6101 - Men's or boys' overcoats, carcoats, capes, cloaks, anoraks (including ski-jackets), windbreakers and similar articles, knitted or crocheted, other than those of heading 6103:

Heading 6101 encompasses knitted or crocheted outer garments designed for men and boys, serving as protective outerwear against the elements. This includes a broad range of items such as overcoats, carcoats, capes, cloaks, and anoraks (which specifically include ski-jackets). The category also covers windbreakers and similar articles that share the characteristic of being outerwear and constructed from knitted or crocheted fabric. The key unifying factor for this heading is the gender-specific application (men's or boys') and the knitted or crocheted construction.

This heading is distinct from other categories within Section XI, particularly those in Chapter 61 that pertain to apparel. For instance, it is differentiated from heading 6103, which covers men's or boys' suits, ensembles, jackets, trousers, etc., also knitted or crocheted, but typically refers to less outerwear-focused garments. Furthermore, heading 6101 is distinct from outerwear classified under Chapter 62, which covers woven apparel.

The subcategories within heading 6101 provide further specificity based on the primary textile material of which the garments are made. These subdivisions allow for more precise classification, which is crucial for determining applicable duties and trade statistics. For example, 6101.20.00 details items specifically of cotton, while 6101.30 pertains to those made from man-made fibers. The remaining subcategory, 6101.90, captures garments constructed from other textile materials not falling into the cotton or man-made fiber categories.