Christmas Gift Ideas for Her: How to Buy a Women's Coat as a Gift
Buying a coat for someone is a better gift than it is a risk, as long as you get two things right: the size, and the style she would actually choose for herself.
This guide covers both. How to work out her size without asking, which cut suits which woman, and what happens if it still is not right on the day.
Why a coat works as a gift
A good wool coat is worn more often than anything else she owns through winter, and it is the piece people tend to put off replacing. Jewellery and perfume are safer guesses but they sit in a drawer. A coat gets picked up on the way out of the door every morning for years.
It also photographs well under a tree, which is not nothing.
How to find her size without asking
Our women's coats are true to size and follow UK dress sizes, so if she takes a 12 in a dress or a jacket, she takes a 12 in the coat. That is the whole trick.
If you want to be certain:
- Check the label in a coat or jacket she already wears. UK sizes are consistent enough that this is reliable.
- Measure a coat she owns flat. Armpit to armpit in inches, doubled, gives the garment chest.
- Go by the chest measurement if you happen to know it, using the chart in our overcoat sizing guide, which has a women's section.
Do not round up out of caution. These are cut to go over a jumper already. A size too big loses the shoulder line and the waist, which is most of what makes a tailored coat look tailored.
Which style suits which woman
All black, all cut for a woman's shoulder and waist rather than scaled down from a men's pattern.
If she dresses smart for work
The covert overcoat with red lining is the one to start with. Velvet collar, concealed fastening, tailored through the waist, with a red satin lining that shows when it is open. There is also a black lining version of the same coat if she would rather it stayed understated throughout.
If she likes a coat she can belt
The women's long overcoat comes with a self tie belt, so she sets the waist where she wants it or leaves it loose and wears the coat open. That flexibility makes it the most forgiving choice if you are unsure about fit.
If she wants something with more drama
The double breasted overcoat is the longest coat we make for women at 49 inches, with wide lapels and a half back belt. It is the one that turns a jumper and jeans into an outfit.
If she is out in the rain more than the cold
The women's trench coat is cotton with a water resistant finish, double breasted, with a belt that genuinely cinches. Less warm than wool, far better in a downpour.
Want to see them together? The full range of women's wool coats and overcoats is here.
Two things worth knowing before it arrives
The pockets are stitched closed. Every coat ships with the pockets lightly basting-stitched shut to hold the shape in transit. Mention it when she opens it, or she will assume the pockets are decorative. Snip the thread and they are fine.
Belt or no belt is a real difference. The long overcoat has a self tie belt she controls. The double breasted has a half back belt, which is a detail at the back rather than something that adjusts. Worth knowing which one she would prefer.
If the size is wrong
Thirty days from delivery to exchange, unworn with tags on. Email us the order number and the size she needs, we will hold it while the first one comes back, and the replacement goes out to you free of charge.
Buy in November and you are still comfortably inside the window in January.
Ordering in time for Christmas
Order by 23 December for UK Christmas delivery. Free tracked delivery on every UK order, dispatched the next working day.
If you are later than that, or genuinely torn between two coats, a gift card arrives by email and she chooses her own.
Free UK tracked delivery. 30 day returns and exchanges.
Shop Women's CoatsNot sure between two sizes or two styles? Email info@theplatinumtailor.co.uk or call 07473 239725. We answer every email the same day.