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Your Official Guide to All the Types of Coats and Jackets

Better stock up before it *really* gets cold.

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Sure, coats are necessary to navigate these rough winter streets, but PSA: you need outerwear all year long. With unpredictable temperatures always around the corner, you don't want to get caught unprepared when one morning you wake up, it's literally freezing, and you realize you're in need of something heavier. (Immediately!) The thing, though, is that there are so many types of coats and jackets. Each one has a different use case depending on the weather—or which one you think looks more cute with your outfit, TBH.

If you're in need of new styles and want a primer on all the types, we’ve rounded ’em all up for you so you'll be an expert in no time. Yes, sometimes they seem the same, but the length, cut, closures, and material can all make a big difference in what type of coat it is and how it looks on you. Another confusing thing is the distinction between coats and jackets⁠—I mean, we all use them pretty interchangeably without much thought—but coats are typically longer and hit at your thighs or lower, whereas jackets usually end at your waist. But then again, things like cropped coats and long jackets exist, so what is the truth?! Anyway, below are generally the different kinds you need to know about (if you don’t already do), so you'll be prepared for fall and winter. Get ready to bundle up in these 26 types of coat and jackets!

cashmere

De La Creme Cashmere Wrap Coat With Large Collar

Cashmere Wrap Coat With Large Collar
cashmere

De La Creme Cashmere Wrap Coat With Large Collar

Now 23% Off
$100 at Amazon

Ahh cashmere, arguably the fanciest of all fabrics. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s also amazingly warm while still feeling ultra lightweight.

toggle

Mango Fur-Effect Coat with Appliqués

Fur-Effect Coat with Appliqués
toggle

Mango Fur-Effect Coat with Appliqués

Now 50% Off
Credit: courtesy of Mango

Casting a net off the docks, but make it fashion, right? A toggle coat is closely associated with fishermen and has its history in the Navy. This Mango one is a winter must-have.

down

Orolay Thickened Down Jacket

Thickened Down Jacket
down

Orolay Thickened Down Jacket

Now 41% Off

Not all puffer coats are down, but all down coats are puffers. Get it? But what is the difference, you ask? Down styles are made specifically using duck or goose feathers for insulation (and extra fluffiness), like THE "Amazon coat," here.

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Puffer

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Puffer

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

Credit: Courtesy

And now, here’s your puffer. This one will keep you nice and warm while still making any outfit look good.

parka

Sam Edelman Faux Fur Trim Parka

Faux Fur Trim Parka
parka

Sam Edelman Faux Fur Trim Parka

Now 42% Off
Credit: courtesy of Nordstrom

It’s faux fur-lined and has a hood to protect against any elements. This Sam Edelman one will keep you warm in the coldest of temps.

anorak

Lululemon Evergreen Anorak

Evergreen Anorak
anorak

Lululemon Evergreen Anorak

Yes, this looks vaguely like a parka, but hear me out: Anoraks are shorter, are usually pullovers, and have drawstrings around the waist (like this one) so they can be cinched. It’s different, okay!

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Denim

Levi's '90s Trucker Jacket

'90s Trucker Jacket
Denim

Levi's '90s Trucker Jacket

You already know this one, duh, but it’s a staple that literally everyone needs in their closets.

leather or faux-leather

Quince 100% Leather Motorcycle Jacket

100% Leather Motorcycle Jacket
leather or faux-leather

Quince 100% Leather Motorcycle Jacket

A fall must! Everyone needs a leather or faux-leather jacket for those days that are too cold for a hoodie, but not quite cold enough for a full-on winter coat.

letterman

Danzy Varsity Jacket

Varsity Jacket
letterman

Danzy Varsity Jacket

Credit: courtesy of Revolve

Going for a sporty look? Get yourself a letterman jacket. It usually has embroidery or a patch of a school—or in this case, the brand's logo—on the front, as well as contrasting stripes on the collar and sleeves.

