- Different Types of Jackets and Coats
- Shop By Category
- Denim Jackets
- Trench Coats
- Tailored Vests
- Blazers
- Leather Jackets
- Puffer Jackets
- Longline & Wool Coats
- Bomber Jackets
- Puffer Vests
- Brands You’ll Love
- Choosing the Right Coat or Jacket
- How Should It Fit?
- Coats and Jackets by Body Shape
- Coats vs Jackets
- Popular Fabrics
- Care Guide
- FAQs
- More Buying Guides
Different Types of Jackets and Coats
Your winter wardrobe isn’t just about staying warm: it’s also about showcasing your unique sense of style. In this guide to women’s jackets and coats, Myer’s fashion experts will provide tips for creating distinctive looks while keeping cosy.
From blazers through to puffers, here we’ll highlight which types of jackets and coats are most suitable for the season and your body type. Keep reading to discover what’s trending and which brands offer the perfect balance of durability and flair.
Shop By Category
Denim Jackets
A denim jacket Is a timeless outerwear staple, known for its versatile appeal. Typically made from durable cotton denim, it offers light warmth without feeling bulky.
While not designed for deep winter cold, denim jackets work well in milder conditions and transition seamlessly between seasons. Their medium weight and breathable fabric make them a reliable choice for everyday wear.
- Best seasons: Spring and autumn
- Occasion: Casual outings, weekend wear
- Styling tip: Layer over a knit or hoodie for added warmth and texture
Trench Coats
A trench coat is a classic, lightweight coat defined by its belted waist, double-breasted front and tailored lines. Traditionally crafted from water-resistant fabrics, it provides light warmth and reliable protection against wind and rain, making it ideal for layering rather than insulation.
The structured yet fluid design of this coat type offers polish without heaviness. Explore Myer’s full range of trench coats and raincoats to find an option that suits your style.
- Best seasons: Spring and autumn
- Occasion: Workwear, smart-casual outings
- Styling tip: Cinch the belt to define the waist or wear it open over tailored separates for effortless refinement
Tailored Vests
Tailored vests (think sleeveless blazers) are great layering wardrobe essentials. Designed to create a sharp, streamlined silhouette, they can be worn on their own as a statement top or layered for a modern suiting look.
Perfect for elevating everyday outfits, its tailored style moves seamlessly from workwear to weekend outfits and reflects one of the biggest trends in women’s fashion right now.
- Best seasons: Autumn and spring
- Occasion: Workwear events, smart-casual
- Styling tip: Pair with matching tailored pants for a coordinated set, or style with denim and heels for a contemporary edge
Blazers
These tailored jackets are designed to add structure and polish to an outfit. Typically made from woven fabrics such as wool blends or cotton, blazers offer light warmth without heaviness. They’re best suited to layering rather than insulation.
Women’s blazers are ideal for milder weather and indoor settings, providing a refined finish that works across seasons.
- Best seasons: Spring and autumn
- Occasion: Workwear, smart-casual events
- Styling tip: Wear over a fine knit or blouse and pair with tailored trousers or denim for a modern, balanced look
Leather Jackets
A leather jacket is a statement piece crafted from genuine or faux leather, valued for its durability and timeless edge. Naturally wind-resistant and insulating, it offers moderate warmth without feeling heavy, making it well suited to layering through cooler months.
Leather jackets mould to the body over time, creating a flattering fit that only improves with wear. Explore Myer’s full range of leather and faux leather jackets for women.
- Best seasons: Autumn and winter
- Occasion: Casual outings, evenings out
- Styling tip: Pair with a soft knit or tailored trousers
Puffer Jackets
This type of jacket is designed for maximum warmth. It features quilted panels filled with down or synthetic insulation that trap heat while remaining lightweight.
Ideal for cold conditions, puffer jackets offer excellent insulation without restricting movement, making them a practical choice for everyday winter wear. Many styles are also water-resistant, adding protection against light rain and wind.
- Best seasons: Winter
- Occasion: Casual wear, outdoor activities
- Styling tip: Balance the volume with slim-fit jeans or tailored trousers for a streamlined look
Longline & Wool Coats
These types of coats are a timeless outerwear staple designed to provide warmth, structure and effortless polish during the colder months. Typically cut below the hip or to the knee, these coats are often made from insulating fabrics such as wool blends, making them ideal for retaining heat while maintaining a refined silhouette.
The clean lines and longer length create a sophisticated look that works across both casual and formal outfits.
