The beauty of MAX MARA coats...(photos please)

[mery_v]

I tried size IT 36 at Maxmara Store. At that time I thought it was too big so I ended up ordering IT 34. After trying it at home with Jumpers/ I found it way too tight around my armpits. I returned it and ordered size IT 40 online. It arrived... depending how I wore it it looked lovely in an oversize type of coat way however my head looked so tiny in comparison to my coat . I'm now ordering size IT 38. The reason why I'm ordering these coats online is because they had none of the sizes in stock at MaxMara Stores. I felt pressed by the sales clerks at that time to buy IT 36 but I'm glad I didn't force myself to buy it.

As reference .. I did alot of research on YouTube/ Instagram to try and figure out which size to buy..(I'm 167cm all) found majority opting for a tighter fitting Size IT 34 the smallest size .. or opting for the oversize look IT40-42.

I also found YouTube videos confusing about the sizing for the same reason, it was on both ends of the sizing chart
Since I already have the IT 38 at home, it might be helpful for you to see how it looks on me (for reference I am 170 cm)
I haven’t tried smaller than 38 but after trying 42,40 and 38, I don’t think I’d like the coat smaller than 38 which I believe is the best size out of the three for me.
I hope you find the best size for you!

 

[beat_boutique]

I also found YouTube videos confusing about the sizing for the same reason, it was on both ends of the sizing chart
Since I already have the IT 38 at home, it might be helpful for you to see how it looks on me (for reference I am 170 cm)
I haven’t tried smaller than 38 but after trying 42,40 and 38, I don’t think I’d like the coat smaller than 38 which I believe is the best size out of the three for me.
I hope you find the best size for you!

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Oh wow.. thank you so much for the photos. This colour looks amazing on you. I also love the way it fits... it doesn't make your head look tiny.. you have the right proportion. I'm now... debating whether I should order it in black .

 

[CarryOn2020]

Do they make a shorter [above the knee] version of this coat? I have several of their short coats, but they have the snaps, not the buttons. I know the Rialto is shorter, but I don’t want a robe coat. Finding coats with buttons has become increasingly difficult.

The black coat above is gorgeous!
Max Mara does black, navy and camel extremely well.

 

[mery_v]

Oh wow.. thank you so much for the photos. This colour looks amazing on you. I also love the way it fits... it doesn't make your head look tiny.. you have the right proportion. I'm now... debating whether I should order it in black .

Thank you
I didn't mean to confuse you The Camel Madame is a classic, I am sure you would find it so versatile and wear it a lot. If I didn't have the Camel Manuela (which I love, no regrets there regardless of the size), I definitely would’ve gone for the camel Madame.
I’ll attach a picture of the Camel Manuela (IT 42) just to see the difference between the colours on me xx

 

[BigAkoya]

I also found YouTube videos confusing about the sizing for the same reason, it was on both ends of the sizing chart
Since I already have the IT 38 at home, it might be helpful for you to see how it looks on me (for reference I am 170 cm)
I haven’t tried smaller than 38 but after trying 42,40 and 38, I don’t think I’d like the coat smaller than 38 which I believe is the best size out of the three for me.
I hope you find the best size for you!

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Hi! First, the coat looks nice on you.
However, I would try one size up again and double-check as I feel it's now looking like a Manuela and not like a Madame.
Are you sure one size up is too big?
The smaller size you have on I feel is no longer the "oversized" look, and it has shrunk a bit too much. The coat is supposed to be oversized with a slouchy shoulder and big kimono sleeves. With the coat you have on, the shoulders fit you, but that's the point; I think the shoulders need to be slouchier.

I also feel the sleeves are a tiny bit short on you for that oversized look, especially when I see your left sleeve which that sleeve length would definitely be too short for my liking on an oversized coat. It may be that the size is just a bit small on you for the overall look. Maybe try one size up and see if it works.

This photo is from the MaxMara website, and I pasted the camel color so you can see the line of coat better vs. in black.
See how slouchy it is on her? Look at her shoulder, armpit chest area. Look at her sleeve length. That's the look for that casual loose boyfriend bubble top coat.

I honestly think you can go up a size, but it's all preference.
I just feel the look of this coat is meant to be slouchy. It's not like the Manuela which is a sleeker look, so the fit should not mimick the Manuela. Otherwise, if you want the fit of a Manuela, just get another Manuela.

Hope this helps. In the end of course, it's what you like, but this coat is meant to have a big slouchy look. Big kimono sleeves is a focal point.

