How Big Should a Winter Coat Be?

[APK]

I'm browsing for a couple new winter coats and am wondering how big they should be. Obviously you want to leave enough room for layering, but you don't want to be swimming in it. For instance, if I've got a 40-inch chest, what's the ideal chest measurement on the coat?

 

[robbie]

size down

size down

size down to a 38.

 

[dusty]

The question depends on too many factors to answer categorically. It's a question only trying on will answer.

 

[Bam!ChairDance]

I've found that, when people advise you to "leave room for layering," they often don't think about how much room these other layers actually occupy. Certainly the size of a sweater and another shirt will add thickness to your body, but this is not the same as the difference between two clothing sizes. You'd be giving yourself all this additional room for garments that would only take up a fraction of that space. So wear something that fits. And only size down if the coat (say, Sterlingwear) has super goofy sizing. Look at the particulars of the coat first.

 

[APK]

I'm checking out eBay at the moment, which makes it more difficult than something I'd be able to try on first. I ask mostly because I've had jackets in the past that fit great everywhere but then felt too tight in the back when I extended my arms too much. I'm not opposed to slim fits, but don't want to do the Chris Farley "fat guy in a little coat" routine, either.