The small coat guide: types, care, occasion partners

What is a coat?

The term "coat" means something like blanket or covering and has its origins in the Latin language. A coat is distinguished from a jacket by its length. This in turn is based on the prevailing fashion or the era from which the garment originates. There is a whole range of different coat types, the variety of which is surprisingly large.

Coat types from A to Z: a selection

Fashionistas and fashion-conscious men are spoiled for choice when it comes to coats. There are short and long, wide and tight, transparent and opaque, plain or patterned, smooth or structured - the list goes on and on. Which coat suits you? Find the ideal coat with the help of our overview. We'll introduce you to trendy coats, all-time classics and one or two hidden champions and reveal which type of coat is perfect for which occasion.

1. autocoat/duffle coat

This coat ends just above the knee and has a sporty, elegant cut. The autocoat is the modern version with details adapted to current fashion, while the duffle coat is the classic with a toggle fastening and leather trims. The classic is an indispensable winter coat that offers reliable protection in rough weather

2. blazer coat (paletot)

The blazer coat has a three-quarter length that makes it easy to combine and originally came from men's fashion. The women's world has long since discovered the coat shape for itself. Single-breasted or double-breasted buttoned with a close-fitting or raised collar, the blazer coat flatters almost every figure - a universal genius for you and your wardrobe.

3. caban

Caban coats exude a touch of adventure. They have their roots in seafaring and are preferably worn in the fall. The coat ends at about halfway down the thigh and the material is usually tightly woven virgin wool. With multiple rows of buttons and a wide lapel, cabans make an unmistakable statement. Want to radiate coolness? Then wear the caban with leather pants or casual jeans.

4. cape

A cape is a sleeveless cloak, often with a hood attached. Capes are made from functional fabrics to protect the wearer from wind and weather. There are also capes made of glamorous fabrics that are suitable as an attractive throw over a festive wardrobe.

5. chesterfield

This type of coat has a strict cut and reaches above the knee. The single-breasted coat is available in the classic version in medium to light shades of gray. The coat fabric is made of wool and the collar is usually made of black velvet. The answer to the question "Which coat goes with a suit?" is undoubtedly "Chesterfield". It is a men's coat with a typical herringbone pattern that goes well with the usual business wardrobe.

6th Complet coat

Its trademark is the 7/8 length, which can also be worn wonderfully with suits, dresses and skirts thanks to its open cut. If you're wondering which coat to wear with a dress or skirt, the Complet coat is a good choice.

7. duster coats

Duster coats are light coats for the transitional season. They are often made from lightweight linen fabrics. Originally, they were used to protect riders, which is why they often come in inconspicuous colors such as black and grey. However, duster coats can also be worn in the season's trendy colors. You can combine your duster coat in a sporty or elegant way. They go just as well with jeans, a blouse and trainers as they do with a costume or dress and high heels.

8. denim coat

The denim coat is available in a relaxed design, as a classic trench coat or with individual eye-catching details. A denim coat is cool, new and a real must-have for 2019/2020.

9th Justaucorp

Would you like a little more? The Justaucorp is cut close to the body and is an ideal statement piece for avant-garde women. The coat stands out with its special details: The cuffs can be bell-shaped, embroidery on the lapel or shoulder area perfect this unique coat. Occasionally, the coat is tailored from brocade fabric, which perfectly flatters its unique look.

10. short coat

The length of this coat is somewhere between that of a typical coat and a jacket. Short coats for men and women are available in tight-fitting and wide-swinging styles, single-breasted or double-breasted, with or without a slit, with or without a stand-up collar. The short coat is also flexible when it comes to the choice of material. Wool and down coats keep you warm when it's cold outside. As a silk coat, it envelops you delicately on the way to a candlelit dinner. In short, depending on the material, it is suitable for practically every season and every occasion.

