#AskPedro – How to size an overcoat

This question comes from reader Adrian:

I have a burning sartorial question for The Hogtown Rake! When buying an overcoat, is it best to match your chest and shoulder measurements, or should one factor in wearing it over your suit and leave a little room? For example, if my shoulder jacket measurement was 17.5 inches, is it OK if the overcoat is 19.5? Thanks for your wisdom!

My response:

An overcoat is sized to go over a suit or sports jacket. So, if you normally wear a size 42 jacket, you’d buy a size 42 overcoat – but it’s actually bigger than your jacket, because it’s supposed to be.

Adrian’s response to my response:

A quick follow up, if I have a 43 inch chest, but often wear 42 OTR suits because of better shoulder fit, would you suggest going 42/19 or 44/19.5 for overcoat. The larger one would definitely need to be brought in the waist.

And my last response:

Go larger. You can’t really increase size much with alterations, plus you want the overcoat to be comfortable, not constrictive.

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