Overcoat Sizing

[hopkins_student]

So, I've always wanted a navy Zegna overcoat but can't afford to pay full retail. I wear size 56 for Zegna suits and sportcoats, will a 56 overcoat be cut to fit someone who wears a size 56 suit with a suit underneath? I found one on Ebay in size 56 and am going to grab it if you think it will fit. Also, is a herringbone weave appropriate for an overcoat? Thanks.

 

[LA Guy]

I think that a charcoal herringbone pattern is fine.  As for the sizing, some will recommend that an overcoat be bought a size larger to accomodate a suit.  I think that this is incorrect, unless you are talking about some designers who design overcoats specifically with the intent that they be worn in lieu of a sportsjacket.  In more traditional makers, te overcoat is designed to fit over a jacket.  Therefore, you should get your normal size.  If you wear a 46 suit, get a 46 overcoat.

Um, if you are going to be studying in LA, you will most certainly not need an overcoat.  Even wearing a jacket is superfluous (and potentially dangerous) a good part of the year.

 

[hopkins_student]

Thanks for the response LA. You're right, I don't ever plan to wear it in LA, but the times of the year when I will be home it will be cold, and I'll wear it then. Also, I'll probably be back in the northeast in four years, and it will be invaluable then.

 

[stache]

Just a note, I would say to store the coat back home. L.A. has a terrible moth problem.

 

[hopkins_student]

Just a note, I would say to store the coat back home. L.A. has a terrible moth problem.

And on that subject, what should I do about my suits and sportcoats in LA? I have cedar blocks hanging in my closet right now as well as some packets of stuff my mom gave me (that smells like cedar).

 

[Luc-Emmanuel]

As LAG said, it's hard to tell. Some designer will size overcoat to be worn as sportscoat, others to be worn over suits.
When faced with such a dillema, I always order my size : if it's too small to be worn over a suit, I can still use it as a warmer sportscoat like the maker intended it to fit. If you order a size up and it's sized to be worn over a suit, you're screwed both ways...

.luc

 

[alchimiste]

Can't you contact Zegna to ask how their overcoats are sized?

 

[hopkins_student]

It looks like the chest has a lot of extra room (3 inches) but the shoulders don't seem to have any. Also, is 49 inches a standard length?

 

[Rabbi Mark]

lived for ten years in Southern California before moving to NYC and believe me, you really don't need an overcoat.

Raincoat, yes definitely, but save your cash on the overcoat -- are you really going to be back east, wearing a suit, in dire need of a coat for more than a day or two, and your ski parka just doesn't fit?