How do you know if a coat is too small? (2024)

How do you know if a coat is too small?

How do you know if your coat doesn't fit correctly? Stand in front of a mirror and look for signs that the fit isn't right. If the sleeves don't cover your wrists and the bottom of the coat rides up — like the image on the left — the coat is too small.

There should be just enough room for the layers you would normally wear underneath your coat; it should not look baggy or too loose on your body. Keep in mind that a coat that's too tight performs differently, too.

If you can barely raise your arms, the coat is definitely not the right size. If you can do the hug but the coat feels a bit tight through the elbows or in the shoulders, it would be a good idea to try on the next size up.

The back panel of the jacket should end just below the bottom of the seat, and the jacket should be perfectly parallel and level to the ground (not “hiked up” in the front or back).

Buy a Size That Fits Your Wardrobe

“We often encourage guys to size up when it comes to outerwear. If your coat is snug with a blazer or a sweater underneath, you should go for a bigger size. If the sleeves are too long, you can always get them tailored. It's worth the effort.”

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The sleeves should be long enough to cover your wrists, and the shoulders should be wide enough that you can hug yourself comfortably, even with an extra layer underneath. The back of the jacket should gently follow the curve of your back.

Generally, there are three basic winter coat lengths every woman should have in her closet: a hip-length coat, a mid-thigh coat, and a mid-calf coat. Why not invest in all three? That way you have a different length for every type of occasion.

You should be able to lift an arm up above your head without the hem of the jacket lifting more than an inch or so, and the sleeves should be long enough that when carrying out the same motion, they aren't mid-way up your forearm.

How far down should an overcoat go?

The Length

A ¾ length coat should hang just below your knees. Whereas, a full-length is meant to hang near your ankles. A full-length coat is better suited to a man with a tall structure.

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For the most flattering fit, ensure that neither the bottom of the jacket nor the bottoms of the sleeves end at the widest points of the body (i.e., the widest points of the bust, stomach, or hips). It is not necessary to mimic men's styles when wearing a suit.

This is the general advice for buying a jacket so that it won't be too tight. Having the jacket a little bigger than your normal size will also help to ensure that you can easily layer it over other items.

It should feel comfortable, but not so loose that there's bunching of material. As with all winter coats, Alexander suggests trying it on with a jumper or whatever you'd normally wear underneath.

The first rule of suit alterations is that taking away or reducing the amount of fabric is doable, but you can't make something bigger, at least not by much. Exactly how much depends on what allowances of extra material were under the seams or hems of the garments.

This is the most common and easiest suit jacket alteration to get a like-custom fit without spending a fortune. If you are finding there is too much tension at the button of your jacket, you can have the waist let out. How much your jacket can be let out is determined by the seam allowance in the side and back seams.

If you're used to buying tailored clothing from US retailers, you'll know that your suit jacket size should roughly translate to your chest circumference as measured in inches. For a slimmer fit, choose a jacket size ~1″ smaller than your (body measurement) chest circumference.

Generally, when you're looking for outerwear, the rule is to go for a size bigger. What you don't want to do though, is to go for a size that makes you look more like a pile of coats than a person wearing one. When you try on your coat, make sure that you allow plenty of room for jumpers and layering.

How many coats should you own?

The simple answer is you should own a minimum of 3 jackets. A casual jacket for everyday wear, a smart jacket and a winter coat.

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Soak the jacket in cold water for 15-20 minutes, or until it is completely saturated. Allow excess water to drain while the jacket is laying down, then lay flat on a towel or table. Gently pull at both sides of the body or sleeve to stretch it out.

A 3/4 length coat (one that is just above the knee) is flattering for most average height people. If you're petite a slightly shorter (medium length)coat is often better.

Look for vertical stitch detailing that will draw the eye down the body, or belted styles that will help cinch you in at the waist, creating an hourglass body shape. Well-fitted coats, that sit across the shoulders neatly, or slim-fitting wool or cotton varieties will always give a more slimming effect.

A topcoat should be trim. It should reach to just above your knee, and it should be the same size as the suit you wear (not a size larger). You can be like this fellow and go for a dark single-breasted version (it never fails), or maybe you want something bolder.

“Unless it's intentionally oversized, an overcoat should sit comfortably on top of whatever else you're wearing – not too tight, but not hanging like a blanket over your shoulders either.” That Goldilocks rule applies to its colour, too.

Can you stretch out a wool coat?

Begin by soaking the wool in a bath of warm water and baby shampoo or hair conditioner, then take the wool out and gently stretch it manually to get it to its original dimensions. In less than twenty minutes your garment should be back to its normal size and look as good as new.

More major adjustments like altering the size of the wool coat may not be possible. For this to be possible, the coat will need to be taken apart and sewn again. Significant alterations like this can lead to problems with the pockets and buttonholes.

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If the temperature is over 60 degrees, the heat index is used. Winter jacket: Less than 25 degrees. Light to medium coat: 25 to 44 degrees. Fleece: 45 to 64 degrees.

The sleeves should be long enough to cover your wrists, and the shoulders should be wide enough that you can hug yourself comfortably, even with an extra layer underneath. The back of the jacket should gently follow the curve of your back.

You should be able to lift an arm up above your head without the hem of the jacket lifting more than an inch or so, and the sleeves should be long enough that when carrying out the same motion, they aren't mid-way up your forearm.

Soak the jacket in cold water for 15-20 minutes, or until it is completely saturated. Allow excess water to drain while the jacket is laying down, then lay flat on a towel or table. Gently pull at both sides of the body or sleeve to stretch it out.

It should feel comfortable, but not so loose that there's bunching of material. As with all winter coats, Alexander suggests trying it on with a jumper or whatever you'd normally wear underneath.