 

[BigAkoya]

To help you decide...
Here is a video from MaxMara that shows the slouchiness:

https://us.maxmara.com/icon-coats/101801

This is also their writeup... it's all about those shoulders and sleeves, and it should not be fitted. Think sloppy and slouchy!
If you can live with that look, it's a great look. And just remember, this coat was created in 1981... that was when huge boyfriend jackets were the rage as they are now (think Hailey Bieber). Bigger is better with this coat in my opinion, assuming that's a look you want of course. It's a very deliberate look.

The unmistakable oversized line, deconstructed sleeves, classic lapels, elegant double-breasted fastening, lining customised with the Max Mara logo and dedicated label are all distinctive elements of this coat that make it an ultimate iconic item.

 

[mery_v]

Ahh, the coat looks gorgeous on the model... but then again I think she would look equally good even in a bin bag

You are absolutely right, it is designed to be an oversized coat, it should fit like an oversized coat and size IT40 looks on me pretty much as oversized as it probably should.... but when I tried it on I didn't think it was a good look on me: massive shoulders and very overwhelming...after that I ordered the Manuela

Maybe I should try it again soI don't make the same mistake I did with the Manuela (every time I put it on now I can't help but think that I should have gone for a smaller size)
...or maybe I am one of those people who want the Madame but, as you said it, can't embrace the oversized sloppy look as it was meant to be xx

 

[BigAkoya]

Ahh, the coat looks gorgeous on the model... but then again I think she would look equally good even in a bin bag

You are absolutely right, it is designed to be an oversized coat, it should fit like an oversized coat and size IT40 looks on me pretty much as oversized as it probably should.... but when I tried it on I didn't think it was a good look on me: massive shoulders and very overwhelming...after that I ordered the Manuela

Maybe I should try it again soI don't make the same mistake I did with the Manuela (every time I put it on now I can't help but think that I should have gone for a smaller size)
...or maybe I am one of those people who want the Madame but, as you said it, can't embrace the oversized sloppy look as it was meant to be xx

By the way, I think your camel Manuela fits you great from what I can see in that one photo. The shoulder seam lines up perfectly with your shoulder to keep that line. The sleeves are loose as it should be. The Manuela is not an oversized coat, but it is still a looose fit. It's not meant to be a tailored fit. My Manuela is loose like your also for what it's worth.

When you get your Manuela and compare sizing, do the "cross your arms back and forth" test to be sure the shoulder/chest/armpit is not too tight. And ofcourse, throw on that fluffiest cashmere sweater you have to be sure it looks good over a thick sweater. Speaking of fluffy cashmere sweaters, I am obsessed with La Ligne. I love their sweaters.

Hope you decide and pick a coat! Max Mara coats are gorgeous.n

 

[beat_boutique]

Ahh, the coat looks gorgeous on the model... but then again I think she would look equally good even in a bin bag

You are absolutely right, it is designed to be an oversized coat, it should fit like an oversized coat and size IT40 looks on me pretty much as oversized as it probably should.... but when I tried it on I didn't think it was a good look on me: massive shoulders and very overwhelming...after that I ordered the Manuela

Maybe I should try it again soI don't make the same mistake I did with the Manuela (every time I put it on now I can't help but think that I should have gone for a smaller size)
...or maybe I am one of those people who want the Madame but, as you said it, can't embrace the oversized sloppy look as it was meant to be xx

... I'm having the same problem... I just returned the IT 38 today .. and now wishing I had kept it.. It was very slouchy.. depending how the coat was positioned, it looked ok.. and than somehow oversized..... but maybe it was suppose to look that way. How confusing... maybe I should order both sizes again just to be sure. I'm obsessed with this coat because it's a classic and it's suppose to be timeless...

 

[BigAkoya]

... I'm having the same problem... I just returned the IT 38 today .. and now wishing I had kept it.. It was very slouchy.. depending how the coat was positioned, it looked ok.. and than somehow oversized..... but maybe it was suppose to look that way. How confusing... maybe I should order both sizes again just to be sure. I'm obsessed with this coat because it's a classic and it's suppose to be timeless...

You are too cute!
All I can say is go with your gut feel and how you like the look. My gut is you will feel the same.. too big and slouchy.
I have tried this coat on several times, hoping to love it each time, but nope... it's super slouchy, there is too much fabric around the chest/armpit/arm area, and that is not my look.

If you can convince yourself you love big and slouchy, then I think you will love this coat. Otherwise, you won't feel great wearing it, and may not grab it often or regret the purchase. Also think how that slouchy coat look fits with your wardrobe. Some people love it; others not.

Timeless is a marketing theme. White button down oxford shirts are timeless, pearls are timeless, ballet shoes are timeless, etc... yet these styles are not for everyone.

