Help with coat sizing

[ncch]

Hi everyone !

I’ve been looking for a peacoat that isn’t crazy expensive and finally found one from a local brand. I ordered online and it was the last one so I got a size larger than I usually wear. I usually wear an 8 and got a 10. Figured it’d work since I want to be able to layer and wear something thicker than a shirt underneath, maybe a light sweater. Couple of the reviews also said that the armhole and arms run tight.

I received the coat a couple weeks ago and thought it fit pretty well. Maybe slightly loose and a touch bigger in shoulders but the reviews were right in that the armhole and arms run tight. But because I sized up I could layer with a bunch of different tops and was fine. I tried it on again over the weekend and I think the shoulders may be a little too big and makes me look wide. And I don’t know if this is in my head bc I ordered a size up and I hate sizing up. (Even in shoes… )

Now for the question to you all - do you think the size difference between the 8 and 10 is significant enough for me to try to track that size down and try it on ? I’m thinking maybe a size M and L will fit different but between numbered sizing - maybe not that different ?

Thanks all !

 

[papertiger]

Long explanation - but I want everyone to understand why people should order their normal size in most clothes. If clothes are not TTS, different matter, but manufacturers usually compensate for usage (as in winter coats going over things) or fashion style of garment (as in body con or oversized). It is especially true of shoulder width*.

Until a certain size (different for each brand) the shoulders, length of sleeve, length of body and width across the chest with be to scale. At a certain point the shoulders, length of body and sleeves do not increase per size - which will then change the silhouette. A US 8 or 10 is still in the average range of being scaled-up proportionally for a personas frame (skeleton) size and height and not adjusted for shape (weight).

Sizing is different for all brands, sometimes even single products made outsourced factories.Shoulders have to fit on a jacket or coat - unless you want to go oversized. If you get the shoulders correct, everything else can be determined whether as to whether the actual jacket really fits or can at least be tailored to fit. Until the shoulders fit, it's actually hard to tell whether the jacket is just too big or not a good cut (for you).

A peacoat is supposed to be able to go on top of things, a manufacturer usually accounts for that thinking people will order their usual size and the shoulders will be standard measurement for that territory. I think you should order your usual size.

*Weight gain or loss, muscle gain or loss. Even if someone's arms bet bigger/more slender with weight, even if their back gets rounder, their shoulders are the same width. If the shoulders fit but the arms or chest is too tight/loose, it's the right size but needs alteration(s) or just the wrong shape for the person.

 

[880]

tried it on again over the weekend and I think the shoulders may be a little too big and makes me look wide. And I don’t know if this is in my head bc I ordered a size up and I hate sizing up

Return it and start over. You won’t want to wear it under these circumstances

 

[Love Of My Life]

A coat should fit well in the shoulders & you should feel confident wearing the coat.
I'd try to locate the smaller size down & go from there.
It's also the end of the season here ( NYC area) so perhaps consider waiting for the new
fall 2025 season & another style may catch your eye, JMO

 

[CoastalCouture]

If the shoulders are too big, it may be the wrong size. If the armhole is small, or high then this could be a problem area for this particular coat and your body needs. It may not be the right cut for you. It's worth noting, though, that higher cut armholes allow for greater ease of movement of the arms.

Another thought is that you may not be used to wearing tailored garments that often. Shoulders in coats are often built up and padded to support the structure of the garment. Do you have pics to share?

 

[ncch]

You all are the best ! Thank you so much for all the advice here.

Coastal couture - I think you are absolutely right that I am not used to wearing super tailored coats with shoulder pads and that’s why I felt awkward in it!

Its also a just heavy wool coat - I’m used to wearing a down jacket or lighter coats even in the middle of winter.

My sister came over yesterday so I showed her the coat and she thinks it’s perfect and any smaller wouldn’t fit right but she also tried it on and liked it so she’s going to wear the next few days and I will borrow and we will share ? Worked out

Thanks all !