For business, pleasure, or a simple casual outlook, coats can never go wrong. But it can be confusing when you need to choose between a peacoat, trench coat, and overcoat. While they share many similarities, there are a lot of variations among them.
Peacoats and overcoats are mostly made of wool, while trench coats are usually made of heavy-duty waterproof fabric. Moreover, peacoats are shorter in length while overcoats are longer. There are other differences as well. If you want to know in detail about peacoat vs trench coat vs overcoat, keep reading.
What Is a Peacoat?
A peacoat is a popular outerwear that is relatively short in size. Generally, it has a double-breasted front and a woolen finish. It is a type of outer coat that can be worn as both casual and trendy formal outfits.
Originally, peacoats were worn by navy sailors since the 18th century. Those coats had navy blue fabrics and metal buttons with anchors carved on them. European and later American navy sailors would wear them to have protection from cold and water.
What Is a Trench Coat?
A trench coat is a type of outer coat that is made of concentrated waterproof fabric. These coats are made of heavy materials, which makes them less suitable for a stylish look. However, nowadays you can find trench coats in different colors and styles.
The origin of the trench coat goes back to the pre-first world war period. Back then, such a type was developed for British Army officers and was being used in the trenches. Traditionally it was made of gabardine and the color was khaki. Usually, Army officers used to wear trench coats as windshields and rain jackets.
What Is an Overcoat?
An overcoat is a warm long coat that is worn as the outermost outfit. Usually, overcoats extend to the length up to the ankles, but nowadays as fashion has changed, knee-length overcoats have been introduced.
Overcoats were first noticed in the 17th century when people of high social status used to wear them as formal outfits and to get protection from harsh cold weather. Later, it was adopted by people of different classes.
Peacoat vs Trench Coat vs Overcoat – Similarities and Differences
Though each of the coats is worn as outerwear, there are some differences among them that you might want to consider while choosing one. Let’s take a look at the details to have a better idea about what makes them separate from each other.
1. Length
Length is the easiest way to distinguish the three types. Peacoats are slightly longer than your average-size jacket but significantly shorter than trench coats and overcoats. They extend to the waist, sometimes up to the thighs. For this reason, they are perfect to wear above a shirt or any casual wear.
Trench coats can stretch up to your knee. However, nowadays, low-waist designs are also available. As overcoats are meant to cover the whole body, they are mostly ankle-length. But today, you will find a lot of knee-length overcoats, which can be good for a professional look.
2. Fabric
As overcoats and peacoats are expected to provide weather protection and water resistance, heavy-duty fabrics are the common choice for them. Mostly, wool is used to achieve thickness and warmth.
Some peacoats are made of cheaper fabrics like cotton and polyester, but they don’t provide the quality and protection of wool ones.
Trench coats are made of comparatively lighter material. Gabardine, a heavy-duty, tightly woven cotton fabric, which is lightweight but durable is used to manufacture trench coats today.
3. Weight
Overcoats are the heaviest coats out there. Back in the 19th century, an overcoat used to weigh about 30-32 ounces per yard. Today, it weighs is about 20 ounces per yard.
As trench coats are typically made of cotton gabardine, they are significantly lighter in weight. Peacoats are on the heavier side, as they are made from wool. Still, they are lighter than the overcoats.
4. Visual Outline
Apart from length variation, some key visual differences can be noticed in peacoats, trench coats, and overcoats. Such as – trench coats and overcoats have sleeve straps to keep the rain out and larger pockets for storage, which peacoats don’t have.
Other visual aspects, such as – large collars and buttons, single- and double-breasted fronts, etc. are identical in all three types.
5. Style
In the past, coats used to have double-breasted front only, having two columns of buttons at the front side. But today, both single-breasted and double-breasted options are available. However, double-breasted ones are better, because they can be stylish as well as can give protection.
The length of peacoats and trench coats give them versatility for both formal and casual styles. As overcoats are mostly used for protection from harsh cold weather, it is a little bit harder to look stylish in them, but not impossible.
Which One to Choose?
After knowing all of the differences, you may be wondering which one to choose and which not to. This decision may vary greatly according to certain circumstances.
1. Function
If you want to get dressed formally, nothing can go wrong with a peacoat. You can also choose a trench coat or an overcoat depending on other aspects.
When you are wearing a three-layer suit, an overcoat is the best pick for outermost wear. Peacoats cannot be worn over three-layer suits because of their size. Trench coats may be larger, but still, they are maxed. two-layer material.
2. Weather Condition
If you are living in a place, where weather can be cold to the bone, overcoats will give you the best protection. Their woolen fabric makes them perfect for freezing weather.
Even so, peacoats are too made of wool, they cannot give as much protection as they don’t cover your whole body. If you are living in a place where the temperature doesn’t go below 0°C, you can thrive with peacoats.
Trench coats aren’t particularly made to protect you from the cold. But they are just perfect for a rainy day, as they are highly water-resistant.
3. Style and Fashion
If you are buying just for style and fashion, not for keeping yourself warm, go for trenches. It will give you the versatility to play with style while giving protection from mild winds.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. Is the peacoat warm enough for winter?
Answer: Yes, a peacoat can keep you warm in winter. But if the weather is extremely cold and rough, you may want to switch to overcoats, as they do a better job in such circumstances.
2. How waterproof is a wool coat?
Answer: Coats made of wool, such as peacoats and overcoats are not waterproof, but they can give you protection against water up to a certain point. Usually, they can absorb water up to 30% of their weight.
3. Should trench coats be oversized?
Answer: Most trench coats are knee-length and should have enough room to wear two-layer clothing inside. Look for medium-size trenches if you are short, but go for the longer ones if you are taller.
Last Words
Despite having a lot of similarities, peacoats, trench coats, and overcoats are unique in their way considering the situation. We hope this comprehensive differentiation on peacoat vs trench coat vs overcoat will help you pick the right one for the right occasion.
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