Everyone has a look, and you just need to decide if the big slouchy coat is your look.
I keep saying this, but this coat is meant to be big and sloppy. Don't try and size it down as the look is now not the same (e.g. sleeves too short because the size is too small, not enough big droop on the shoulder, etc). If you want less slouchy, the best is to get a coat with a set-in shoulder.

Maybe the Manuela is more to your liking. It is still a generous loose coat, but the set-in shoulders give it a more crispy look.

I like Net-A-Porter a lot as they have videos of outfits and how the piece fits and lays on the body.
To help you compare Manuel and Madame, here are links to two videos. You can see Manuela is still a very loose and casual look. For Madame, look at the sleeves/shoulders in the video.

Coat shopping is worse than jean shopping! Actually, it's not that bad... once you decide on a style, you can buy multiples.
That's why they offer so many colors; you can stock up!

Manuela: https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/...-icon-belted-camel-hair-coat/1647597292605947

Madame: https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/...-wool-and-cashmere-blend-coat/665933303132717

Good luck!

 

[beat_boutique]

You are too cute!
All I can say is go with your gut feel and how you like the look. My gut is you will feel the same.. too big and slouchy.
I have tried this coat on several times, hoping to love it each time, but nope... it's super slouchy, there is too much fabric around the chest/armpit/arm area, and that is not my look.

If you can convince yourself you love big and slouchy, then I think you will love this coat. Otherwise, you won't feel great wearing it, and may not grab it often or regret the purchase. Also think how that slouchy coat look fits with your wardrobe. Some people love it; others not.

Timeless is a marketing theme. White button down oxford shirts are timeless, pearls are timeless, ballet shoes are timeless, etc... yet these styles are not for everyone.

Everyone has a look, and you just need to decide if the big slouchy coat is your look.
I keep saying this, but this coat is meant to be big and sloppy. Don't try and size it down as the look is now not the same (e.g. sleeves too short because the size is too small, not enough big droop on the shoulder, etc). If you want less slouchy, the best is to get a coat with a set-in shoulder.

Maybe the Manuela is more to your liking. It is still a generous loose coat, but the set-in shoulders give it a more crispy look.

I like Net-A-Porter a lot as they have videos of outfits and how the piece fits and lays on the body.
To help you compare Manuel and Madame, here are links to two videos. You can see Manuela is still a very loose and casual look. For Madame, look at the sleeves/shoulders in the video.

Coat shopping is worse than jean shopping! Actually, it's not that bad... once you decide on a style, you can buy multiples.
That's why they offer so many colors; you can stock up!

Manuela: https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/...-icon-belted-camel-hair-coat/1647597292605947

Madame: https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/...-wool-and-cashmere-blend-coat/665933303132717

Good luck!

I know exactly what you mean. . I felt like a pug with the camel coat... wasn't used to wearing it so loosely but I have to be honest.. I started to love the style as I tried it on at home. As a mum I like the idea of being able to dress it down and up.. whether it is for errands or for going out in the evening . In terms of warmth... I think it is too warm and too long for an Australian mild winter... but let's see. I'm still stuck in Europe .. (ps. I just realised I typed in the wrong size in previous reply.. I returned the IT size 40.. )

 

[mery_v]

By the way, I think your camel Manuela fits you great from what I can see in that one photo. The shoulder seam lines up perfectly with your shoulder to keep that line. The sleeves are loose as it should be. The Manuela is not an oversized coat, but it is still a looose fit. It's not meant to be a tailored fit. My Manuela is loose like your also for what it's worth.

When you get your Manuela and compare sizing, do the "cross your arms back and forth" test to be sure the shoulder/chest/armpit is not too tight. And ofcourse, throw on that fluffiest cashmere sweater you have to be sure it looks good over a thick sweater. Speaking of fluffy cashmere sweaters, I am obsessed with La Ligne. I love their sweaters.

Hope you decide and pick a coat! Max Mara coats are gorgeous.n

I got the Manuela today… I really really like the Madame and I was hoping to add it to my wardrobe but I feel Manuela is more me... (maybe one day I will but in a lighter colour
Something I've noticed today - the black material of Madame attracts a lot more fluff compere to the Manuela which is not something to overlook when you are deciding on a black coat.
As for the size, IT 38 feels a good fit for me, I tried it with my thickest jumper and it was absolutely fine, the length of the sleeves is good (I had to alter the sleeves on my IT42 Manuela because they were a tad too long for me) and I feel that it still has that loose fit but not as much as the IT42.
Here are some pictures of the Manuela, I deliberately kept the same outfit as yesterday to compare it with the Madame but please excuse my choose of footwear, just wanted to see how it looks with flats and trainers at the same time
I would love your opinion on it xx

P.S. The La Ligne Mini Toujours striped sweater looks amazing!

