How should an overcoat fit? The last thing you want to do is spend your hard-earned money on a piece that drapes too large, or that hugs you too tight. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it also looks silly - and if you're like us, you're going with the overcoat to add a touch of sophistication. Of course, these are some of the warmest and coziest types of outerwear, too.
All things considered, it's important for you to learn how an overcoat should fit. Sizing these types of coats isn't super difficult - but there are a few things you need to learn if you're hoping to get it right the first time around.
Fortunately, that's just what we're here to do today. We're going to walk you through sizing your overcoat the right way - helping you achieve that perfect fit that allows you to strut out your home in comfort and style. First things first, though - why is it so important to learn how an overcoat should fit?
Why It's Important To Learn How An Overcoat Should Fit
We see so many men making similar mistakes when shopping for overcoats. And the result is always the same - a poor-fitting coat that is either too uncomfortable or too unstylish to bust out of the closet. And when you consider the cost of quality garments - that's a shame.
The most obvious problem with improper sizing is comfort. These coats are meant to drape over your body effortlessly - they shouldn't be restricting whatsoever. But, if your coat is too small or too big, that's exactly what will happen. You want to be able to move freely - and if you size your overcoat without layers underneath, you'll be frustrated and disappointed when you discover that you can't get it on over your suit.
Plus, a poor-fitting overcoat looks dreadful on the male body.
Think about it this way - the overcoat is typically the layer of your outfit that draws everyone's attention. It's the outermost layer of clothing, and thus, all eyes are on it. If you size your coat too small, you'll look like you're busting out of the seams - which is not an aesthetic look at all. On the other side of the equation, swimming in your overcoat isn't a great look either.
We're here to help prevent you from looking ridiculous and save you from purchasing either a skin-tight or baggy coat. Let's begin!
So, How Should An Overcoat Fit?
So, how should an overcoat fit?
There are specific recommendations in terms of length, shoulders, sleeves, and the body of the coat. But, before we can get into those, we need to discuss how you're going to wear your overcoat. Sizing recommendations will vary depending on if you wear a full-fledged suit and blazer underneath, or a simple sweater.
Thus, you'll want to start by considering how you're going to wear the overcoat to understand the answer to the question, how should an overcoat fit?
How Are You Going To Wear Your Overcoat?
The first mistake we see men make is sizing their coats without any layers underneath. You may happen to be wearing a t-shirt or a light sweater while trying on your overcoat - but what are you going to actually wear the overcoat with? If you plan on wearing a heavy suit underneath the coat, you'll end up struggling to get into the coat comfortably unless you size it with that in mind.
Here is our advice: try on overcoats and size them according to the most likely outfit you'll pair them with. While we love the look of an overcoat over a suit jacket, you can also wear these in a more casual fashion - with a quality sweater underneath. Rarely will you wear an overcoat with just a shirt - so don't size your coat this way. Be realistic with how many layers need to fit under the coat. Now, let's get into sizing:
Sizing Overcoat Length:
One of the first things to consider in terms of properly sizing your overcoat is the length. This will be somewhat personal preference, so consider how far down you want yours to drape. With that said, most people like their overcoat to fall just below the knee for a dynamic silhouette. This would be considered a full-length coat.
However, if you're on the shorter end of the spectrum, you may want to go with an above-the-knee length. This will help you look a bit taller - who doesn't want that? There is a fine line to balance here, though. If your overcoat is too short, it will resemble the ideal length of a pea coat instead - which is not what you're trying to go for here. At the bare minimum, your coat should cover the entirety of the suit coat you're wearing underneath (if applicable.)
Sizing The Overcoat For Your Shoulders
The look of an overcoat sitting perfectly on the shoulders is stunning - but it's not easy to attain. If you don't get this right, then you'll experience divots, wrinkles, and clumping at the shoulders if you don't line up the seam properly. The goal here is to get the seam of the shoulders to fall perfectly in line with your shoulders.
Simply get out your measuring tape and measure from the base of your neck to your shoulder - that is the measurement you'll want to consider when sizing for the shoulders. Nail this, and you'll end up with an overcoat that sits perfectly across your back while creating a strong shoulder shape.
