Dressing for Your Body Shape: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Coat

As the chill of autumn settles in and winter approaches, finding the perfect coat becomes a top priority. With so many styles out there, how do you choose the right one? While it's important to remember that we are more than just labels or shapes, understanding your body's unique proportions can be helpful in selecting clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable.

For ease of reference, we’ve illustrated different body types below, but please keep in mind that no one body type is better or worse than another. Our goal is to help you find the outerwear that flatters your natural silhouette and makes you feel your best. Whether you're dressing for a masculine or feminine shape, here’s how to choose the ideal coat for your body type.

Womenswear

  1. Hourglass Shape
    Characteristics: Balanced shoulders and hips with a defined waist.
    Best Coat Styles: Tailored, belted, or wrap coats that cinch at the waist to emphasise your curves. Trench coats are a classic choice, as are peacoats with waist-defining details.
    Avoid: Boxy or oversized coats that hide your waist
    Laura's Top Pick:   River Island Beige Belted Wrap Coat



  2. Triangle Shape
    Characteristics: Hips are wider than shoulders; smaller bust.
    Best Coat Styles:  A-line coats or those with detailing on the upper body, such as epaulettes, fur collars, or broad lapels. These details draw attention upward, balancing out your silhouette.
    Avoid: Coats that are tight around the hips or that end at the widest part of your hips.
    Laura's Top Pick:  River Island Brown Leopard Print Jacquard Coat



  3. Round Shape 
    Characteristics: Fuller midsection, less defined waist.
    Best Coat Styles: Single-breasted coats that streamline the body. Look for straight or slightly A-line silhouettes that don't cling to the middle. Empire waist coats or those with vertical seams can also create a slimming effect.
    Avoid:  Double-breasted styles or coats with too much volume around the waist, as these can add bulk to your midsection.
    Laura's Top Pick:  River Island Cream Double Breasted Slouch Coat



  4. Rectangle Shape
    Characteristics:   Balanced shoulders and hips with little waist definition.
    Best Coat Styles: Coats that add curves, such as belted styles, flared, or peplum coats. You can also go for styles with embellishments or details at the waist to create the illusion of curves.
    Avoid: Straight or boxy coats without waist definition, as these may make you look boxier.
    Laura's Top Pick:  River Island Cream Collared Crop Trophy Jacket



  5. Inverted Triangle Shape
    Characteristics:  Shoulders broader than hips; athletic build.
    Best Coat Styles: Coats that balance the broader upper body, such as those with minimal shoulder details and an A-line shape. Look for coats with belts or that flare out from the waist to create a more balanced silhouette.
    Avoid:  Coats with heavy shoulder details like epaulettes or large lapels, which can exaggerate the width of your shoulders.
    Laura's Top Pick:  M&S Relaxed Single Breasted Coat


Menswear

  1. Triangle Shape
    Characteristics:  Hips and waist are wider than shoulders.
    Best Coat Styles:  Structured shoulder styles, such as single-breasted coats, help broaden the upper body. Look for coats with a slightly tapered waist and a longer length to elongate your shape.
    Avoid:  Short, cropped jackets that draw attention to your wider midsection.
    Laura's Top Pick:  M&S Revere Coat



  2. Inverted Triangle Shape
    Characteristics:  Broad shoulders with a narrower waist and hips.
    Best Coat Styles: Coats that add volume to the lower body, such as pea coats or trench coats. These help to balance the broad shoulders. Double-breasted styles can also work well.
    Avoid:  Coats that are too fitted at the top, which can make your shoulders look even broader.
    Laura's Top Pick:  Magee Wool Pea Coat 



  3. Rectangle Shape
    Characteristics:  Shoulders, waist, and hips are fairly aligned with little waist definition.
    Best Coat Styles:  Look for coats that create the illusion of a more defined waist, such as belted coats or styles with waist cinching.
    Avoid:  Very boxy coats or those without any waist definition, as they can make you look too straight.
    Laura's Top Picks:  Superdry Wool Coat 
  4. Oval Shape
    Characteristics:  Wider midsection with fuller stomach.
    Best Coat Styles: Look for coats that streamline your silhouette, such as single-breasted overcoats with a slight taper. Darker colours and vertical details can also help create a slimming effect.
    Avoid:  Bulky or double-breasted coats that add extra volume to your middle.
    Laura's Top Picks:  M&S Wool Blend Overcoat 


  5. Trapezoid Shape
    Characteristics:  Broad shoulders and chest with a narrower waist and hips.
    Best Coat Styles:  Most coat styles work well for this body shape, but single-breasted and tailored coats highlight your athletic build. Trench coats, macs, and even classic overcoats are great options.
    Avoid: Very oversized or shapeless coats, which can hide your natural physique.
    Laura's Top Picks:  M&S Trench Coat 

Final Tips:

  • Fabric Choice: Heavier fabrics don’t just keep you warmer in colder weather, then also ensure that the coat maintains its shape, due to the weight. Wool, tweed, and cashmere are excellent choices.
  • Layering: Consider the layers you’ll be wearing underneath when choosing the size of your coat. We advise sizing up to accommodate thicker sweaters or blazers.
  • Colour: Darker shades are slimming and versatile, but don't be afraid to experiment with brights and patterns that suit your personality and the rest of your wardrobe.

With these tips in mind, you can confidently choose outerwear that flatters your figure while keeping you stylish and warm all season long. If you still need assistance shopping for your body shape, our AW appointments are now open:
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Laura 

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