I would do a different knot if you're actually buttoning the coat to keep warm. Otherwise, I think single breasted coats look better worn open.
There's another coat thread on the SWD side of the board. A bit more fashion forward, but there are some really awesome photos in there.
http://www.styleforum.net/t/439481/over-the-shoulders-under-the-knees-long-coats/0_20
Lots of single breasted styles, too.
BTW, the coat currently looks a touch big on you. You could try layering it over a light jacket.
Valid points, you are well on your way of convincing me I actually want a DB coat, just not an under the knee long one. I am planning on buttoning up most of the time.
I had a look through the SWD topic, there's some nice stuff in there indeed, but most of it isn't actually what I'm looking for, which makes me want to steer away from this coat at this point.
I agree it is a bit big, not by much I think though. My main fit issue would be that it has a little too much room in the chest, is that also what you mean?
Were this a sports coat or something, I would definitely consider it outright too big
I don't think he should even wear a single-breasted coat closed, but if he had to, a lower buttoning point can give some visual interest with a scarf, whereas a high buttoning point will just make him look like bolt of fabric with long line of buttons. When worn open, the buttoning point will determine the line of the lapel, not how much "v-space" there is for wind to come through.
If it's actually cold out, he can just wear a different coat. Single breasted coats worn open can be nice on cool days, and I imagine he can own different clothes for different weather conditions.
That is exactly my concern!
And yes, I (can) own different coats for different weather conditions, but am specifically looking for a long overcoat which I can button up.
I had a black wool 3 button SB overcoat from my pre-SF days which doesn't fit me anymore after losing some weight, and am looking to replace that with a non black one which I put some more thought into this time.
All in all, I'm on the verge of returning the coat at this point
Finding a good coat is hard work... fortunately I (still) enjoy the chase so far