# What's with the memetic status associated with black/brown jackets and coats? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 19, 2017, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782 "2017-04-19T10:25:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/21 "2017-04-19T15:15:07Z")
whatnow?.. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/22 "2017-04-19T15:23:59Z")
From looking at their outerwear selection, it looks like cheap costumey crap: > **[Mens' Outerwear | Hot Topic](https://www.hottopic.com/guys/outerwear/)** > > Hot Topic's guys outerwear collection is jam-packed with pop-culture favorites, cult classics, and icons from your favorite movies, books, games, and shows. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/23 "2017-04-19T15:29:24Z")
> [@Boozahol\_Squid\_P.I](#): > > Why spend $300 for a jacket from Hot Topic, if Burlington Coat Factory will sell you one that’s just as warm for half the price, unless you’re paying for that Hot Topic look? Or do what I do; wear a hoody, walk fast, and bitch about how fucking cold it is. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/24 "2017-04-19T15:39:11Z")
> [@dude\_robert](#): > > I don’t understand this, why does wearing warm and protected clothes make you a stereotypical “vampire goth emo” type of person? > > Also, there seems to be a thing about hottopic. May I ask, what type of heavy coat are you talking about? [This](http://www.hottopic.com/product/once-upon-a-time-hook-guys-coat/10738006.html?cgid=guys-outerwear) Hot Topic coat designed to appeal to those who like pirates? [This](http://www.hottopic.com/product/harry-potter-snape-coat/10753029.html?cgid=guys-outerwear) tribute to Professor Snape? [This](http://www.hottopic.com/product/assassins-creed-aguilar-coat/10784530.html?cgid=guys-outerwear) Assassin’s Creed coat with hood? I think it is very clear that the coats sold at Hot Topic are sold on the basis of a counter-culture style, as opposed to warmth. Just read the descriptions of the coats, and its clear that the technical performance of them is not the selling point, it is the style – which is totally fine. I mean, I’m sure there are some people who consider having a special pocket for a magic wand to be a technical performance parameter, but most people surely consider that a selling point for a particular image or fashion choice. Compare this sales pitch to [this](https://www.rei.com/product/101797/rei-co-op-down-hoodie-mens), for example, which is being marketed based primarily on the performance of the outerwear. And I guarantee you that this coat is warmer than the others I linked to, for the same price (though this one happens to be on sale for less than the others I linked to). ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/25 "2017-04-19T16:33:01Z")
**Moderator Note** > [@silenus](#): > > Rewording the OP: “Please tell me I’m not a victim of peer pressure and marketing. Please validate my poor fashion sense. I’m a person, not a data point!” Let’s not attack the OP in GQ, please. ---
**Author:** ![Pantastic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3bc359/32.png) [@Pantastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pantastic)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/26 "2017-04-19T16:45:21Z")
If you wear goth-style clothes, people assume you’re going for a goth look because you have to go out of your way to look that way. If you wear a jacket like [this](http://www.cabelas.com/product/clothing/mens-casual-clothing/mens-outerwear/mens-insulated-outerwear%7C/pc/104797080/c/104746680/sc/105548580/i/104172480/the-north-face-canyonlands-triclimate-jacket/2332527.uts) (or pretty much anything else in their catalog), no one is going to think ‘goth’. But if you wear a long black coat from Hot Topic that’s designed to look goth, people are going to assume you paid the premium at Hot Topic because that’s how you want to look. Hot topic sells overpriced, cheaply made clothes targeted at well-off teenagers who want to look cool. People’s response to someone wearing Hot Topic is generally much more motivated by eye rolls than jealousy. If you’re older than high school or maybe early 20s, wearing stuff from Hot Topic generally gives a ‘old person trying too hard’ vibe. Whether adults ‘should’ make fun of people’s clothing, they do, you can either expect it or prepare for a lot of disappointment. This is especially true for adults who spend a lot of time making Reddit memes, they’re not exactly known for maturity. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/27 "2017-04-19T16:59:52Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > I’ll see your things covered in spikes and raise you a Don Johnson white cotton suit. Let me pull out my inch-wide shiny ties and all my Ocean Pacific shirts. Then it’s _on_! ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/28 "2017-04-19T17:04:24Z")
