Getting through the winter. Enduring a downpour. Being in “The Matrix” as Keanu Reeves. These scenarios all call for a long coat. However, when you’re shorter than average, that’s easier said than done. Everybody has been there. I often ask myself, “Can I wear this without looking like a boy dressed like his dad?” while I’m admiring a coat.
For a shorter guy, most stylistic issues are manageable. T-shirts come in shorter lengths. You may get sneakers that have some lift. Pants may be tailored. Perhaps the most difficult to fix is the long coat, however. This is our brief guide.
Why do short guys not look well in long coats?
It all comes down to balance. The ideal length for an overcoat is about above the knee, yet most clothing is made for men who are between five and six feet tall.
Like the majority of our clients, if you’re between 5’4″ and 5’9,” you may find the coat about your calves. Additionally, your sleeves will often linger over your wrists. At this point, you may seem overburdened.
Is it possible to cut a long coat shorter?
Indeed, but it’s neither easy nor inexpensive.
A coat requires more work than pants, which just need to be hemmed and (typically) tapered at the knee. A coat contains several seams, padding, and lining, all of which often need to be taken apart and reassembled.
And there’s the additional problem of proportion. It can seem strange if the length is shortened but the pockets remain as they were. We encourage to take more inspirations from men’s full length fur coat.
Which coat styles suit short guys better?
We have discussed long coats in general so far. i.e., a coat, often collared, that you may wear over a jacket or suit. However, there are several varieties made of various fabrics, such as trench coats, macs, and overcoats.
Since Overcoat USA has done a much better job on their website, I won’t include them all here.
The pea coat is a fantastic choice for a shorter guy. Pea jackets are double-breasted woolen coats that are modeled by navy uniforms. Importantly, their cut is somewhat shorter than that of an overcoat. That affords you more proportional flexibility. Check the measurement above the knee.
Two additional pointers: Reduce your size and do some shopping.
Tip #1: coats are made to be worn over oversized winter apparel. This indicates that the chest has some room. With outerwear, you can often get away with ordering a size smaller. People often wear a medium t-shirt, but when it comes to coats and jackets, I normally get a small.
Tip #2: Brands differ significantly in sizes. Some choose to dress baggier, while others dress tighter. And then there’s vanity sizing, where people’s sizes have become bigger over time as more chocolate, beer, and fancy chips have been available. It takes work to browse around, but you could get fortunate — shorter guys often suggest Overcoat USA as one brand in particular.
Are jackets made specifically for shorter guys sold anywhere?
Indeed! Not us, however, as of yet.
Peter Manning NYC is the master of formal dress for shorter guys. As of the time of writing, they had seven styles of raincoats and four types of topcoats.
(I’m not getting paid to say that) They have excellent ratings and are doing a wonderful job of offering alternatives for shorter guys. That being said, they are American-based. Therefore, there are no free returns even if delivery is free.
Top Jackets & Coats for Smaller Men
With a few notable exceptions, we believe that the “not-so-tall” man may wear almost any kind of coat or jacket he chooses. We do not claim that these are inflexible guidelines. Regard them as guidelines that, as long as they are understood, may be freely disregarded.
Stay away from bulky outerwear
We usually prefer functionality above form, but sometimes you just need to wear a bulky, hefty parka to be warm.
However, generally speaking, we advise staying away from big, bulky coats wherever feasible. You may select something that fits closer to the body and doesn’t have too many oversized elements, even with parkas.
Depending on where you live, a lightweight down jacket will keep you warm for the most of winter.
Basically, all we’re attempting to do is steer clear of the aforementioned George Costanza expression. Anybody may seem less than attractive with the Michelin Man effect, regardless of height or weight. However, it looks particularly ugly on shorter males.
Put on Layers to Stay Warm
Using numerous layers for warmth is one technique to avoid wearing really heavy gear. You won’t need the additional bulk if each layer is thin and light. This will provide you with plenty insulation.
Furthermore useful benefits of layering are as follows. You may take one layer off if you’re too warm. Adding a layer can help if you’re too chilly. Although a parka is practical, it cannot provide the same level of micro-adjustable temperature control.
Layers also look fantastic. One of those tricks that every fashionable person understands and employs to his benefit is layering.
Layers let you experiment with color and texture while also adding visual intrigue. If in doubt, add more layers!
Take Note of Your Sleeve Length
The sleeves are the most difficult component to locate in outerwear for a shorter build. Even if they fit you everywhere else, most off-the-rack jackets are probably too long in the sleeves if you’re under 5’10” and have average arms for your frame.
It is possible to get your sleeves shortened, but for most coats, this requires a complex and costly adjustment.
For instance, you would need to locate a tailor that is experienced with this kind of clothing if you purchase a down jacket and want to have the sleeves reduced. The insulating, wind- and/or water-proofing of your coat may be compromised if the tailor is inexperienced.
Initially, it’s much simpler to choose jackets with the appropriate sleeve length.
The sleeves of your coat should ideally finish exactly around your wrist. They should not hang down around your palms or go beyond your hands, but it’s OK if they extend a little past your wrists.
Long sleeves make a guy seem like a “kid wearing hand-me-downs,” which is bad for all men, young or old.
Cut the Fat
We do not support dressing in tight, unpleasant, or constricting clothing or donning jackets that are too small. Comfort is of the utmost importance, particularly in the winter!
However, we also believe that no one ought to dress in jackets that are excessively large on them. Shorter males run the danger of seeming like pretend playmates when they dress too big. This is particularly true for younger-looking, smaller males.
Most males, regardless of height, could probably go smaller. In the Overcoat USA Shop, we often run across males who believe they are a Medium but are really a Small. Alternatively, despite looking fantastic with a 28-inch inseam, they have consistently worn a 30-inch inseam.