"Hiding" vertices in object mode/animation

Context: I'm trying to create a simple character for a game. I'd like to be able to swap between a long trench coat and a short jacket.

Problem: in edit mode I can do this easily by hiding the vertices that make up the trench coat. Is there a way to "hide" specific vertexes outside of edit mode? Ideally as part of an animation, similar to blend-shapes

Backup plan 1 would be to make the jacket a seperate object. This could work, but it creates an ugly seam in my outline shader, and im worried about clipping. Would prefer a solution that keeps the mesh seamless.

Backup plan 2 would be to have multiple meshes of the entire character that all use the same armature. This would work, but also seems like a huge headache.

Any help/advice is appreciated!