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

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

Just steamed my Manuela camel coloured coat - @kiwanja I don't think you're imagining the 'ripples' coming back. I've steamed mine twice and there is a significant difference. The ripples on the collar are coming back, they were in almost similar state to the bubbles of my inside sleeves, now no longer! I'm planning to give it another steam in a couple of days.
That is wonderful to hear the ripples are coming back! I bet your coat will be nice and ripply soon after a few more steams.
Nice going! :smile: :heart:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hed Kandi
Update on belt lengths...

Hi Everyone!
I wore my new black Manuela the other day. I love the new coat; it feels so fresh! However, I hate my short belt! :annoyed: :heart:
My coat is a size 38 IT (US 4), and the belt technically works for me (my husband thinks the belt length is fine).
However, if I had to be detailed and split hairs (which I do tend to split hairs), my longer Manuela belts "hang" much better because of the weight of the slightly longer length. It also visually looks better.

I don't knot my belt, and I just do a one loop tie. With the shorter black Manuela belt, the part where I tie the belt doesn't lay nicely flat. Rather, because there is not a lot of weight to pull the belt down, it makes sort of a tiny "loop" that sticks a bit out first, and then it hangs.

Visually, I don't like that tiny "loop" look as it makes it look like the belt is too short, and it does not hang nicely. I know it will keep annoying me everytime I wear it. Hence, I decided to take action and deal with it. :nuts::heart:

So...
First, I measured all three of my Manuela belts to get accurate lengths. I posted earlier that all three of my belts are different lengths, but all of my Manuela coats are the same size 38 IT (US 4). Very annoying.

I then contacted Max Mara customer service, told them I purchased my coat in Nov 2023 at Saks, explained the short belt issue, and asked if they would give me a free replacement belt. :biggrin::heart: Customer service requested I work through Saks since that is where I purchased the coat (and not directly from Max Mara). I expected this answer, but I thought I would at least give it a shot. I didn't want to deal with Saks; it's too much drama for a belt, so I decided to simply order a replacement belt.

Before I did that, I asked Max Mara customer service to let me know the exact lengths of the two sizes of belts.

I thought I would share this information in case any of you might be interested to purchase a replacement belt as Max Mara is now offering the option to purchase a replacement belt online. Here are the lengths:

Size 38 IT (US 4) - The SA called this the small, and the length is 143cm (56 inches)
Size 42 IT (US 8) - The SA called this the large, and the length is 147cm (59 inches)


I purchased the large size 42 IT (US 8). I can't wait to get it; my belt will hang so nicely! So excited! :yahoo::heart:
 
Last edited:
Thanks to this thread I just unboxed my first MaxMara (I got the Estella in white).. will come back with pics soon! I am in awe by the beauty of it:heart: you guys weren't kidding!
Oooh... white... the perfect color for a winter coat. Winter white is elegant and pops like no other can; I love white coats. I am dying for a white Manuela... still waiting for this color, maybe next season.

I know your white Estella is going to be gorgeous! Can't wait to see pics. Congratulations! I'm so excited for you!
 
I currently own a MAX MARA Manuella coat as well as the Teddy Icon coat. I have noticed in my home that I have little moths. I've also had some cashmere sweaters fall victim to the little buggers and now I'm terrified that they will go after my new coats. I have cleaned out my closet and sprayed a cedar spray (from the Laundress) and even have hung little cedar boards that go in the closet but I sill see the moths around. Are there any tips people have to protecting your coats since I don't seem to be able to get rid of these little suckers? Would a garment bag help or would the moths just get inside? Any treatments you all know of like a more potent spray or something to put in the closet? I'm at a loss. I"m not using mothballs!!!. :no:
 
I currently own a MAX MARA Manuella coat as well as the Teddy Icon coat. I have noticed in my home that I have little moths. I've also had some cashmere sweaters fall victim to the little buggers and now I'm terrified that they will go after my new coats. I have cleaned out my closet and sprayed a cedar spray (from the Laundress) and even have hung little cedar boards that go in the closet but I sill see the moths around. Are there any tips people have to protecting your coats since I don't seem to be able to get rid of these little suckers? Would a garment bag help or would the moths just get inside? Any treatments you all know of like a more potent spray or something to put in the closet? I'm at a loss. I"m not using mothballs!!!. :no:
Hi! Cedar spray is just a fragrance that moths don't like, hence, the cedar scent concept is to keep them away.
However, it seems your moths have a stuffy nose and can't smell! :biggrin: :heart:

Okay... if you see moths flying around, you definitely have a moth problem.
You are past the "preventative scent spray" phase; you need to kill the moths.
Forget the wimpy stuff, you need the big guns, especially if they are living inside your closet and may reproduce.
This is because you said the moths have already eaten into your sweaters.

I would suggest this:

You need to take everything out of your closet, spray your closet, shelves, and wipe down. This is the only way to get rid of them and any larvae.

I actually used this spray once years ago per the recommendation of a bug professional. I thought I had moths, but I actually didn't. I was glad I cleaned my closet anyway as a "preventative" measure. I've never had any moths, and my closet is full of cashmere.

A bit off topic...
The reason why I thought I had moths was because all my t-shirts had little holes around my stomach. It was the craziest thing. I thought for sure I had a moth infestation, but the bug guy said no. I used the spray anyway just as a precaution.
What I did find out was that the button on my jeans was causing the holes in my t-shirts, so I now use those button covers. Works great. No more holes in tshirts!

Okay, back on topic...
Whatever you use, you definitely need to "kill the moths" as you are past the "prevent the moths" phase. Your closet will just get more infested since you are still seeing them munch on your clothes. Also, if you have any clothes you have worn but not yet cleaned, get them cleaned and start with all freshly cleaned clothes.

Good luck! I had fun with this project. I gave my entire closet a good cleaning. I think you'll have fun too!
 
Hi! Cedar spray is just a fragrance that moths don't like, hence, the cedar scent concept is to keep them away.
However, it seems your moths have a stuffy nose and can't smell! :biggrin: :heart:

Okay... if you see moths flying around, you definitely have a moth problem.
You are past the "preventative scent spray" phase; you need to kill the moths.
Forget the wimpy stuff, you need the big guns, especially if they are living inside your closet and may reproduce.
This is because you said the moths have already eaten into your sweaters.

I would suggest this:

You need to take everything out of your closet, spray your closet, shelves, and wipe down. This is the only way to get rid of them and any larvae.

I actually used this spray once years ago per the recommendation of a bug professional. I thought I had moths, but I actually didn't. I was glad I cleaned my closet anyway as a "preventative" measure. I've never had any moths, and my closet is full of cashmere.

A bit off topic...
The reason why I thought I had moths was because all my t-shirts had little holes around my stomach. It was the craziest thing. I thought for sure I had a moth infestation, but the bug guy said no. I used the spray anyway just as a precaution.
What I did find out was that the button on my jeans was causing the holes in my t-shirts, so I now use those button covers. Works great. No more holes in tshirts!

Okay, back on topic...
Whatever you use, you definitely need to "kill the moths" as you are past the "prevent the moths" phase. Your closet will just get more infested since you are still seeing them munch on your clothes. Also, if you have any clothes you have worn but not yet cleaned, get them cleaned and start with all freshly cleaned clothes.

Good luck! I had fun with this project. I gave my entire closet a good cleaning. I think you'll have fun too!
AH! I had a feeling you'd have the answer! THANK YOU! Yes unfortunately I think the moths were here when we moved in and existed with the prior owners. I also think that the sweaters that got "eaten" were because I had them in a special laundry basket that was slated for dry cleaning. Then covid happened and the sweaters sat in there for way longer than planned and I think that was where the moths had a cashmere party.

Recently we had some major home renovations which included getting my main closet redone (wahooooooo!!!!!) and so that has been totally 100% cleaned out but my precious MAX MARA jackets are kept in a different closet due to their length. I just went through and checked every single coat in that particular closet - many of which are either 100% wool or wool blends - and I don't see any evidence of moths or any holes on them (yay!) so I'm kind of thinking the moths preferred the cashmere sweaters bc they were all balled up in a basket and also (I hate to admit this to you seeing as you got your sweaters and coats dry cleaned every week!) but I wear my sweaters several times (over a base layer of course) and only get them dry cleaned at the end of the season. Obviously I won't be doing that any more bc it's too risky and apparently too tasty for the moths.

I will order that spray and do a full closet clean out with it on all closets and drawers where any wool or cashmere lives. I hope that does the trick and THANK YOU again for the advice and also Yes I had known that buttons on jeans caused holes in shirts!!! Isn't that funny?!!! I'm short and now I tuck all my shirts in for the most part to help give a more leg lengthening look so these days, no more holes but yes what a discovery!
:biggrin:
 
  • Like
Reactions: BigAkoya
AH! I had a feeling you'd have the answer! THANK YOU! Yes unfortunately I think the moths were here when we moved in and existed with the prior owners. I also think that the sweaters that got "eaten" were because I had them in a special laundry basket that was slated for dry cleaning. Then covid happened and the sweaters sat in there for way longer than planned and I think that was where the moths had a cashmere party.

