Buzz
As you tuck your thick winter coats away for their extended nap in a box or at the back of your closet, you may find yourself pondering which pieces are true coats and which should be labeled jackets. Lands’ End claims there's really only one defining difference between the two.
"For many, these terms are used interchangeably. And we're okay with that," says the company on its website. "But as creators of both coats and jackets, we do have a strong opinion on the matter."
Ultimately, it all comes down to length. Jackets typically stop around the waist or hips, while coats extend down your legs, with some reaching all the way to the ankle. The garments we typically call "jackets" follow this rule: jean jackets, bomber jackets, leather jackets, starter jackets, and suit jackets are all shorter. On the other hand, trench coats and overcoats tend to be longer. There are exceptions—sport coats and many peacoats are short. And then there are "jacket coats," a term first coined in 16th-century Scotland, which the Oxford English Dictionary defines as "a coat resembling a jacket; a relatively short and lightweight coat."
This brings up another frequently mentioned difference in the coats-versus-jackets debate: the warmth each garment provides. Since coats cover more of your body, they’re generally regarded as the warmer option. However, there are so many exceptions that this idea doesn’t serve as a reliable way to distinguish between the two. Many jackets are crafted from down feathers or other high-insulation materials, offering far more protection from the cold than a trench coat, for example.
While it probably won’t matter if you confuse the terms "jacket" and "coat" in casual conversation, understanding the difference could help you refine your search when looking for the perfect one online.
