Coats are one of the most important garments in a wardrobe, especially during cold seasons. They are worn by both men and women for warmth or for fashion. The term coat term is a general clothing category which includes all garments that are worn on top of another garment. An overcoat is a long coat with sleeves that is worn on top of another garment. This is the key difference between coat and overcoat.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2 .What is Coat
3. What is Overcoat
4. Side by Side Comparison – Coat vs Overcoat
5. Summary
What is a Coat?
A coat is a garment that is worn by both men and women either for warmth or fashion. Coats were traditionally classified into two groups known as under-coats and overcoats; however, the word coat typically is associated today with overcoats. Coats generally have long sleeves and an opening at the front, which can be closed by zippers, buttons, toggles, belts or a combination of these. The length of coats may vary.
The terms coat and jacket are often used interchangeably; however, the term coat is more used to describe longer garments. There are different types of coats in modern fashion. Some of them are as follows.
Types of Coats
Pea coat
A pea coat is a short woollen coat with double-breasted fronts with large buttons, broad lapels and slash or vertical pockets.
Trench coat
A trench coat is a double-breasted raincoat in a military style. These are mostly found in khaki colour.
Raincoat
A raincoat is a waterproof or water-resistant coat that is worn to protect the body from the rain.
Duffel coat
A duffel coat is a coat made ofduffel, a dense woollen material. This typically has a hood and is fastened with toggles.
Figure_1: Trench coat
What is an Overcoat?
An overcoat is a long coat with sleeves that is worn on top of another garment. They are most commonly worn during the winter where warmth is important. Overcoats are usually made from heavy materials such as fur or wool.
Overcoats usually reach below the knees; however, they are often confused with topcoats which are typically shorter. Overcoats together with topcoats are known as outer coats. There are different types of topcoats; given below are some of them.
Types of Overcoats
Greatcoat
Greatcoat is a heavy, bulky overcoat with multiple shoulder capes, which were prominently worn by the European militaries.
Redingote
Redingote coat is long fitted coat for men or women.
Frock Overcoat
Frock overcoat is a very formal daytime overcoat commonly worn with a frock coat that has a waist seam and heavy waist suppression
Paletot Coat
The Paletot coat is a coat shaped withsidebodies. This is a less formal alternative to the frock overcoat.
Figure_1: Frock overcoat
What is the difference between Coat and Overcoat?
Coat vs Overcoat |
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| Coat is a garment that is worn by both men and women either for warmth or fashion. | Overcoat is a coat with sleeves that is worn on top of another garment. |
| Categories | |
| Coats include both overcoats and undercoats. | Overcoats are a type of a coat. |
| Types | |
| Some types of coats include peacoat, trench coat, rain coat, duffel coat, etc. | Some types of overcoat include frock overcoat, greatcoat, Redingote coat, etc. |
Summary – Coat vs Overcoat
A coat is a garment that is worn as over another clothing item. They provide warmth during the cold season in addition to adding elegance to your attire. Coats were traditionally divided into two types such as overcoats and undercoats, but today the term coat is often used synonymously with overcoat. An overcoat is a type of a coat. This is the key difference between coat and overcoat.
Image Courtesy:
1.”Frockovercoat 1903″By Fashion (magazine) – Men’s Fashion Illustration form the Turn of the Century. Reprint by Dover Publications, 1990. ISBN 0-486-26353-3. Originally published New York : Jno Mitchell Co. 1910 (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2.”WW I Trenchcoat”By Hephaestos (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia