Most of us try to buy things online for a variety of reasons – it’s quicker, more convenient and offers you a wider range of styles and prices than what you will find in the store. However, some things are harder to buy online than others are if you want to ensure you are getting the best item you can find. Clothing is one of those tricky items – men’s coats can be some of the hardest wardrobe items to buy online simply because different cuts and styles fit the body differently.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind to make your online shopping process as smooth as possible:

• Check the return policy – Before you even start shopping around, you will want to check the return policy prior to browsing. Some clothing websites offer very easy return policies, since clothing is a hard thing to get right on the first try. Read the fine print before shopping to see if they charge you on return shipping, restocking fees, or if they exchange items. You don’t want to be stuck with an ill-fitting coat because you forgot to check the return policy!
• Measurements are imperative – Each website will ask you what size you need in a particular item, so get your measurements ahead of time so you know what size you need. Since each coat maker or style is different, compare your measurements to the sizing chart usually provided near the size selections of your coat. Don’t assume that because you are a Large in other coats that you will be a Large in the coat you want to purchase – check to make sure prior to adding it to the shopping cart.
• Look at the clothes – Many of us look at clothes while shopping online and think that it looks great on the model, it will look great on me! Keep your body shape in mind when looking for a men’s coat – look for something that flatters your features and minimizes things you don’t want to accentuate. Another thing to look for is accents or details that make your coat stand out from the rest.

Shopping online is easy, but only if you use the features and policies designed to make it easy. If you are shopping with a small company, read feedback left behind by past customers to see if there were any issues with returns or exchanged.

While much of fashion is focused on women, we can’t forget men and those who want to be well groomed and put together! Even though coats and jackets are used to keep warm, there is nothing wrong with wanting to make a fashion statement with your designer outerwear and if you want to look sophisticated and well to do. Here are a few of the best coats to shop for so people are envious of your style:

• Moleskin – This rugged coat looks great for casual weekend wear and goes with just about everything in the closet. If the word ‘moleskin’ is throwing you off, it is simply a velvety coat – much like corduroy without the texture, it’s a smooth alternative to the ribbed feel. It’s very comfortable and makes a complete fashion statement if you want to look a little rough around the edges, but obviously with some style! It is well made and lasts for a long time, so it’s a great investment in the wardrobe.
• Cashmere and faux fur – There are always times when we need something a little dressy, and that’s where a nice cashmere topcoat comes in handy. Look for one with accents, such as a faux fur collar that is detachable or silk lapels. Faux fur collars are multipurpose, as they act as a built in scarf during those cooler winter nights. Look for patterns with a herringbone or tweed style for the most sophisticated style.
• Camel – Camel hair coats are a perfect alternative to more expensive cashmere – they feel just as nice, but come with more texture and a fashion forward edge when you don’t want to look too dressy. They come in a variety of colors, though navy is one of the best options because it goes with everything – casual and dressy. Pair a navy camel hair coat with plaid dress pants and a solid dress shirt for a sophisticated outfit.

These three coats are great options when you want something functional and stylish. They are universally flattering and go with everything in the closet, so even if the price tag is high it is well worth the purchase. Be sure to try on any coat or jacket you see before buying it – make sure it is the ideal length for the arms and gives you plenty of movement in the chest and back. You don’t want your nice new coat splitting in the seams with the first wear!

There are so many different styles of men’s coats, it could be difficult to know which styles should fit a certain way or the various clothes options to go with a specific style coat. Blazers, also known as sports coats or jackets, come in different colors, patterns and price points – so there really can be a sports coat for everyone. When shopping for a blazer, there are a few fitting tips to keep in mind so you look and feel your best. Just a few minutes of measuring and trying a jacket on will keep you looking sharp and well dressed. Here are some fitting tips for a blazer:

Always measure your chest width and arm length. Most men’s coats are dependent on these two measurements, so be sure to write them down before you even leave the house. A soft measuring tape is best so you get the most accurate numbers over a tool-style measuring tape. Keep your arms loose next to your sides – it might be best to have a partner take the measurements, since it will be fairly hard to do it one handed!

When measuring the length of the arms, don’t stop the tape at the wrist bones. The measuring tape should end about a half inch up from the hand – that way, wearing a dress shirt underneath the sports coat won’t look unusual or make it hard to move around. Many men believe the shirt sleeve should not show at all – but too much or too little does not look right when wearing a coat. The edge of the sleeve should just peak out subtly from the jacket so it appears that the coat sleeves are not too low.

