A Long History
High-class clothing must have a substantial historical foundation and avoid being avant-garde. The history of the overcoat is longer than that of any other type of clothing. Therefore, the first formal coat we still use today, the tailcoat and morning coat, should be directly translated as swallowtail coat and riding coat, respectively. Overcoats were already being worn before the 17th and 18th centuries. Thus, choosing a classic overcoat implies the wearer's profound historical background.
A Symbol of Status
This is especially true for overcoats. The Chester and Balma were both practical and simple; the former became a formal coat, and the latter a quasi-overcoat. The trench coat and duffel coat were only practical and not simple, thus earning the title of informal overcoat.
