Woman Coats Shopping Guide

[I am an old Macy's employee, this information I am sharing we refer to as "product knowledge"]

 

FABRICATIONS

Wool—the most popular fabric used in coats; wool is a natural fiber that comes from sheep. It is warm, durable, retains its shape, repels moisture and resists stains.

Wool / Nylon / Silk Blends—adding nylon to wool makes the coat softer and more durable. Adding silk gives a rich sheen and elegant feel or “hand.”

Cashmere—comes from Kashmir goat. It is extremely soft and durable. It is lighter and warmer than wool, giving warmth without bulk.

Down—the light, fluffy material that exists between the duck (or goose) and its feathers. It is an excellent insulator, has great “breathability” and is water-resistant. Percentages on the labels of the coats refer to the percent of the fill in the garment that is down versus feather. Down itself is machine washable, but that doesn’t mean the shell of the coat is. Always check the label for cleaning instructions.

Leather—a generic term for all kinds of tanned animal skins. It is durable, wrinkle resistant and “breathes” to keep the customer comfortable. Genuine leather has markings and colorations which may appear to be imperfections but are actually part of the natural beauty leather offers. All leather must be professionally cleaned.

WARDROBING

            There are so many options you can use to build a coat sale. If the customer has warmth in mind, try suggesting a pair of matching gloves or hat. If she is looking for a polished look, suggest accessorizing with a cashmere scarf that will provide warmth without added bulk.

FAQ

What should I look for when buying a coat? What’s your ‘best’ coat?

            Buy a coat that fits you beautifully and is functional. A coat keeps you warm while making a fashion statement and is a staple of every woman’s wardrobe. Ladies’ coats are produced by a number of manufacturers and can vary in quality of workmanship. To determine quality, examine lining, hem, zippers and stitching.

How can I tell if the coat is the right size? Do certain vendors run small or large?

            Here are some tips to help find the right fit:

─     Button all the closures on the coat and check for pulling across the bust, back and underarms. If there is tightness when you cross your arms and raise them above your head, you may want to get the next size up.

─     Make sure the hem is even all the way around. A shorter hem in front could mean that the coat is too small across the chest, a shorter hem in back could mean that coat is too small across the back.

─     If the coat has back or side vents, make sure they’re not separating.

─     Make sure sleeves hit right below the wrist bone.

What should I consider when choosing a coat length?

            Here are some important considerations:

─     If you’re frequently getting in and out of a car, choose a shorter coat for ease of movement.

─     If you’re always getting on or off trains or buses, you’ll need a ¾ length coat (or shorter) that will provide warmth but that you don’t need to worry about constantly stepping on.

─     If you walk a lot or live in extreme cold you’ll want a full length coat to shield you from the elements.

What style will flatter my body type?

            Here are some basic guidelines you can use to help find the best look: