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 Latin. A coat differs from a jacket in its length. This, in turn, is determined by the prevailing fashion or the era from which the garment originates. There are a whole range of different coat styles, and the variety is surprisingly wide.

Coat types from A to Z: a ​​selection

Fashionistas and style-conscious men are spoiled for choice when it comes to coats. They come in short and long, wide and narrow, sheer and opaque, plain or patterned, smooth or textured—the list goes on. Which coat suits you? Find the ideal coat with the help of our overview. We'll introduce you to popular trend coats, all-time classics, and one or two hidden champions, and reveal which coat style is perfect for which occasion.

1. Autocoat/Dufflecoat

This coat ends just above the knee and has a sporty yet elegant cut. The Autocoat is the modern version, with details adapted to current fashion, while the Duffle Coat is the classic with a toggle closure and leather trim. This classic is an indispensable winter coat that offers reliable protection in harsh weather.

2. Blazer coat (paletot)

The blazer coat has a versatile three-quarter length and originated in men's fashion. Women have long since discovered this coat style for themselves. Single- or double-breasted, with a close-fitting or stand-up collar, the blazer coat flatters almost every figure—a universal genius for you and your wardrobe.

3. Caban

Caban coats exude a sense of adventure. They have their roots in nautical history and are typically worn in the fall. The coat reaches about mid-thigh and is usually made of tightly woven virgin wool. With multiple buttoned fronts and wide lapels, caban coats make an unmistakable statement. Want to exude coolness? Wear a caban with leather trousers or casual jeans.

4. Cape

A cape is a sleeveless cloak, often with a hood. Capes are available in functional fabrics to protect the wearer from wind and weather. There are also capes made of glamorous fabrics that make an attractive cover-up over a formal outfit.

5. Chesterfield

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

6. Complete coat

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

7. Duster Coats

Duster coats are lightweight coats for the transitional seasons. They are often made of lightweight linen fabrics. Originally designed to protect riders, they often come in understated colors like black and gray. Duster coats can also be worn in the season's trendiest colors. You can combine your duster coat with a casual or elegant look. They look just as good with jeans, a blouse, and sneakers as they do with a suit or dress with high heels.

8. Denim coat

Denim coats come in understated designs, classic trench coats, or with eye-catching details. A denim coat is cool, new, and a true must-have for 2019/2020.

9. Justaucorp

Looking for something a little more? The Justaucorp has a close-fitting cut and is an ideal statement piece for avant-garde women. The coat stands out with its special details: The cuffs can be bell-shaped, and embroidery on the lapels or shoulders completes this unique coat. Occasionally, the coat is made of brocade, which perfectly flatters its unique look.

10. Short coat

The length of this coat lies somewhere between that of a typical overcoat and that of a jacket. Short coats for men and women are available in slim-fitting or wide-flowing styles, single-breasted or double-breasted, with or without a vent, and with or without a stand-up collar. The short coat is also flexible in its choice of materials. As a wool coat or a down coat, it will keep you warm when it's cold outside. As a silk coat, it will gently wrap you on your way to a candlelit dinner. In short, depending on the material, it's suitable for virtually 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 carriage profession, as coachmen wore and still wear this special coat while working. A coachman's coat is cut loosely and reaches well above the knees. It features a pelerine, a kind of additional cape for the shoulders. It keeps the rain off and also protects the back from the cold. This coat is perfect less for the city, but preferably for long walks and activities in wind and weather.

12. Slip-on

A large collar, simple cut, and concealed button placket: the slip-on is a single-breasted coat that reaches just above the knee. Two slash pockets, buttoned sleeve tabs, a walking vent, and sometimes a back box pleat—these are the understated features of a slip-on coat. It's such a reliable addition to your wardrobe that you won't want to be without it.

13. Trench coat

An all-time favorite, the trench coat is always in season. It's available as a single- or double-breasted version and is held together in the middle by a belt. It typically features a wide collar, epaulettes, and tabs at the bottom of the sleeves.

14. Ulster

The Ulster is visually closely based on a blazer coat. What makes the Ulster coat special is its wide collar, large lapels, and a fluffy, heavy material. This can make the coat appear rather coarse, but it 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

Long, straight-cut coats can be combined with jeans and sneakers without elaborate details for a sporty and cool look. Classics like

trench coat,

short coat,

blazer coat and

Chesterfield

are perfect for everyday activities.

Stylish for the event

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

Justaucorps

Capes

Duster Coats and

Complete coats

Made from light and glamorous fabrics in attractive colors, they will make you look particularly 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 shades of red like burgundy or wine red are also suitable.

blazer coats,

Slip-ons,

Trench coats and

Short coats

are ideal for business occasions.

Enjoy your free time in a playful and comfortable way

Shopping in a beige animal print, drinking coffee in a red fake fur coat, or skating in a transparent cape with denim inserts: Leisure time is all about being colorful, creative, and exceptionally individual. When choosing a coat, be careful not to overdo it. If you absolutely want to make a statement in eye-catching materials, understated cuts are recommended.

If you want to stand out with unusual cuts, be a little restrained in your choice of materials.

Then you can easily dance on the fine line between style icon and fashionista without ending up on the wrong side.

Care tips for your favorite coats

To ensure your coat lasts for a long time, you should follow a few basic rules. Learn the most important ones now:

Hang coats outside or in a damp bathroom regularly to air them out.

Brush out coarse dirt with a clothes brush.

Remove small dirt manually as quickly as possible.

Remove lint with a lint roller or razor.

Don't just throw your coat in the washing machine, but check the label carefully. Follow the care instructions, and if in doubt, take it to the dry cleaners.

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

What material is suitable for a coat?

The answer is short: almost any fabric can be used for a coat. Coat fabrics are available in canvas, denim, fleece, jersey, cotton, wool, silk, leather, synthetic fibers, and various material blends. Fake fur, plush, teddy, velvet, vinyl, and patent leather—every type of coat is available in a wide variety of materials. You can indulge your individual styling preferences.

Who needs jackets when there are versatile coats?

The variety of coat styles, the possibilities for combining them with every conceivable outfit, and the seemingly endless selection of fabrics make the coat a star. Some coat styles shine in the background, highlighting not just themselves but your wardrobe. To ensure your coats flatter your figure and ensure you enjoy them for a long time, consider our selection tips.

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