Tightening Rubber On Trench Coats

A trench coat is a timeless piece of clothing that exudes sophistication and practicality. While it is a staple in many wardrobes, figuring out how to wear it can be tricky, especially when it comes to the belt. The belt, or ribber, can be a source of confusion for many, but tightening it correctly is essential to achieving a polished look. Whether you prefer a classic or modern style, there are several ways to tighten the ribber and create a sleek silhouette.

Knotting and buckling in the front

There are several ways to knot and buckle a trench coat in the front. Here are some of the most common methods:

Double Overhand Knot

This is a classic, stylish, and flattering knot that is perfect for on-the-go tying and untying.

• Bring both ends of the belt to the front, with the tail end (the one without the buckle) longer.
• Crisscross the two ends with the tail going over the buckle end.
• Wrap the tail end underneath to tie a single overhand knot. The tail end should now be pointing upwards.
• Guide it back under the buckle end horizontally to create a loop.
• Draw the tail end through this loop to complete the second overhand knot.
• Tug both ends to point them downward and secure the knot.

Angled 2-Loop Bow

This method adds a touch of femininity to your trench coat.

• Bring both ends of the belt to the front and arrange them to be the same length.
• Tie a single overhand knot with the tail end wrapping over the buckle end.
• Tighten this knot to cinch your waist. The tail end should be pointing upwards at this stage.
• Fold it over to create one "bunny ear" loop. Pinch this bow loop in place against the overhand knot and angle it outward from your body.
• Bring the buckle end upwards and crisscross it over the top of this bow loop to create an open space in front of the overhand knot.
• Push the buckle end upwards through this open space while folding it to create a second "bunny ear."
• Position this second bow loop upwards, with the buckle frame hanging downward.
• Arrange and tug both loops and ends until the bow is tight.

1-Loop Bow

This is a chic alternative to traditional knots and bows and can be done quickly once you get the hang of it.

• Bring both belt ends to the front, keeping the buckle end longer.
• Tie a single overhand knot to cinch your waist.
• Fold the buckle end to create a single upright "bunny ear" loop.
• Bring the shorter tail end over this bow loop to create an open space.
• Slide the tail end all the way through this open space.
• Hold the bow loop in place and pull the tail end to tighten the knot.

Buckling the Belt

This is a traditional way of securing a trench coat and gives it a classic look.

• Draw both ends of the belt to the front.
• Position the buckle frame at the point where the coat overlaps, and leave the tail end long.
• Thread the tail up through the buckle frame, towards the front.
• Guide it back down under the other side of the frame.
• Pull it so that the tail lies flat within the buckle.
• Thread the tail end through the remaining belt loops.

Downward Knot

This method gives your trench coat an updated look with a long tail and a clean, crisp line.

• First, buckle the belt.
• After you thread the tail end through the belt buckle frame, bring it upwards, passing under the cinched belt.
• If the tail end came out on the right side of the buckle, pass it under the right side of the belt, and vice versa for the left.
• Hold the resulting loop on the bottom open.
• Bring the tail end towards the front and thread it down through this open loop.
• Pull the tail to tighten the knot.

Tying knots at the back

Wrap-Around Knot:

Bring both sides of the belt to the back, ensuring that the tail end (the side without the buckle) is longer. Cross the tail end over the buckle side, then tie a single overhand knot by bringing the tail end upwards and cinching the belt. Let the tail end hang downwards, then guide it behind the buckle end, close to your body, so that it points out to the side. It should be perpendicular to the buckle end and parallel to the ground. Now, fold the tail end over so that the tip points in the opposite direction, but still stays parallel to the ground. Finally, thread the tip through the outermost gap that it created and pull it tight.

Half-Windsor Knot:

Bring both belt ends to the back, keeping the buckle side longer. Cross the buckle side over the tail end, then wrap it behind the tail and bring it out to the side, perpendicular to the tail end and parallel to the ground. Draw it across to the other side, folding it horizontally over the front of the knot. Finish by guiding the buckle side upwards behind the knot and threading it down through the outermost gap.

Simplified Half-Windsor Knot:

This is a quicker version of the previous knot. Bring both ends of the belt to the back, ensuring the buckle end is longer. Cross the buckle end over the tail in a crisscross manner, then guide it behind the tail and bring it out to the side horizontally. Instead of folding the belt end over the knot, simply bring it up behind the knot and cross it underneath itself. Bring it towards the front and thread it through the outermost loop. Pull down and tug on both ends to secure the knot.

General Tips:

• Practice tying these knots with your trench coat on or laid out in front of you until they become second nature.
• You can tie a knot at the back before putting on the coat to get it just right, but with practice, you'll be able to do it while wearing the coat.
• Position the knot where the sides of your coat overlap. If your trench coat is double-breasted, slide the belt so the knot sits over the overlap point on the right side. If it's single-breasted, keep the knot in the centre.
• If you're wearing a flowy trench coat, consider tying a knot at the back to give it more shape.

