If you're buying an over coat or trench coat they're usually (in my experience) cut larger so I would buy your jacket size (IE a size 40 over coat would be made to fit over a 40 jacket). Perhaps some do this differently, but with everything i've noticed they're cut larger to accommodate the jacket.

 

If you're buying in an actual store, the salesperson might know. If you plan to purchase online, you could try and contact the manufacturer and ask how they cut their overcoats.

 

You used to buy an overcoat or topcoat one size larger than your suit size, but many manufacturers are listing the suit size on their coats to make it easier on the consumer.

You'll have to find out from the manufacturer.

 

If you haven't already considered it, I for one would go to a store and try on jackets in the sizes you are considering, even if the style is not the same. That way, you can be confident the coat will fit since you will be wearing the jacket over "thicker" clothing. Or, measure your chest size over your coat/sweater and has been said before, contact the manufacturer.

Length depends on the style of jacket, your preference, and your height. I, for one, always make sure to purchase coats that will at least cover whatever you will be wearing underneath, the longest coat I own extends just below my knees when standing.

Good luck!

 

1. Some manufacturer give a `chest size' for coats. If, for example, my chest size is 40 should I buy a size 40 coat (if coats are already designed to have more room) or should I order one size up (for example 42)?.

2. Which length is the best? 43", 44", 45", other?.

If your chest size is 40", you should purchase a 40" coat.
See below

many manufacturers are listing the suit size on their coats to make it easier on the consumer.

I find this to the case almost every time.

By listing the actual chest size of the garment it can become quite confusing. A suit jacket that would fit someone with a 40" chest could actually be 42-43" wide at the chest, while a heavy winter coat could be 45". Looking for a 42" suit jacket and 45" winter coat is more confusing, as customers will not know the size needed for each time of garment; whereas by listing the customers' size, it makes life easier for the customer and the shop staff.

 

If you haven't already considered it, I for one would go to a store and try on jackets in the sizes you are considering, even if the style is not the same. That way, you can be confident the coat will fit since you will be wearing the jacket over "thicker" clothing. Or, measure your chest size over your coat/sweater and has been said before, contact the manufacturer.

Length depends on the style of jacket, your preference, and your height. I, for one, always make sure to purchase coats that will at least cover whatever you will be wearing underneath, the longest coat I own extends just below my knees when standing.

Good luck!

Fully agree.

 

todays outer coats are cut to fit over a suit of the same size. but the coat may be cut looser or tighter than you may be comfortable with. so try on and get the feel when sitting down while wearing it.
when i was younger i preferred a length to the top of my knees. didnt like the coat hitting my knees. now i want it at or below my knees. a little extra cover feels good. i have heard that winter in korea can be brutal.

 

If you're buying an over coat or trench coat they're usually (in my experience) cut larger so I would buy your jacket size (IE a size 40 over coat would be made to fit over a 40 jacket). Perhaps some do this differently, but with everything i've noticed they're cut larger to accommodate the jacket.

Why is it suggested in Andy's encyclopedia to, "...uy a coat that's one size larger than your suit size."?

 

The advice is correct. However, manufacturers are now often lying about the true size and incorrectly stating the size as one size smaller so consumers may purchase the same number as they do in jackets. While the number is often the same, the actual size is one size larger.

Hope that helps!

 

My experience has been that most manufacturers size topcoats and overcoats to fit over a suit or sport coat. For example, I wear a size 40 suit coat and my London Fog car coat is a size 40. It fits very easily over my suit jacket. My overcoat is also a size 40 and it fits easily over my suit jacket.

Another example; on the JCPenney web site it tells you to order topcoats and overcoats in your normal jacket size as they are sized to fit over them.

Cruiser

 

My suggestion is to go into a proper store and try on the coat and have the sleeves adjusted if necessary. Buying on line; unless you know the specific brand and have worn the exact model before;; is problematic. Buying off a size chart with specs posted on the internet is a crap shoot at best. No way to buy a suit, outerwear etc.. Possibly a way to buy a t shirt or polo shirts; but not fine clothing.

 

My suggestion is to go into a proper store and try on the coat and have the sleeves adjusted if necessary. Buying on line; unless you know the specific brand and have worn the exact model before;; is problematic. Buying off a size chart with specs posted on the internet is a crap shoot at best. No way to buy a suit, outerwear etc.. Possibly a way to buy a t shirt or polo shirts; but not fine clothing.

So true...the difference between sizes can seem very slight even when trying them on. If it's a big purchase, and an overcoat can be a big one, I've bought both sizes and tried them on several times to be sure. Now I know my measurements well enough to have a decent chance of buying the right size online.

If it's an online purchase make sure you can return it. I like my coats tight fitting and above the knee, but that's just me.

-spence