Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Taking your measurements
• Part 2 of 3: Choosing a style for your overcoat
• Part 3 of 3: Wearing an overcoat
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

An overcoat is a traditional part of the working man's wardrobe. Overcoats are designed to be worn over suits and provide an extra layer to keep you warm while adding sophistication to your style.Finding the best fit when buying an overcoat can be confusing as there are many different types. Some good general guidelines include choosing a style, measuring your upper body accurately, and thinking about the type of weather the overcoat will be worn in.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Taking your measurements

1. Use your basic pack size as a reference. If you often wear a certain size for your business attire, keep these sizes in mind when shopping for an overcoat. If you're unsure, go to a professional tailor or buy a fabric tape measure and measure it yourself. In most cases, your optimal overcoat size will exactly match your suit size, as modern overcoats are sized to fit over a jacket or jacket.
   • A size 42 overcoat will not be exactly 42 inches (106.7 cm) around the chest. The size number is listed to match your suit size, but will actually be a few inches larger to accommodate a suit underneath.
   • If you usually wear a size 42 S suit, consider wearing your overcoat size 42 R or even 42 L for the right fit. In general, an overcoat shoulder wears a bit long and loose, as its primary purpose is to envelop the body and cover the clothing underneath.
2. Measure across your chest. Wrap a tape measure around the thickest part of your chest. For most men, this will be just below the armpits. Rest your arms at your sides during the measurement so that your chest is fully open and in the most natural position. This size will tell you how big your overcoat should be around the chest.
   • It's usually a good idea to buy a size up based on your chest size so that you have enough room to move around comfortably in your jacket. If your size is somewhere in between, round it up.
   • A friend or loved one can help you take a more accurate measurement.
3. Measure your arm length. Place the tape measure along the side of your arm and measure the distance from shoulder to wrist. Keep your arms bent with your hands on your hips. This ensures that the sleeve is long enough not to pull up too high when you bend your arms. Overcoat sleeves need to be a very defined length, so determining the length of your wingspan will help you choose a jacket that fits perfectly.
   • For store-bought overcoats, a bust size is probably all you need. However, if you are having an overcoat made or adjusted specifically for your figure, you will need to get more detailed measurements of your upper body.
   • Overcoat sleeves should be long enough to cover the sleeve of your jacket (sport coat) and the cuff of your shirt when you wear it.
4. Take your height into account. Know your exact height and be prepared to let a tailoring professional know if you are going for the more expensive tailor-made route. Overcoats come in different lengths. Full-length overcoats are the most traditional, covering the body almost to the ankles. ¾ Length coats are a more popular, modern style and are often knee-high for most men. Decide which style you prefer and what role your height will play in determining the size of the jacket.
   • If your measurements are a bit unusual (for example, if you are shorter but have long arms), you may want to have the garment professionally tailored to ensure a good fit.
   • Today ¾ overcoats are a favorite of young professionals and almost always with a slimmer, more precise fit.
5. Try on the overcoat to see how it fits. Whether you're buying a jacket off the rack or a jacket professionally tailored for your build, try it on to see how it fits. Put the jacket on and move around a bit, noting how the movement tightens and pulls the jacket around the body. An overcoat should fit comfortably and loosely over a suit, so if it feels a little tight above the waist, consider going up a size.
   • Discuss changes with a tailor or seamstress, even if you are buying a coat from the store. An oversized overcoat can be retrofitted to better suit your physique. Little can be done to make a jacket that is too small to fit better.
   • Pay attention to those areas of the jacket where there are excessive wrinkles, tension, or ridges. This usually means a wrong fit.