11. coachman's coat

The coachman's coat is something like the masculine version of a cape. Its roots lie in the coachman's profession, as coachmen wore and still wear this special coat at work. A coachman's coat is cut wide and reaches well above the knees. It is fitted with a tippet, a kind of additional cape for the shoulders. It keeps out the rain and also protects the back from the cold. This coat is perfect for long walks and activities in wind and weather rather than for the city.

12th Slipon

Large collar, simple cut and concealed button placket: The Slipon is a single-breasted coat that reaches just above the knee. Two slit pockets, buttoned tabs on the sleeves, a walking slit and sometimes a box pleat on the back - these are the inconspicuous features of a slipon coat. It's a reliable addition to your wardrobe that you won't want to do without.

13th trench coat

An all-time star that's always in season. The trench coat is available as either a single-breasted or double-breasted version and is held together in the middle by a belt. Typical features include a wide collar, epaulettes and latches at the bottom of the sleeves.

14th Ulster

The Ulster looks very similar to a blazer coat. The special features of the Ulster are a wide collar, a large lapel and a fluffy, heavy material. As a result, the coat sometimes looks quite coarse, but is unbeatably comfortable.

Which coat for which occasion?

Long coats are easy to combine. There are countless occasions that call for a coat.

Casual in everyday life

Sporty and cool, long, straight-cut coats can be combined with jeans and trainers without elaborate details. The classics such as

Trench coat,

short coat,

blazer coat and

Chesterfield

are perfect for everyday activities.

Stylish for events

Special occasions call for special coats. Maxi coats made of fake fur, shimmering or even transparent textiles will turn your outfit into an eye-catcher. Strikingly cut coats like

justaucorps

capes

duster coats and

complete coats

made of light and glamorous fabrics in attractive colors will make you look especially good on your way to the red carpet.

Feminine and elegant for a business meeting

Straight cuts, subtle details and high-quality materials characterize a perfect business coat. Models in warm red tones such as burgundy or wine red are also suitable.

Blazer coats,

slip-ons,

trench coats and

short coats

are perfect for business occasions.

Enjoy playful and cozy leisure time

Shopping in an animal print in beige, drinking coffee in a fake fur coat in red or skating in a transparent cape with denim inserts: Leisure time is colorful, creative and extremely individual. When choosing the type of coat, make sure it's not too much. If you really want to present yourself in eye-catching materials, then understated styles are the way to go.

If you want to stand out with unusual cuts, hold back a little when choosing the material.

Then you can easily walk the fine line between style icon and fashionista without falling on the wrong side.

Care tips for your favorite coats

To make sure you enjoy your coat for a long time, you should follow a few basic rules. Find out the most important ones now:

Hang your coat outside or in a damp bathroom regularly to air it out.

Brush out coarse dirt with a clothes brush.

Remove small stains manually as quickly as possible.

Remove lint with a lint roller or razor.

Do not thoughtlessly put your coat in the washing machine, but check the label carefully. Follow the care instructions and, if in doubt, take it to the dry cleaner.

There is a universal rule of thumb: coats without lining can usually be washed on a gentle cycle in your washing machine.

Which material is suitable for a coat?

The answer is short, because almost any fabric can be used for a coat. Coat fabrics include canvas, denim, fleece, jersey, cotton, wool, silk, leather, synthetic fibers and various material mixes. Fake fur, plush, teddy, velvet, vinyl, vinyl - every type of coat is available in a wide variety of materials. You can give free rein to your individual styling preferences.

Who needs jackets when there are coats with great combinations?

The variety of coat types, the options for combining them with every conceivable outfit and the almost inexhaustible choice of fabrics make the coat a star. Some types of coats shine in the shadows and showcase your wardrobe rather than themselves. To ensure that your coats flatter your figure and that you enjoy them for a long time, you should follow our selection tips.

If you own three different coats, namely a classic coat for all year round, a cozy winter coat for the cold season and a chic it-piece, then you have a solid basis for every occasion.