Overcoats are those coats that extend below the knee and are often regarded as a bit more elegant than topcoats. Topcoats are shorter coats and will end above the knee. Overcoats are usually thicker and warmer, thus worn in the winter. Topcoats come in all shapes and designs. The trench coat is a topcoat that was designed for those who walked through the trenches during war times. Unfortunately, today many men also wearing a suit are spotted with a sports jacket displaying a huge North Face logo.