When the chill of winter begins to set in, having the right outerwear is essential to stay warm and stylish. One timeless option that has stood the test of time is the overcoat. From its origins as a military garment to its modern-day versatility, the overcoat is a staple piece in any wardrobe. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know before purchasing an overcoat, from its key features and historical significance to trendy colors and luxurious fabrics.
Are you thinking of purchasing a coat for this upcoming winter season? Then it's time to inform yourself about all the options out there — starting with the overcoat. Here is a guide on what exactly an overcoat is, its origins, and what types of variations there are today.
What is an Overcoat?
To make it simple, an overcoat is a long, single-breasted coat that reaches below the knee and is meant to be worn over your outfit, hence the term 'overcoat'. Its main purpose is practical, which is to protect you against harsh weather conditions. Although an overcoat was once considered formal attire, it is now an outdoor piece that can also be combined with casual outfits. Since an overcoat is meant to withstand cold temperatures, the fabric is typically made out of thick high-quality wool.
Key features of an Overcoat:
- Knee or thigh length
- Notch lapel
- Single breasted
- Straight flap pockets
- Single vent
History of the Overcoat
The origin of the overcoat dates back to the 17th century when it was first used as a military uniform to withstand harsh weather conditions. The overcoat back then was traditionally black and much more fitted and longer, to provide more warmth. At some point, it was turned into formal wear to reflect social status and wealth. In our modern world, the overcoat doesn't necessarily need to be fitted but can be loose and shorter in length. Moreover, in our society, we have developed several different types of overcoats in different shapes and colors, which we will be going over in the following section.
Trendy Overcoat Colors
Overcoats are traditionally dark in color, as this helps absorb heat and maintains the warm temperature within the coat. However, in today's world, we have the option to go for light colors as well. If you want to play it on the safe side and find an overcoat color that can be combined with any outfit, here are some ideas:
Black Overcoats
Are you really surprised? A black overcoat is classy and goes with everything. In addition, it's a color that's hard to stain, which is always a plus. To complete your winter ensemble, pair your overcoat with a classic cotton dress shirts for a timeless and sophisticated look.
Navy Overcoats
A good and vibrant navy overcoat will differentiate itself from a black one. If you're someone with a preference for darker colors with a blue hue, then this is just the one.
Beige Overcoats
A beige overcoat is the perfect neutral. It's a versatile color and mixes well with other colors.
Brown Overcoats
A deep brown overcoat has a nice and earthy look. Not to mention, you can easily combine it with black shoes.
Overcoat Fabrics
Overcoats are meant to be warm and withstand cold temperatures, for that reason they are typically made out of animal fibers. Here are the three main fabrics used for the overcoats:
Wool Fabric Overcoat
Wool is an animal fiber made from sheep. This organic material contains a protein named keratin, which is responsible for making it water repellent. Moreover, wool is breathable and insulates heat even when wet. However, pure wool is pricey and not to mention, stains quickly. Unless you live in a severe cold climate, it may be better to opt for an overcoat with a wool blend.
Wool Blend Fabrics Overcoat
Wool blends contain a large amount of wool mixed with synthetic fiber such as nylon or polyester. This is often done to create a coat that has the best properties and improves the durability and softness of the coat. At Hockerty you find a large variety of wool blends for your coat. If you're unsure which fabric to select, we offer you the option to order a sample. Check it out!
Cashmere Overcoat
Cashmere is also a type of wool made from cashmere goats. The benefit of cashmere is, that compared to other wool fabrics, it is moisture-wicking and therefore doesn't absorb any bad smells. Not to mention, this fabric is incredibly soft, which makes it a great material for winter.
Alpaca Overcoat
Alpaca is another luxurious animal fiber that comes from the alpaca, a domesticated species native to South America. This fiber is known for its softness, luster, and natural thermal properties. It is lighter than sheep's wool and often hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. Alpaca fibers have hollow cores, which provide excellent insulation, making alpaca overcoats particularly warm. They are also naturally water-repellent and less prone to pilling compared to other natural fibers. While alpaca overcoats are generally more expensive due to the rarity of the fiber, their durability and unique properties often make the investment worthwhile.
Bonus
Instagram Captions for Overcoat Photos
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"Embrace the winter chill in style with this classic overcoat. #WinterFashion"
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"Elevate your look with the timeless elegance of a navy overcoat."