“Honey, where is my Nehru jacket?” ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/29 "2017-04-19T17:18:53Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > Let me pull out my inch-wide shiny ties and all my Ocean Pacific shirts. Then it’s _on_! OP corduroy shorts with the 1" inseam for the win! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chockfullofheadygoodness/32/511_2.png) [@ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/30 "2017-04-19T17:54:18Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > Let me pull out my inch-wide shiny ties and all my Ocean Pacific shirts. Then it’s _on_! > [@LSLGuy](#): > > OP corduroy shorts with the 1" inseam for the win! 😃 Let me complete the look with my pair of checkerboard Vans Off-the-Walls! ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/31 "2017-04-19T18:03:08Z")
Clearly what the OP needs is a [Members Only](https://www.membersonlyoriginal.com/) jacket. ---
**Author:** ![dude\_robert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8e7dd6/32.png) [@dude\_robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude_robert)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/32 "2017-04-19T18:05:19Z")
> [@naita](#): > > None of those are about wearing “a heavy jacket so you don’t freeze”. They’re about wearing clothing you think is cool when barely anyone else thinks so. If you want to stay warm and you worry about what other people think, you pick a style that doesn’t stand out as much. > > If you want to wear a heavy jacket and you just really, really love dark colours you just have to live with the fact that dark, heavy jackets also happens to be what metalheads, goths, emos and school shooters wear and that stereotyping and prejudice is human nature. Ehh, but a “heavy dark-colored” parka/jacket/trench coat isn’t very descriptive, and sounds like it could apply to literally any jacket that is both heavy and dark-coloured. So if people will stereotype you for wearing a dark heavy jacket to look cool, then they might also do the same if you’re wearing a similar jacket to keep yourself warm. > [@DrCube](#): > > Don’t shop at Hot Topic and people won’t think you’re a goth/emo/whatever. > > Seriously, it’s overpriced kid’s stuff. And it is _designed_ to look goth/emo/whatever. That’s the _whole point_ of Hot Topic. Ah, well I have never actually been to HT before, and only had a quick glance at the front page of their website, it didn’t look too bad at first. > [@Chronos](#): > > My winter coat is dark gray, with light gray accents. Before that one, my previous winter coat was red and dark blue. Both were plenty effective at keeping me from freezing to death, and neither one made me look goth, because they weren’t in a goth style. So what exactly is a “goth style”? Does it need to have spikes and splashes of red paint and skulls and men with splotches of black spikey paint on their faces printed onto it? I mean, one of the reddit comments said they were wearing a nice blue canvas trench coat for a few months with some eyelash paint or eyeliner on and ended the story with “not even funny”. What’s wrong with a blue trenchcoat? I thought trenchcoats were usually quite practical, as they covered a large portion of the body. I thought trenchcoats were actually supposed to be very good jackets, and that’s why they are named “trench” coats, since they would be like water-proof and very durable or something. I guess not? > [@Springtime\_for\_Spacers](#): > > Too damn small to read. You can click on the image to make it larger or CTRL+SCROLL to make it look closer. > [@steronz](#): > > Go to REI and buy a nice warm jacket that doesn’t make you look like a school shooter, you probably won’t even spend $300. I had a look, and the jackets seem very fancy-coloured and also very expensive, though I’m sure the more expensive ones would be quite warm. The average price seemed to be more than $250, though. > [@Boozahol\_Squid\_P.I](#): > > Hot Topic doesn’t produce jackets for utility. They are a fashion brand, and they cater specifically to the sort of crowd you mention. While anyone is free to buy whatever clothes they like, from any retail outlet, if they’re spending their money at a boutique, they shouldn’t presume that their choice of garment is going to be viewed as a utilitarian one. > > Why spend $300 for a jacket from Hot Topic, if Burlington Coat Factory will sell you one that’s just as warm for half the price, unless