In Quebec, the coat is worn three seasons a year. It is therefore important to know how to choose it. Although its primary function is to protect you from the cold, it is also important that it be stylish and comfortable. There are several criteria to consider before proceeding to the checkout : cut, color, size, materials and style. Here are our tips and advice!
The ideal cut
Before choosing the cut of your coat, you need to know your silhouette. Before you start reading this blog, you can take a look at our article on body types.
If you're short, go for a short or mid-length coat. If you want to explore the oversize effect, which has been very fashionable in recent years, opt for a model that you can control with a belt at the waist. Coats that are too long will tend to crush you. On the other hand, they can also elongate your silhouette, as long as you opt for a fitted or belted model. Straight and close to the body shapes are to be preferred.
If you have curves, you need a coat that sublimates your beautiful curves. You must then opt for a belted model to structure your silhouette and mark your waist.
The A-line coat will also be a perfect choice for you, it will highlight your legs. Opt for mid-length or long coats that will enhance your figure, unlike short coats, which will break it.
If you're tall, extra-long coats, which are very trendy, will fit you like a glove. If you're going in that direction, avoid adding too much volume. A straight cut will be more advantageous. If you have a marked waist, the trench coat with a belt will be perfect for you!
An X-shaped morphology will be sublimated in a bathrobe coat.
If you have a large bust, avoid coats that are too close to the body or have a lot of detail in this area.
The V-shaped morphology will avoid shoulder pads so as not to further enlarge his already athletic figure.
An A-shaped body type will opt for a straight coat that will not accentuate the volume at the hips. For example, trapeze cut coats.
This silhouette will be able to go towards shoulder pads since the upper body is smaller.
H's and I's will look great in more straight cut coats. Go for a looser style, which is very trendy right now.
The right color for you
It's understood that black is a staple in your wardrobe. However, when you already have one, have fun!
For an everyday coat, avoid too flamboyant colors. You need to consider the colors you wear most often in order to make a smart combination.
The colors that match most easily and are most in vogue are denim blue, burgundy, emerald green, beige, cream, brown, khaki, gray and even the plaid coat.
If you want a brighter piece to wear from time to time, red, mustard yellow, fuchsia, powder blue and mauve are original colors that will certainly enhance your look.
Then, the skin tone and the color of hair and eyes are to be considered. Beige coat with blonde hair, to be avoided. A red coat with red hair too. A light beige coat with dark blonde hair, acceptable! A burgundy coat with a copper red hair too! The secret : contrasts. Tone on tone makes the look less strong, off. However, some contrasts don't work. Green, for example. If you have a lot of redness, it will make it stand out more.
The perfect size
When shopping, always bring a cardigan, hoodie or relatively thick woolen sweater with you. When it gets really cold in the winter, no matter how much insulation your coat has, you'll probably wear a few layers underneath. If your coat is too tight, it won't warm you up properly. It can also affect your mobility.
Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect size :
The arm test : stretch your arms out in front of you or raise them to the sky. If you have "water in the basement" at your wrists and hips, your coat is too small. You will have constant cold drafts coming in through these areas.
On the other hand, if when you lift your arms into the sky, a lot of fabric is gathered around the shoulders, it may be too big for you, which is not better.
Then cross your arms from shoulder to shoulder. In other words, hug yourself. If you feel resistance in your elbows and shoulders, the size above will be a better option for you.
The shoulder seam should come just before your biceps. If it comes in the middle, either it's too big or the style is wider.
For a classic fit, the seam should line up perfectly with your shoulders.
Materials to prioritize and avoid
You will have to choose between wool, synthetic materials, down or a mixture of these.
Down as insulation has several advantages : it is very light and very warm. It is also ideal for cold and dry climates. Down coats are also the most durable and they are very comfortable.
Synthetic down also has its advantages. It is just as warm as natural down and it resists very well to cold and humid climates. This imitation of down, which is very present in new coat models, is hypoallergenic and dries very quickly. It is however heavier. It is up to you to choose what suits you best!
The impermeability of a coat is also very important. Make sure the coat is indeed waterproof or has a water-repellent treatment.
Wool coats should be mostly made of wool. The 100 % wool, although very warm and high quality, is not necessary. As long as the percentage of wool is the highest, you are assured of good quality. Wool is a great insulator, it breathes and absorbs moisture well. However, it is not waterproof and will not protect you from the wind. It is therefore perfect for milder days.
Now it's time to style
With a short dress, the best option is a loose, short, cape-style coat. It will sublimate your dress and highlight your legs. You can then wear your best tights and a nice pair of boots.
The long coat can also be worn with a short dress. It will break the style, but will bring an interesting contrast to it. In short, we do not want to distort the cut of the dress, we only want to sublimate it. To accompany it. The bathrobe coat is also a good option to make your dress chic, a little more relaxed.
With the long dress, it's a little more complex. It is always very visible and requires a more precise arrangement than the short dress. The ideal coat is long, of course! The trench, the bathrobe coat, the straight coat... they will enhance your long dresses.
Short or mid-length coats can be an option, but it won't work every time. Denim jackets, oversized jackets, wool cardigans, faux fur coats are options that work well.
Avoid mid-thigh length coats, they won't do your figure any favors.
Then, have fun : fur hood, matching hat and scarf, your favorite leather belt at the waist, woolen hat and gloves... Don't mix too many colors, especially if your coat or outfit is more flamboyant, you don't want your accessories to steal the show!
Here is our great selection of coats.