Whether it’s a classic coat for an investment or a high fashion buy, a coat should be versatile and durable. It should also reflect a woman’s personality and make her feel confident when she is wearing it. Most importantly, it should flatter her body shape and be comfortable enough to cope with the demands of her lifestyle.
Whether it’s a casual coat, an evening coat or a coat for work, a great coat needs to deliver on style and camouflage figure flaws. A good winter coat is a big investment so it pays to take time finding the right coat and the most comfortable fit.
Finding the Right Coat Style
The most versatile coat for almost all body shapes is a straight-cut, figure-skimming coat which finishes on-the-knee. A narrow style like this will never look dated. Very petite women look great in slightly shorter coats and those with high-cut waistlines (e.g. a Princess style), whilst only tall women do floor-sweeping coats justice.
For women who are top-heavy, a deep collar which buttons from below the bust is more flattering. Soft belted styles can enhance the waist and give an hour glass figure, although are best avoided by those who are short-waisted or have excess fat around the middle. Short boxy styles can make a woman look bulky, so beware.
Ten Tips on How to Choose a Coat
Before buying, be prepared to try on a number of different cuts and styles, and consider the following 10 points for the most practical, comfortable fit:
- Does the coat suit your shape and proportions?
- Are sleeves the correct length – falling just below the wrist?
- Is the coat the right length to suit your height, body shape and lifestyle?
- Do the shoulders hang evenly, straight down from the shoulders?
- Does the coat feel comfortable when stretching out your arms, or does it pull tight?
- Do the collar, pockets, vents and lapels lie flat, and evenly?
- Is the hem even?
- If the coat is lined, check for a substantial lining. It should be properly finished, without creases or peculiar tucks.
- Does the coat feel comfortable, and not inhibiting? (Walk around in it for a few minutes, button it up and sit down)
- Does the coat allow for enough movement, to suit your lifestyle? E.g. lifting children, shopping, getting in and out of the car (armholes should offer enough room to raise hands over the head without the coat moving up high).
A winter coat is a wardrobe staple. By it's very nature it tends to be one of the biggest investments of the season. Therefore, with some careful thought when shopping for outerwear can mean a coat is one of the most enduring and multifunctional pieces in a woman's closet. Slowly but surely every year it is possible to add different style coats to make up a capsule coat collection.
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