you’re paying for that Hot Topic look? Okay, so the reddit comments didn’t really specifically mention HT, I just heard of it from many many other sources as it seems to be quite an obvious stereotype. I think there was also something about it related to a satirical Twilight fanfiction as well. However, there are plenty of actually warm and good quality jackets and jumpers that cost more than $300 for a single item. Infact, even in my home town, if you go to a camping store, there are plenty of winter hiking jackets are are along worth more than $700 for a singular jacket. Even a single pair of breathable waterproof pants is around $250. Now some of these types of jackets and pants are also colored darkly and have lots of spare zippers and pockets or button-pockets. > [@silenus](#): > > Rewording the OP: “Please tell me I’m not a victim of peer pressure and marketing. Please validate my poor fashion sense. I’m a person, not a data point!” Meh, I don’t even shop at HT, barely even looked at their website. I was just curious on why everyone is so negative about their clothing… > [@Omar\_Little](#): > > From looking at their outerwear selection, it looks like cheap costumey crap: > [http://www.hottopic.com/guys/outerwear/](http://www.hottopic.com/guys/outerwear/) > [@Ravenman](#): > > May I ask, what type of heavy coat are you talking about? > > [This](http://www.hottopic.com/product/once-upon-a-time-hook-guys-coat/10738006.html?cgid=guys-outerwear) Hot Topic coat designed to appeal to those who like pirates? > > [This](http://www.hottopic.com/product/harry-potter-snape-coat/10753029.html?cgid=guys-outerwear) tribute to Professor Snape? > > [This](http://www.hottopic.com/product/assassins-creed-aguilar-coat/10784530.html?cgid=guys-outerwear) Assassin’s Creed coat with hood? > > I think it is very clear that the coats sold at Hot Topic are sold on the basis of a counter-culture style, as opposed to warmth. Just read the descriptions of the coats, and its clear that the technical performance of them is not the selling point, it is the style – which is totally fine. I mean, I’m sure there are some people who consider having a special pocket for a magic wand to be a technical performance parameter, but most people surely consider that a selling point for a particular image or fashion choice. > > Compare this sales pitch to [this](https://www.rei.com/product/101797/rei-co-op-down-hoodie-mens), for example, which is being marketed based primarily on the performance of the outerwear. And I guarantee you that this coat is warmer than the others I linked to, for the same price (though this one happens to be on sale for less than the others I linked to). To be fair, at least those HT coats don’t look like a single pinprick will literally skin them and empty their stuffings all over the ground. That last jacket you linked looks extremely fragile and delicate versus sharp objects or large-area impacts of blunt objects. I mean, take away the in-character roleplaying nonsense, and you have a reasonably decent bit of cloth that surrounds you entirely that won’t rip apart too easily… Of course I have no doubts that the green jacket would probably be much warmer at first, but it just looks so flimsy to me, like it wouldn’t survive even walking around the house. > [@Pantastic](#): > > If you wear goth-style clothes, people assume you’re going for a goth look because you have to go out of your way to look that way. If you wear a jacket like [this](http://www.cabelas.com/product/clothing/mens-casual-clothing/mens-outerwear/mens-insulated-outerwear%7C/pc/104797080/c/104746680/sc/105548580/i/104172480/the-north-face-canyonlands-triclimate-jacket/2332527.uts) (or pretty much anything else in their catalog), no one is going to think ‘goth’. But if you wear a long black coat from Hot Topic that’s designed to look goth, people are going to assume you paid the premium at Hot Topic because that’s how you want to look. > > Hot topic sells overpriced, cheaply made clothes targeted at well-off teenagers who want to look cool. People’s response to someone wearing Hot Topic is generally much more motivated by eye rolls than jealousy. If you’re older than high school or maybe early 20s, wearing stuff from Hot Topic generally gives a ‘old person trying too hard’ vibe. Whether adults ‘should’ make fun of people’s clothing, they do, you can either expect it or prepare for a lot of disappointment. This is especially true for adults who spend a lot of time making Reddit memes, they’re not exactly known for maturity. There are plenty of long black/brown coats for both a hybrid of utilitarian uses and goof fashion senses, though. For example, leather jackets are both very stylish, and were \*\*apparently \*\*very popular in the olden days for people walking up and down the USA cities going to casinos and strip clubs and riding motorcycles. They are also supposed to be very warm, and somewhat water-resistant, while looking amazing. Then there are the oilskin jackets, which are even more stylish and are apparently what the olden day farmers used when they were riding on their horses. So, it seems like there are many jackets and coats which are both very stylish AND functional, and not just one way or the other. What about winter jackets made out of neoshell or goretex? ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/33 "2017-04-19T18:40:19Z")
> [@dude\_robert](#): > > Of course I have no doubts that the green jacket would probably be much warmer at first, but it just looks so flimsy to me, like it wouldn’t survive even walking around the house. Not that it’s super relevant to this thread, but ripstop nylon down outerwear is pretty bombproof and used in [all kinds of](http://www.markhorrell.com/wp-content/uploads/DSCF7567-1024x768.jpg) [extreme environments](http://everestexpedition.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/22_jen_above_the_balcony.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![brainstall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/35a633/32.png) [@brainstall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brainstall)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/34 "2017-04-19T18:40:54Z")
Here’s what I used to do in my cool youth to be stylish in the cold, Canadian winters. Black leather motorcycle jacket, because I actually rode a motorcycle when it wasn’t snowing, worn under a used/vintage (cheap and good quality) dark coloured men’s overcoat that was actually warm. So I could go out to the bars and not freeze on the way there, and then peel off the top layer and show off my cool leathers at the bar. Ah… good times. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/35 "2017-04-19T18:43:20Z")
> [@dude\_robert](#): > > To be fair, at least those HT coats don’t look like a single pinprick will literally skin them and empty their stuffings all over the ground. That last jacket you linked looks extremely fragile and delicate versus sharp objects or large-area impacts of blunt objects. I mean, take away the in-character roleplaying nonsense, and you have a reasonably decent bit of cloth that surrounds you entirely that won’t rip apart too easily… > > Of course I have no doubts that the green jacket would probably be much warmer at first, but it just looks so flimsy to me, like it wouldn’t survive even walking around the house. So you want something that looks warm, even if warmer options exist; but it must also look tough. That’s about style, not function. I assure you, millions of non-leather, non-wool, non-denim winter jackets are sold each year, and there’s no durability problem unless you’re counting on parkas to be protection for riding motorcycles or something. ---
**Author:** ![naita](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naita/32/5862_2.png) [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/36 "2017-04-19T19:24:12Z")
> [@dude\_robert](#): > > So if people will stereotype you for wearing a dark heavy jacket to look cool, then they might also do the same if you’re wearing a similar jacket to keep yourself warm.h Yes, that is what a stereotype means, “a standardized mental picture […] that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment” ([m-w.com](http://m-w.com)). ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/37 "2017-04-19T19:45:00Z")
> [@dude\_robert](#): > > … > To be fair, at least those HT coats don’t look like a single pinprick will literally skin them and empty their stuffings all over the ground. That last jacket you linked looks extremely fragile and delicate versus sharp objects or large-area impacts of blunt objects. I mean, take away the in-character roleplaying nonsense, and you have a reasonably decent bit of cloth that surrounds you entirely that won’t rip apart too easily… > … Perhaps I’ve misinterpreted what you seem to be saying between the lines here. But just in case … If you’re thinking of a leather jacket as body armor in a knife- or fist-fight you’re confused. It won’t do either of those worth beans. An actual motorcycle jacket from a motorcycle safety equipment company is real good at absorbing abrasions. The padded ones help absorb a push or shove if somebody pushes or shoves you on the padding. Not so much a well-aimed kick or punch to your midsection. A real knife wielded with real aggression goes through those like it does through a t-shirt. I suppose somebody makes actual knife defensive clothing. Probably for sale to law enforcement. It’ll be expensive and make you look like a police poseur. Or an off-duty security guard. Probably also not the look you want. If you’re actually interested in coats / jackets for warmth, it’s helpful for us to know whether you’re combatting winter in Los Angeles, Dallas, Boston, or Anchorage. All four have people wearing coats during the cold season but they sure aren’t the same coats. Urban vs. suburban vs. rural is also good info to help us help you. