A light trench over jeans is just the thing for a mild spring morning. When you’re waiting for the bus on a cold day, you might prefer a long puffer that zips right up to your chin. The coat you reach for depends as much on what you have planned as it does on the forecast.
The Shaws range of women’s coats and jackets is a good place to get to know the different shapes. Here’s how to spot nine types of coats, choose one that suits your day and wear it with pieces you already own.
What Are the Main Types of Coats?
Some coats take their name from a fabric, like wool. Others are easy to spot by a detail, like the toggles on a duffle coat. Use the shape and finish as a starting point, then check the fabric and fit of the style you like.
Trench Coat
A trench coat usually falls past the hips and has a belt you can tie at the waist. It’s an easy layer for spring and autumn. Wear it open over a striped knit and jeans, or tie it over a dress for work. If you want one for wet days, check the product details for water resistance.
Puffer Jacket
A puffer jacket gets its shape from padded sections stitched into the fabric. A short puffer sits neatly above straight-leg jeans, while a longer one gives more cover over leggings on a cold walk. How warm it feels depends on the filling, the way it’s made and its length.
Wool Coat
A wool or wool-blend coat often has shaped shoulders and lapels that give it a smart finish. Slip one over a dress for dinner or wear it with dark jeans and loafers for lunch. Wool content, weight and lining can vary, so check all three when choosing a coat for colder days.
Parka
A parka is a casual coat that usually covers the hips and often has a hood. A roomy cut works well over a thick jumper for a weekend walk. If rain or cold is your main concern, check for a waterproof outer fabric or an insulated lining. These features vary from one parka to the next.
Pea Coat
You can spot a pea coat by its short, structured shape and two rows of buttons. It’s a good choice if you like a smart collar but prefer a coat that sits close to the hips. Try a navy pea coat with a cream jumper and jeans, or button it over wide-leg trousers for work.
Duffle Coat
The toggles down the front are the giveaway on a duffle coat. Many styles also have a hood and roomy pockets, handy details for a chilly day out. Wear one over a cable-knit jumper with straight-leg jeans and lace-up boots.
Wrap Coat
A wrap coat crosses over at the front and ties with a belt, giving you a soft line at the waist. It works especially well over a dress or high-waisted trousers. Look for a fabric with some drape if you like a relaxed fit, or a firmer weave for a more tailored shape.
Teddy or Borg Coat
Teddy and borg coats have a soft, fleecy surface that adds texture to a simple outfit. Try a cream teddy coat over a black roll-neck and dark denim to let the coat stand out. For winter wear, check its weight and lining as well as how fluffy it feels.
Raincoat
Raincoats range from short, packable jackets to long, hooded styles that cover more of your legs. For a wet commute, look for a coat described as waterproof. Water-resistant styles suit lighter showers, while a raincoat-inspired cut alone tells you little about protection. Wear yours with cropped trousers and ankle boots to keep hems clear of puddles.
Winter Coats: Which Styles Work for Colder Weather?
Think about where you’ll wear your winter coat. A brisk walk calls for a different layer from a long wait on a station platform. Check the insulation, fabric, lining and length, and leave room for your usual jumper. Our guide on how to layer clothes for winter can help you plan what goes underneath.
- Puffer jackets are an easy choice for cold, casual days. Look at the filling and how far the padding extends.
- Wool coats work well over office clothes or a dress. Check the fabric weight and whether the sleeves fit over a blazer.
- Parkas often have room for a chunky knit. A hood and a longer back can be handy on a walk.
- Teddy or borg coats add texture to weekend outfits. Check the lining if you plan to wear yours on frosty mornings.
- Longer coats cover more of your legs when you’re standing outdoors. A back vent or two-way zip gives you room to stride.
Coat vs Jacket: What’s the Difference?
