Trench Coat Sizing: Find Your Fit

Finding the right trench coat size can be tricky, especially when ordering online. The most important measurement is the circumference of your chest—measure your chest at its widest point. You should also measure your waist and arm length. Most trench coats are designed to be worn over a suit jacket or thick sweater, so if you want a closer fit, order one size smaller. When in doubt, it's better to size down as trench coats are typically cut to be roomy. It's also worth noting that different brands may have slightly different sizing, so checking the size chart and measuring yourself beforehand is crucial to ensure the perfect fit.

Measure your chest circumference

To measure your chest circumference, first remove any thick clothing. You should keep on any clothing you would usually wear under a trench coat, such as a t-shirt or thin sweater, but take off any additional layers that might give you an inaccurate reading.

Next, stand up straight with your arms resting comfortably by your sides. Ask a friend to wrap a soft tape measure under your armpits, slowly lowering it until it wraps around the broadest part of your chest. The tape measure should be snug but not constricting. Make sure it is even and parallel to the ground. Note this measurement in inches, and you've found your chest circumference!

Most trench coats are sized to allow room for a suit jacket or thick sweater underneath. Therefore, if you want a closer fit, you should order one size smaller than your chest measurement.

Measure your waist

To find your trench coat size, you'll need to take measurements of several parts of your body, including your waist. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to measure your waist for a trench coat:

• Prepare your measuring tape: Make sure you have a flexible tape measure that can comfortably wrap around your waist.
• Remove thick clothing: Take off any bulky clothing or layers that might distort your measurements. It's best to measure close to your body.
• Find your natural waist: Bend to one side to locate the natural crease of your waist. This crease will typically be just below your rib cage and above your belly button.
• Measure your waist: Wrap the tape measure around your torso at the level of the crease you found. Keep the tape measure parallel to the floor and ensure it is level all the way around. Record your waist measurement in inches or centimetres.
• Consider under-clothing: Keep in mind that you may need to add a bit of extra room to your measurement to accommodate under-clothing, such as thick sweaters.
• Compare with size charts: Different brands may have varying size charts, so be sure to refer to the specific sizing guide provided by the trench coat brand you're interested in. Compare your waist measurement to their chart to determine your optimal size.
• Allow for extra room: Trench coats are typically designed to allow room for a suit jacket or thick sweater underneath. If you prefer a closer fit, consider ordering one size smaller than suggested.
• Involve a friend: Measuring your waist by yourself can be tricky. Consider asking a friend to help you take the measurement to ensure accuracy.

By taking these steps to measure your waist, you'll be well on your way to finding the right trench coat size for a comfortable and flattering fit.

Measure your sleeve length

To measure your sleeve length for a trench coat, you will need a soft tape measure. This is because the normal tape measure may not align well with the contours of your body, which can compromise the accuracy of the measurements.

First, position your arm so that it is aligned straight downwards by the side of your body. Then, place the end of the tape measure at the bottom of your neck, where the back joins with the neck. From there, swing the tape measure down alongside your arm and measure all the way down to the back of your hand or your knuckles. Remember to record your arm length in either inches or centimetres.

It is worth noting that trench coats are generally worn as outerwear, so you will want to leave a little extra room to comfortably wear layers underneath. If you plan to wear your trench coat with a suit jacket, make sure the sleeves are long enough to fully cover the sleeves of the jacket. If you don't plan to wear it with a jacket, you can hem the sleeves so that they just cover your wrist and your shirts are covered.

Measure your neck/collar

To measure your neck/collar size, start by wearing a collarless t-shirt. This will ensure a more accurate measurement by eliminating the bulk of a collared shirt.

Next, stand up straight and look straight ahead. It is important to keep your shoulders relaxed and your chin at a neutral angle, not sticking out or tucked in.

Now, take a flexible measuring tape and wrap it around the base of your neck, where the collar would naturally sit. The tape should be placed about one inch from where your neck meets your shoulders, which may coincide with the bottom part of your Adam's apple. Ensure that the tape is level all the way around your neck and is not held at an angle. It should be snug but not too tight; you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your neck for comfort.

Finally, read the measurement where the two ends of the tape meet. For your dress shirt size, add 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) to this figure. For example, if your neck measurement is 15 inches (38 cm), your dress shirt size will be 15.5 inches (39.5 cm).

Repeat this process a few times to ensure an accurate measurement.

Check the brand's size chart

When it comes to finding your trench coat size, checking the brand's size chart is crucial. Different brands may have slight variations in their sizing, so referring to their specific size chart ensures an accurate fit. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use a brand's size chart to determine your trench coat size:

• Locate the Size Chart: Visit the website of the brand or retailer from which you plan to purchase your trench coat. Look for a dedicated "Size Chart" or "Sizing Guide" page, usually found within the product details or customer service sections of the website.
• Understand the Measurements: Trench coat size charts typically provide measurements for various body parts, including the chest, waist, and arms. Note that these measurements refer to your body dimensions and not the actual garment measurements.
• Take Your Measurements: Using a flexible tape measure, take the necessary body measurements. For the chest, measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape snug but not too tight. For the waist, measure the narrowest part of your natural waist. When measuring your arm length, start from the base of your neck at the back, and measure down along your arm to the wrist or knuckles. Ensure you record all measurements in inches or centimetres, as provided in the size chart.
• Compare with the Size Chart: Once you have your measurements, refer back to the brand's size chart. Find the size that corresponds most closely to your measurements. Keep in mind that trench coats are typically designed to accommodate layering, so if you prefer a closer fit, consider choosing one size smaller.
• Consider Length: In addition to the standard sizing, trench coats often come in different lengths to accommodate different body heights. If you are shorter than 5'7", a short (S) length trench coat is usually recommended. If you are taller than 6'2", you may need to opt for a long (L) length.
• Allow for Personal Preference: Remember that your preferred fit may vary. Some people prefer a more relaxed fit that allows for extra layering, while others may opt for a slimmer silhouette. Choose the size that aligns with your comfort and style preferences.
• Be Aware of Variations: Keep in mind that different brands and styles may have unique size charts. Always refer to the specific size chart provided by the brand you are interested in. If you are purchasing from multiple brands, be sure to check their individual size charts.
• Record Your Sizes: After determining your size using the brand's size chart, make a note of your size for future reference. This will come in handy when shopping for trench coats from the same brand or similar brands with comparable sizing.

By following these steps and consulting the brand's size chart, you can make a more informed decision about your trench coat purchase, increasing the likelihood of a comfortable and flattering fit.

Frequently asked questions