 

[BigAkoya]

I got the Manuela today… I really really like the Madame and I was hoping to add it to my wardrobe but I feel Manuela is more me... (maybe one day I will but in a lighter colour
Something I've noticed today - the black material of Madame attracts a lot more fluff compere to the Manuela which is not something to overlook when you are deciding on a black coat.
As for the size, IT 38 feels a good fit for me, I tried it with my thickest jumper and it was absolutely fine, the length of the sleeves is good (I had to alter the sleeves on my IT42 Manuela because they were a tad too long for me) and I feel that it still has that loose fit but not as much as the IT42.
Here are some pictures of the Manuela, I deliberately kept the same outfit as yesterday to compare it with the Madame but please excuse my choose of footwear, just wanted to see how it looks with flats and trainers at the same time
I would love your opinion on it xx

P.S. The La Ligne Mini Toujours striped sweater looks amazing!

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It looks great on you, and it's a casual chic look. Loose, but not sloppy.

I like the Manuela a lot more on you. Why?
First, the set-in shoulders look much better on you vs. the Madame. In the third photo with your back facing the camera, you can see it more. I love that long line you get due to the set-in sleeves. It's still loose, but a nice vertical flow.

Also, the Manuela has a nice bold lapel which is super striking. In your first photo, the label is just gorgeous on you and frames your face. The Madame's lapel is much smaller, and the focus is on that rounded shoulder kimono sleeve. It's two different looks. The Manuela's beauty and focal is its the wide lapels which looks so super chic on you! Love it!

Yes on La Ligne... I have many of their sweaters and love them all. The Toujours is fabulous, I have the Toujours striped and also the pale pink Frosting which I monogrammed. Another style I love is the Marina (cotton)... AAA Lean Lines is great too for lighter cashmere. La Ligne and Mother jeans is my fall/winter look... with a Max Mara coat! I want the weather here on the US east coast to get cold soon so I can wear my new red Manuela!

On Manuela vs. Madame...
You posted a bunch of photos, and I reposted two below to be clear on what I'm talking about with the lapel/shoulders.
In the first photo below, see how the Manuela's wide lapel just highlights your face and upper body? The eye goes right to the lapel and then up to your face. Beautiful to me!
In the second photo below, see how the Madame lapels are much smaller and the emphasis is on the rounded shoulders? The eye goes right to those shoulders.

I vote Manuela! Again though, it's all preference on what you like, but more importantly, what looks best on you.

One thing since you have both the Manuela in 38 and 40, and you are coming from a 42. Try on the 40 again and really look at where the shoulder seam lays on your shoulder. The shoulder seam should be right on your shoulder or slightly bigger, but not smaller. If the shoulder is too small, it will just look like you bought a coat too small for your shoulders. You see how some people buy suits that are too small, and the shoulder seam looks too small for their shoulders.

It's hard to tell from the photos, but I kinda think you can do a 40, especially in the last photo. It seems your shoulder is sticking out a tiny bit past the seam. It may be just be the photo, but tie up the coat snug and try on both sizes, look at the seam, swing you arm, etc. I know we're splitting hairs, but when it comes to fit, I'm a hair splitter as fit makes or breaks a look.
These are expensive coats and they last forever, so now is the time to split hairs to be 100% sure.

I love the Manuela on you much more than the Madame. The lapel makes that coat and looks great on you.
I hope you go with Manuela! You can build a collection of Manuelas!

 

[mery_v]

It looks great on you, and it's a casual chic look. Loose, but not sloppy.

I like the Manuela a lot more on you. Why?
First, the set-in shoulders look much better on you vs. the Madame. In the third photo with your back facing the camera, you can see it more. I love that long line you get due to the set-in sleeves. It's still loose, but a nice vertical flow.

Also, the Manuela has a nice bold lapel which is super striking. In your first photo, the label is just gorgeous on you and frames your face. The Madame's lapel is much smaller, and the focus is on that rounded shoulder kimono sleeve. It's two different looks. The Manuela's beauty and focal is its the wide lapels which looks so super chic on you! Love it!

Yes on La Ligne... I have many of their sweaters and love them all. The Toujours is fabulous, I have the Toujours striped and also the pale pink Frosting which I monogrammed. Another style I love is the Marina (cotton)... AAA Lean Lines is great too for lighter cashmere. La Ligne and Mother jeans is my fall/winter look... with a Max Mara coat! I want the weather here on the US east coast to get cold soon so I can wear my new red Manuela!

