Sitting down with an overcoat

Jay Gatsby · Nov 15, 2010

The other day I got into a car and heard a 'rip' as a slight tear formed at the peak of the center vent of my overcoat. Not bad, but makes me wonder -- must one unbutton their overcoat before entering a vehicle? Is there a technique for sitting while wearing a buttoned-up long overcoat?

(I like cats.)

Cotillion · Nov 15, 2010

I always take off my overcoats before driving precisely because of what you describe or any number of other mistakes that can happen while driving.

joz411no · Nov 15, 2010

I take mine off as well.

HEWSINATOR · Nov 15, 2010

This is why, despite appearances, your overcoat needs to be a bit larger than snug. Of course you can say the rip was caused by it catching on something, maybe it was, but my overcoat flows with me, not against me. But, sometimes I think I would rather it a bit slimmer.

voxsartoria · Nov 15, 2010

A doorman at Claridges slammed the car door on my unbuttoned Oxxford cashmere overcoat a few years ago.

His involuntary yell was like an Apache whoop. He quickly opened the door, and sure enough, there was a gash straight through the coat where it had been caught in the latch.

As he examined the coat, all the blood drained from his face...which is saying a lot since he was English.

I told him not to worry about it.

I hope that this story was helpful.

- B

lee_44106 · Nov 15, 2010

^Was his name Geoffery by any chance?

Holdfast · Nov 15, 2010

Originally Posted by Jay Gatsby

Is there a technique for sitting while wearing a buttoned-up long overcoat?

Has it really come to this?

Seriously, if it's cold enough to need an overcoat, it's cold enough that the car won't heat up instantly, so the overcoat stays on in the car. I haven't had a problem with rips, but do instinctively take care when getting in to make sure the coat sits comfortably. Can't rule out accidentally snagging it in future, but touch wood, so far, so good!

voxsartoria · Nov 15, 2010

Originally Posted by lee_44106

^Was his name Geoffery by any chance?

I don't remember, but I thought he was going to faint.

- B

JayJay · Nov 15, 2010

I keep mine on, but I'm very careful getting in and out of the car.

Miles Gloriosus · Nov 15, 2010

Distressing is in vogue and you're complaining that you earned an honest tear on your coat?

A.K.A. · Nov 16, 2010

Originally Posted by Jay Gatsby

The other day I got into a car and heard a 'rip' as a slight tear formed at the peak of the center vent of my overcoat. Not bad, but makes me wonder -- must one unbutton their overcoat before entering a vehicle? Is there a technique for sitting while wearing a buttoned-up long overcoat?

(I like cats.)

For a short trip I never remove my overcoat while driving or riding a car, especially if it's cold enough to need the coat when I arrive at my destination.

It could be that your coat is too tight.

bobm · Nov 16, 2010

I find wearing most any coat, even a sport jacket, way too uncomfortable and restictive while driving and an overcoat would for me, be out of the question.

Bob

polar-lemon · Nov 16, 2010

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

A doorman at Claridges slammed the car door on my unbuttoned Oxxford cashmere overcoat a few years ago.

His involuntary yell was like an Apache whoop. He quickly opened the door, and sure enough, there was a gash straight through the coat where it had been caught in the latch.

As he examined the coat, all the blood drained from his face...which is saying a lot since he was English.

I told him not to worry about it.

I hope that this story was helpful.

- B

Is this the same one where you came back to the car, and the doorman was waiting for you with a second overcoat?

GoldenTribe · Nov 16, 2010

Originally Posted by polar-lemon

Is this the same one where you came back to the car, and the doorman was waiting for you with a second overcoat?

Vicuna or Qiviut, I should hope.

The Gooch · Nov 16, 2010

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

A doorman at Claridges slammed the car door on my unbuttoned Oxxford cashmere overcoat a few years ago. His involuntary yell was like an Apache whoop. He quickly opened the door, and sure enough, there was a gash straight through the coat where it had been caught in the latch. As he examined the coat, all the blood drained from his face...which is saying a lot since he was English. I told him not to worry about it. I hope that this story was helpful. - B
Your stories intrigue me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter, sir.

Sitting down with an overcoat

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