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Proper Overcoat Measurements?

post #1 of 13
9/20/11 at 3:17pm
Thread Starter 
Gents -
About how much additional size should one allow for an overcoat in the shoulders and chest? In the BOC length? Much thanks.
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post #2 of 13
9/20/11 at 3:37pm
The standard-issue GQ advice is to ratchet up your overcoat by one size. I find this to be total bullshit. Some manufacturers already factor the suit in when designing the overcoat.

That said, try it on while wearing a suit just to be sure. Also, if you plan on driving a lot wearing both the suit and overcoat, make sure you can comfortably move your arms.
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post #3 of 13
9/20/11 at 3:39pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sazerac View Post

The standard-issue GQ advice is to ratchet up your overcoat by one size. I find this to be total bullshit. Some manufacturers already factor the suit in when designing the overcoat.

That said, try it on while wearing a suit just to be sure. Also, if you plan on driving a lot wearing both the suit and overcoat, make sure you can comfortably move your arms.

Well I'm trying to buy one online - but I think I may try to try one on somewhere and note the measurements and then go from there
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post #4 of 13
9/20/11 at 4:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sazerac View Post

The standard-issue GQ advice is to ratchet up your overcoat by one size. I find this to be total bullshit. Some manufacturers already factor the suit in when designing the overcoat.

Agreed. A size 38 overcoat (for example) will already be slightly larger in the chest and shoulders than an equivalent size 38 suit jacket to account for being worn over one. I don't know exactly how much this is though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by unbelragazzo View Post

In the BOC length?

I'm not sure what you're looking for with regard to the length, the length of an overcoat is an entirely stylistic choice so there is no fixed 'additional measurement'.
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post #5 of 13
9/20/11 at 4:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum View Post


I'm not sure what you're looking for with regard to the length, the length of an overcoat is an entirely stylistic choice so there is no fixed 'additional measurement'.

Are there accepted standard lengths for different kinds of overcoats though? For example, is a Chesterfield supposed to be a certain length?
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post #6 of 13
9/20/11 at 5:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by unbelragazzo View Post

Are there accepted standard lengths for different kinds of overcoats though? For example, is a Chesterfield supposed to be a certain length?

If there were they would be in relation to inches above or below the knee, as the total length is obviously dependant on the height of the wearer.
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post #7 of 13
9/20/11 at 5:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum View Post


If there were they would be in relation to inches above or below the knee, as the total length is obviously dependant on the height of the wearer.

That sounds right - is there such an ideal number?
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post #8 of 13
9/20/11 at 5:46pm
I find that there isn't a rule of thumb. In some brands 42-44 overcoat fits me - and I wear a 38.
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post #9 of 13
9/20/11 at 8:40pm
Nobody has asked but how do you intend to wear it? Normally an overcoat is sized to wear over a suit. If you aren't wearing a jacket under it then the normal size will likely be too big. OTOH if you're padded like the Michelin man with multiple layers then you might find it too small.

In the past overcoats were always past the knee. These days shorter ones have become more common. It's up to you to decide what you want. Consider your weather along with everything else.
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post #10 of 13
9/20/11 at 9:07pm
Thread Starter 
Yea, will mostly be wearing it over jackets. I'm in DC, which isn't brutally cold, so I don't really need knee-length. Also I'm looking for a coat that's a bit more casual, so maybe shorter fits that bill?
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post #11 of 13
9/20/11 at 9:42pm
It's not so much cold. If you've got driving rain/snow then the shorter the coat the more of your pants that will get wet.

Knee length is already shorter then full length.
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post #12 of 13
9/20/11 at 9:45pm
Thread Starter 
Good points - I have a couple that are pretty full length - I think I'll be OK going with this one more knee-length, as long as there are no "rules" against it.
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post #13 of 13
9/21/11 at 1:23am
One length I hear very little of is the 'Duster' length (to the ankle). I know they are 'out' but there are a few die-hards on here that still wear them.
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