Sizing Overcoat Sleeves
Next up is sizing your sleeves. This one is pretty simple - you want the overcoat to cover all of your suit jacket or coat sleeves. There shouldn't be any fabric extending out of the overcoat sleeves. You can accomplish this by sizing your sleeves an inch longer than that of your blazer.
Sizing The Overcoat Body
The final step is getting the body of your overcoat sized correctly. Remember - you need to size the body according to what you'll wear under the coat. Your overcoat should never feel like it's suffocating you. Even if you prefer a tighter fit on your clothes, the overcoat should drape comfortably over your body. With that said, you don't want the overcoat to feel "roomy", either.
How To Get An Overcoat That Fits Like It Was Made For You
Now that you have a better idea of how an overcoat should fit, it's time to get to shopping. As you can see, proper sizing is relatively simple - and yet, so many men get it wrong still and end up unhappy with the fit and look of their overcoat.
The fact of the matter is, off-the-rack shopping isn't for most men - because we don't all have similar body types. If you're going to buy an overcoat, you might as well do it right - and get a custom overcoat fit to your unique body. This will result in the perfect fit every time so you can step out in your coat feeling and looking your best.
You'll find that even on days you could probably get by without the overcoat, you wear it anyway - because you love the way it fits and looks so much.
How Should An Overcoat Fit - Wrapping Up
That concludes our guide on sizing your overcoat or topcoat. It isn't all that hard, as long as you follow the advice we've outlined above. And remember - if you truly want a perfect fit, you're going to have to go the tailored route. It's worth it - trust us. And, for the best selection of custom garments online - including overcoats - head to Blank Label.
Our menswear specialists are the best in the world at what they do. We can help you bring your custom overcoat to life in just minutes online - and we guarantee a perfect fit. Get the process started and see what the hype is all about - you'll be glad you did.
As an expert in men's fashion and tailoring, I understand the importance of a well-fitted overcoat and the impact it can have on both comfort and style. My expertise is grounded in firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the principles behind proper sizing and tailoring. Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article and provide additional insights.
Importance of Proper Sizing: The article rightly emphasizes the significance of choosing the right size for an overcoat. A poorly fitted overcoat not only compromises comfort but also detracts from the overall aesthetic, which is particularly crucial for a garment meant to add sophistication.
Consideration of Layers: One key point highlighted in the article is the necessity of considering the layers you'll wear under the overcoat. This is a critical aspect often overlooked by men during the sizing process. The article suggests trying on overcoats with the most likely outfit you'll pair them with, whether it's a full-fledged suit or a casual sweater.
Sizing Overcoat Length: The article provides valuable advice on determining the length of the overcoat. It mentions that most people prefer a length just below the knee for a dynamic silhouette. However, it acknowledges the need for flexibility based on personal preference and body type, suggesting that those on the shorter end may opt for an above-the-knee length.
Sizing for Shoulders: Achieving the perfect fit on the shoulders is highlighted as a challenging but crucial aspect. The article recommends measuring from the base of the neck to the shoulder to determine the appropriate shoulder size. This ensures that the overcoat sits seamlessly on the shoulders, avoiding divots, wrinkles, and clumping.
Sizing Overcoat Sleeves: The article simplifies the process of sizing sleeves, stating that the overcoat sleeves should cover all of your suit jacket or coat sleeves. It suggests sizing the overcoat sleeves slightly longer than those of your blazer to ensure a neat and polished look.
Sizing the Overcoat Body: The final step involves sizing the body of the overcoat correctly. The article emphasizes the importance of sizing according to the layers you'll wear underneath. It advises against a fit that feels suffocating or excessively roomy, promoting a balance between comfort and style.
Custom Tailoring: The article concludes by advocating for custom tailoring, emphasizing that off-the-rack shopping might not cater to diverse body types. Custom tailoring ensures a perfect fit, allowing individuals to step out confidently in a well-fitted overcoat.
In summary, the article provides comprehensive guidance on how an overcoat should fit, covering aspects such as length, shoulders, sleeves, and the body of the coat. The emphasis on considering layers and the recommendation for custom tailoring align with the principles of achieving a perfect fit and a stylish appearance.
