Pendelton Coat Size Help - YouLookFab Forum

I originally ordered the Pendleton coat and got some very helpful feedback on this thread (https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....oggle-coat). No, seriously, I love this forum. Anyway, for peace of mind I ordered the next size up (after some size stalking), and it finally arrived. I do like that the larger size feels roomier, but I don't think it hangs as well, particularly concerned about the shoulder area, and I would need a sleeve alteration. I don't trust myself on fit issues right now because I am going through transition times, so I am posting some photos to ask for help assessing the fit.

1.) Size XS with bulky sweater
2.) Size S with bulky sweater

3.) Size XS with blouse underneath
4.) Size S with blouse

I just couldn't add a scarf to the ensemble. It is August after all.

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7 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

The XS looks roomy enough to me, even over the sweater. How does it feel? Does it constrict across your back when you use your arms? Feel snug anywhere? If not, I think that's your proper size. It looks great on you.

lozz_oz

I'm with Janet - the XS looks like the best fit, especially around the shoulder.

Suz

XS looks like a gorgeous tailored fit if it is comfy for you. I'd go with that.

jill58

XS look great. As long as you can comfortably move your arms around without anything pulling, I think you're all set!

Joyce B

They both look good to me but what is key is that you should be able to do your daily activities without any pulling or limitation of movement. Only you can be sure of that part. I generally size up in coats to give myself plenty of room to layer and to be comfortable.

julesegr

Active Member

From looks alone, the XS looks great. As others have said, only you can decide if it feels roomy enough for how you like your coats to fit.

Anonymous

XS looks like a very good fit but you must have had misgivings or you wouldn't have ordered the small too. Does it feel tight in the shoulders when you move around? Is there something in particular that made you doubt the XS? Something we're not seeing? A sleeve alteration isn't usually a big deal but resetting the shoulders can be tricky.

I empathize with your struggle, this is why I don't buy clothes out of season.

DonnaF

Don't you wish that more clothes come in 2-4-6-8-10-12-14 etc. vs. XS, S, M, L, XL?

If the XS passes the sit down, steering wheel, hug, carrying kids, etc. tests then it is the one and looks great on you. But if it FEELS overly constricting, then take a pass.

karen13

The eternal challenge of sizing the winter coat.... The XS looks great even with bulky sweater - doesn't look snug and the sleeve and hem length are better on you than the S. Try driving your car a few blocks - that is often where I regret downsizing. If it is comfortable for your likely winter outdoor activities, it is the winner.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I prefer the look of the XS in the shoulder area, and it looks great overall. I would go with that one if it works to move around comfortably. That said, I don't think the S looks like a bad fit--it could work fine (with sleeves shortened a tad, probably) if it turns out to be more comfy.

They both look good. I think I slightly prefer the torso length of the S.

I would make sure your thick sweaters still have good loft under them.

If you don't like the fit of either, the coat should go back. You'll save some money that you can redeploy on a different coat later in the season.

skylurker

XS - I love the coat on you (great glasses too)

If you really feel too constricted around the hips (doesn't look like it, but I'm trying to guess why you ordered a size up) I'd not keep the S but look for another coat, because the S doesn't fit, IMO.

Scarlet

I am an unreliable judge of how clothes feel at the moment because I went a long time without wearing anything tailored, so my preferred feeling is to feel as little as possible. Even jewelry feels sometimes hopelessly constricting. ANYWAY, these responses helped me sort out my “feelings” about the coat. These are actually pretty clear. The XS makes me happy. The S does not feel fab on.

Also, I am trying to do due diligence by layering under the coat, but it’s a bit of an academic exercise really. I have spent two winters in New York now, and I don’t even wear my warmest sweaters because it’s just not that cold here. Perhaps in another couple of years I will adjust to the milder climate and need those sweaters.

DonnaF, interesting point about the sizes.

On my list to do today (courtesy of Donna and Karen), blast A/C in the car and drive a few blocks, hug hubby, but do not pick up the children or the coat will be instantly dirty If I am still unsure, I am going to return both because I think in that case it’s an issue of cut, as some people here suggested. Thanks again for all this help. I feel a bit silly that I can’t tell when clothes fit anymore, but there we are, and thank goodness I have somewhere to turn.

ETA: Skylurker, Thank you! The glasses are new, and I am just getting used to them. Big departure for me.

Scarlet, I hear you about the warm sweaters -- here in the mid-Atlantic, the winters have been pretty mild the last few years, and I've given up on my heaviest sweaters. I prefer to layer a couple of thinner knit layers rather than wear one bulky sweater anyway, considering I've hit the age of temperature swings!

It always takes a little time to adjust to how a different fit *feels.* It took me a while to embrace more generous fits a few years back, when I was used to everything being very fitted, and it is another adjustment again to go to more tailored fits. You'll adjust! I'm glad you're going to test out the coat -- it really does look perfect on you.

Coats are quite difficult to get right, so no worries on the waffling. There are a number of things to think about.

Janet, thank you for the kind words. I feel you about the temperature swings. Not something I am looking forward to. Child-bearing hormonal swings also create alternate temperature realities in my experience, so I have a taste of what’s to come. Women’s bodies, I tell you. Actually, you make a good point about the change in fashion for fits. It's reassuring to hear you needed to adjust as well Regarding the weather, I fantasize about moving to Maine. I am just not a warm weather creature.

Smittie, I appreciate that.

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