There are many types of men's coats, from long coats to coats and waxed jackets.
Let's go into the details of each.
The long coat
The long coat is the dressed coat of the winter.
It is the perfect companion to the suit (even if you wear it with a T-shirt).
A classic look: long coat and suit
A classic look: long coat and suit
It is mostly worn for formal events or to go to the office.
But it is also possible to wear a winter coat with a more casual style.
Long coat with casual look
A casual look well presented by Thomas from Monsieur's Blog
The long coat is not only reserved for the "suit and tie with shoes".
The material of the long coat
Long coats are very often made of wool or cashmere.
Note the quality of this cashmere coat (Loro Piana)
Note the quality of this cashmere coat (Loro Piana)
Wool and cashmere are the materials of choice for several reasons:
Wool and cashmere are warm. Even when wet, it is a material that insulates from the cold.
Compared to synthetic materials, wool and cashmere are very breathable.
Wool, in particular, is a resistant material. That's why the military navy and fishermen used it.
Although they are all mostly made of wool or cashmere, there are different types of long coats.
The Chesterfield coat
Born in the 18th century, the Chesterfield is the archetype of the long coat.
A formal coat, it is one of the longest coats. This overcoat stops at the level of the knees.
Chesterfield coat by Yves Saint Laurent
The typical model of the Chesterfield coat interpreted by the brand Yves Saint Laurent
It is recognized by its two flap pockets.
The Covert Coat
Cousin of the Chesterfield, the Covert is an overcoat of rural origin.
It was used in the countryside in England. It can be recognized by what the English call the "poacher's pocket", which is a large inside pocket.
A Covert coat for men
A typical covert coat (Croft & Hall brand)
It is shorter and more practical to wear. It is however less frequent to see it worn in town.
The Paletot coat
The Paletot is a double-breasted coat, which is considered to be a French-style coat.
Its slim fit gives it a very elegant look.
Paletot coat with Prince of Wales pattern at Pitti Uomo 2017
Example of a Paletot coat with Prince of Wales pattern.
It can be recognized thanks to its two upper buttons. These are further away than the other buttons and cannot be used to close the coat. They are there for style.
Typical example of a Paletot coat
Typical example of a Paletot coat
There is no rule in terms of color. But I've read that Paletot coats come in darker colors.
The Macfarlane coat
The Macfarlane (or "Inverness cape" in English) is a loose, sleeveless coat.
The macfarlane, a waterproof coat that would have appeared in the nineteenth century in Scotland
The macfarlane, a waterproof coat that would have appeared in the nineteenth century in Scotland
It is easily recognizable thanks to its pilgrimage (or cape) on the shoulders.
The famous macfarlane coat (or Inverness coat)
The famous macfarlane coat (or Inverness coat)
Arsène Lupin and Sherlock Holmes are sometimes represented wearing a waterproof coat very similar to the macfarlane.
The statue of Sherlock Holmes in macfarlane in Edinburgh
The Sherlock Holmes statue in macfarlane in Edinburgh
Although not widely used today, macfarlane was well appreciated for its rainproof design.
The Polo Coat
The Polo Coat is a double-breasted coat. It also comes from the Anglo-Saxon world.
Popularized in the 1920s by polo players, it has become one of the iconic pieces of the United States.
A great example of Polo coat for men
A great example of a Polo Coat for men
It is a loose, casual coat that is recognized by its camel color.
