A coat is an outer garment worn over other clothes. It usually has sleeves and extends below the hip, sometimes to the ankle. The purpose is warmth, protection from weather, or style. Coats differ from jackets in length and weight. A jacket ends at the hip or waist. A coat goes longer and often covers more of the body.

Types are shaped by climate and occasion. A wool overcoat suits a cold city winter. A trench coat handles rain and looks sharp with a suit. A puffer coat uses down or synthetic fill for maximum warmth at low weight. A peacoat, originally naval wear, is short and double-breasted. A parka extends to the thigh and often has a fur-trimmed hood. Each design solves a problem.

Materials matter. Wool is warm and breathable. Cashmere is softer and lighter but more expensive. Down is unmatched for warmth-to-weight ratio. Synthetic fills like PrimaLoft perform well in wet conditions. Leather blocks wind and lasts decades with care. Care instructions vary. Wool coats should be brushed and aired, dry cleaned sparingly. Down coats can be washed with special detergent and tumble dried with tennis balls to restore loft. A good coat is an investment piece, worn daily for years.

Common types

• Overcoat
• Trench coat
• Puffer
• Peacoat
• Parka