or pattern as the trousers with which you wear it.
- Choose a fabric that's appropriate for the season. Wool is typically best for the winter, whereas cotton and linen are better fabrics for the summer.
- Consider a custom-sized suit jacket. With custom sizing, your suit jacket will fit perfectly.
- Look for high-quality fasters, such as buttons. Suit jackets with high-quality fasteners tend to last longer than those with cheap or low-quality fasteners.
#6) Trench Coat
There are also trench coats. A trench coat is a form of outerwear that's characterized by a heavy-duty and waterproof construction. When wearing a trench coat, you can rest assured knowing that you'll be protected from the rain. Trench coats are designed to protect against rain and water. They'll keep you dry while offering a high level of aesthetics that enhances your personal appearance.
Traditional trench coats almost always feature a double-breasted front. In the past, trench coats were designed with a double-breasted front consisting of two columns of buttons, with each column having about five buttons. You can still find trench coats with this same button configuration. Alternatively, though, you can choose a trench coat with a different button configuration. Regardless, most trench coats -- especially traditional trench coats -- feature a double-breasted front.
