Car coats are outwear which were originally designed for driving in open cars, which could get cold in the evening or at high rates of speed. A car coat often also has a stylish flair, so that a dashing motorist could step out of a vehicle looking fashionable. Many companies make car coats to wear in various contexts, not just cars; a car coat can be a stylish and useful addition to a wardrobe. Department stores usually carry an array of car coats, especially in the fall and winter.

The main distinguishing feature of a car coat is the A-line style, flat front, and mid thigh length. These features make a car coat practical for wearing in a car, because they allow a driver to move comfortably while staying warm. The A-line ensures that there is room around the hips to move, since it creates a slight flare in the car coat. The flat front reduces the probability of bunching, which can cause discomfort, and the mid-thigh length prevents the driver from becoming tangled in the coat.

An assortment of materials are used to make car coats. As a general rule, thick fabrics like tweed and dense wool are frequently employed, because they are warming, and leather is not uncommon. A car coat is also often lined with silk or another soft material. Both buttons and zippers are used to fasten a car coat, and they are sometimes hidden behind a flap of material for insulating warmth. This style is known as a flat front placket, as the term “placket” is used in fashion to refer to an opening in fabric, or a layer designed to make that opening more discreet. A flat front placket creates a smooth, even line without distracting buttons.

A car coat often also has large, deep pockets to hold an assortment of items, including keys. As a general rule, a car coat would be checked at the door of an establishment, along with other outerwear. Outside the car, a car coat strikes a happy medium between a full length trench and a regular coat. When the weather does not merit a full trench but still requires protection of the upper body, a car coat can be ideal. Styles for both men and women are available with an assortment of decorative accents. An accessorizing scarf or sash is a frequent accompaniment to a car coat for women.