Paletó

Paletó is a term used in Portuguese-speaking fashion to denote a tailored jacket that forms the upper part of a suit or a standalone outer garment. In its formal sense, a paletó is a single- or double-breasted jacket worn with dress trousers, and sometimes a waistcoat, as the jacket component of a suit. The word is derived from the French paletot, referring to a short, fitted coat, and has become a standard term in Brazilian and European Portuguese for both business attire and certain types of outerwear.

Design and varieties: Paletós are typically crafted from wool or wool blends, though cotton, linen, and synthetic fabrics are common in casual versions. Features include notched or peaked lapels, a front button closure, and side or breast pockets. Variants include the single-breasted paletó with two or three buttons and the double-breasted paletó. The length generally covers the hip and can be lightly padded at the shoulders for structure. Some paletós are unlined for warm weather, while formal versions are fully lined.

Usage and cultural context: In Brazil and Portugal, the paletó is central to business dress and formal occasions, often worn with matching trousers, a dress shirt, tie, and sometimes a vest. In other contexts it may refer more broadly to a sport coat or blazer. Care typically involves dry-cleaning or following fabric-specific guidelines, with hanging storage to retain shape.