J Crew University Coats - do they run on the larger side?

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone owns either the small or XS of the J Crew University Coat, especially the most recent version they offer. I was looking into buying one, as they look really nice for dress up or dress down.  I have heard they run on the larger, fuller side and have read comments from owners of the coat (who were selling their coats on ebay) that their "smalls" fit like "mediums" (hence why they were selling... or so they claim) and I want to make sure before buying.   

I have a 40 inch chest, am athletic, 31 waist. I don't like most of the wool coats I have owned in the past because they were baggy fitting (mostly all were mediums), even though at the time, I thought they looked fine; I am starting now to see how a more form fitting coat looks less sloppy and more gentlemanly. I still want to be able to fit a sweater underneath so I don't want it to fit too tight either. 

Anyone out there with similar measurements? What size JCrew coat do you wear? Thanks!

PS- How does the slim fit differ from the regular fit?  

Oh, and I can't find any store in Manhattan, that sells the damn coat so I can try it on!  If anyone knows a store in NYC that sells them, please let me know!  :)

Hi there Nell,

I was able to contact J Crew and they were able to give me more exact measurements of their University Coat, size small.  It is a 44 inches circumference under the arm pit, so at a 40 inch chest, an xtra 4 inches would be sufficient enough for a sweatah underneath. 

If it ever needs any tweaking, as in tailoring, I am better off with a regular fit so I can take it in, if need be, but it appears this size will be exactly what I needed.

Thanks!

Oh, PS for readers:  JCrew has a sale now on the University Coat for 79 bucks!  Final sales though.  Oh, also sign up for their email offers because they also added a 10 percent off and free shipping on first order coupon!  :)