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Outerwear is clothing designed to be worn outside other garments, protecting the wearer from cold, wind, rain and snow while serving style as well. This guide sorts the category for women, men and children: coats and overcoats, jackets, parkas and anoraks, vests, ponchos and capes.
Outerwear
What is the meaning of the word outwear? Outerwear is the opposite of innerwear. Yes, that is an amazingly simple explanation.
Actually outerwear can be a bit sneaky. At first thought, it is often considered to be a type of “jacket” or “coat”. However, when we really take a look at the word, it is most clothing aside from undergarments. In other words, outerwear is clothing worn outdoors or clothing designed to be worn outside other garments.
So, outerwear would consist of most fashion with the exception of underwear, lingerie, panties, boxer shorts, g-strings, thongs, boxer briefs, etc. Some clothing gets a bit confusing because socks are worn under long pants, but if you are wearing shorts they are exposed. Another example could be a sports bra which is worn under clothes and sometimes out.
Outerwear refers to clothing worn over regular garments to provide protection from the elements, such as cold, wind, rain, or snow. It's designed to keep individuals warm and shielded during varying weather conditions while also serving aesthetic and style purposes. Outerwear comes in a range of styles, designs, and materials, catering to different genders, ages, and fashion preferences.
Women's Outerwear:
Women's outerwear encompasses a wide array of clothing designed to fit the female body and cater to various style preferences. It includes:
Coats:
These are long, often heavy garments that typically extend below the hips. Variations include trench coats, pea coats, duffel coats, and overcoats. Learn more about coats.
Jackets:
Generally shorter than coats, jackets can range from casual denim or leather jackets to formal blazers. They offer a range of styles suitable for different occasions.
Parkas and Anoraks:
These are hooded, insulated jackets, often with fur-lined hoods, designed to provide warmth in cold climates. They are excellent choices for winter wear.
Vests:
Sleeveless garments that can be worn over a shirt or sweater, providing warmth to the core while allowing more freedom of movement for the arms.
Ponchos and Capes:
These are loose, sleeveless outer garments that provide coverage over other clothes and are often used for a fashionable and dramatic look.
Learn more in the Women's Outerwear Guide.
Men's Outerwear:
Men's outerwear includes a range of clothing items designed to fit the male body shape and cater to various needs and preferences. It consists of:
Coats and Overcoats:
Similar to women's coats, men's coats come in various styles, including pea coats, trench coats, overcoats, and duffel coats, often in neutral or classic colors.
Jackets:
sports jackets, offering both casual and formal options.
Parkas and Outdoor Jackets:
These provide warmth and protection during outdoor activities and harsh weather, including options like insulated parkas and waterproof jackets.
Vests:
Sleeveless outerwear options like puffer vests or fleece vests can be layered over shirts or sweaters for added warmth.
Learn more in the Men's Outerwear Guide
Children's Outerwear:
Children's outerwear is specially designed to accommodate the needs and proportions of growing bodies while ensuring comfort and protection. It includes:
Coats and Jackets:
Children's coats and jackets are often designed with playful colors, patterns, and graphics, providing warmth and protection during colder months.
Snowsuits and Winter Gear:
Insulated one-piece suits or sets that are waterproof
and designed to keep children warm during snow-related activities.
Raincoats and Windbreakers:
Outerwear designed to protect children from rain and wind while being lightweight and easy to move in.
Vests:
Similar to adult vests, children's vests can be worn over their clothing to provide added warmth and versatility.
In summary, outerwear for women, men, and children is a diverse category of clothing designed to provide protection from the elements while catering to specific body shapes, style preferences, and practical needs.
Learn more in the Children's Outerwear Guide.
When we think of outerwear, we often think in terms of Jackets, Coats, Raincoats, Trenchcoats and Overcoats. Actually, below is a more complete list.
Abaya
Academic gown
Anorak
Apron
Blazer
Cagoule
Cloak
Duffle coat
Duster
Frock coat
Gilet
Goggle jacket
Greatcoat
Jacket
Matchcoat
Mess jacket
Mino (straw cape)
Opera coat
Overcoat
Pea coat
Poncho
Rain pants
Redingote
Robe
Shawl
Shrug
Ski suit
Sleeved blanket
Sport coat
Top coat
Trench coat
Vest
Waistcoat
Windbreaker
Again, above is only portion of what can be considered to be outerwear.
Learn about winter clothes in our fashion terminology section.
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Clothing worn outdoors or designed to be worn outside other garments — most clothing apart from undergarments. Coats, jackets, parkas, vests, ponchos and capes are the core of the category, which exists to provide protection from the elements.
Coats are long, often heavy garments that typically extend below the hips, in styles such as trench coats, pea coats, duffel coats and overcoats. Jackets are generally shorter, ranging from casual denim or leather jackets to formal blazers.
It is designed for the proportions and needs of growing bodies while ensuring comfort and protection: coats and jackets in playful colors and patterns, plus insulated, waterproof snowsuits and winter gear sets for snow activities.