On Manuela vs. Madame...
You posted a bunch of photos, and I reposted two below to be clear on what I'm talking about with the lapel/shoulders.
In the first photo below, see how the Manuela's wide lapel just highlights your face and upper body? The eye goes right to the lapel and then up to your face. Beautiful to me!
In the second photo below, see how the Madame lapels are much smaller and the emphasis is on the rounded shoulders? The eye goes right to those shoulders.

I vote Manuela! Again though, it's all preference on what you like, but more importantly, what looks best on you.

One thing since you have both the Manuela in 38 and 40, and you are coming from a 42. Try on the 40 again and really look at where the shoulder seam lays on your shoulder. The shoulder seam should be right on your shoulder or slightly bigger, but not smaller. If the shoulder is too small, it will just look like you bought a coat too small for your shoulders. You see how some people buy suits that are too small, and the shoulder seam looks too small for their shoulders.

It's hard to tell from the photos, but I kinda think you can do a 40, especially in the last photo. It seems your shoulder is sticking out a tiny bit past the seam. It may be just be the photo, but tie up the coat snug and try on both sizes, look at the seam, swing you arm, etc. I know we're splitting hairs, but when it comes to fit, I'm a hair splitter as fit makes or breaks a look.
These are expensive coats and they last forever, so now is the time to split hairs to be 100% sure.

I love the Manuela on you much more than the Madame. The lapel makes that coat and looks great on you.
I hope you go with Manuela! You can build a collection of Manuelas!

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I can’t express how grateful I am for your response (English is not my first language, that’s probably why) for shearing your honest thoughts and opinion!!!
I completely agree with everything you’ve pointed out (and everyone in my family for that matter)
I couldn’t believe how clearly I could see the difference just from the last two photos you’ve reposted!
I am sure that not just me but everyone who reads through your comments will appreciate your very thorough analysis of every possible detail!!!
I'm definitely keeping Manuela, Madame is going back (I still like Madame a lot… but not as much on me as Manuela)
As for the size…40 makes more sense, I am never 38 in any other clothes...but 38 feels perfect... I'd have to try it a bit more and hopefully decide soon so I can wear it, the weather here is just perfect for it.

Thank you again! Enjoy wearing your lovely red Manuela! xx

 

[BigAkoya]

I can’t express how grateful I am for your response (English is not my first language, that’s probably why) for shearing your honest thoughts and opinion!!!
I completely agree with everything you’ve pointed out (and everyone in my family for that matter)
I couldn’t believe how clearly I could see the difference just from the last two photos you’ve reposted!
I am sure that not just me but everyone who reads through your comments will appreciate your very thorough analysis of every possible detail!!!
I'm definitely keeping Manuela, Madame is going back (I still like Madame a lot… but not as much on me as Manuela)
As for the size…40 makes more sense, I am never 38 in any other clothes...but 38 feels perfect... I'd have to try it a bit more and hopefully decide soon so I can wear it, the weather here is just perfect for it.

Thank you again! Enjoy wearing your lovely red Manuela! xx

I am glad it was helpful.
On Manuela sizing, I went through the same debate too. I am a 38 in all my Maxmara coats; however, because the Manuela is cut so loose with big sleeves, the 36 also fit good on me. I really stared at the shoulder seam and kept trying on both sizes. I decided to go with the larger size 38 because the shoulder on the 36 was on the edge of being a tiny tiny bit small. And… I am never a 36 on any Max Mara jacket, ever, so I stayed with my usual size 38. If you can barely see the difference, for me with coats, I always go with the bigger size as I think it’s better to have a slightly bigger shoulder seam than a smaller shoulder seam. A too small shoulder is just not a good look on a coat.

Oh… one more thing to share…
I plan to cuff the sleeves for a more relaxed look. I’ve seen the Manuela cuffed, in black, and it looked quite nice and contemporary, especially with casual wear. I really like that look, so for my red Manuela, I am going to wear it cuffed for this season to see how I like it. I don’t want to shorten the sleeves yet. I need to shorten every one of my coat sleeves, but at times, I wish the sleeves were a bit longer as you see now how sleeves are being worn, cuffed or on the long side covering the fingers a bit. I kind of like that long sleeve covering the fingers look… I think!

I want to share this thought on cuffing in case you might want to try it too.

It also gives the option to not cuff and allow the sleeves to be longer on days I want a longer sleeve. Who knows… I may hate the look and just shorten the sleeve!

The cuff did look great though on the model, and it goes well with the big flappy lapel.

I am so happy you chose the Manuela. It’s a beautiful coat and looks gorgeous on you! I am sure whatever size you decide you will be so chic!

You are lucky the weather is cold and you can wear it now.

Enjoy your beautiful new coat!