Recently we had some major home renovations which included getting my main closet redone (wahooooooo!!!!!) and so that has been totally 100% cleaned out but my precious MAX MARA jackets are kept in a different closet due to their length. I just went through and checked every single coat in that particular closet - many of which are either 100% wool or wool blends - and I don't see any evidence of moths or any holes on them (yay!) so I'm kind of thinking the moths preferred the cashmere sweaters bc they were all balled up in a basket and also (I hate to admit this to you seeing as you got your sweaters and coats dry cleaned every week!) but I wear my sweaters several times (over a base layer of course) and only get them dry cleaned at the end of the season. Obviously I won't be doing that any more bc it's too risky and apparently too tasty for the moths.

I will order that spray and do a full closet clean out with it on all closets and drawers where any wool or cashmere lives. I hope that does the trick and THANK YOU again for the advice and also Yes I had known that buttons on jeans caused holes in shirts!!! Isn't that funny?!!! I'm short and now I tuck all my shirts in for the most part to help give a more leg lengthening look so these days, no more holes but yes what a discovery!
:biggrin:
It will be a fun project, and I hope you can zap those moths. I agree with you and the moths were from the previous owner.

On the holes in tshirts, this item is amazing...

I'm short too, and I never tuck in my shirts with jeans. I found out about these button covers, and what a lifesaver. No more holes.

This was the other brand I considered, but either should work. It's just a button cover.

 
  • Love
Reactions: Binwick
Hi, I bought the Manuela coat in camel before the holidays . For some reason I didn’t try on the 101801 Madame coat but I knew I wanted the Manuela. I love it and have only worn it a few times because it has not been that cold. Anyway, I saw the seasonal light blue Madame coat was on sale and I tried it on in a Max Mara store . I really loved it and tried on all the colors. I don’t want another camel coat and black kills me with the lint, plus I have an & Other Stories black coat that I like but I don’t reach for it a lot .
Thoughts on the light blue 101801? I wear a lot of denim and black. Would it be a mistake not buying a classic color? Would love to hear your thoughts on this color in general. TIA!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4815.png
    IMG_4815.png
    198.6 KB · Views: 43
  • IMG_4814.png
    IMG_4814.png
    425.6 KB · Views: 42
I just brought the Pauline coat in vanilla and completely forgot to ask if there's any risk of color transfer from jeans/bags/clothes? I tend to wear darker tones. This is my first light colored coat. I have the Madame in ultramarine. I don't believe color transfer should be an issue as I wore all dark clothing when trying it on but I completely forgot about dark colored bags/denim. If anyone has any insight about color transfer on a jacket?
 
Last edited:
Would love to get some thoughts from this group on the green coat below. do you all think it’s neutral enough for an every day coat for the office?

View attachment 5942819
To me, that shade of forest moss green can look like a hunting coat. For me, I would not choose that color as an office coat.
Why? If I want to look business serious, it doesn't convey that look (a bit too granola). If I want to look stylish, to me, it also does not convey that look. I can see that color with jeans on a casual day. This coat would be great with ivory jeans, which I love ivory wide leg jeans.

For me, forest moss green does not really work with "office wardrobe" colors such as navy, gray, black, etc.
Then, if you wear reds (also a neutral), you risk looking festive, like a Christmas tree.
It's a bit too drab for my taste, and I see a drop of brown in that green which is why it looks a bit muddy.

When I want to go dark and look "serious business woman" for the office, black for me is my color of choice for a coat.
On days when I want to look more stylish, I would choose a color that pops that says "confident business woman."
I am not a fan of muted or earthy color coats. Coats are the first impresssion and should make a statement.

Just my two cents for what it's worth. It's all 100% preference of course, and if you love it, get it! Hope this helps.

ETA: By the way, when I see the photo, what brightens up the coat are her pants. Cover the model's head and pants to truly see only the coat, unbiased. You can then decide if you like that mossy brown green (the brown comes through more if you cover her head and pants)
 
Last edited:
To me, that shade of forest moss green can look like a hunting coat. For me, I would not choose that color as an office coat.
Why? If I want to look business serious, it doesn't convey that look (a bit too granola). If I want to look stylish, to me, it also does not convey that look. I can see that color with jeans on a casual day. This coat would be great with ivory jeans, which I love ivory wide leg jeans.

For me, forest moss green does not really work with "office wardrobe" colors such as navy, gray, black, etc.
Then, if you wear reds (also a neutral), you risk looking festive, like a Christmas tree.
It's a bit too drab for my taste, and I see a drop of brown in that green which is why it looks a bit muddy.