Part 2 of 3: Choosing a style for your overcoat

1. Buy an overcoat suitable for the weather. When choosing an overcoat and material, take into account the climate where you live. If you live in an area with harsh winters or moderate weather all year round, look for jackets made from materials such as wool and cashmere (the heavier the better). Lighter overcoats made of waxed cotton or twill are suitable for autumn evenings or places where it doesn't get too cold.
   • Winter overcoats should be quite heavy. Many men's fashion experts recommend a weight of 1.5-2 kilos for a winter coat to provide optimal insulation against the cold.
   • Light, waterproof overcoats can come in handy if you live in a place where it often rains.
2. Browse through different designs. Choose an overcoat that you like and that complements the type of clothing you normally wear and that is appropriate for the environment in which it is to be worn. One of the most popular styles is the Chesterfield, a traditional English coat usually worn at knee height and often available in anthracite, navy or black. There is also the Polo, double-breasted with large lapels and a belt at the waist. Finally, there's the instantly recognizable American-style trench coat, a full-length coat in durable canvas with a loose fit, high collar and epaulettes. One of these styles can potentially give you a good fit and the look you are trying to create.
   • Other common overcoat styles include the Paletot, Ulster and Field Coat, which come in a variety of fits and features, many of which are inspired by formal military uniforms.
   • Chesterfield, Polo or trench coats are the most versatile of styles and can be worn with outfits ranging from a sweater and khakis for a night out on the town, or formal attire for a business meeting or funeral.
3. Try different lengths. Consider the weather conditions and the type of clothing you will be wearing with it, and choose a coat length that works best for you. For style reasons you can opt for a jacket with a length of ¾, while jackets over the entire length offer better protection against the cold and wind. These aren't the only options: overcoats are available in many intermediate lengths and can be changed to suit your own preferred specifications.
   • Certain overcoat styles are associated with certain lengths. For example, the Chesterfield, Paletot and "pea coat" are made to fall around the knee, while the Polo, Ulster and trench coat are as long as possible.
4. Pick a color. After you have found the right fit and selected a style and length, you have the option to choose from a variety of colors. Black, dark gray and navy are the classic colors for formal events and are a safe choice for a universal overcoat. Khaki and light brown tones are often prescribed for casual attire, while bright and unusual colors should be reserved for casual casual wear.
   • Overcoats can be worn in the same color as the garments underneath or can be chosen to counterbalance other garments or to pair with different colors. Brown and gray, for example, go well together and can provide a striking contrast and a more dressy outfit.
   • An overcoat should be worn as a tasteful outer garment. Avoid bright, bold colors or dazzling designs.

Part 3 of 3: Wearing an overcoat

1. Add an extra layer for the cold. Choose a long, heavy overcoat for the cold weather and to dress warmly. The primary purpose of an overcoat is to act as a warm outer layer. Materials such as wool, cashmere and fleece work best for this. Look for thick fabrics, strong seams and extra features such as belts, buttons and high collars that you can use to wrap yourself in when the weather is chilly.
   • Overcoats go well with hats, gloves, scarves and cold weather essentials.
   • Nicer varieties such as Chesterfields and Polos are ideal to wear over a suit, which can be difficult to keep warm in winter with layering.
2. Protect yourself from the elements. Another function of overcoats is to create a barrier between yourself and the outside world. They provide enough coverage to ward off the wind, are tough enough to protect you from moisture and daily contact, and act as a membrane to keep your smart clothes from getting dirty. An overcoat can give you peace of mind knowing that you and your clothes stay protected and clean underneath.
   • If you think your way of life will call for a sturdy overcoat, you can try materials like cotton twill (twill), waxed canvas, or even leather. These tough materials are resistant to wear and tear and generally easy to clean.
   • Protect leather overcoats with a protective layer of oil to make them water resistant.
3. Create a more formal look. Put an overcoat over a fleece or windbreaker the next time you need to make a good impression. Overcoats are a type of formal garment that never goes out of style. You will look much more dressed up in a well-fitting, well-chosen overcoat than in regular outerwear (or be surprised by cold weather in just a suit).
   • Black, charcoal and navy should be your regular color choices for formal wear.
   • An overcoat can and should be worn where a casual coat would be inappropriate.
4. Dare to stand out. Although overcoats have become a less common fashion choice in modern times, they are still considered the pinnacle of men's business and formal style. You will stand out from the crowd and be taken seriously as a man of sophistication once you have a nice overcoat hanging from your coat rack. It's a great way to add some classic style to your wardrobe, and you're sure to make heads turn when you walk past a crowd of people all wearing the same thing.
   • Go for modern styles and materials and an accentuated fit. Overcoats are characterized by a slightly vintage aesthetic and can look like a fad if not chosen carefully.

Tips

• Keep your overcoat in a clean and dry place when you are not wearing it, preferably on a hanger to keep it smooth and off the floor.
• Wool and cashmere overcoats should only be professionally dry cleaned. Never try to wash a wool coat yourself. Follow specific cleaning instructions for other materials.
• A double-breasted overcoat can give you a more formal look.
• As an overcoat is traditionally a business and formal piece of clothing, it is generally best not to pair it with casual items such as jeans, T-shirts or trainers.

Warnings

• Better to choose a little too big too a little too small when trying on an overcoat. Larger overcoats can be taken in, but there is little you can do about an overcoat that is too tight.
• Keep wool and leather overcoats out of the rain unless you are wearing leather that has been specially treated.

Necessities

• Tape measure for fabrics
• Pencil
• Paper
• Suit (for the right size)