Make Sure You Know All The Basics Of Purchasing A High-Quality Overcoat
With winter upon us, the cool airs are making their way throughout the city and keeping things chilly. Sure, you can grab your sporty fleece coat and stay toasty warm. But, if you want to be taken seriously in the workplace, when you want to make a good first impression or when you’re meeting a business partner for lunch, you need to have a high-quality overcoat. An overcoat is the only acceptable form of outerwear when it’s cold outside.
There’s things to know and to consider before making an overcoat purchase. Of course, you’re interested in purchasing a high-quality, good looking overcoat but there’s some things to think about before you do.
What Is An Overcoat?
It’s true there are a few differences between overcoats and other styles of outerwear. Your options are overcoats, topcoats or greatcoats. An overcoat is a long coat with sleeves that can easily be worn over anything else, especially a suit. A topcoat is the lightweight version of the overcoat. Lastly, a greatcoat is a super heavy and bulky overcoat. It’s important to know the difference between the three options, especially when ordering online.
What Are The Most Important Characteristics Of A Quality Overcoat?
In short – Fabric, Length and Fit. We all know it’s important to have a good overcoat that keeps you warm, fits well and makes you look like a winter-version of James Bond. But what, specifically, gives an overcoat these traits?
The Fabric
A high-quality overcoat should be made out of 100 percent wool with no other types of fabric, especially man-made fabrics. Although, if you are in search of a softer, more gentle fabric, you can consider an overcoat that’s made with a small addition of cashmere. If the overcoat is genuinely wool, it should weigh at least 4 pounds. The thicker the coat, the better. A heavy coat ensures you are kept warm and that the garment lasts a long time.
The Length
Throughout history, it was common that an overcoat extended itself almost past the ankles. This length of overcoat is not seen as frequently these days. It’s the selected choice for seasoned gentlemen due to their ability to compliment a wide range of figures. A full-length overcoat has the capability to slim the bodies of the more ‘rounded’ gentleman. Today it is more common to see young men wearing their overcoats at knee-length. It’s more convenient to wear as it’s easier to get in and out of vehicles throughout the day. However, let it be known that the full-length overcoat does offer more warmth.
The Fit
You didn’t think we were going to skip over the importance of a good fit, did you? You can be wearing the most expensive and well-tailored suit underneath your overcoat. But, if you’re overcoat is ill-fitting, it’s all going to look bad. When you finally decide on a high-quality overcoat, make sure it’s made for your body shape. If you are seeing X-wrinkles when buttoning the overcoat, it’s too tight. If the overcoat shoulders pass your own, it’s too big. Contact your favorite tailor and heed their advice when making an overcoat purchase.
Types of Overcoats
There’s plenty of variety in styles of overcoats. There’s several classic overcoat options that have all made their marks in men’s fashion history. These are considered to be timeless. It’s never a bad move to purchase a classic style as it will still be in fashion 20 years from now.
-The Chesterfield
-The Covert Coat
-Trench Coat
-Paletot
-Guards Coat
As you can see, there’s plenty to consider before purchasing a high-quality overcoat for yourself. You have to consider a variety of things like the fabric, length and fit. After you get that much down, you need to decide on a style.
It can be an overwhelming experience since it’s a garment you probably plan on keeping in your closet for years to come. A well-fitted, classic overcoat is a smart investment – do your research. You can always contact us at Damanino Bespoke to help you with your investment. Our well-experienced tailors can help you with your decision every step of the way.
Stay warm this winter.