When I want to go dark and look "serious business woman" for the office, black for me is my color of choice for a coat.
On days when I want to look more stylish, I would choose a color that pops that says "confident business woman."
I am not a fan of muted or earthy color coats. Coats are the first impresssion and should make a statement.

Just my two cents for what it's worth. It's all 100% preference of course, and if you love it, get it! Hope this helps.

ETA: By the way, when I see the photo, what brightens up the coat are her pants. Cover the model's head and pants to truly see only the coat, unbiased. You can then decide if you like that mossy brown green (the brown comes through more if you cover her head and pants)
So very much appreciate this review! i always look forward to your thoughtful and in depth insights. what are your thoughts on the style of the coat itself? i’m also eyeing the white version.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BigAkoya
So very much appreciate this review! i always look forward to your thoughtful and in depth insights. what are your thoughts on the style of the coat itself? i’m also eyeing the white version.
I am glad it was helpful. I totally love the style and the white! If you are not afraid of white, I would get it.
Winter white is super chic; it's the bomb neutral pop out color for winter in my opinion. Goes with everything, looks super elegant or super fun, and just pops.

I know people can be afraid of white, but it's because we have been brainwashed as kids. It's not like we are litte kids wearing our coats while rolling in a sandbox or splashing our boots in muddy rainwater. We have grown up to be civilized ladies! :smile::heart:

I love the style of the coat too; it's like a mini-Teddy... oversized and huggable, but since your legs poke out due to the shorter length, it prevents the "blob" look which some people do not like.

The only detail to think about is the material.
It's cashmere and wool, so it's going to be a bit warm, meaning it will need to be worn when the weather is cold.
For me, I'm a wimp when it comes to cold weather, so I prefer long coats when the weather is cold. This coat is short, so it will not be warm enough for me on cold days. Yet, it will be too warm for me on warmer fall days. I've had Max Mara warm camel coats that are this length, and I found it a bit difficult to wear as I had to wait for the right temperature.

That's just me. If you are more weather resilient and don't mind wearing a shorter coat in cold weather, this is the coat!
I have a friend who sleeps with her window open in 50 degree weather (ugh... those thick-blooded-born-and-raised-in-New England folks think it's shorts weather when it's 50 degrees!). :biggrin::heart:

The coat style is gorgeous and would be amazing in white. It's more about your temperature tolerance as this coat is on the heavy side being cashmere and wool; yet it is short. It will be fine with thick bottoms like jeans, but it may not work so well with thin dress pants or a skirt.
Think about what length and coat thickness you wear at 50 degrees, 30 degrees, and below freezing... that may help you decide.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: thepinkavocado22
I am glad it was helpful. I totally love the style and the white! If you are not afraid of white, I would get it.
Winter white is super chic; it's the bomb neutral pop out color for winter in my opinion. Goes with everything, looks super elegant or super fun, and just pops.

I know people can be afraid of white, but it's because we have been brainwashed as kids. It's not like we are litte kids wearing our coats while rolling in a sandbox or splashing our boots in muddy rainwater. We have grown up to be civilized ladies! :smile::heart:

I love the style of the coat too; it's like a mini-Teddy... oversized and huggable, but since your legs poke out due to the shorter length, it prevents the "blob" look which some people do not like.

The only detail to think about is the material.
It's cashmere and wool, so it's going to be a bit warm, meaning it will need to be worn when the weather is cold.
For me, I'm a wimp when it comes to cold weather, so I prefer long coats when the weather is cold. This coat is short, so it will not be warm enough for me on cold days. Yet, it will be too warm for me on warmer fall days. I've had Max Mara warm camel coats that are this length, and I found it a bit difficult to wear as I had to wait for the right temperature.

That's just me. If you are more weather resilient and don't mind wearing a shorter coat in cold weather, this is the coat!
I have a friend who sleeps with her window open in 50 degree weather (ugh... those thick-blooded-born-and-raised-in-New England folks think it's shorts weather when it's 50 degrees!). :biggrin::heart:

The coat style is gorgeous and would be amazing in white. It's more about your temperature tolerance as this coat is on the heavy side being cashmere and wool; yet it is short. It will be fine with thick bottoms like jeans, but it may not work so well with thin dress pants or a skirt.
Think about what length and coat thickness you wear at 50 degrees, 30 degrees, and below freezing... that may help you decide.
Amazing input as usual! I’m one of those who wear dresses with bare calves in 40 degree weather, so this might be perfect for me.
 
  • Love
Reactions: BigAkoya
Top