How to Measure for a Woman's Winter Coat
Figuring out what size winter coat you need can be confusing, especially if you are trying to buy a coat online. In an industry where one brand's size 4 is another brand's size 6, and one brand's medium is another brand's large, you need to be prepared. Once you get the right measurements and prepare yourself for the different size charts, the only hard part will be deciding which winter coat you like best.
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Instructions
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Measure your bust in inches by circling the measuring tape around your chest and back, keeping the tape directly under both armpits. Then measure you waist in inches by circling the measuring tape around the skinniest part of your waist. Finally, measure your hips in inches by circling the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips. Write down each measurement.
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Take your height into account when buying a winter coat, but do not factor it in with the size. The length of a coat is more about style and less about size. For example, if you are really tall, but also thin, you might need a smaller size in a longer style. Keep in mind that winter coats tend to be longer than most other coats.
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Visit a company's website before you try to buy a winter coat from them. Most websites have a size chart available on the site. Take your own measurements and find what size you are on the chart. Sizes that go by small, medium and large will have more leeway, but may fit less snug than size charts that go by numbers. If you wear a small blouse, you will also wear a small winter coat. Winter coat sizes take into account that they are meant to be worn over other clothing. If you tend to wear a lot of bulky clothing, then you might want to consider moving up a size.
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Factor the ways you plan to utilize your winter coat into the final size your choose. If you're choosing a coat to wear out to dinner, stay close to the size your measurements suggest. But if you're just looking for something to wear outside to shovel the driveway, buying a coat that is a size bigger could end up being more comfortable.
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Try the winter coat on before you take the tags off. Lift your arms out to the sides and bend over, making sure that the winter coat not only fits you, but fits you when you're moving. When it's cold outside, you're going to want to make sure you're completely covered up.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are buying a winter coat online, find out their return policy first. Often, you'll be able to return the coat you bought online to one of their locations near you.