Since men all have different chest and arm measurements, be sure to try on a variety of coats and brands when shopping. Designer coats sometimes run larger or smaller than everyday retail coats, so you will want to make sure each one fits before purchasing. Reach your arms across your chest and overhead to ensure you don’t feel any restricted movement or tightness when wearing the coat. The last thing you need is to rip a sleeve the first time you wear it out to a special event!

If the jacket fits perfectly around the chest, but you wish the sleeves were slightly shorter, then it is something that can be modified with a tailor – invest in finding a professional to ensure great fitting clothing.

While women can never have enough when it comes to clothes, shoes or accessories, men don’t often feel the same way. Whether you want to fill up the closet with men’s coats or not, Esquire Magazine recommends there be at least three coats in your wardrobe for everyday use throughout the year:

• Parka
• Everyday coat
• Formal coat or jacket

If you have these three coats in your wardrobe, you have everything you need for events and weather of all variations – but how do you know when you wear an everyday coat or a formal jacket? Here are a few tips on how to shop for the ideal style and how to wear them to the proper occasions:

Parka – Even though the winters in Australia don’t get to extreme temperature variations, it is still a great idea to have a quality down coat in the closet. That way, if you go up into the elevations during winter or plan to travel to other parts of the world you are prepared. Parka coats are best when stuffed with down, keeping you warm without the excess bulk. Look for neutral colors – black, white or navy – so that it goes with everything in the wardrobe. If you wear it with a suit, make sure the jacket is longer than the jacket that goes with the suit.

Everyday coat – A lightweight jacket is ideal for everyday wear – and since you want to be able to use it throughout the seasons, it should be warm, but not too heavy and keep the rain or wind out. A button front over a zipper provides plenty of options depending on your needs or the weather.

Formal Jacket – Every man needs a formal jacket in the closet, whether you have a social life or not. You never know when you might need something formal for a job interview, date or other special event – and it’s best to be prepared. Look for a single breasted coat in a dark color – preferably wool. It needs to be tailored just right – it should fit nicely over your garments, but no appear too baggy or large.

Even if you can’t afford expensive coats, be sure to find affordable options in these three styles. They are versatile and cover you in a wide range of outings or weather – and over time, switch them out for high quality or designer options.

As you already know, there are many different needs and occasions for coats – they aren’t just for wearing to the office or a wedding. In some cases, wearing a coat is necessary even if you want to pair it with casual pants – such as jeans! Whether you want to go somewhat casual to a sporting event or have an afternoon or weekend meeting, it is appropriate to wear a coat with jeans. Here are a few tips to making sure you don’t leave the house looking like a fashion disaster:

Make sure it fits! There is nothing worse than a man wearing an ill-fitted coat, no matter what the occasion. If the coat does not fit or flatter, it won’t look good with anything. A timeless design always looks great with jeans – think about two or three buttons, single breasted, lapels and even three pockets. If it’s too long, avoid wearing it with jeans, it won’t look fashionable.

Find a contrasting fabric – Many coats that go well with pants other than suit trousers is known as a sports coat – ideal options include tweed, light grey, or navy. It is risky to wear a dark charcoal or black coat because it’s too close to looking as if you just grabbed it from the suit – opt for something that doesn’t look like it belongs with matching pants. Here’s a rule of thumb – if it looks like part of a suit to you, everyone else will think the same. Look for unique patterns and colors that aren’t very “suit-like”.

Pair it with appropriate jeans – It’s not just the jacket you have to worry about, choosing the right denim jeans is just as important. Look for a dark wash, free of any fading, holes or rips – even though you are wearing denim, you still want to look well dressed. Dark denim looks dressier, despite the causal fabric choice and the color usually looks great with a sports coat or blazer. Also, the jeans should fit well. Don’t wear something too baggy or low hanging – that doesn’t look good at all.

It’s completely possible to wear a sports coat with jeans when it’s done right. Follow these dressing tips to ensure you look appropriate and stylish to any event. Jeans are a universal clothing option when you want to be causal, just pay special attention to the condition of the jeans before wearing.

Unless you’re swimming in money, most of us like to find a good deal when it comes to purchasing items – and clothing is always a great thing to buy at a discounted rate! Even though it’s warming up outside, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t buy winter clothes, in fact, buying season clothes in the offseason is a perfect way to find goods at a discounted rate because they aren’t in demand. A coat is a staple of any wardrobe and even in summer, it’s a great idea to have one available. If you’re living in the Southern Hemisphere, you are enjoying the nice warm weather – but do you plan to leave the country for a holiday over Christmas or the New Year? Sorry to remind you, but the Northern Hemisphere is going to be cold and dreary for the most part – which is why a new coat will do you good!

Retailers like to price their items based on the season, or the demand, meaning winter coats are going to be more expensive in winter – and cheaper in summer. A small amount of time dedicated to searching for the best deal can often save you 50 percent or more off the sale price! If you love designer brand names, but can’t afford the hefty price tag associated with a label, you’d be happy to know that even designer coats are drastically marked down in the off season. To have a quality designer coat at a fraction of the retail cost? Yes, please!

Here are a couple ways to shop around and look for the best deal when it comes to buying men’s coats throughout the year:

Shop online – If you notice, you aren’t likely going to find a store in town carrying winter coats as the sun is blazing outside. Shopping online gives you exponentially more choices of colors, styles, fabrics and accessories!

Be open to different styles – In some cases, coats being sold at a discount might not be a style you have tried before. Be open to change and see if something catches your eye that wouldn’t have before – you might be surprised!

These shopping tips ensure you find a great coat at a discounted rate – and don’t forget to use these tips when you need a lightweight coat, too. Shopping in the winter for a lightweight coat offers equally as amazing deals and options!

Concerning men’s fashion, a great-fitting coat or jacket is an essential piece to have in any closet. There are various styles of coats from which to choose, so in terms of selection for a men’s coat, you may need a variety of jackets or coats to pair with various occasions – think of a rain jacket during a rainy sporting event or a sophisticated wool coat for a formal holiday party. While it is very important wear the suitable coat for specific occasion, how the coat fits the body is critical as even the nicest designer coat could look terrible if it doesn’t fit correctly. Nothing ruins a look faster than loosing fitting clothing – and a coat is no exception.

The chest is a valuable measurement to get when determining the fit of any coat. If you might be doing the measuring yourself or using a partner to help out, measure at the fullest part of the torso – the chest – to gain an accurate size. Most men have broader shoulders and chest, so the measuring tape should be close, but not too tight, to the chest for the most accurate numbers. The overarm sizes are just as important, and should be done with both arms relaxed and comfortable at your side.

Another determining factor in the fit of a coat is your height. Coats, especially those that go with formal suits, range in dimensions from short to extra long. Therefore, depending your height measurement, you may need a regular or perhaps long coat – but the other measurements are critical in finding something that looks great while you wear it.

When searching for any style of men’s coat, it might be a good idea to get a few styles in a range of colors – that way they go with anything in the wardrobe. Coats and sports jackets come in a variety of patterns, colors, fabrics and thickness so you are sure to find what you need for each season. Choose a few styles to help you through different weather – such as a linen coat for the spring, when it’s not warm enough to go without a coat, but not cold enough to wear a heavier jacket. Men often aren’t apt to be in tune with “stylish” options in a wardrobe, but coats are something that men can use year round – and the right materials and quality fit means it will last for years to come!

If you expect to go outdoors during the year, or you enjoy doing activities during the cooler months, then a good quality coat will keep you dry and warm — and guard against biting air, rain or snow. However, in order for a coat to do what it is designed to do, it must fit you properly and offer your body enough space to move comfortably when you wear it. Check out these sizing tips to help you find a jacket that looks and feels great:

Neck – Even though most coats don’t need a neck measurement, you should always write the numbers down just in case. You might want a coat that fastens around your neck, and you’ll be glad you wrote the measurements down! Simply wrap a measuring tape around the base of the neck close to the collarbone – the widest part of the neck will offer the best measurements.

Chest – While you are out shopping, a dressing room attendant could help you measure the neck, chest and arms. Otherwise, have a friend or partner do it for you so you get accurate measurements. Keep your arms down at your sides and keep them relaxed, then measure around the widest part of your chest, directly under the arms. The widest part of the chest is usually in the same vicinity as your shoulder blades.

