Technically, no. A topcoat is usually thinner and shorter than an overcoat. However, people often use the terms interchangeably. When To Wear an Overcoat? Expertise: Ryan has loved writing since an early age, and in college began contributing to and editing for university publications. After college, he began freelance writing and editing. He’s written from blogs and magazines such as Real Men Real Style, Life in the Finger Lakes, and Gentleman Within.

This is the same coat as in the previous example — showing how easily a dark wool coat can be dressed up. Formal Evening Overcoat An open double-breasted overcoat and grey suede chukkas add further interest. Overcoat With a Vest and Hat So when you think about it the language has very little to do with English. Sorry about that everyone. A quality overcoat may be one of the biggest investments you make in your wardrobe. Wool coats aren’t cheap, so it’s important to get a long-lasting coat that you love. ColorsEvery man should own a dark two-piece business suit. In cold weather, an overcoat is the best option to wear on top. Source: Articles of Style A classic overcoat is the only option when it comes to wearing a coat over a tux. Source: Articles of Style

An overcoat is a long winter coat, traditionally made out of wool and sometimes fur. Variations of this garment have been worn for centuries in Europe. Topcoat vs. Overcoat The ulster lapel is a great choice for overcoats. It’s kind of like a broader, more substantial version of the notch lapel.Notch lapels should be reserved for single-breasted coats as they look out of place on double-breasted garments. An overcoat’s main function is protection. That means the sleeves should be long enough to completely cover your shirt sleeves and the body of the coat should be long enough to cover your suit coat (assuming you want to be able to wear it with a suit). Growing up, a lot of the men I looked up to dressed well. My dad is always clean-shaven and makes sure that he looks presentable before heading out the door, and my grandfather, who owned and operated a dairy farm, usually wore work pants with a sharp crease and a button-up work shirt.” However, it wasn’t until the end of high school that Ryan began to care about how he looked. Gradually, over the next few years, he started to dress better and learn about style. “Finding clothes that fit helped me to become more confident. I find that when I try to dress well, I feel better.” Ryan has also spent more time in a suit and tie than most guys, so he's well qualified to write about classic menswear, business casual and formalwear.

First of all, let me say I don’t think it’s a wise idea to invest in a really bold overcoat in yellow, red, or maybe green early on because it’s just a very narrow field where you can wear it, and the cost per wear will be quite high. It’s also quite a statement piece, and because of that, I think it’s only suited to someone who really knows what they’re doing and who has an advance closet where all the basics are already covered. Here’s what people are asking on the web about overcoats: Are an Overcoat and a Topcoat the Same Thing? The majority of men will want to leave extra room for layering. Consequently, the overcoat’s shoulders should extend a little bit past where your suit shoulders should fit (i.e. the end of your shoulder bone).

If you don’t wear suitsto the office, a great first overcoat would be one in a solid tan color. Regarding colors, they go with any wintercolor and in general, with almost any color out there. For example, here you can see me wearing a British warm overcoat which is a very heavy wool fleece coat.