- Best seasons: Autumn and winter
- Occasion: Workwear, cold evenings out and everyday wear
- Styling tip: Layer the longline co
Bomber Jackets
A bomber jacket is a short, zip-front jacket defined by its fitted waistband and cuffs. Originally designed for warmth and practicality, modern bomber styles are typically lightweight with light to moderate insulation, making them ideal for layering in cooler weather.
This jacket type offers a relaxed fit and comfort without bulk, while still providing protection against wind.
- Best seasons: Autumn and spring
- Occasion: Casual wear, off-duty days
- Styling tip: Pair with high-waisted jeans or a midi skirt to balance the cropped silhouette
Puffer Vests
Puffer vests are designed for warmth without bulk. Lightly padded or quilted, they provide insulation through the core while allowing full freedom of movement, ideal for layering during cooler weather.
Their lightweight feel makes them easy to wear indoors and out, especially during transitional weather when a full jacket feels too heavy.
- Best seasons: Autumn and winter
- Occasion: Casual wear, weekend outings
- Styling tip: Layer over a knit or long-sleeve top and pair with denim for a relaxed, practical look
Choosing the Right Coat or Jacket
Finding the right outerwear comes down to balancing practicality and style. When shopping for different types of coats, these will be your key considerations:
- Climate and seasonality: Consider the temperatures and weather you’ll be wearing it in, from lightweight layers for mild days to insulated styles.
- Fit and length: Choose a silhouette that complements your shape and allows room for layering, whether cropped, waist-length or longline.
- Fabric and insulation: Look for breathable fabrics for everyday wear or insulated options like wool or padding for added warmth.
- Occasions: Select versatile styles that transition easily between work, casual outings and evening plans.
How Should It Fit?
The right fit ensures your coat or jacket feels comfortable and looks flattering. Use these fit guidelines to help you choose the right kind of coat to suit your lifestyle:
- Shoulders: Seams should sit neatly at the edge of the shoulder with no pulling or drooping.
- Sleeves: Sleeves should allow easy movement and finish at the wrist.
- Length: Choose a length that suits your height and proportions, from cropped styles to longline silhouettes.
- Body: The body should skim the frame without feeling tight, leaving space for knits or layers.
- Collar: Collars should sit flat and comfortably around the neck without gaping.
- Lapels and fastenings: Lapels should lie smoothly, and buttons or zips should close easily without strain.
Coats and Jackets by Body Shape
While trends come and go, the most important thing when choosing a coat or jacket is how it makes you feel. Confidence and comfort should always come first. That said, certain coat varieties can naturally complement different body shapes.
From structured silhouettes to relaxed designs, understanding how cuts and lengths work with your shape can help you choose outerwear that feels both flattering and effortless.
Pear
The pear body shape is defined by narrower shoulders and a fuller hip and thigh area. Choosing coats and jackets that draw attention upward and create balance through the waist can help create a streamlined silhouette.
- Best styles: A-line coats, belted coats, trench coats, styles with structured shoulders.
- Why they work: These silhouettes highlight the waist and add definition to the upper body, balancing proportions and creating a more even overall shape.
Apple
The apple body shape typically carries weight through the midsection. Coats and jackets that create structure and draw the eye vertically can help create a balanced, elongated look.
- Best styles: Open-front coats, longline jackets, structured blazers, wrap styles.
- Why they work: These designs skim over the body without clinging, create clean vertical lines and help define shape without adding bulk around the waist.
Hourglass
The hourglass body shape is defined by balanced shoulders and hips with a naturally defined waist. Styles that follow the body’s natural curves and highlight the waist tend to be the most flattering.
- Best styles: Belted coats, fitted blazers, wrap coats, tailored jackets.
- Why they work: These silhouettes emphasise the waist, enhance natural proportions, and create a polished, streamlined look without overwhelming the frame.
Rectangle
The rectangle body shape features shoulders, waist and hips that are similar in width, creating a straight, balanced silhouette. The goal with outerwear is to add shape and visual interest through structure and detail.
- Best styles: Belted coats, double-breasted styles, cropped jackets, padded or structured shoulders.
- Why they work: These designs create definition at the waist and shoulders, adding dimension and the appearance of curves while maintaining clean, modern lines.
Petite Fits
Petite frames are typically shorter in height, so proportion and length are key when choosing coats and jackets. Styles that don’t overwhelm the body help create a balanced, elongated look.
- Best styles: Cropped jackets, waist-length coats, tailored blazers, streamlined silhouettes.
