Brooks Brothers Trench - Size 2 or 4? (pic heavy)

rae

Trying to dial in what size of the BB trench is the best for me, just so I don't have to wonder what-if.

Size 2 over cashmere sweater
Size 2 Close up
Size 2 Back view
Size 2 over leather jacket
Size 2 over leather jacket, different light
Size 2 open over leather jacket
Size 4 with no layering
Size 4 back
Size 4 in different light
Size 4 over leather jacket
Size 4 over leather jacket
Split screen without layering (4 left, 2 right)
Split screen over jacket (4 left, 2 right)
Split screen, non-mirror shot (4 left, 2 right)

Elle was right in that both sizes look good and work over a blazer/jacket... so now my question is which looks better? I will probably mostly wear it over a shirt or sweater, adding a jacket rarely. Keeping my thoughts to myself for now.

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12 years ago

Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Diana

Veteran

I like the 4 in all incarnations. The looser fit looks more chic to me.

12 years ago

Anonymous

I like the 4 the best.

12 years ago

ElleH

Veteran

Hard to say. They both look good. Especially hard to see on my small computer. See what everyone else says. If your weight will fluctuate is it more likely to go up or down?

12 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I like the 4 better, but they both look good. Which one is more comfy? Sometimes I find that the smaller size might look better, but then it's harder to move your arms (J Crew tipped peacoat, for example--I bought the 4 which looked slimmer on me, but it's a little too tight in the shoulders--am thinking I should have gotten the 6).

12 years ago

Marley

Veteran

I like the 4 the best.
But, what I want to know is this: I've been gone from YLF for a little over a week, and when I get back I find out that aLOT of YLFers are all excited about trench coats!!!!! I mean, in just skimming the forum from the last few days, I can see multiple threads about trench coats! What happened? And - what have I missed out on?????

12 years ago

Anonymous

I think Elle's quest for a trench was a catalyst combined with a BB sale to cause a trench explosion!

12 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Yes, Marley, I had been eyeing this trench for months. I had first passed it up at full price back when I was looking for something packable. I came back to it during the 50% off sale.

Looks like the 4 is in the lead... I was leaning that way, too. I do prefer the 2 worn over the leather jacket, because it bunches way less, but that wouldn't be the main way I'd wear the coat. Also I think the 4 will be more comfy in the hips when I wear baggy BF jeans.

12 years ago

Anonymous

Poor Marley doesn't know what hit her, lol! Trench Frenzy, that's what!

After all that work, I think the 4 might provide the most elegant looking fit. There is such a fine line between them though! It looks like the bottom button is pulling ever so slightly on the 2 in some of the layered up shots. Is that where it feels the snuggest, or is that just my eye playing tricks on me?

12 years ago

Anonymous

Size 4 too. You could get away with size 2, since you like a closer fit in the shoulder, but you will need to leave the last button unbuttoned. People actually wear their coats intentionally that way here.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I like the 4 better as well. The shoulders on the 2 seem too far in to me.

12 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

The 4 ! More effortless, cool.

12 years ago

Raisin

Veteran

I agree, 4 is best!

12 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

I really can't tell much of a difference to be honest. But you've done the sit down, stretch, and hug tests? Any difference in armholes? Do you wear super long bulky sweaters?

I've noticed that the lower end an item is, the more it shows size and fit issues. Higher quality stuff, and I would put BB in this category, is much more forgiving and flattering.

Reviewed the pics again. I think I prefer the size 4 over your leather jacket due to pic #5.

12 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Haven't read the other comments. From the photos #4

12 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ok, one last pic with Zap's idea to leave the bottom button undone on the 2. I can't decide if the bunching around the waist in 4 looks fashionably slouchy or too big.

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12 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

4 looks great to me Rae- fits 'effortlessly' and gives versatility for layering underneath.

12 years ago

Anonymous

I still like the 4 better!

12 years ago

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

I like size 4 the best. The 2 looks like it's a bit tight in the hips, as it pulls just a tiny bit. And I don't see any excessive waist bunching on the 4. And yes, what's the point of outerwear if you can't layer under it? But that's just my über practical perspective.

12 years ago

amiable

Veteran

Another vote for the size 4. I really didn't know from the single shots - but in the side-by-side shots, I liked the 4 better every time.

12 years ago

Anonymous

What do you have underneath the last set of pics? If this is my coat, I would be keeping the size 2, but the YLF taste is more along the lines of the size 4. I am torned.
And here is my excuse for everytime I keep a snug coat. If Giovanna can do it, so can I.

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12 years ago

Anonymous

Gosh, I can't even tell the difference in those last two pictures. And I can't tell which one has the bottom button undone.

My main concern for trying the smaller size (on me) will be comfort-when-layered. How does your 2 feel with a jacket underneath? Your baggiest, belted BF jeans underneath?

12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'd go with the 4. I see just a tiny smidge of pulling in the 2. The kind of thing that five pounds could make into a problem. Not that you're going to gain weight, but I like a little ease in outerwear.

Zap, I love that jacket in that photo, but it's an outfit piece to my eye, not everyday outerwear. I think if Rae wants this to fit easily over jackets and sweaters, it's best to go with the slightly larger size as long as it doesn't look like it swamps her when they layers are lighter and lesser. It doesn't look like that's the case here, so I'd go with the larger size. I get stuck in this zone a lot in jackets (usually between sizes 6-8) and I have to consider carefully how I want to use the piece.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

To me the 4 looks better. I see a pulling on the 2. The 4 looks smoother, sleeker.

Another thought -- what about petite? Pil is 5'4" and the SA told her she'd do better with that.

Sorry if that was already considered and ruled out -- traveling so I have missed bits of these conversations.

12 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

Team Four!

12 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Suz, petites never work for me. My arms are too long, and my waist sits too low (even though I'm short waisted, I have a long chest area).

Since you mentioned petites, do y'all think the 4 needs to be shortened now that you've seen the new photos here? I was leaning toward just keeping the 4 as-is since it got approval in my initial post.

12 years ago

Anonymous

4 looks more . . . expensive? It lays so much smoother and has a nonchalant vibe to it. I like the length as is. Would you be wearing it with boots mostly/shoes with a heel?

12 years ago

ElleH

Veteran

4 is not too long IMO. It allows for more dresses to be covered.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

No - this is a great length. I wouldn't worry about that. Only the sleeves.

12 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Static photos can be misleading, too. A trench is not for how you look all buttoned up and standing still- it is for striding along with the wind in your hair!

12 years ago

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