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A traditional duster coat was full-length, made from a durable cotton canvas material, and worn by horsemen to protect their clothing from dust. Nowadays, "duster" can mean any piece of lightweight outerwear that hits at the knee or below and comes in many different materials.
Below are some of our favorite duster coat styles. We have included a few traditional ones that are very much still in use today but can also double as durable, all-weather coats for protection.
We have also included a lightweight open-front cardigan that can be worn year-round and is easily layer-able, a unique cape-style coat that will keep fashionistas on their toes, and a comfy, cozy housecoat that makes lounging or working in the house all day a more comfortable and warm experience.
Our Picks of the Hottest Duster Coat in 2024
Outback Trading Duster Coat — Best Overall
This unisex low rider duster is made with a specialty treated waterproof cotton fabric that is infused with oil to help any water or rain roll right off the back for protection. This full-length jacket also has an adjustable drawstring waist, inside elbow patches for durability, and, separate, interior security pockets that allow you to store any valuables.
FOXFIRE Duster Coat — Runner Up
This is another duster or, river riding coat as it is also known, that is made from a quality, heavyweight waxed cotton for durability. This coat has traditional Australian riding coat features including a detachable shoulder cape with straps, smooth cotton lining, leg straps, and a drawstring waist for adjustment. This is a great jacket for horse riding in the rain or when the winds start to pick up for protection.
Rangewear By Scully — Honorable Mention
This classic duster is made from 100% cotton canvas for durability, structure, and protection. The long coat is slightly different than our other option as it has contrasting corduroy cuffs and collar for some style and a metal button front placket will protect you from the elements. While this classic coat can be worn anywhere, they are ideal for bad weather horse riding to make it as comfortable as possible.
Imily Bela Cardigan Duster — Coziest Option
This cozy cardigan is a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. This duster-style sweater is made from a soft knit fabric, has a relaxed fit with an open front, and can double as a light jacket on warmer nights. Pair this sweater with everything from ribbed jeans and leggings to your favorite slip dress as its below-the-knee length is versatile and easy to wear.
Ekouaer Nightgown Housecoat — Best for Sleep
Less of a duster and more of a house-style coat, this full-length piece can be worn in a variety of ways. Made from a cotton/polyester blend, this short-sleeve house robe feels soft, is designed with a sleek shape so it won’t overwhelm, and has a full zip front for easy on and off. This is a great loungewear piece, will keep you warm when you need an extra layer, and even functions as a robe when you get out of the shower.
ASMAX Open Front Cape — Also Consider
For a slightly more unique duster, this casual open-front cape is an elegant outerwear option. This cape has an overlapping style and covers the shoulders providing an almost flowy effect while exposing your arms, similar to wearing a jacket over your shoulders, but this one will stay on. This coat is also made from a lightweight polyester that has some spandex for stretch, is collarless, and falls to the knees for a flattering length.
Buying Guide: Duster Coat
If you want to rock a million-dollar look, the key is to look effortless and unbothered, and a duster coat is the right way to do it. Before choosing the top duster coats in 2024, you must carefully consider several details.
Factors to Consider While Buying a Duster Coat
Below is a list of top factors to consider while buying a duster coat that combines chic with warm and trendy with classy.
Fabric
A duster coat’s fabric is the first thing to be taken into account before making a purchase. Usually, duster coats are made of cotton, wool, canvas, polyester, soft-knit fabrics, and waterproof fabrics. So, it depends on your requirement and what kind of fabric you need because you can find a duster coat in pretty much all common jacket and coat fabrics.
Length
What sets a duster coat apart from other coats is its length. Most duster coats are ankle-lengthed or floor-grazing. While you don’t need to have a duster coat this long, you should always go for one having a few inches below the knee.
Style
When it comes to style, duster coats offer the chicest and trendiest ones. You can go for the traditional duster coat look or a house-robe-style look. Moreover, you can also find cape-style duster coats as well as soft knit cardigans. So, it depends on what look you want to flaunt, and you can easily pick your favorite from a variety of styles available in different brands.
Difference Between a Duster Coat and a Trench Coat
Most people make the mistake of confusing a duster coat with a trench coat. But when you look closely, you can easily spot major differences in both coats.
While both trench and duster coats have historical associations, their styles and designs have modernized to some extent. However, duster coats have retained their design distinction to this day.
Historically, trench coats were made to protect people, especially soldiers, against moisture and downpour. Moreover, they were also used for keeping them warm in cold climates. Due to this reason, trench coats were designed to fit the body. A belt is also added to trench coats for emphasizing their snug fit.
On the other hand, duster coats were originally designed for wearing during horseback riding. So, their primary aim was to keep the clothes underneath safe from dirt and dust. Their overall fit and finish were more open and very loose compared to the built-to-fit trench coats. Moreover, duster coats were also longer than trench coats and had a short cape on the shoulder that is missing from a trench coat.
What Are the Most Trendy Designs for Duster Coats?
Choosing the trendiest duster coat can be challenging because there are various styles and design options available. Some popular trends are mentioned below:
Animal print
Animal prints are a classic when it comes to coats, sweaters, shoes, and bags. If you are buying a duster coat and want to make it trendy, choose an animal print one. You can go for the classic leopard print or any other bird, reptile, or mammal print you like.
Checks
When in doubt, check it out. Checks and plaids have been ruling the fashion scene ever since their inception. So, duster coats have also embraced them with full fervor. You can go for a variety of colors when it comes to checking designs. If you cannot decide on any design, you can always go for the classic pepita print duster coat.
Velveteen
Velveteen is a rich and luxe fabric. It is an ultra-soft and warm fabric, ideal for colder weather. Moreover, the rich, gemstone colors of this fabric can uplift your entire look. So, choose a plain dress and pair it with a blue, green, mustard, or scarlet red velveteen duster coat.
Knitted
Knitted coats and cardigans have been an on-again, off-again fashion trend, but they have never truly left the fashion scene. So, when it comes to duster coats, you can also find them in soft knits and chunky knits.
How to Care for a Duster Coat
Buying a duster coat is one thing, but you have to be well-versed in taking care of it to keep flaunting it for long.
Generally, duster coats are made of machine-washable fabrics, like cotton and polyester. So, you can wash them directly in your washing machine. Choose the delicate or hand wash cycle for increased care. Moreover, it is not recommended to put it in a dryer, especially if it is made of wool.
Some duster coats are weatherproofed by default. However, you can easily weatherproof a duster coat if it is not already. You can use a spray-on or wash-in option for weatherproofing your duster coats.
As far as storing a duster coat is concerned, you should always use a hanger to hang it in a wardrobe. You should never hang it directly on a hook and keep it away from direct sunlight, or it will fade. Moreover, if the coat has any embellishments, make sure they do not tangle with other clothes in the wardrobe. To do that, you can use coat hanging bags and covers.
