Shearling Coat

wldthistle · Dec 5, 2006

Since it's been getting cold here in DC, and I don't really have much cold weather wear, I've been looking at coats on ebay. I've been considering authentic pea coats, but have also run across some shearling coats. I do like the idea of a long coat. How do you think one would look on a young guy (early 20s, 5'10", ~155 lbs.)?

This is the coat I've had my eye on, though at first I wasn't looking at it very seriously. Now I'm tempted:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Neiman-Marcus-Lo...QQcmdZViewItem
I don't know how much it will end up going for, but what do you guys think?

How do you think it would fit? I just measured around my chest, and came up with 36-37 inches (I'm not exactly sure how I should measure... inhale? how tight?). The auction lists a pit to pit measurement of 21".

If any of you are still awake, I would very much appreciate your opinions!

-Greg

j · Dec 5, 2006

It might fit you and it is a very nice coat, but I don't see a young guy pulling that off easily. No offense meant, but it's one of those things that if you had to ask, you probably couldn't. FWIW, I don't think I'd try it either.

Also, shearling is sort of delicate for everyday use. Remember that the outside is like suede, so almost anything will stain it. You can use protective sprays, but it's still pretty dicey with everyday wear.

Full Canvas · Dec 5, 2006

Nice coat. Great price as the auction stands currently. However, you might ask yourself how practical it is if it's going to be your only warm coat.

Shearling like the one in this auction is rather casual and outdoorsy. If you need a coat that is dressy, this is not it. A good looking shearling is so distinctive that people won't forget it. So, if you don't have another warm coat in your wardrobe rotation, the shearling is going to "get old" in a hurry for those that you meet regularly.

If your budget allows it, your idea of a pea coat along with this shearling and a warm parka will see you through quite a few winters.

I'm going to bed now.

Good luck!
___________________________________________

rnoldh · Dec 5, 2006

The seller seems to be saying in many different ways that the coat is "Worn", and could benefit from a "Restoration, cleaning", which would be very expensive for Shearling.

IMO: Stay away from it!

wldthistle · Dec 5, 2006

Originally Posted by j

It might fit you and it is a very nice coat, but I don't see a young guy pulling that off easily.

What would you recommend instead? I've been reading the recent thread on coats for a young guy, which is what pointed me in the direction of pea coats. I would like something longer though... and what seems to be the "extended version", the bridge coat, doesn't really appeal to me. I guess there's the wool overcoat (I have one that I wear over a suit), but that seems a bit formal when I'm not wearing a suit.

-Greg

j · Dec 5, 2006

Yeah, there aren't many options for longer coats that look less formal. I think an overcoat does almost require a collared shirt or at least a nice sweater or something - wearing it over a t-shirt looks a bit too Lloyd Dobler for me. You could go with a less formal style of overcoat and make an effort to dress up a bit. If you do, make sure it fits reasonably well, maybe tighter than it would need to be to get it on over a suit.

There is also the duffel coat, though I'm personally not a fan of the toggles.

Edit: there is also the border guard parka (not sure of its official name), which is very warm and not very formal, and ties into the recent military jacket trend if you are into that:

http://www.surplusandadventure.com/i...opscr3457.html

wldthistle · Dec 5, 2006

Originally Posted by j

There is also the duffel coat, though I'm personally not a fan of the toggles.
I'm with you on that one. I hadn't heard of the duffel coat until just recently, but my interest quickly faded when I saw the toggles. :-/

j · Dec 5, 2006

And there's also the flight jacket style parka with optional furry collar, though every girl in the world has the short one.

http://www.flyingtigerssurplus.com/b...-shbgid-5.html

wldthistle · Dec 5, 2006

I think my problem is I want something between formal and casual. Overcoats (at least the ones I'm familiar with) are too formal. Jackets like the parka you linked to are too casual. Well, they're not what I want. I already have a rather heavy casual jacket (though not as nice as that parka). I already have an overcoat. My everyday style tends to be in the middle though, and I don't have anything warm in the middle.

j · Dec 5, 2006

There isn't much in the middle, unfortunately.

wldthistle · Dec 5, 2006

Well, I decided to place a bid, and I won the auction. The first person to bid on the coat looked like a reseller of some sort... bought "luxury" clothing in all different sizes. At first I thought he was pretty likely to win the auction. I got it though!

Ok, it might be a bit odd for someone my age to wear a coat like this, but I think I'm going to enjoy it. Thank you to everyone, especially j, for helping me explore my other options for a long coat in between formal and casual. A pea coat is still on the wish list.

-Greg

thinman · Dec 5, 2006

Congrats! If your new coat doesn't work for you, you might check the shearling coats sold by STP.

I would think a peacoat would fit your needs for something between formal and casual, though.

wldthistle · Dec 5, 2006

Thank you thinman. I think a pea coat would (hopefully will) work pretty well, but I wanted to start out with something longer.

kitonbrioni · Dec 5, 2006

It looks like you got a nice coat at a good price. Please post a picture showing how it fits you.

wldthistle · Dec 13, 2006

It fits pretty well. Could be a little bit smaller. It looks like at one point somebody converted the coat to a double-breasted. In the picture you can see three light spots where a second row of buttons was attached. They're not noticeable in person though... must have been the camera flash. Overall the coat is in very good shape. Not mint, but probably better than I expected. I'm very happy with the purchase.

One question: with coats like this, are you supposed to leave the bottom button undone?

Shearling Coat

Well-Known Member

(stands for Jerk)

Distinguished Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Well-Known Member

(stands for Jerk)

Well-Known Member

(stands for Jerk)

Well-Known Member

(stands for Jerk)

Well-Known Member

Distinguished Member

Well-Known Member

Distinguished Member

Well-Known Member

Classic Menswear Featured products

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: