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Step 1
Start by trying on the same size as your suit jacket or sport coat, including both chest measurement and length. Overcoats are cut larger, but you may fit better into one size larger.
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Step 2
Wear something you will be wearing underneath your overcoat for proper fitting—either a suit or sport coat. Make sure you have plenty of room around the shoulders so that you will be able to sit in a car and reach forward comfortably to grasp the steering wheel of your car without binding. An overcoat is designed to keep your trunk and legs warm even more than your upper body, especially on a cold car seat or walking to and from your transportation in winter.
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Step 3
Measure the sleeve length to cover all material of your dress shirt and jacket, but not so long that it smothers your palms. You should have the sleeves tailored in most cases because a properly fitting overcoat will usually be too long in the sleeves when you buy it off the rack.
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Step 4
Measure the tail length below the knee. It should extend well below the knee depending on the design, but should always cover the knees. There should be plenty of clearance around your legs, but you won’t be able to judge the perspective effectively unless you are wearing dress slacks or suit pants when you are fitting the overcoat. There is a wide range for the acceptable length, so rarely if ever should you alter the length.
