Buying an Overcoat as a Gift: How to Get the Size Right Without Asking

Published October 2026. Written by The Platinum Tailor, a family tailoring business making wool overcoats since 2012.

Why size is the thing to get right

Clothes are the most returned Christmas gifts, and the wrong size is the main reason. Research reported by FashionNetwork found wrong size was the top reason for returning clothes after Christmas. With a coat, the good news is that only one measurement really matters: the chest.

Four ways to find his size without asking

1. Check a suit or blazer label

Look inside the inside pocket or on the lining of his suit jacket or blazer. You will see a size like 40R or 42L. The number is the chest size in inches. Our coats are cut to go over a suit jacket of the same size, so a 42 jacket means a size 42 coat. Ignore the letter, which refers to length.

2. Measure a coat or jacket he already wears

Lay it flat and buttoned on a table. Measure straight across the chest from armpit seam to armpit seam, then double it. That gives you the garment's chest measurement. Match it to the "chest, full garment" row in our chart:

Measure a winter coat or a blazer he likes the fit of, not a t-shirt or a jumper. Full measurements are in our overcoat size guide.

3. Ask someone who knows

His partner, a parent, or a friend who shops with him may know his jacket size. If he has had a suit fitted or hired for a wedding, the tailor or hire shop may still have his measurements.

4. Use his general size as a last resort

As a rough guide, men who wear a medium usually take a 38 to 40 chest, a large 42, an extra large 44, and a double extra large 46. It is less reliable than a label or a measurement, so check our chart if you can.

If he is between sizes, go up

A coat that is slightly generous can be worn over a thick jumper and can be taken in by a tailor. A coat that is too tight cannot be let out much and will pull across the back. When in doubt, size up.

Which coat to choose as a gift

• Safest choice: black. It goes with everything he owns and works for every occasion. The Black Long Overcoat (£150) is our most versatile.
• For a man who loves classic British style: the Black Covert Overcoat with velvet collar (£150), our most reviewed coat.
• For a man who dresses smart casual: the Camel Long Overcoat (£140).
• For a man who feels the cold: the Black Greatcoat (£160).
• For her: the Women's Black Covert Overcoat (£140), true to UK dress size.

Still unsure of style or size? A Platinum Tailor gift card lets him choose. The £150 card covers most of our coats.

When to order for Christmas

Our free tracked UK delivery takes 2 to 3 business days, and next day delivery is available for orders placed before 1pm. US orders ship free from our US warehouse in 5 to 7 business days. Popular sizes sell out as December goes on, so ordering in late November or early December gives you the best choice.

One thing to plan for: our return and exchange window is 30 days from delivery, and the coat needs to be unworn with its tags on. If you order very early, ask him to try it on soon after Christmas Day, or let him open it a little early, so there is still time to swap the size if needed.

Two things to tell him

• The pockets are stitched closed on purpose. A light basting stitch keeps the coat in shape in transit. Snip it with small scissors before wearing. It is not a fault.
• Keep the tags on until it fits. Try it on over a jumper or a suit jacket first. Once the tags are off and it has been worn, it cannot be exchanged.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know what size coat to buy for my husband or boyfriend?

Check the size on a suit jacket or blazer label. The number, such as 40 or 42, is his chest size and matches our coat size. Or measure a coat he wears armpit to armpit, double it, and compare with our size chart.

Is an overcoat a good gift?

Yes. A good wool overcoat gets worn almost every day for months and lasts for years, so it is one of the most used gifts you can give, as long as the size is right.

Should I size up when buying a coat as a gift?

If you are unsure or he is between sizes, yes. A slightly larger coat can be worn over thicker layers or taken in by a tailor. A coat that is too small is much harder to fix.

What colour overcoat is the safest gift?

Black. It goes with every suit and outfit and suits every occasion, from work to weddings and funerals.

Can a gifted coat be exchanged?

Yes, within 30 days of delivery, as long as it is unworn with its tags attached. Follow our returns process and note the size you need.