Modest Jackets & Coats

What is the difference between a jacket and a coat?

Length and weight are the main differences. A jacket is typically hip-length or shorter and cut from a lighter material, so it works as a mid-layer for cooler-but-not-cold weather — a denim or trench-style jacket over a dress is a common everyday combination. A coat is longer, usually falling to the knee or further, and cut from a heavier material — wool, heavier blends, sometimes fur or faux-fur trims — built as the outermost layer for genuinely cold or wet weather rather than a light layer over an outfit. Both go over a full outfit rather than under it, which separates either from a cardigan or blazer, worn as part of an outfit rather than as protection from the weather. A trench coat sits in between the two in weight but is grouped with coats here for its length: floor- or knee-length, double-breasted, belted at the waist, cut to be worn over anything from a dress to a full abaya. Wool, cashmere blends and heavier cottons dominate the coat end of this range; lighter cottons, denim and quilted synthetics are more common on jacket-length pieces.