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peacoat

Maje Women's Pea Coat

Women's Pea Coat
peacoat

Maje Women's Pea Coat

Credit: courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Peacoats are usually double-breasted (meaning that they have two columns of buttons), and this one will keep you warm all winter long.

faux-fur

Apparis Milly Coat

Milly Coat
faux-fur

Apparis Milly Coat

Want to feel like you have a blanket around you at all times? That’s where faux-fur coats come in, because, wow, are they warm. With these, you can get that super-soft, fluffy fur feel but still feel good about wearing it out.

duster

Aqua Long Sleeve Duster

Long Sleeve Duster
duster

Aqua Long Sleeve Duster

Now 40% Off
Credit: courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Loose-fitting and breezy, a duster is usually left open so it swings with each step. If you're more drawn to neutrals, this simple grey one is calling your name.

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longline

madewell The Alonzo Coat in Bouclé

The Alonzo Coat in Bouclé
longline

madewell The Alonzo Coat in Bouclé

Now 40% Off
Credit: courtesy of Madewell

Like the name suggests, these are a longer overcoat style and have a sleek, simple silhouette. And this tan one is undeniably chic.

raincoat

Rains Hooded Coated-Shell Jacket

Hooded Coated-Shell Jacket
raincoat

Rains Hooded Coated-Shell Jacket

You’ll def want a trusty, raincoat to prevent you from getting damp and miserable. It’s also another great transitional style; wear it with sweaters in the winter, and then with T-shirts when the weather warms up.

shacket

Good American Plaid Sherpa Shacket

Plaid Sherpa Shacket
shacket

Good American Plaid Sherpa Shacket

Credit: courtesy of Good American

Wear it as a dress or wear it as a jacket! What a low-key brilliant idea. Loving the color combination of this style.

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double-breasted

Norma Kamali Double Breasted Trench To Knee

Double Breasted Trench To Knee
double-breasted

Norma Kamali Double Breasted Trench To Knee

Credit: courtesy of Revolve

These have overlapping front flaps with symmetrical columns of buttons on each side, so these styles wrap a little more snug around your body for a tighter fit.

single-breasted

Agnes Orinda Single Breasted Belted Winter Long Coat

Single Breasted Belted Winter Long Coat
single-breasted

Agnes Orinda Single Breasted Belted Winter Long Coat

Now 20% Off

If there’s only one column of buttons, then it’s single-breasted. It makes this burgundy coat look minimal and so elegant.

wool

Buck Mason Felted Wool Chore Coat

Felted Wool Chore Coat
wool

Buck Mason Felted Wool Chore Coat

Credit: courtesy of Buck Mason

If you live in a place with brutal winters, a wool coat definitely keeps any chilly air at bay thanks to its thick, heavy fabric. But just because it’s a v functional material doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish, too. Take this sophisticated Buck Mason one, for instance.

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teddy

A.L.C. Women's Scout Teddy Double-Breasted Coat

Women's Scout Teddy Double-Breasted Coat
teddy

A.L.C. Women's Scout Teddy Double-Breasted Coat

Credit: courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

This is similar to a faux-fur jacket with its degree of fluffiness, but it’s closer to a coarser shearling material.

quilted

Sezane Léopold Jacket

Léopold Jacket
quilted

Sezane Léopold Jacket

Credit: courtesy of Sezane

The quilted fabric feels like a dream, and it provides insulation since each section usually includes padding. This one has fun patchwork seams that create an interesting pattern.

Lettermark
Lauren Adhav
Associate Fashion Editor

I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago. 

Lettermark
Danielle Flum
Fashion Editor

Danielle is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers the American and British ready-to-wear markets and handles fashion for all cover and fashion stories in book and online. When she’s not working on print, she covers all the latest fashion trends and news for digital. Danielle started as a Fashion Intern for Cosmopolitan in 2016 and has been with the magazine ever since. Follow her journey in the fashion industry on Instagram.  

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