Why are overcoats such a neglected piece apparel. - Page 4

I emphatically agree! A variety of coats is not an extravagance - why should the outer layer (often the first thing others see) not be as smart and as appropriate as the suit underneath? Diifferent styles of indoor clothing require different styles of outdoor coat to be worn with them. Here in the UK outdoor coats are grossly neglected, some men having none and many putting on incongruous sportsgear over their suits. I consider a coat to be almost as important as the suit.

I've not been in Crombie for ages. They've moved haven't they?

Same here. I've stopped myself buying any more because I figure the five or so I have should be enough. But every winter I end up thinking about adding another. I love the drama an overcoat can lend a silhouette.

I'm in the two overcoat camp. All I need is a camelhair polo coat and a navy chesterfield. Currently have zero so need to get to work on those purchases. Prefer to purchase them rather than get made but don't know if that is an option. Edit: Speaking of which, I guess I should start thinking about this because if my only option is to get them made I need to start that soon. Currently have zero coats. I am thinking about getting the polo coat this winter and chesterfield next. Anything wrong with a polo coat being your first and only overcoat? Also, is there a good place in NYC to find these? Right now I am just thinking Brooks Brothers or Polo are my two options if I decide to go RTW.

Brooks used to make a nice one. Not sure about now. Polo's last season was really perfect. I almost bit even though the back balance was noticeably short. From the front, it looked bespoke.

The Mcr. store moved about six doors up on the same street (King Street)... Edit; probably so they could be next door to Hermes...

I love overcoats, both classics and what I consider crazy classics, like hairy alpacas from the lost idiot savants of English outerwear. I must have close to thirty.

Practically speaking though, like Georgie, I do find them superfluous if I'm driving or have a driver when the weather is bad. I'll only bother with them during the week, even on the coldest days, if I plan to walk somewhere and the weather is compatible with appropriate shoes.


- B

Thanks, I noticed online that O'Connells sellls one too (I think that is in Buffalo).

Have you ever noticed if they change much season to season? I've seen a few recent photos of Polo's version (I'm assuming it was last year, I loved the color) and it would be my first choice.

No, but then I don't pay attention that much. I just know that you can't take for granted that something you liked at Polo one year will be there the following year.

Ok, I wonder when they will start coming out again. Still a little hot but hoping that they will be out soon enough for me to decide to purchase one or go bespoke.

I have never paid attention either. Always lived where it was hot and this will be my first NYC winter so first real need for a nice overcoat.

I bought a navy Polo made in Italy overcoat last year; I think for about $400ish on sale. Absolutely love the thing. Its quite far from boxy, incredibly warm, and makes me wish I still walked to work so I could wear it outside more

Ah yes ... when the out-of-doors is defined as that space between front door and automobile.

Unfortunately when living in the great white north it's a must have. When the mercury drops below -35 ( -31 for you fahrenheit folk ) I still feel the need to whip out the parka. Style goes completely out the window at -50 ( -58 F).

When the weather is right.....



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Some years back I was headed to the Florida Keys for a February visit with my mother. It was a VERY warm winter day at the point of departure ... and I had on a linen shirt, Bermuda shorts, & sandals. My casual outfit was in part due to the fact that I had planned to fly privately, but due to mechanical problems and a lack of substitute aircraft I switched to commercial -- a one stop via Memphis to Miami ... afterwhich I'd take a commuter flight or drive.

As I was about to check the luggage, I was thinking it would be a good idea to change into something more appropriate for commercial air travel ... but I lost sight of my better judgement and stuck with what I had on. About the time I reached the departure gate, it was announced that Memphis had been shut down due to a greater than expected snow fall. Before I had time to really think about what I was doing, I was sitting on a flight to Minneapolis -- and with me still in shorts & sandals -- a flight that would arrive in Minneapolis just in time to miss that day's last connection to Miami.

Upon my arrival at MSP ... it was -40 outside ... and my luggage wasn't with me ... and even had it been ... there was no overcoat ... no parka ... perhaps a light Maus & Hoffman sweater "blazer." All I will say is the jaunt from airport door to hotel courtesy van is one I'll never forget.