Overcoats have become increasingly popular in recent years. Not to be confused with topcoats, they are available in dozens of attractive styles. If you're wearing a suit, you may want to wear an overcoat with it. To learn more about overcoats, including their benefits and how to choose one, keep reading.
What Is an Overcoat?
An overcoat is a large and heavyweight formal coat. It's known as an "overcoat" because it's worn over an outfit, the most common being a suit. You can wear an overcoat with any type of suit. After putting on your suit, you can wear the overcoat over it. It's the final layer to a suit outfit. Overcoats are simply large formal coats that feature a heavyweight construction.
Overcoats vs Topcoats
Many people assume that overcoats are the same as topcoats. While they both consist of formal outerwear, they aren't necessarily the same. Overcoats, for example, are typically heavier than topcoats. They are made of more material than topcoats, resulting in a thicker and, therefore, heavier construction.
Another difference between overcoats and topcoats is the length. Overcoats are almost always longer than topcoats. Most overcoats will extend past the knees when worn. In comparison, topcoats feature a shorter length that only extends to your thighs when worn. Aside from the nuances, overcoats and topcoats are relatively the same.
Benefits of Wearing an Overcoat
Why should you wear an overcoat exactly? Since they feature a heavyweight construction, you can rest assured knowing that they will keep you warm. Not all coats are ideal for cold weather. Many coats feature a lightweight construction that offers little or no protection against the cold weather. Fortunately, this isn't a concern with overcoats. All overcoats are designed with a heavyweight construction that insulates your body while protecting you from the cold weather.
Overcoats are also stylish. You can't create a complete suit outfit without some type of formal outerwear. If your coat doesn't flow cohesively with the rest of your suit, though, it will look awkward when worn. You can create a stylish and attractive suit outfit by opting for an overcoat. As shown in the photo below, overcoats are easy on the eyes. They'll complement your shirt and suit trousers while projecting a more fashionable style in the process.
You don't have to worry about your overcoat degrading or otherwise sustaining damage. Thanks to their heavyweight construction, overcoats are durable. They can withstand many years of use without showing signs of wear and tear. The same can't be said for other types of coats. Coats featuring a lightweight construction are more susceptible to age-related wear and tear.
How to Choose an Overcoat
There are many different types of overcoats. You can find them in different materials, for instance. Some overcoats are made of wool, whereas others are made of cotton. While both feature a heavyweight construction, wool overcoats are usually heavier than their cotton counterparts.
Wool overcoats are also stronger than cotton overcoats. It takes greater force to break wool fibers than it does to break cotton fibers. Both wool and cotton overcoats can succumb to damage. Of those two materials, though, wool overcoats are stronger and better protected against damage.
While many men prefer wool overcoats, there are still reasons to consider a cotton overcoat. Cotton overcoats are often a better choice for the spring and summer months. When the weather begins to warm, you may discover that a wool overcoat isn't ideal. A wool overcoat will prevent your body from breathing, thus making you hotter. You can stay cool in warm weather, though, by opting for a cotton overcoat, instead.
It's important to choose an overcoat in the right size. All overcoats are long. After all, that's one of the ways in which they differ from topcoats. Overcoats are designed in a longer length than topcoats. You can still find overcoats in different sizes, though.
Rather than buying an overcoat is a standard size, you should consider ordering a custom-sized overcoat. Here at StudioSuits, we offer custom sizing on all overcoats, as well as other jackets and suits, at no additional charge. You can specify your body measurements when placing an order. After receiving your measurements, we'll use them to design a custom-sized overcoat that fits perfectly.
Many overcoats are designed with lining. They still feature a primary material, such as wool or cotton, but they are lined with a separate material like viscose. The presence of this lining makes them softer and more comfortable to wear. At the same time, the lining helps to preserve the original shape of the overcoat.
Tips on Wearing an Overcoat
When wearing an overcoat, make sure it's clean and free of lint. Whether it's made of cotton or wool, your overcoat may attract lint. As lint accumulates on the surface, it can create a messy appearance. If you discover lint on your overcoat, you should remove it. The easiest way to remove lint from garments, including overcoats, is to use a lint roller. A lint roller is a brush consisting of one-sided tape. As you run it over your overcoat, it will pick up and remove any lingering lint.
You should also fasten the right buttons when wearing an overcoat. All overcoats are designed with buttons on the front. Some of them have three buttons on the front, whereas others have two buttons. If your overcoat has three buttons on the front, you should leave the bottom button unfastened. Instead, fasten either the middle button or the top and middle buttons.
If your overcoat has two buttons on the front, leave the bottom button unfastened while fastening the top button. Fastening the right buttons will ensure that your overcoat complements your suit outfit.
It's a good idea to spot clean your overcoat on occasion. The longer you wear it, the greater the chance of developing stains. Spot cleaning will remove stains so that your overcoat maintains a clean and formal appearance.
