How to Choose a Winter Jacket Size

Co-authored by Taissha G. LaReau

Last Updated: December 12, 2023

With so many different styles, materials, lengths, and other options to choose from, buying a winter jacket can be overwhelming. The one thing that shouldn’t be complicated about buying a jacket is what size to choose. However, you might find yourself confused when you put on a jacket in your size and it feels snug, or when you consult an online retailer’s sizing chart and have no idea what size you should pick. If this sounds like your situation, you’re in luck! There are some easy ways to choose a winter jacket that will fit you perfectly.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Trying on Jackets in a Store

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1
Opt for a jacket that’s 1 size larger than your shirt size. This is the general advice for buying a jacket so that it won’t be too tight. Having the jacket a little bigger than your normal size will also help to ensure that you can easily layer it over other items.^{[1]
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Taissha G. LaReau
Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist

Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.}
- For example, if you normally wear a size medium shirt or sweater, look for size large jackets.
- Be sure to consider the style of the jacket when deciding what size to get. Some jacket styles are meant to fit closer to your body than others. For example, a sleek leather jacket will look better if it’s somewhat snug, while an oversized puffer jacket will look best if it’s loose.
- The bigger you go, the easier it is to layer clothing under your jacket.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Taissha G. LaReau
  Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.}
2
Try on the jacket while wearing a sweater to ensure that it’s not too tight. You’ll likely want to layer the jacket over a sweater at some point during the fall or winter. Wear or bring a sweater along with you when you go jacket shopping.^{[4]
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- You could also try on the jacket over a blazer, vest, or other item that you plan to wear with it.
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Move around in the jacket while you’re wearing it. Try raising your arms above your head, shrugging your shoulders, and crossing your arms in front of you. Look in a mirror as you do this to see how the jacket looks when you move in these ways and notice how the jacket feels as well.^{[5]
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- If it’s difficult to move or if the jacket looks puckered or stretched in these positions, you might want to try on the next size up.
Tip: Jackets made from synthetic materials, such as polyester and Lycra, will provide more slack than jackets made from natural fibers, such as wool, cotton, and cashmere.
4
Check for a sleeve length that comes to the base of your thumb. Allow your arms to hang loosely at your sides and look at yourself in a mirror to see where the hem of the sleeves fall. The hem should hit right where your thumb and index finger meet so it covers your wrist completely and the bottom 1/4 of your hand. This length will help to ensure that your hands stay warm.^{[6]
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- Avoid jackets that have a shorter hemline than this. However, if the sleeve goes past the base of your thumb, you can always have the sleeves tailored to a more comfortable length.
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Look for jackets no longer than the middle of your thigh if you’re short. If you are petite or short, a long jacket can overwhelm you and make you seem shorter. For a more flattering look, opt for a peacoat or a jacket that ends midway down your thigh. These styles will help to enhance your stature.^{[7]
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- Some styles to avoid if you’re petite include long parkas, trench coats, and knee-length jackets.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Buying a Jacket Online

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Most jacket manufacturers include a size chart on their website that you can consult to find the best size for you. Make sure to note whether the manufacturer’s sizes are general, such as medium, large, or extra-large, or fitted, such as based on specific measurements in inches or centimeters.^{[8]
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Tip: Ensure that the manufacturer allows returns just in case the jacket does not fit you properly.
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Read customer reviews to determine how the jacket will fit. See if there’s a comment or rating section where previous customers have said something about their purchase. Note any details about the jacket’s fit that comes up more than once.^{[9]
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- For example, if customers who bought the jacket commented that it was tighter than they expected, then you may want to get the next size up.
- If they commented that the jacket was longer than expected and you’re concerned about length, then you might want to opt for the petite size.
3
Take the required measurements for the jacket’s sizing information. The most common measurements for fitted jackets include the chest and waist, but hip and arm length measurements may also be required for some jackets. After you take your measurements, write them down so you can use them to find the right size jacket.^{[10]
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- For example, to get your chest measurement, wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your chest and record the measurement in inches or centimeters (depending on what the manufacturer uses). Measure the narrowest part of your waist in the same way.
4
Purchase a jacket the next size up from your measurements. You can also do this if you want the jacket to fit you more loosely or if you fall between sizes. However, if the jacket is meant to be fitted, opt for the exact size whenever possible.
- For example, if you have a chest measurement of 38 in (97 cm) and a waist measurement of 30 in (76 cm), opt for a jacket in this size.
- If you’re a size large and you want the jacket to fit you loosely, opt for an extra-large instead.

Expert Q&A

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How do you wear layers in cold weather?

Taissha G. LaReau
Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
Taissha G. LaReau is a Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist based in Albany, NY. With more than three years of experience, Tai specializes in helping people maximize their wardrobes by creating functional, everyday outfits that are tailored to their lifestyle and make them feel polished. While she offers virtual and in-person closet editing, personal shopping, and outfit creation, she also has a knack for helping people shop strategically, discover new brands, and experiment with new styles. Taissha holds a BS in Marketing from The State University of New York College at Oswego.

Taissha G. LaReau

Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist

Expert Answer

Always layer from the inside out! Start your outfit with fitted items and use an oversized winter coat as your last layer. A big coat makes it easier to add layers in a more delicate way.

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