Men’s coats and jackets size guide

Q: What to do if the sleeves are too long or short?

If sleeves are too long: Tailoring: The best solution for long sleeves is to have them shortened by a tailor. In most cases, there's enough fabric in the cuffs to shorten the sleeves without altering the overall fit of the coat. Cuff adjustments: If the coat has functioning cuffs with buttons, a tailor may be able to adjust the sleeve length, sometimes by repositioning the cuffs or shortening them. Rolling: In a more casual or relaxed setting you can roll up the sleeves once or twice. This should only be done if the sleeves are not excessively long.

Q: What to do if sleeves are too short?

Layer with a jumper or shirt: If the sleeves are too short, you can layer a long sleeve shirt or jumper underneath. Add a cuff extension: A skilled tailor can add a cuff extension, though this might not always work with every coat. It depends on the fabric and how much extra material is available. Consider a new coat: If the sleeves are significantly too short, the coat may not be the best fit for your body, and you might need to look for a different size. Tips for fitting coats over suits or blazers Roomy but not baggy: Ensure the coat has enough room across the chest and shoulders to comfortably fit over the layers. A coat that’s too tight in these areas will feel restrictive. Tailored coats are key: Go for a tailored or structured coat, such as a wool overcoat or a peacoat. These styles work well with a suit underneath and keep your overall look sharp without looking oversized or shapeless. Avoid coats that are too loose: A coat that is too boxy can make your suit look like it doesn’t fit properly. Stick with coats that have clean lines and a slightly fitted silhouette. Check the shoulders: When wearing a suit under your coat, ensure the shoulder seams align with your natural shoulder line. If the coat feels tight in the shoulders, it can restrict your movement, and if it’s too loose, it’ll look sloppy. Consider a longer coat: A coat that hits at the knee or mid-thigh is a good length when layering over a suit or blazer. It provides enough coverage without being too short, which can expose your suit or make you look top-heavy.

Q: How to handle in-between sizes or if one measurement is larger than the standard size chart?

Go with the larger size: If your chest, waist or hips fall between two sizes, opt for the larger size. This ensures that you have enough room to move comfortably and layer clothing underneath without straining the fabric. A tailor can always adjust the fit in other areas. Use a tailor: If one area of your body is larger than the standard size (e.g., broader shoulders, bigger chest), buy the coat that fits the largest measurement and have it tailored to fit your body in other areas (e.g., taking in the waist or adjusting the sleeves). Fit for comfort: It's better to have a slightly looser fit that you can adjust through tailoring than to get a coat that's too tight in key areas, such as the shoulders or chest. Consider custom or made-to-measure options: If you're consistently between sizes and struggle with off-the-rack fits, consider custom or made-to-measure options. Layering considerations: Account for layers when choosing a size. It's usually safer to buy a coat that offers a little more room than you need, so you can comfortably layer clothing underneath.

The ultimate outerwear fit guide is here! From finding your measurements to combatting common sizing issues, we’ve got it all! Use our handy men’s coats and jackets size chart to find the perfect fitting outerwear — from suit jackets and blazers, to trench coats and puffer coats.

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How to measure yourself:

To ascertain what size you’ll be shopping for, you’ll need: your chest and waist size, shoulder width, sleeve length and coat length measurements. Not sure how to do this? We’ve got you.

Tools Needed:

Measuring tape
A mirror
Possibly a friend or family member to assist.

Measurements needed:

Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the tape level.
Shoulder width: Measure from shoulder tip to shoulder tip for a structured fit.
Sleeve length: Measure from shoulder tip to wrist, allowing for full arm coverage.
Waist (for fitted styles): Measure around the natural waist if looking for a tailored fit.
Coat length: Measure from the shoulder down to the preferred coat length (e.g. hip, thigh, or knee).

Jacket measurement guide showing neck, chest, waist and hip width points with measurement lines.

Men’s coats and jackets conversion & measurement charts

Sizing varies across brands which is why it’s important to compare your measurements against our size conversion charts. Keep scrolling…

This is for reference only and may vary from product to product.

Men’s Suits, Jackets, and Blazers

Find your size with this reference guide. Please note, actual measurements may vary slightly by style.

UK/IRL/US	inches	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	48
EU/IT	inches	44	46	48	50	52	54	56	58

The term ‘outerwear’ encompasses a wide range of coat and jacket styles.

Puffer jacket: A casual, insulated coat that has a relaxed fit and usually covers the hips or mid-thigh for maximum warmth.
Bomber jacket: Short, lightweight, and versatile, it usually sits just above your hips but below the belt line.
Overcoat: A tailored, insulated coat that has structured shoulders and falls mid-thigh to knee-length for a classic, formal look.
Blazer: A tailored jacket with structured shoulders and a streamlined fit. The blazer hem should fall just past your hips and sit comfortably over your chest, cinching slightly at the waist.
Peacoat: A short, tailored fit with a double-breasted design, broad lapels and large buttons. Often made of wool for a smart-casual look.
Trench: A timeless, double-breasted style with a belted waist that typically falls to knee-length.

Common sizing issues in outerwear:

Getting the right fitting outerwear while making sure it works with the rest of your wardrobe, is a tricky one to navigate. Here are some key things to consider when shopping and trying on new outerwear styles.

Layering: A common dilemma is factoring in chunky knitwear or extra thermals underneath your coat or jacket. Opt for a size larger in lighter weight styles like a puffer coat or worker jacket so that you can easily layer as needed.
Arm mobility: Restricted arm movement can be a sizing issue, most notable with blazers and suit jackets. Make sure you’re measuring from shoulder tip to wrist when noting your measurements. Then when trying on new styles, move your arms around and get a feel for the length and space in the sleeve. Think about what you’re wearing it for. Are you trying it on with the shirt or jumper you’d usually pair it with?
Length: The length of the jacket from collar to hem is usually one of the first things people look at when shopping for new outerwear. Make sure you’re measuring from the shoulder to the preferred coat length. (E.g. it’s not too cropped that their t-shirt or jumper is peeking out from under the hem, but not too long that it’s making them look shorter than they are!)

Fabric and fit considerations:

It’s important to consider which fabric your outerwear is made of, as this can also affect the sizing and fit across brands.

Stretch fabrics like spandex, jersey and nylon all have a bit of ‘give’ in them, meaning they may fit slightly larger or looser than intended.

Non-stretch fabrics like cotton, linen, poplin and denim are more rigid, so won’t flex much with wear or movement.

Tips for buying coats and jackets

Layering considerations:

Factoring in layering intent is crucial when deciding on the fit of a new outerwear piece — especially in the colder months. It is important to consider the following:

Make sure the neckline and collar can fit a thick hood around them.
Make sure you have ample room in the sleeves so as not to restrict your movement
Opt for jackets that have sleeves with poppers at the cuffs so that you can adjust if needed.

FAQs

How to find the right coat length for your height

Choosing the right coat length is essential for both comfort and style. Here's how to pick the right one based on your height:

Measure your height to determine correct jacket and coat length.
For petite men (under 5’8”) opt for short coats that are waist-length or just below the hip.
For average height (5'8" to 5'11”) waist-length works well for casual styles like bombers and puffers, as well as knee-length coats. Long coats, such as overcoats and oversized winter styles, are fine if the hem hits just above or at the ankle.
For tall men (over 5'11") knee-length coats, full-length coats or overcoats (ending at mid-calf or just above the ankle) offer a great balance. A short coat on a tall man can often look disproportionate so it's generally better to avoid waist-length or cropped styles.

What to do if the sleeves are too long or short

If sleeves are too long:

Tailoring: The best solution for long sleeves is to have them shortened by a tailor. In most cases, there's enough fabric in the cuffs to shorten the sleeves without altering the overall fit of the coat.
Cuff adjustments: If the coat has functioning cuffs with buttons, a tailor may be able to adjust the sleeve length, sometimes by repositioning the cuffs or shortening them.
Rolling: In a more casual or relaxed setting you can roll up the sleeves once or twice. This should only be done if the sleeves are not excessively long.

What to do if sleeves are too short

Layer with a jumper or shirt: If the sleeves are too short, you can layer a long sleeve shirt or jumper underneath.
Add a cuff extension: A skilled tailor can add a cuff extension, though this might not always work with every coat. It depends on the fabric and how much extra material is available.
Consider a new coat: If the sleeves are significantly too short, the coat may not be the best fit for your body, and you might need to look for a different size.

Tips for fitting coats over suits or blazers

Roomy but not baggy: Ensure the coat has enough room across the chest and shoulders to comfortably fit over the layers. A coat that’s too tight in these areas will feel restrictive.
Tailored coats are key: Go for a tailored or structured coat, such as a wool overcoat or a peacoat. These styles work well with a suit underneath and keep your overall look sharp without looking oversized or shapeless.
Avoid coats that are too loose: A coat that is too boxy can make your suit look like it doesn’t fit properly. Stick with coats that have clean lines and a slightly fitted silhouette.
Check the shoulders: When wearing a suit under your coat, ensure the shoulder seams align with your natural shoulder line. If the coat feels tight in the shoulders, it can restrict your movement, and if it’s too loose, it’ll look sloppy.
Consider a longer coat: A coat that hits at the knee or mid-thigh is a good length when layering over a suit or blazer. It provides enough coverage without being too short, which can expose your suit or make you look top-heavy.

How to handle in-between sizes or if one measurement is larger than the standard size chart

Go with the larger size: If your chest, waist or hips fall between two sizes, opt for the larger size. This ensures that you have enough room to move comfortably and layer clothing underneath without straining the fabric. A tailor can always adjust the fit in other areas.
Use a tailor: If one area of your body is larger than the standard size (e.g., broader shoulders, bigger chest), buy the coat that fits the largest measurement and have it tailored to fit your body in other areas (e.g., taking in the waist or adjusting the sleeves).
Fit for comfort: It's better to have a slightly looser fit that you can adjust through tailoring than to get a coat that's too tight in key areas, such as the shoulders or chest.
Consider custom or made-to-measure options: If you're consistently between sizes and struggle with off-the-rack fits, consider custom or made-to-measure options.
Layering considerations: Account for layers when choosing a size. It's usually safer to buy a coat that offers a little more room than you need, so you can comfortably layer clothing underneath.