- Why they work: These styles avoid excess fabric, highlight natural proportions and help lengthen the appearance of the body for a clean, flattering finish.
Tall
Tall body shapes are defined by longer proportions, allowing for a wide range of coat and jacket styles. This frame suits statement silhouettes and longer lengths that enhance natural height.
- Best styles: Longline coats, oversized jackets, trench coats, belted styles.
- Why they work: These designs complement longer proportions, add balance through length and structure and create an effortlessly polished, confident look.
Coats vs Jackets
Not sure whether it’s better to buy a coat or a jacket? This table provides a direct comparison between the two, so you can figure out what’s best for your wardrobe.
Popular Fabrics
The fabric of your coat or jacket plays a key role in how it feels, wears and performs. From warmth and breathability to structure and durability, different kinds of coats offer various benefits:
- Wool: Naturally insulating and breathable, wool provides warmth without heaviness and is ideal for structured coats and cooler conditions.
- Cotton: Lightweight and breathable, cotton is comfortable for everyday wear and works well in milder climates.
- Leather: Durable and wind-resistant, leather offers moderate warmth and a structured finish.
- Synthetic fabrics: Materials like polyester and nylon are lightweight and often water-resistant, making them practical for active or weather-ready outerwear.
Care Guide
Proper care helps your coats and jackets look their best and last season after season. Always check the care label, and follow these general tips to keep your outerwear in great condition:
- Follow care labels: Fabric-specific instructions ensure the right cleaning method and help prevent shrinkage or damage.
- Store correctly: Hang coats on sturdy hangers to maintain their shape, and store them in a cool, dry space.
- Clean thoughtfully: Spot-clean when possible and avoid over-washing to preserve fabric quality and structure.
- Protect between wears: Air garments after use and use garment covers for seasonal storage to protect from dust and moisture.
FAQs
What type of coat is best for Australian winter?
Australian winters vary by region, so the best coat depends on your local climate and lifestyle.
- In cooler areas, insulated styles like puffer jackets or wool coats provide reliable warmth.
- For milder regions, lightweight layers such as trench coats, blazers or denim jackets are often enough.
Look for breathable fabrics and versatile designs that can be layered easily, allowing you to adjust your outfit as temperatures change.
What’s the warmest coat material?
Wool and insulated fabrics are among the warmest coat materials. Wool naturally traps heat while remaining breathable, making it ideal for colder weather. For maximum warmth, padded styles filled with down or high-quality synthetic insulation offer excellent heat retention while staying lightweight.
Are puffers suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, puffer jackets are well suited to everyday wear. Their lightweight insulation provides excellent warmth without bulk, making them comfortable for daily activities.
Modern puffer styles are designed to be versatile, with streamlined fits and neutral colours that work just as well for commuting, errands and casual outings as they do for outdoor use.
What’s the difference between a parka and a puffer jacket?
The main difference between these different types of jackets lies primarily in their length. A puffer jacket is typically shorter and focuses on lightweight insulation through quilted padding. A parka is usually longer, often with a hood and added features like drawstrings or lining. These features offer extra protection against cold, wind and rain.
Parkas are better suited to harsher weather, while puffers are ideal for everyday warmth and ease of movement.
Are wool coats good for rain?
Wool coats can handle light rain, as wool naturally repels some moisture, but they are not designed for heavy or prolonged rainfall. In wet conditions, a water-resistant outer layer or a coat with a protective finish is a better option.
If a wool coat does get wet, allow it to air dry naturally to help maintain its shape and texture.
What coat materials are best for rain?
Coats made from water-resistant or waterproof materials are best for rainy conditions. Fabrics such as nylon and polyester are commonly treated with protective coatings that help repel moisture while remaining lightweight. Technical fabrics and coated cotton blends also offer effective rain protection, making them ideal for staying dry.
What’s a trans-seasonal jacket?
A trans-seasonal jacket is designed to be worn across multiple seasons, particularly during changing weather. These types of jackets are usually lightweight and easy to layer, offering enough coverage for cooler days without heavy insulation.
Styles like denim jackets, trench coats and lightweight bombers are popular trans-seasonal options, making them versatile additions to your wardrobe.
How long should a coat last?
A well-made coat can last anywhere from five to ten years, or even longer with proper care. The lifespan depends on the quality of the materials, how often it’s worn and how it’s maintained. Choosing durable fabrics and following care instructions can help extend the life of your coat and keep it looking its best season after season.
