Finding Your Perfect Outerwear Fit: Shirt Size To Coat Conversion

Finding the right outer coat size to match your shirt size can be tricky, especially when shopping online. While your shirt size may give you a rough idea of your coat size, there are a few other factors that come into play. For instance, your height and chest size will determine the length and fit of your coat. If you're looking for a men's coat, you'll need to input your height and chest width; for a women's coat, you'll need to input your chest and hip measurements. It's also important to remember that coat sizes can vary between brands, so checking the size chart for the specific brand you're interested in is always a good idea. Additionally, coat sizes tend to be letter-based, with sizes like XS, S, M, L, and XL, while shirt sizes are often letter-based or numbered.

Measure your chest

To calculate your outerwear size, you will need to take measurements of several parts of your body, including your chest, waist, shoulders, arms, and back. Here is a detailed guide on how to measure your chest:

First, take off any thick clothing, such as sweaters or bulky jeans, as these can distort your measurements. You want to measure as close to your body as possible.

Next, lift your arms up to the side and wrap the measuring tape under your armpits. Lower the tape until it is wrapped around the widest part of your chest. For women, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest. Make sure the tape is level and not too tight. Stand up straight and relax. Remember to leave a little space—around an inch or 2.5 cm—for movement, but do not overdo it.

If you measure 40 inches around your chest, then your chest size is 40 inches, and your suit jacket size is also 40.

If you are looking for a casual jacket, you may want to add an extra inch to your chest measurement, as casual jackets tend to be more loose-fitting.

Clothing companies will usually cut a jacket's chest about 4 inches longer than their estimate of your chest size. This is why chest size does not equal jacket size.

Compare your measurements to a jacket size chart

Once you've taken your measurements, the next step is to compare them to a jacket size chart. This will allow you to determine which size category you fall into, such as small, medium, or large. It's important to note that sizing may vary slightly between brands, so it's always a good idea to refer to a size chart specific to the brand or style of jacket you're interested in.

For men's jackets, the two key measurements to consider are chest width and height. Wrap the measuring tape under your armpits, ensuring it's flat across your back, and measure the fullest part of your chest. Do not puff out your chest, and remember to stand up straight and relax. The chest width measurement will directly correspond to your jacket size. For example, if your chest measures 40 inches, your jacket size will also be 40.

The letter after the jacket size typically indicates the length of the jacket, including both the body and sleeve length. For instance, "short" lengths are suitable for people 5'8" and shorter, while "regular" lengths cater to individuals between 5'9" and 6' tall.

Women's jacket sizing, on the other hand, is based on chest and hip measurements. To find your chest width, wrap the measuring tape under your armpits and measure at the fullest part of your chest or the widest part of your breasts. Similarly, for hip width, wrap the tape around the widest part of your buttocks, ensuring your feet are together for maximum precision.

It's worth noting that jacket sizes can vary not only between brands but also between different regions. For instance, the US sizing system differs from the European sizing system. Therefore, when comparing your measurements to a size chart, ensure that you're referring to the appropriate region and brand, if possible.

In addition to chest and hip measurements, shoulder width, jacket length, and sleeve length are also important factors in determining the overall fit of a jacket. These measurements can be taken on a jacket you already own to ensure a consistent fit.

Remember, when in doubt, it's generally advisable to opt for the larger size to allow for a more comfortable fit.

Determine your height category

Height is a critical factor in determining your coat size. The length of your coat is often correlated with your height, and different brands offer different lengths to cater to various heights.

For men, the general rule of thumb is as follows:

• If you are 5'8" and shorter, opt for a "short" coat.
• Individuals between 5'9" and 6' tall should choose a "regular" length.
• If you fall between 6'1" and 6'4", you are considered "long," and coats in this length will be suitable.
• People who are 6'5" or taller should select coats labelled "extra long."

For women's coats, the height categories are not as clearly defined, but you can still use your height as a guideline. Compare your height to the model's height on the product page, and choose a coat length that aligns with your height or is slightly longer.

Additionally, some brands may offer "petite" or "tall" options specifically designed for women who fall outside the average height range.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the best way to ensure a perfect fit is to take your measurements and consult the size chart of the specific brand you are interested in.

In the case of coats, it is always better to go for a size up if you are unsure, as coats are often designed to be worn over other layers of clothing.

Measure your hips

To calculate your outer coat size, you'll need to take your hip measurements. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Find a full-length mirror

Although the hips are easier to measure than other areas of the body, a mirror will help you ensure the tape is not twisted or uneven. Stand in front of the mirror to get your measurement.

Step 2: Remove outer garments

Take off your pants and shirt. You can leave on thin underwear and still obtain an accurate measurement. Wearing jeans or anything else too bulky will change the measurement.

Step 3: Place your feet together

Having your feet apart can create a measurement that's larger than your hip area. Put your feet together to take the measurement. At the very least, your feet shouldn't be wider than your shoulders, but together is better.

Step 4: Find the widest point

Your hip measurements should be taken at the widest point of your hips and buttocks. This is because you're trying to get an accurate representation of your body, and the hips represent the widest point on your bottom half.

Step 5: Start measuring

Hold one end of a cloth tape measure on one hip. It doesn't matter which side you start with. You can also pull it more towards your middle if that's easier. Just make sure you hold on to that end as you bring the other end around.

Step 6: Wrap the tape measure

Wrap the tape measure around your backside, being careful not to twist it. Pull the tape around to the other hip. Make sure you get it around your rear end at the same time. You can also start by holding both ends of the tape measure and stepping over it so it sits on your backside.

Step 7: Check in the mirror

Check in the mirror to ensure the tape is parallel to the floor and isn't twisted. You'll need to shift around to check the back side of the tape. Turn to the side so you can see. If the tape measure doesn't look even, reposition it and try again.

Step 8: Make it snug

When measuring, the tape should be snug around your hips but not too tight. It should be tight enough that you can only fit a finger underneath it, no more.

Step 9: Read and record the measurement

Look down or in the mirror to find out your measurement. Your hip measurement is where the end of the tape meets a number as it comes around. Write down your hip measurement so you can save it for later.

Measure your waist

Measuring your waist is an important step in determining your outer coat size. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it accurately:

Firstly, it is crucial to measure your waist at the correct point. To find your natural waist, bend to one side and take note of the natural crease that forms. This crease will be slightly above your belly button, typically just below your ribcage. This is the point at which you should measure your waist circumference. Keep the tape measure parallel to the floor as you wrap it around your torso at this level.

If you are measuring over your clothes, make sure you are wearing form-fitting garments. Thick clothing, like sweaters or bulky jeans, can distort your measurements. It is always best to measure as close to your body as possible.

When measuring your waist, the tape should be held level at all times. Ask a friend to assist you if needed, as it can be challenging to keep the tape measure level when measuring yourself.

For men, the waist measurement is usually taken at the same level as where you wear your belt. However, it is important to note that dress pants tend to sit higher on the waist than jeans, so if you are measuring your waist for a suit or formal jacket, be sure to measure at the natural waist as described above.

When measuring your waist for a jacket, it is also essential to consider the desired fit. If you are looking for a casual jacket, you may want to add an extra inch or two to your waist measurement to allow for a more relaxed fit.

Finally, when purchasing an outer coat, remember that these garments are often oversized to accommodate layering over suit jackets or bulkier clothing. Therefore, it is generally recommended not to buy a size larger than your normal suit size to avoid an overly roomy fit.

Frequently asked questions