My first topcoat

[slimjohnson]

I am addicted to the wealth of knowledge I consistantly find on this site.  So here's another question: I have decided to become a full-fledged adult and ditch the nylon jacket I used to wear with suits and finally get a decent black, wool topcoat.  Should I go for the double-breated with peak lapels or a single-breasted one with notch lapels?  All my suits are single and notched, so I was thinking double-breasted might mix it up a little.  Thoughts...?

 

[j]

Depends what you think will be comfortable. A DB is warmer because of the overlapped lapels, and also doesn't look right worn open, so it may be uncomfortable in some not-as-cold conditions. Also, some people think (there is some research on this apparently) that a black overcoat looks cheap or low-class. For your first, a charcoal overcoat would be the best choice IMO, as it will not clash with anything (although that's not typically a major issue with overcoats) and is versatile, etc. If it were me, I'd go with SB as it is not often cold enough to go around wearing a DB buttoned up where I live.

All that said, I have a DB black wool overcoat that looks great on me and consistently receives compliments, so...

 

[chorse123]

I think your age and career have something to do with it as well. A double-breasted overcoat looks more professional, more like the uniform of a business-man, in my opinion.

 

[drizzt3117]

I don't agree that a double breasted overcoat looks more professional, however, the color is probably quite important. I like black quite a bit for overcoats, but charcoal is a good choice as well. I would personally go with single breasted but it really depends on the climate and work environment. For your first overcoat, single is likely better.

 

[fkl118]

I think a single-breasted would be more versatile as your first overcoat. And charcoal gray would be the most versatile colour.
I tend to only wear my DB coat on really cold days, otherwise I usually prefer my SB's.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

I would go with a gray herringbone, single breasted Chesterfield coat with velvet collar as a first overcoat.  Looks great with everything.  I saw a very nice one at Brooks Brothers whose purchase I am trying to justify in my mind.  A black DB overcoat (to wear with formalwear) would be a nice second coat.

 

[HitMan009]

Charcoal single-breasted with notch napel is the best route. The velvet collar is a nice touch but I think for the first one, the simpler the better. Herringbone weave is great as long as it ain't too bold. Also depending on your location, a chesterfield which in my mind is the full length coat might not be best in say you are in NYC. Climbing up and down stairs for subways, the bottom of the coat is basically like a mop. I would go for something that hits around the knee area. This look is also in my eye a more modern cut although it has been around for just as long as any other model overcoat....

 

[AlanC]

I will join the chorus of single breasted charcoal. No on the black. Unless you go double breasted camel polo coat... (seems like I said that somewhere else recently

)

 

[FIHTies]

I will join the chorus of single breasted charcoal. No on the black. Unless you go double breasted camel polo coat... (seems like I said that somewhere else recently

)

Yeah, I keep reading that but noone says where he should get aforementioned Charcoal Coat so what good are y'all?

JJF

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanC,21 Dec. 2004, 4:28
I will join the chorus of single breasted charcoal. No on the black. Unless you go double breasted camel polo coat... (seems like I said that somewhere else recently

)
Yeah, I keep reading that but noone says where he should get aforementioned Charcoal Coat so what good are y'all?

JJF
Oh, you must mean eBay. Â

 

[FIHTies]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIHTies,21 Dec. 2004, 4:42

Originally Posted by AlanC,21 Dec. 2004, 4:28

I will join the chorus of single breasted charcoal. No on the black. Unless you go double breasted camel polo coat... (seems like I said that somewhere else recently

)
Yeah, I keep reading that but noone says where he should get aforementioned Charcoal Coat so what good are y'all?

JJF
Oh, you must mean www.FourInHand.com  Â

yes...Thats right. (I love this quote feature.)

JJF

 

[montecristo#4]

I'm going to throw in the radical suggestion of going with a navy blue coat. I always think navy is more striking than charcoal. I would stick the SB, though, unless you really decide to pimp it up and go for a camel DB, which I think is the most distinguished of overcoats. Not sure I could pull that look off, myself.

 

[zjpj83]

Would getting a velvet collar still allow you to wear it for everyday use?

I saw a gentleman this week with a clearly bespoke tan DB overcoat with a bottle greet velvet collar. The colors did not go particularly well in my opinion. Still, it was an interesting look.

 

[j]

I think the velvet is more formal, and also more likely to show signs of wear if, for example, you flip up your collar in the cold, etc. I like how they look, but I wouldn't do it for everyday.

 

[Eric]

You can get quite a few coats and be versatile if you use ebay. I am a camel loving son of a billy goat. I have 2 camel blazers, a 3/4 length SB coat, and my prized DB cashmere full length overcoat. So I'd like to say Camel, but I don't know your style.

So, I'd say start with a black SB notch lapel frock coat. Alot of people wear black topcoats because they are safe, but they do look good. What could set yours apart is fit.

Speaking of fit, reffering back to a post J made a week or so ago... Does anyone know if you can bring in the waist on a DB overcoat without ruining it?

Eric