As a rule of thumb, a coat gives you more coverage, while a jacket tends to sit closer to the waist or hips. The names overlap. You might see a short padded style called a puffer jacket and a knee-length version called a puffer coat.
| Feature | Coat | Jacket |
|---|---|---|
| Typical length | Often hip-length or longer | Often waist- or hip-length |
| Typical role | An outer layer with more coverage | A shorter layer that can be light, padded or structured |
| Common examples | Trench coat, wool coat, parka, wrap coat | Blazer, bomber, denim jacket, biker jacket |
| Layering | Often cut to fit over jumpers or workwear | Often fits over a top or fine knit |
| Overall styling | From practical winter wear to dressy evening looks | From casual weekend outfits to tailored workwear |
Types of Jackets to Know
On milder days, a shorter layer might be all you need. These five types of jackets are easy to work into an everyday wardrobe.
- Blazer. Shaped shoulders and lapels give women’s blazers a polished finish. Wear one with matching trousers or over a T-shirt and jeans.
- Bomber jacket. A short cut and fitted hem give a bomber its relaxed, sporty shape. Try it over a plain tee with wide-leg jeans.
- Denim jacket. An easy spring layer, especially over a printed midi dress on days when the sun dips behind a cloud.
- Biker jacket. A close cut and zip details give a simple outfit an edge. Wear it over a soft knit or a floral dress.
- Quilted jacket. Light padding adds a little warmth on cool mornings. It’s a handy layer between seasons.
How to Choose the Right Type of Coat
Start with the outfit and the day you have in mind. A coat that fits over your work blazer, feels comfortable on the bus and suits your walk home is one you’ll reach for often.
- Consider the season. For spring or autumn, think about how easily you can carry the coat once the day warms up. For winter, check the filling and lining.
- Try it over your usual layers. Fasten the coat over your thickest jumper and reach forward. The shoulders and upper arms should still feel comfortable.
- Match it to the occasion. A wool or wrap coat works well for the office or a winter wedding. A puffer or parka suits a more relaxed day.
- Choose a length you’ll enjoy wearing. A long hem gives more cover on foot. If you drive most days, sit down with the coat fastened to check how it feels.
- Read the garment details. Check the fabric, lining, insulation and care instructions. If a symbol on the label is unfamiliar, the GINETEX guide to care symbols explains how to read it. ginetex.net
How to Style Different Types of Coats
Colour and proportion can help an outfit feel pulled together. Pick up one colour from your coat in a scarf or shoe, or balance a fuller shape on top with a clean line underneath.
- Trench coat. Wear a stone trench open over a navy jumper, ankle-length jeans and loafers. Turn up the cuffs to show a little knit at the wrist.
- Puffer jacket. Pair a cropped puffer with high-waisted jeans and trainers. The shorter hem leaves the waist of the jeans in view.
- Wool coat. Slip a charcoal coat over a bright knit and tailored trousers. Black ankle boots keep the colours simple and work for the office.
- Wrap coat. Tie the belt just off-centre over a midi dress. Choose a coat close to the length of the dress for a smooth line through the hem.
- Teddy or borg coat. Try a tan teddy coat with an ecru jumper and cream jeans. The close shades draw the eye to the texture of the coat.
Shop Women’s Coats & Jackets at Shaws
Whether you’re looking for a light layer for the school run, a winter coat for your morning walk or something smart to wear over a dress, explore women’s coats and jackets at Shaws to find a shape that fits your day.
Types of Coats FAQs
What are the main types of coats?
Common women’s coat styles include trench coats, puffer jackets, wool coats, parkas, pea coats, duffle coats, wrap coats, teddy or borg coats and raincoats. Look for details like a belt, toggles, padding or a textured finish to help tell them apart.
What is the difference between a coat and a jacket?
A coat usually covers the hips and may reach the knees or below. A jacket often ends at the waist or hips. Brands use both terms, so the garment length in the product details is a good guide to where the hem will sit on you.
Is a trench coat a winter coat?
A classic lightweight trench is best suited to spring and autumn. A heavier, lined trench can work on mild winter days, especially if there’s room for a warm knit underneath.
What type of coat is best for winter?
For cold walks, consider a long, insulated puffer or a lined parka. For work or an occasion, a heavier wool-blend coat may suit your outfit better. If you’ll spend time in rain, check the coat’s weather protection as well as its warmth.
What is the difference between a puffer jacket and a parka?
A puffer takes its name from its padded construction. A parka takes its name from its shape, usually a longer, casual coat with a hood. A padded parka can have features of both.