Positioning the knot or bow

• If your trench coat is double-breasted, with the sides overlapping on the right, adjust the belt so that the knot sits neatly over the overlap point on the right side. This will create a sleek and elegant silhouette.
• For single-breasted trench coats that close in the centre, keep the knot or bow centred. This will give a symmetrical and balanced appearance to your look.
• When tying a knot or bow at the back, ensure that both ends of the belt hang neatly and are perpendicular to the buckle end, and parallel to the ground. This will create a clean and tidy finish.
• If you prefer to wear your trench coat open, you can tighten the belt in a knot at the back to give it more shape and definition. Alternatively, you can let the belt hang loosely on your shoulders for a more relaxed look.
• When wearing a classic, structured trench coat, consider positioning the knot or bow to highlight the waist. This will create a flattering silhouette and add a touch of femininity to your look.
• If you opt for a bow, create an angled 2-loop bow by arranging the belt ends at the front to be the same length. This will add a stylish touch to your ensemble.
• For a chic alternative, you can tie a 1-loop bow by bringing both belt ends to the front, keeping the buckle end longer. This will result in a unique and elegant finish.
• When buckling the belt, position the buckle frame at the point where the coat overlaps, leaving the tail end long. This will ensure a secure and proper fit.
• If you prefer a more updated look, try arranging the buckled belt in a downward knot. First, buckle the belt, then bring the tail end upwards, passing it under the cinched belt. Thread the tail end through the open loop and pull it tight for a crisp and modern finish.

Ensuring the sleeves are the correct length

When tightening a ribber on a trench coat, ensuring the sleeves are the correct length is crucial. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve the perfect sleeve length:

Determining the Ideal Sleeve Length:

• The sleeve length of a trench coat should generally fall between your wrist and the knuckle of your thumb. This ensures that the coat is not too big or too small.
• If you plan to wear the trench coat over a suit jacket or blazer, the sleeves should be long enough to cover the sleeves of the jacket. Try on the trench coat with the suit jacket underneath to gauge the necessary sleeve length.
• For men, the sleeves should ideally end about 1 inch past the wrist bone. This ensures practicality without making the coat look too big.
• When in doubt, it is better to have slightly longer sleeves than sleeves that are too short. You can always hem or shorten them if needed, but you cannot add length to sleeves that are too short.

Adjusting the Sleeve Length:

• If the sleeves are too long, consider getting them hemmed by a professional tailor. This will ensure a clean and precise finish.
• For a quick fix, you can also roll the sleeves or push them up to achieve the desired length. This is a simple way to style your trench coat while also ensuring the sleeves are the correct length.
• Some trench coats come with sleeve straps that allow you to tighten or loosen the sleeves as needed. Adjusting these straps can help you achieve the perfect sleeve length.
• If the sleeves are too tight, it may be a sign that the trench coat is too small for you. Consider sizing up to find a better fit.

Remember that the sleeve length is an important aspect of the overall fit of a trench coat. Taking the time to ensure the sleeves are the correct length will help you achieve a polished and well-fitted look.

Practising different knots

Double Overhand Knot

Bring both ends of the belt to the front, with the tail end (the one without the buckle) longer. Crisscross the two ends with the tail going over the buckle end. Wrap the tail end underneath to tie a single overhand knot. The tail end should now be pointing upwards. Guide it back under the buckle end horizontally to create a loop. Finally, draw the tail end through this loop to complete the second overhand knot. Tug on both ends to point them downward and secure the knot.

Angled 2-Loop Bow

Bring both ends of the belt to the front and arrange them to be the same length. Tie a single overhand knot with the tail end wrapping over the buckle end. Tighten this knot and fold the tail end over to create one "bunny ear" loop. Pinch this bow loop against the overhand knot and angle it outward from your body. Bring the buckle end upwards and crisscross it over the top of the bow loop to create an open space in front of the overhand knot. Push the buckle end through this space while folding it to create a second "bunny ear". Position this second bow loop upwards, with the buckle frame hanging downward. Arrange and tug both loops and ends until the bow is tight.

1-Loop Bow

Bring both belt ends to the front, keeping the buckle end longer. Tie a single overhand knot to cinch your waist. Fold the buckle end to create a single upright "bunny ear" loop. Bring the shorter tail end over this bow loop to create an open space. Then, slide the tail end all the way through this space. Hold the bow loop in place and pull the tail end to tighten the knot. Try sliding the knot towards one side of your body and arrange the bow loop and ends on an angle for a more stylish closure.

Downward Knot

First, buckle the belt. After you thread the tail end through the buckle, bring it upwards, passing under the cinched belt. If the tail end came out on the right, pass it under the right side of the belt, and vice versa for the left. Hold the resulting loop open. Bring the tail end towards the front and thread it down through this loop. Pull the tail to tighten the knot. With this style, you'll have a long tail and a clean, crisp line.

Wrap-Around Knot

Bring both sides of the belt to the back, keeping the tail end longer. Crisscross the ends with the buckle side underneath the tail end. Tie a single overhand knot, bringing the tail end upwards as you cinch the belt. Drop the tail end to let it hang downwards. Then, guide the tail behind the buckle end, passing it closer to your body, and point it out to the side. It should be perpendicular to the buckle end and parallel to the ground. Fold the tail end over so that the tip points in the opposite direction, while still holding it parallel to the ground. Thread the tip through the outermost gap that it has created, and pull it tight.

Half-Windsor Knot

Bring both belt ends to the back, keeping the buckle side longer. Crisscross the buckle side over the tail end. Then, wrap the buckle side behind the tail and bring it out to the side, positioning it perpendicular to the tail end and parallel to the ground. Draw it across to the other side, folding it horizontally over the front of the knot. Finally, guide the buckle side upwards behind the knot and thread it down through the outermost gap. Tug on both ends to tighten the traditional half-Windsor knot, which will point directly downwards.

Simplified Half-Windsor Knot

With the buckle end longer, bring both ends of the belt to the back. Overlap the buckle end over the tail in a crisscross manner. Guide the buckle side behind the tail and draw it out to the side horizontally. Instead of folding the belt end over the knot, just draw it up behind the knot area. The belt end should cross underneath itself. Bring it towards the front and thread it through the outermost loop. Pull down and tug on both ends to secure the knot. This is a simpler method that produces a similar look with less effort.

Frequently asked questions