How to Size a Coat: Practical Guide for Ireland's Weather and Fit

When you’re buying a coat, a weatherproof outer layer designed to protect against rain, wind, and cold. Also known as jacket, it’s not just clothing—it’s your first line of defense in Ireland’s wet, unpredictable climate. A coat that’s too tight won’t let you layer up under it. One that’s too loose lets wind in and catches on branches. In Ireland, where you’re likely wearing thermal tops, fleeces, and even waterproof trousers underneath, the right fit isn’t optional—it’s survival.

Most people size coats based on chest measurements alone, but that’s not enough here. You need room for movement, especially if you’re walking hills, carrying a bag, or commuting on a bike. A good Irish coat should let you raise your arms fully without the hem riding up. It should also have enough length to cover your backside when you’re leaning over to pick something up or step into a puddle. Look for coats with adjustable hoods, storm flaps over zippers, and cuffs that seal out rain. Brands like Barbour, Berghaus, and local Irish makers like Claddagh Outdoors build these features in because they know what the weather demands.

Coat sizing also depends on what you’ll wear underneath. If you’re wearing a thick wool sweater or a down vest, you’ll need at least 2-3 inches of extra space across the chest. Try on coats with the layers you actually wear. Don’t just grab your usual size—try the next one up. Many Irish shoppers swear by sizing up in waterproof shells because they’re meant to be worn over other gear, not on bare skin. And if you’re buying online, check the brand’s size chart for coat length, the distance from the base of the collar to the bottom hem, not just chest width. A 30-inch chest might fit a medium in one brand but a large in another, especially if it’s designed for hiking or farming.

Don’t ignore the sleeves. In Ireland, your arms are moving all day—opening gates, grabbing groceries, holding an umbrella. Sleeves should end just past your wrist bone, not halfway up your hand. Too short and your wrists get soaked. Too long and they drag in mud. Also, check the armhole depth. A high armhole makes it harder to lift your arms, which is why many Irish walkers avoid fashion-focused coats that look good in photos but feel like a straitjacket on a windy day.

And here’s something most guides miss: layering space, the extra room built into a coat to accommodate thermal and mid-layers without bulk. If your coat squishes your fleece or makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a sleeping bag, it’s too tight. The best coats for Ireland are built with layering in mind—not just to keep you dry, but to let you adjust as the weather shifts. A light drizzle? Take off the fleece. A sudden downpour? Zip up and let the shell do the work.

Finally, think about the fit around the hips and back, the area that needs freedom when walking, bending, or sitting on wet benches. A coat that flares slightly at the bottom helps shed water and keeps your legs dry. It also lets you move without the fabric pulling or bunching. Many Irish women and men who walk daily prefer coats with a slight A-line cut—not tight, not baggy, just right.

You’ll find real-world advice on all this in the posts below. From how Thursday boots affect coat length to why nurses in Ireland choose certain outerwear, these aren’t theoretical guides. They’re stories from people who live in the rain, not just observe it. Whether you’re buying your first waterproof coat or upgrading after years of damp shoulders, what follows will help you cut through the noise and find what actually works.