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"Staying warm never looked this good. #OvercoatSeason"
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"Layer up with a versatile beige overcoat for a chic winter look."
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"Cold weather calls for a cozy and stylish overcoat."
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"Black overcoat: the ultimate wardrobe essential."
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"When in doubt, go for the classic black overcoat."
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"Braving the cold in a luxurious cashmere overcoat."
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"From the office to the weekend, an overcoat is your go-to winter staple."
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"Finding warmth and style in a deep brown overcoat."
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"Winter essentials: a cozy scarf and a sleek overcoat."
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"Outfit of the day: pairing my favorite overcoat with a classic dress shirt."
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"Step up your outerwear game with this elegant overcoat."
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"Walking through winter wonderlands in a stylish overcoat."
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"The perfect overcoat to keep you warm and fashionable."
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"Luxury meets comfort in this alpaca overcoat."
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"Effortless style starts with a great overcoat."
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"Winter vibes: staying snug in my wool blend overcoat."
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"Adding a pop of color to my winter wardrobe with a navy overcoat."
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"Layering up never looked so good. #WinterLayers"
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"Sleek, sophisticated, and ready for the cold in this overcoat."
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"An overcoat that combines warmth with style is a must-have."
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"Winter ready in my versatile and chic overcoat."
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"The ultimate blend of function and fashion in this wool overcoat."
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"Embracing neutral tones with a beige overcoat."
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"Finding elegance in simplicity with this classic overcoat."
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"Cozy and stylish: my new favorite overcoat."
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"Investing in timeless pieces like this alpaca overcoat."
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"Winter outfit inspiration: overcoat edition."
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"The perfect overcoat to top off any winter look."
FAQs: Everything You Should Know Before Buying an Overcoat
1. What is an overcoat?
An overcoat is a long, single-breasted coat designed to be worn over an outfit, providing protection against harsh weather conditions.
2. What is the primary purpose of an overcoat?
The main purpose of an overcoat is to protect against cold weather, offering warmth and insulation.
3. How does an overcoat differ from other types of coats?
An overcoat is typically longer, reaching below the knee, and is made from thicker, warmer materials like wool.
4. Can overcoats be worn casually?
Yes, overcoats can be combined with casual outfits despite their historical association with formal attire.
5. What are the key features of an overcoat?
Key features include knee or thigh length, notch lapel, single-breasted design, straight flap pockets, and a single vent.
6. When did overcoats originate?
Overcoats originated in the 17th century, initially used as military uniforms.
7. How has the overcoat evolved over time?
Originally fitted and longer for warmth, modern overcoats can be looser and come in various lengths and styles.
8. What are some trendy colors for overcoats?
Trendy colors include black, navy, beige, and brown.
9. Why are dark colors popular for overcoats?
Dark colors absorb heat, helping maintain warmth within the coat.
10. What makes a black overcoat a classic choice?
A black overcoat is versatile, goes with everything, and is hard to stain.
11. What is the benefit of a navy overcoat?
Navy overcoats offer a vibrant alternative to black, with a distinctive blue hue.
12. How versatile is a beige overcoat?
A beige overcoat is neutral and can be easily paired with various colors.
13. Why choose a brown overcoat?
Brown overcoats have an earthy look and pair well with black shoes.
14. What are common fabrics used for overcoats?
Common fabrics include wool, wool blends, cashmere, and alpaca.
15. What is the advantage of wool overcoats?
Wool is breathable, water-repellent, and provides excellent insulation.
16. Why might someone choose a wool blend overcoat?
Wool blends enhance durability, softness, and combine the best properties of wool and synthetic fibers.
17. What makes cashmere a desirable fabric for overcoats?
Cashmere is soft, moisture-wicking, and doesn't absorb bad smells, making it ideal for winter.
18. What are the benefits of an alpaca overcoat?
Alpaca overcoats are lightweight, hypoallergenic, naturally water-repellent, and provide excellent insulation.
19. Are alpaca overcoats worth the investment?
Yes, due to their durability, unique properties, and luxurious feel, alpaca overcoats are often worth the higher price.
20. Where can I find a variety of overcoat fabrics?
Hockerty offers a wide range of wool blends and allows customers to order fabric samples to make an informed choice.
