Jaqueta vs. casaco vs. blusão
While jaqueta, casaco, and blusão all relate to outer garments used to keep warm, their usage varies significantly based on the cut of the fabric and the region (Brazil vs. Portugal). Generally, casaco is the most generic term, jaqueta refers to waist-length garments, and blusão implies a heavier or more casual style.
Jaqueta
A2This term typically refers to a waist-length jacket intended for casual wear. It usually opens down the front with a zipper or buttons and is made of lighter but durable materials like denim, leather, or nylon. In Brazil, this is the standard word for most casual jackets. In Portugal, it is used, but less frequently than in Brazil, often referring specifically to fitted sport jackets.
Ela comprou uma jaqueta jeans para usar no show.
(She bought a denim jacket to wear to the concert.)
Você deveria levar uma jaqueta leve caso comece a ventar.
(You should take a light jacket in case it starts to get windy.)
O motoqueiro estava usando uma jaqueta de couro preta.
(The biker was wearing a black leather jacket.)
Essa jaqueta bomber fica ótima com calça branca.
(That bomber jacket looks great with white pants.)
Casaco
A1This is the broadest term for an outer garment with sleeves. In Portugal, casaco is the default word for almost anything distinct from a shirt, from a blazer to a winter coat to a cardigan. In Brazil, casaco often implies something warmer, heavier, long (like a trench coat), or knitted (like a cardigan), whereas jaqueta is preferred for zippered waist-length shells.
Estava nevando muito, então ele vestiu o seu casaco mais pesado.
(It was snowing heavily, so he put on his heaviest coat.)
Ela colocou um casaco de lã por cima do vestido.
(She put a wool cardigan over her dress.)
O homem de negócios vestia um casaco elegante para a reunião.
(The businessman wore an elegant coat (or blazer) to the meeting.)
Não se esqueça de pendurar o teu casaco no hall de entrada.
(Don't forget to hang your coat in the entrance hall.)
Blusão
B1Originally referring to a blouse-like loose jacket gathered at the waist, usage now differs by region. In Portugal, blusão is very common for casual, sturdy jackets like denim or leather jackets (e.g., blusão de ganga or blusão de cabedal). In Brazil, blusão tends to refer to heavy, puffy winter jackets, windbreakers, or sometimes thick sweatshirts.
O meu pai me deu um blusão de cabedal antigo.
(My father gave me an old leather jacket. (Common European Portuguese usage))
Preciso de um blusão impermeável para a chuva.
(I need a waterproof jacket for the rain.)
As crianças vestiram o blusão para brincar na neve.
(The children put on their puffy jacket to play in the snow.)
Ele comprou um blusão de ganga na loja vintage.
(He bought a denim jacket at the vintage store. (European Portuguese usage))
Summary
In summary, use casaco as a safe, generic term in Portugal, while in Brazil, it usually implies a longer or knitted coat. Use jaqueta in Brazil for almost any casual, waist-length jacket (especially denim or leather). Use blusão in Portugal for casual leather or denim jackets, but in Brazil for heavy winter gear or sweatshirts.