by Mona Rigdon

Created on: October 07, 2008

A jacket or coat can make or break a person's look. In colder months, often times our jacket is the bulk of our first impression. It is important to wear a jacket or coat that fits properly, and is clean and well-maintained. Many people just purchae a jacket or coat without much thought. Take it off the hanger, put it on and if it seems to fit, whip out the credit card! What many people find is that this method is not a very good one. Consider three areas of fit when choosing a jacket, and shop prepared.

Three Areas of Fit

1. The Chest

Does the jacket fit around the chest? When trying on a jacket, check to see if the jacket closes around your chest. Make sure that you completely button or zip the jacket, all the way before deciding the answer to this question. Once you have fastened the jacket from top to bottom, take a deep breath. Bend, twist, and stretch. How does the jacket feel across the chest? Does it seem uncomfortable or tight in certain positions?

2. The Length

The length of a good jacket varies by style. Jackets usually fall around the hips, mid thigh, the knee, or ankle. There are also cropped jackets, asymmetrical jackets, and oddly designed jackets. Length is largely a matter of personal style and preferences. The thing to remember about length is that it should fall at a comfortable place, and not show skin or almost show skin when the arms are raised. Coats with elastic bottom hems should not ride up and cause the top of the coat to bunch, even when the arms are raised and lowered.

3. The Arms

The most common infraction that causes a coat or jacket to not fit is improper arm length. Arm length varies so much by person that it is important to consider whether the jacket is too short or too long. Not only is a too-short sleeve tacky, it doesn't do much to keep the wearer warm! Raise arms, twist, bend elbows, and stretch. Do the sleeves inhibit movement too much? If the sleeves are the right length, it is still important to consider if they are too tight. Pay particular attention to underarms as well. Underarms that are too tight or too large can ruin the look and comfort of a jacket.

Shop Prepared

1. What type of jacket are you looking for?

2. What type of jacket does the store you are shopping in sell?

3. Do you need measurements, or will the store measure and help fit you?

If coat buyers consider these few easy rules, shopping for a new jacket should be a stress free experience. Make a good impression this winter with a well-fitted jacket or coat to cover the rest of your well-fitted wardrobe.

Learn more about this author, Mona Rigdon.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.