Vocabulary / Jackets and Coats
Coats are longer than jackets and go to your hip or longer (but generally past your butt), jackets are things that fall about the waist in length.
Only things you’d wear over other items and are typically the outermost layer are included here. So for example a sweater isn’t included here because a jacket would go overtop your sweater.
Blazer – A more casual version of a suit jacket. There are many different styles of blazers and their differences are usually found in the lapels (the folds on the chest)
Bomber / flight – A shorter jacket that has a fitted waistband at the bottom and a zipper straight down the middle. It also features a low collar, ribbed cuffs (and thus puffy sleeves) and usually quite a few pockets including on the sleeve.
Cardigan – A type of sweater that has a closure at the front, it’s typically buttons or a waist tie. Can be worn open or closed. Often found with a deeper v-neck and hip length .
Cover-Up – A lightweight type of long shirt or dress designed to be thrown over more revealing clothes like a bikini. Very easy to take on and off.
Double Breasted and Single Breasted – This refers to the amount of columns of buttons on a garment. 2 columns is double breasted, 1 column is single breasted. Refers to coats and blazers most of the time.
Down Jacket – Jacket/coat filled with goose feathers or another type of down. These tend to be VERY warm as they insulate incredibly well. Often found in puffer style jackets.
Duffle coat – A mixed wool fabric coat with rope and tangle closures at the front.
Fleece jacket – Refers to a type of material or lining in a jacket. Typically worn as an insulating layer.
Motorcycle – A (usually) symmetrical leather or suede jacket that has 2 folds (lapels) on the chest and 2 as a collar that are both held down with snap buttons. Or with a stand collar. Important not to confuse all leather jackets as moto jackets*
Open Front – A jacket or coat without closures at the front, designed to be worn open. Can fall under different categories such as cardigans as well.
Overcoat – A long coat that goes beyond the knee, designed to be very warm and worn as the outermost layer overtop your outfit, protecting it from the elements during winter.
Parka – A type of long coat designed for the coldest of places, extremely insulated. Nowadays they are typically intertwined with puffer jacket designs most of the time and are often seen with a fur trim at the hood as well. Sometimes called an Anorak if it has a belted or cinched waist.
Pea coat – A double breasted (2 columns of buttons) short coat made of wool and has large lapels. Length is anywhere from hips to around the mid thigh.
Puffer – A jacket with a fill of feathers or other material on the inside to make it puff up. Commonly meant for winter.
Pullover – A jacket / sweater / hoodie/etc. without any closure or opening other than the head hole meaning you have to pull it over your head to put it on. Sometimes will have half or quarter zips.
Quilted – A type of “puffer” jacket that has a patterned design such as diamonds or stripes.
Raincoat /rain jacket/ – A jacket or coat meant to be worn in the rain as they are waterproof or water resistant. A ‘shell’ or wind breaker would also fall under this as water resistant.
Shirt Jacket – A hybrid between a shirt and a jacket. The standout difference usually being that it is too large to be a shirt but has the design of one. They are typically quite roomy to accommodate for clothes beneath as this is worn as a more outer layer.
Trench coat – A belted and waterproof coat, traditionally with double breasted buttons and big labels and a collar. Also traditionally designed with little belts for the wrists to prevent wind from flowing inside.
Trucker – Your stereotypical collared button up denim jacket. When referring specifically to trucker jackets it often means lined with a fleece material.
Tweed jacket – A jacket made of the tweed material. Comes in typical checkered patterns but many colors. Good for replacing the purpose of a blazer.
Utility – A jacket made of a thicker material in a ‘military’ style, usually has both zippers and buttons, with front and arm pockets. Typically a military green.
Vest – Anything designed to cover your body but has no sleeves. Can be a pullover or zip up or buttons, etc. Has many styles.
Windbreaker – Similar to rain jackets but much lighter weight, made of synthetic materials meant to block out harsh winds. Typically has no insulation of any kind and is also waterproof. Sometimes called a ‘shell’ jacket.
Wrap – A coat or jacket meant to be closed with a belt (made of the same fabric)ip
Zip up – Anything with a zipper going down the front. Like a zip up hoodie.
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