Topcoats 2010

GSOAT · Jul 25, 2010

Despite being a grown-up (age-wise), I am still assembling a grown man's wardrobe and I am in need of a good topcoat. I am looking for topcoats in the $500-$1000 range, and was hoping to buy one that was durable and- this is important- timeless (in the sense that it isn't "out of style" in 5 years).

I have a few questions:

1. Sizing: If I wear a size 42 suit jacket, do I go for a size 44 topcoat, or are they sized to match the jacket beneath?

2. Does anyone have any buying advice, in terms of places to look for good quality bargains (I have heard that January is a good time to buy for instance)?

3. Does anyone have a specific coat that they can recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Andy

Hans · Jul 25, 2010

Originally Posted by GSOAT

1. Sizing: If I wear a size 42 suit jacket, do I go for a size 44 topcoat, or are they sized to match the jacket beneath?
Get a 42; coats are cut to accommodate a suit underneath.

Originally Posted by GSOAT

2. Does anyone have any buying advice, in terms of places to look for good quality bargains (I have heard that January is a good time to buy for instance)?
If you can still find one in the summer, that's the best time to buy.

Originally Posted by GSOAT

3. Does anyone have a specific coat that they can recommend?
I think the most important question is length. The current fashion is to wear coats short -- at or above the knee --- which I don't like because it makes the coat look like a cocktail dress. But full-length coats (mid-calf or lower) are very hard to find nowadays.

Despos · Jul 25, 2010

The amount of ease varies by maker. I am a 42 but have gone as far as wearing a 36 to get the best fit. You have to try them on. If you will have one coat get something not so dressy that it looks out of place with casual clothes and not so casual that it cannot be worn with a suit.

GSOAT · Jul 26, 2010

Thanks for your responses, Hans and Despos! I am going to continue to plow ahead. I'm leaning toward Brooks Brothers or Burberry...

The_Foxx · Jul 26, 2010

Highly recommend checking out the new line of Saks brand coats, available at the Saks men stores. Tried on a few in the Chicago store, VERY nice! Be sure to put on a suit jacket while trying on in the store.

amplifiedheat · Jul 26, 2010

Originally Posted by GSOAT

Thanks for your responses, Hans and Despos! I am going to continue to plow ahead. I'm leaning toward Brooks Brothers or Burberry...

Brooks good, Burberry evil.

KingOfTheForum · Jul 26, 2010

Originally Posted by Hans

Get a 42; coats are cut to accommodate a suit underneath.

If you can still find one in the summer, that's the best time to buy.

I think the most important question is length. The current fashion is to wear coats short -- at or above the knee --- which I don't like because it makes the coat look like a cocktail dress. But full-length coats (mid-calf or lower) are very hard to find nowadays.

I agree with all three of your points, but the ending about the difficulty of finding full-length coats seems odd to me. I can easily find full length versions of any topcoat that I search for. I guess it depends on where you search and what size you wear.

KingOfTheForum · Jul 26, 2010

Originally Posted by GSOAT

Thanks for your responses, Hans and Despos! I am going to continue to plow ahead. I'm leaning toward Brooks Brothers or Burberry...

I'd also suggest checking out Jos. A Banks. I've found their top coats to be very nice and reliable. It's my opinion that users here over-rate Brooks Brothers (among other brands). They have nice items but most of them aren't even close to being worth the prices that they charge.

Ich_Dien · Jul 26, 2010

Originally Posted by amplifiedheat

Brooks good, Burberry evil.

Burberry Prorsum make some of the best overcoats I've seen.

captoe · Jul 26, 2010

grey herringbone topcoat from j press at 40% off just around $500.

http://www.jpressonline.com/sale_out...etail.php?ix=3

Ianiceman · Jul 26, 2010

That herringbone is very nice. Understated and classic.

Living in Houston I have no need for an overcoat but still have my Dad's midnight blue Crombie should I head for northern lattitudes. Three button single breasted cashmere notched lapels. Timeless.

GSOAT · Jul 26, 2010

Thanks again, folks. Captoe- that herringbone at J. Press is fantastic, but alas, only available in a size 50R. I snoozed, I lose.

Topcoats 2010

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