The Paletot

A shorter business-style overcoat of French origin in its style.  At the beginning of the last century in Britain it was regarded as a top coat, as it is often lighter in material.   The colour is plain and dark; black is the most common one, but navy blue and dark gray are good too.  A black paletot can be worn with black tie when the weather is dry and not too cold. 

 - CUT: flat back, fitted or semi-fitted.  No belt. 

 - DOUBLE BREASTED with 6x2 buttons; top buttons have a wider distance and remain unbuttoned..

 - SEAMS, FRONT DARTS:  no front seams; side seams are usually present. 

 - VENTS: No vents, except very short back ones. 

 - LAPELS: peaked lapels.

 - COLLAR

 - CUFFS

 - POCKETS: flap or slip pockets, aligned with the middle buttons. 

 - LENGTH: above knee or just up to the knee.

 - MATERIAL WEIGHT: not too heavy; it is originally more of a topcoat..