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/38 "2017-04-19T19:55:55Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > I suppose somebody makes actual knife defensive clothing. Probably for sale to law enforcement. It’ll be expensive and make you look like a police poseur. Or an off-duty security guard. Probably also not the look you want. [http://www.bodyarmorusa.com/cut-bite-resistant-clothing](http://www.bodyarmorusa.com/cut-bite-resistant-clothing) It is indeed expensive but pretty much just looks like a regular shirt. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/39 "2017-04-19T20:06:02Z")
> [@dude\_robert](#): > > What about winter jackets made out of neoshell or goretex? What about them? ---
**Author:** ![dude\_robert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8e7dd6/32.png) [@dude\_robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude_robert)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782/40 "2017-04-19T20:15:45Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Perhaps I’ve misinterpreted what you seem to be saying between the lines here. But just in case … > > If you’re thinking of a leather jacket as body armor in a knife- or fist-fight you’re confused. It won’t do either of those worth beans. > > An actual motorcycle jacket from a motorcycle safety equipment company is real good at absorbing abrasions. The padded ones help absorb a push or shove if somebody pushes or shoves you on the padding. Not so much a well-aimed kick or punch to your midsection. A real knife wielded with real aggression goes through those like it does through a t-shirt. > > I suppose somebody makes actual knife defensive clothing. Probably for sale to law enforcement. It’ll be expensive and make you look like a police poseur. Or an off-duty security guard. Probably also not the look you want. > If you’re actually interested in coats / jackets for warmth, it’s helpful for us to know whether you’re combatting winter in Los Angeles, Dallas, Boston, or Anchorage. All four have people wearing coats during the cold season but they sure aren’t the same coats. Urban vs. suburban vs. rural is also good info to help us help you. Mhm, you have misinterpreted. Uhh, I was talking about damage to the jacket, not the person which is a bonus. Some of those duck filled down jackets looked like if I fell over on some sharp and jagged and rough textured rocks, they would be ripped apart or the ‘skin’ holding the duck inside would be literally scraped off. Or even so fragile that if I tripped on some concrete, the air pressure inside the filled duck air pockets would make the fabric pockets ‘pop’ open kind of like when you open a chips bag by putting pressure on it until it explodes. I think that’s why I was looking at oilskin or leather, because they don’t have the complicated and fragile duck filled air pockets inside that might rupture if pressure is placed on them. Err, so I kind of made another thread in IMHO, since I thought this thread was finished since the question of the hatred/mocking of emo jackets was somewhat explained? Anyway, the temperature over here is quite temperate, BUT I like to be over-prepared anyway. I am sort of looking for a good jacket that is fire-resistant, waterproof, durable, lightweight and breathable. I want it to be able to withstand high-pressure fire hoses being sprayed at me, just incase some random person smashes a fire hydrant which explodes near me or a car drives into a puddle near a foot-path. I live in Western Australia, BTW, so REI and the rest of the USA shops aren’t really here. > [@Atamasama](#): > > [http://www.bodyarmorusa.com/cut-bite-resistant-clothing](http://www.bodyarmorusa.com/cut-bite-resistant-clothing) > > It is indeed expensive but pretty much just looks like a regular shirt. What about small chain mails? I think I’ve seen some where the threads are quite small and is supposed to stop small blade weapons, but I might be wrong. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-memetic-status-associated-with-black-brown-jackets-and-coats/784782.md?page=3)