To avoid missteps, check the following:
1
The shoulder breaks very straight and without excess material.
2
Do your fittings with a sweater or jacket to predict the maximum volume you will wear under the coat in the depths of winter (you should feel supported but not compressed).
3
You should be able to close all the buttons.
4
The sleeves cover your wrists but not your hands.
5
For length: prefer it above the knees for coats and below the buttocks for pea coats (don't hesitate to shorten it).
ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF THE COAT
Before men's coats came in many forms, men covered themselves with simple sheets of more or less thick fabric. We spoke of chlamys among the Greeks, or even of toga among the Romans.
Later, the Romans adorned themselves with a cape: a garment that will endure through the ages. It was only in the 15th century that the coat became more popular and became closer to those we know today.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COATS
The coat represents a shell and plays an important role in your image. Certainly it protects you from bad weather, but also and unconsciously, from the outside world.
It is also not uncommon to find very thin coats, no longer really used to protect oneself, but which offer presence.
But whatever your choice, avoid synthetic fibers that do not breathe (except for technical fibers really intended for this purpose). Prefer natural fibers like wool, mohair, cashmere (or even camel, yes, it is serious). You'll be wearing your coat for a long time, so don't neglect this purchase.
CASUAL COAT STYLES...
THE PARKA
More or less long, the parka is a waterproof hooded coat, which is characterized in particular by its drawstrings and its lining (sometimes in fur).
THE PEAT
Double-breasted coat, icon of the sailor's wardrobe, it is distinguished by a wide tailored collar, a thick blue or black woolen cloth, and finally a double-breasted system, the buttons of which are often marked with an anchor.
THE DUFFLE COAT
The duffle coat includes the following elements: a thick woolen cloth, two patch pockets, a hood (sometimes a button placket), wool inserts at shoulder level. It is also characterized by its closing system consisting of horn straps and buttons.
THE DOWN JACKET
Close to a jacket for its length, it stops at the waist and has tightened ends. This piece is also similar to a coat: quilted and padded with feathers or better down, we now find certain models padded with technical fibers. These are easier to maintain and more respectful of living things!
...AND THE MOST FORMAL
THE OVERCOAT
The term overcoat includes all thick coats, straight or double-breasted, using tailoring construction techniques. There we find the crombie coat (straight cut, the most classic), the chersterfield (hidden buttonhole and ticket pocket) or the ulster coat which includes a belt or a martingale.
THE MACKINTOSH
Undoubtedly the most sober of all (smooth, hidden buttonhole and slash pockets), the Mackintosh is distinguished by its fabric: a completely waterproof rubberized canvas. Imagine with welded seams!
THE RAGLAN COAT
Close to an overcoat, it is distinguished by its loose cut, but above all by the absence of shoulder seams. Its sleeves start at the base of the collar.
