An overcoat is a long, heavy coat worn over your regular clothes to protect you from cold, wind, or rain. Unlike a jacket that might end at your waist or hips, an overcoat typically reaches down to your knees or even lower, providing more coverage and warmth. Imagine Sherlock Holmes in his famous detective stories, wearing his long overcoat while investigating mysteries on foggy London streets.

Overcoats became especially popular in the 1800s and early 1900s, when people dressed more formally and needed something substantial to protect their nice clothes from harsh weather. Today, people still wear overcoats in cold climates, though they might also choose parkas, peacoats, or other styles. An overcoat remains one of the warmest options because of its length and the heavy fabrics used to make it, like wool or thick cotton.