Sleeves – Still keeping your arms down and relaxed by your side, have a friend measure the length of the arms, starting from the shoulder to elbow, and then continue down the wrist. Here’s a tip: Keep the elbow very slightly bent so the measurements are slightly larger when you write them down – this will make sure the sleeves don’t end up being too short.

Even though you take special care to write the measurements down, nothing is more accurate than actually trying the coat on. Fasten it the way it is designed and move the arms around, do a few trunk twists and reach overhead. Does the jacket limit any of your mobility? If it does, take it off and try something else. A great fitted coat should look stylish, but still give you plenty of movement.

Men’s coats are prepared with various materials, so look for designs that offer you the features you want. A heavy-duty jacket is the best option when you are going out in snow and ice, but you certainly won’t want it during a cool summer thunderstorm!

Men’s coat styles are just as varied as the men who wear them. Whether you’re looking for a military style coat, a hoodie, a motorcycle jacket, or a trench coat, the style you choose has a lot to do with your personality, your preferences, and your winter coat needs. Department stores throughout Australia offer a wide variety of men’s coats every fall and winter season. Whether you’re looking for a long coat, a waist jacket, or a pea coat, you can find what you’re looking for.

When looking for men’s coats, pay attention to sizing. Don’t go shopping in a T-shirt and shorts and expect that coat you bought to fit in winter when you’re wearing a bulky sweater, several layers of clothing, or if you’ve put on a pound or two. When shopping for men’s coats, take a change of clothing with you similar to what you’ll be wearing when you wear the coat. This will ensure that you have ample shoulder room and can button up the coat.

Men’s coats come in dozens of different fabric styles and colors. Don’t hesitate to try everything on that captures your attention. Just because you’ve always won a certain style doesn’t mean that you can’t change your style and go from a short coat to a long coat or vice versa. Some coats are suitable for both casual and work environments, while others are not.

Whether you’re looking for denim, wool, or synthetic fillers, make sure that the coat you purchase will keep you warm all winter long. Coats with linings serve this purpose, as do the design and construction. Some denim coats made of 100% cotton may be warm enough for your outdoor needs, while for other occasions, a fleece lined jacket offers greater durability against cold, windy, and harsh weather.

Take into consideration your height and weight when purchasing men’s coats. Take arm, neck, chest and shoulder measurements with you when looking for a coat, and don’t forget that even if that coat you have your eye on doesn’t fit perfectly, you can always have the coat altered.

Don’t just grab the first thing off the rack fits within your price range. Look around. Choose a men’s coat that truly personifies yours taste and style in clothing, and you’re likely to find something perfectly suitable and within your price range.

Men’s coats come in so many different styles, shapes, sizes and fabrics that it can seem overwhelming to make a choice. During cool or cold weather seasons in Australia, men’s coats gradually make an appearance, some more stylish than others. You don’t have to wear that 10-year-old coat anymore, especially with a wide range of options available today.

Whether you shop online or in a department store, men’s coats are available in nearly limitless color choices, cuts, sizes, and fabrics, and whether you’re looking for a classic wool pea coat or a bomber jacket, you’re likely to find what you need in most department stores as well as online shopping venues. The most important thing to remember when looking for men’s coats is to take accurate measurements to ensure a proper fit. It doesn’t matter if you’re going casual or classic, your coat should suit you to a tee.

Remember that fit may differ between lightweight, medium weight, and heavyweight coats and jackets. Take into consideration what you’re wearing underneath the coat when determining size and fit. Many people look for men’s coat just before cold weather hits, and pull something off the rack after trying it on with what they’re wearing. However, keep in mind that you may very well be wearing a sweater, or even a shirt and sweater underneath that coat you purchase, but you try it on wearing just a T-shirt. It’s going to fit, and feel differently.

When shopping for men’s coats, take an extra change of clothing along to make sure that you can layer without the jacket fitting too tightly, and allow ample shoulder and arm room. There’s nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a coat only to realize that you can’t wear it as you intended.

Another thing to take into consideration when purchasing men’s coats is to be aware of cut, style and fabric. What’s suitable for a cooler weather may not be suitable for snow weather and vice versa. You don’t want to spend a fortune on coats when only one will do. Also remember that certain men’s coats may look great with jeans, but look awful with dress slacks. Again, take a change of clothing with you when trying on men’s coats to determine what looks best, what feels best, and what fits best when purchasing.