Coat vs. Overcoat — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 10, 2023
A coat is a general term for a garment worn on the upper body for warmth or fashion; an overcoat is a long coat designed to be worn over other clothing in cold weather.
Difference Between Coat and Overcoat
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Coat and Overcoat are terms associated with outerwear, yet they distinguish two types of garments with different purposes and designs. A coat, in its broadest sense, refers to any outer garment that covers the upper part of the body. It can be made of various materials, suitable for different weather conditions and occasions. Coats come in numerous styles, from trench coats to pea coats, and can be worn in various seasons. They are versatile pieces that can be both functional, offering protection from the elements, and fashionable, enhancing an ensemble.
On the other hand, an overcoat specifically pertains to a longer coat designed primarily for colder weather. Its primary purpose is to be worn over other clothing, such as suits or lighter jackets. Overcoats are typically made from heavier fabrics like wool or cashmere, providing the necessary insulation against cold temperatures. Their length, often extending down to the knees or even lower, offers added warmth and protection from wind and snow.
Given these distinctions, it's not uncommon for someone to wear a coat on a cool fall day and then layer an overcoat over it when winter's chill sets in. Overcoats, by design, are meant to accommodate other clothing underneath without appearing bulky or ill-fitting. Conversely, not all coats are designed to be layered under an overcoat. Some are standalone pieces, meant to be the outermost garment.
In the realm of fashion, both coats and overcoats offer numerous stylistic choices. Coats might be more varied in terms of colors, patterns, and lengths, given their broader definition. Overcoats, while traditionally more conservative in style due to their association with formal wear, have seen a surge in contemporary designs and variations, making them suitable for various occasions.
In essence, while all overcoats can be classified as coats due to their function as outerwear, not all coats can be considered overcoats because of the specific design and purpose of overcoats.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An outer garment for the upper body
A long coat worn over other clothing in cold weather
Length
Varies, can be short to long
Typically longer, often knee-length or longer
Material
Can vary, from cotton to leather to wool
Heavier materials like wool or cashmere
Seasons
Suitable for various seasons
Primarily for colder weather
Layering
Often worn as the primary or only outer layer
Designed to be worn over other garments
Compare with Definitions
Coat
Coat refers to an outer garment worn on the upper body.
She wore a bright red coat to stand out in the crowd.
Overcoat
Overcoat implies a longer coat usually extending below the knees.
Her overcoat kept her warm, covering her from shoulders to calves.
Coat
Coat can describe a layer of a particular substance covering a surface.
The wooden table had a coat of varnish.
Overcoat
Overcoat refers to a long outer garment worn in cold weather.
He put on his overcoat before facing the winter storm.
Coat
Coat might denote the amount of cloth required to make a garment.
The pattern said we needed two yards for the coat.
Overcoat
Overcoat can describe a protective or finishing layer.
The painter applied an overcoat to seal the mural.
Coat
A sleeved outer garment extending from the shoulders to the waist or below.
Overcoat
Overcoat denotes a coat worn over other clothing.
Even with a suit on, there was room under his overcoat.
Coat
See suit coat.
Overcoat
Overcoat suggests a garment made of heavier fabrics for insulation.
The woolen overcoat provided much-needed warmth in freezing temperatures.
Coat
The hair or fur of an animal
A dog with a short coat.
Overcoat
An overcoat is a type of long coat intended to be worn as the outermost garment, which usually extends below the knee. Overcoats are most commonly used in winter when warmth is more important.
Coat
The outer covering of a biological structure or organ
A seed coat.
Overcoat
A long warm coat.
Coat
The outer covering of a virus.
Overcoat
A top, final layer of paint or a similar covering.
Coat
A layer of material covering something else; a coating
A second coat of paint.
Overcoat
A long, heavy coat for use in cold weather.
Coat
To provide or cover with a coat.
Overcoat
An additional, protective coating, as of paint.
Coat
To cover with a layer
Dust coated the table. I coated the wall with paint.
Overcoat
A heavy garment worn over other clothes, for protection from cold or weather.
Coat
(countable) An outer garment covering the upper torso and arms.Wp
Overcoat
(transitive) To apply an exterior coating to.
Coat
(countable) A covering of material, such as paint.Wp
Overcoat
A coat worn over the other clothing; a greatcoat; a topcoat.
Coat
(countable) The fur or feathers covering an animal's skin.Wp
When the dog shed its coat, it left hair all over the furniture and the carpet.
Overcoat
A heavy coat worn over clothes in winter
Coat
Canvas painted with thick tar and secured round a mast or bowsprit to prevent water running down the sides into the hold (now made of rubber or leather).
Overcoat
An additional protective coating (as of paint or varnish)
Coat
(obsolete) A petticoat.
Coat
The habit or vesture of an order of men, indicating the order or office; cloth.
Coat
A coat of arms.Wp
Coat
A coat card.
Coat
(transitive) To cover with a coating of some material.
The frying pan was coated with a layer of non-stick material, making it easier to wash.
Coat
(transitive) To cover like a coat.
Coat
To clothe.
Coat
An outer garment fitting the upper part of the body; especially, such a garment worn by men.
Let eachHis adamantine coat gird well.
Coat
A petticoat.
Coat
The habit or vesture of an order of men, indicating the order or office; cloth.
Men of his coat should be minding their prayers.
She was sought by spirits of richest coat.
Coat
An external covering like a garment, as fur, skin, wool, husk, or bark; as, the horses coats were sleek.
Fruit of all kinds, in coatRough or smooth rined, or bearded husk, or shell.
Coat
A layer of any substance covering another; a cover; a tegument; as, the coats of the eye; the coats of an onion; a coat of tar or varnish.
Coat
Same as Coat of arms. See below.
Hark, countrymen! either renew the fight,Or tear the lions out of England's coat.
Coat
A coat card. See below.
Here's a trick of discarded cards of us! We were ranked with coats as long as old master lived.
Coat
To cover with a coat or outer garment.
Coat
To cover with a layer of any substance; as, to coat a jar with tin foil; to coat a ceiling.
Coat
An outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
Coat
A thin layer covering something;
A second coat of paint
Coat
Growth of hair or wool or fur covering the body of an animal
Coat
Put a coat on; cover the surface of; furnish with a surface;
Coat the cake with chocolate
Coat
Cover or provide with a coat
Coat
Form a coat over;
Dirt had coated her face
Coat
Coat can imply a natural covering of fur or hair on animals.
The dog's shiny coat indicated good health.
Coat
Coat suggests a distinctive role or identity.
She put on her doctor's coat and headed to the clinic.
Common Curiosities
Are all overcoats made of wool?
No, while many overcoats are made of wool, they can also be made of other materials like cashmere or synthetic blends.
Is an overcoat the same as a trench coat?
No, while a trench coat is a type of coat, it's not necessarily an overcoat. Overcoats are specifically designed for colder weather.
Can a jacket be considered a coat?
Yes, the term "coat" is broad and can include jackets, but not all coats are jackets.
Are peacoats considered overcoats?
Peacoats are a type of coat, but they're generally shorter than traditional overcoats.
Are there summer overcoats?
While overcoats are primarily designed for cold weather, some lighter materials and designs can be more suitable for cooler summer evenings.
How should I store my overcoat after winter?
It's best to clean and store an overcoat in a cool, dry place, using a garment bag to protect against dust and moths.
Are overcoats only for formal occasions?
No, while traditionally associated with formal wear, overcoats can be worn for various occasions, including casual settings.
Can a coat be worn under an overcoat?
Yes, an overcoat is designed to be layered over other clothing, including coats.
Do overcoats have a specific length?
Overcoats are typically longer, often reaching the knees or below, but their exact length can vary.
What is the primary function of an overcoat?
The primary function of an overcoat is to provide warmth in cold weather, worn over other clothing.
Can coats be sleeveless?
Yes, some coats, often called "vests" or "waistcoats" in certain contexts, can be sleeveless.
Do all coats provide protection against cold?
No, while many coats offer warmth, some are designed more for fashion or protection against other elements, like rain.
Are overcoats only for men?
No, overcoats are designed for all genders.
Is it okay to wear an overcoat in the rain?
It depends on the material. Some overcoats are water-resistant, while others, especially those made of wool, should avoid getting wet.
Can a coat also refer to paint or other applied materials?
Yes, "coat" can refer to a layer of paint, varnish, or other substances applied to a surface.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
