Fit Guide
Ordering a coat online can be hard. Which is why I've created this guide.
I've helped hundreds of women find the right coat — over email, at trunk shows, and in person. The questions I hear most are may be the same ones you are asking right now: What if it doesn't fit? What if I'm between sizes? What if my proportions are different from the model?
This guide has the answers. And if it doesn't, email me directly at liz@coatcheckchicago.com — I'm happy to help
How our coats are designed to fit
Our coats are true to size, with room for layering already built into the cut.
You don't need to size up just to wear a sweater underneath, the coat is built with that assumption in mind. However, if you regularly wear very thick sweaters or blazers under your coat, then you will need to size up to accommodate those types of large layers.
The main question I will ask you when it comes to determining your perfect fit is...
What numeric US size do you normally wear?
Our coats are true to size, so your usual US numeric clothing size is almost always the right answer. If you normally wear a size 8 (Medium), order a Medium. Check our size chart here.
If you're between two sizes
The most important part of a coat's fit is through the shoulders. Have a friend measure your shoulders (across back) and check your shoulder measurement against our charts below. Look at both our recommended shoulder measurement AND the coat shoulder measurement, some of the coats are more fitted throughout the shoulders and some are more relaxed. Opt for a bit of room in the shoulder so that you can layer more comfortably.
How to measure your shoulder width: With your arms relaxed at your sides, measure straight across the back from one shoulder to the other (shoulder tip to shoulder tip.)
Size charts by coat
Each coat has its own silhouette and its own measurements. Find your coat below. Two charts appear under each style: Body Measurements (what your body measures) and Coat Measurements (what the coat actually measures). I encourage you to make decisions based upon your body measurements, however I've provided the coat measurements for those who want to make sure that the coat will hit them in the right spot. Additional specs can be provided upon request.
The Dearborn — Long Wool Trench Coat
Structured and belted with a classic trench silhouette. Fits true to size, structured, tailored fit through the shoulders. Adjustable cuffs extend to 36", making this a great option for tall customers with longer arms. For petite customers under 5'4" I do have a petite pattern on file, but encourage you to try the coat as is first. Most plus sizes are available upon request.
DEARBORN — BODY MEASUREMENTS
| Measurement | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Size | 00/0 | 0/2 | 4/6 | 8/10 | 12/14 | 16/18 | 18/20 |
| Bust (in) | 30 | 32 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 42 | 46 |
| Shoulder (across back) (in) | 13.5–14 | 14–14.5 | 14.5–15 | 15–16 | 15.5–16.5 | 16.5–17 | 15.5–16.5 |
DEARBORN — COAT MEASUREMENTS
| Measurement | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB Length (in) | 45.5 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 47 | |
| Bust (in) | — | 39.5 | 41.5 | 43.5 | 45 | 48 | 54 |
| Shoulder (across back) (in) | 13.5 | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 15.5 | 16.5 | 16 |
| Sleeve — cuffed (in) | 30 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | — |
| Sleeve — extended (in) | 34.5 | 35.5 | 35.5 | 35.5 | 36.5 | 37.5 | — |
The Mag Mile — Long Oversized Wool Coat
The Mag Mile is intentionally oversized with a relaxed A-line cut. This is the design, not a sizing issue — if it feels generous when you first put it on, that's correct. Order your usual size; do not size down to compensate for the silhouette. The garment measurements below will run larger than a fitted coat of the same size — that's expected. Plus sizes available upon request.
MAG MILE — BODY MEASUREMENTS
| Measurement | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Size | 00/0 | 0/2 | 4/6 | 8/10 | 12/14 | 16/18 | 18/20 |
| Bust (in) | 30 | 32 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 42 | 46 |
| Shoulder (across back) (in) | 13.5–14 | 14–14.5 | 14.5–15 | 15–16 | 15.5–16.5 | 16.5–17 | 15.5–16.5 |
MAG MILE — COAT MEASUREMENTS
| Measurement | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB Length (in) | 43.5 | 45.5 | 46.25 | 47 | 48 | 49 | — |
| Bust (in) | 37.25 | 40 | 41.75 | 43.25 | 44.75 | 47 | — |
| Shoulder (across back) (in) | 13.5 | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 16 | 16.5 | — |
| Sleeve — CB to hem (in) | 31.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 34.5 | 34 | 34 | — |
The Southport — Knee Length Wool Coat
Our most popular style, as it looks great on most body types. True to size with a slight A-line shape through the hips. Soft, slightly dropped shoulder. The adjustable cuffs that extend to 36". We do have a petite pattern upon request, but encourage you to try the coat as is. Plus sizes are also available upon request.
SOUTHPORT — BODY MEASUREMENTS
| Measurement | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Size | 00/0 | 0/2 | 4/6 | 8/10 | 12/14 | 16/18 | 18/20 |
| Bust (in) | 30 | 32 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 42 | 46 |
| Shoulder (across back) (in) | 13.5–14 | 14–14.5 | 14.5–15 | 15–16 | 15.5–16.5 | 16.5–17 | 15.5–16.5 |
SOUTHPORT — COAT MEASUREMENTS
| Measurement | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB Length (in) | — | 39.5 | 40.5 | 41.75 | 42.5 | 43.25 | 41 |
| Bust (in) | — | 38.25 | 41.25 | 44.25 | 46.25 | 48.25 | 52 |
| Shoulder (across back) (in) | — | 14.5 | 15 | 16 | 16.5 | 17 | 16.25 |
| Sleeve — cuffed (in) | 29 | 29.5 | 30 | 32 | 33 | 33.5 | 33 |
| Sleeve — extended (in) | 35 | 35.5 | 36 | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 39 |
The Tuxedo Coat
A single-breasted knee-length style with a straight, boxy silhouette. Fits like a narrow column from waist to hip, with no waist definition. Tailored, structured shoulder. Adjustable cuffs extend to 36". Fits true to size.
TUXEDO — BODY MEASUREMENTS
| Measurement | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Size | 00/0 | 0/2 | 4/6 | 8/10 | 12/14 | 16/18 | 18/20 |
| Bust (in) | 30 | 32 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 42 | 46 |
| Shoulder (across back) (in) | 13.5–14 | 14–14.5 | 14.5–15 | 15–16 | 15.5–16.5 | 16.5–17 | 15.5–16.5 |
TUXEDO — COAT MEASUREMENTS
| Measurement | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB Length (in) | 34.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 39 | 40 | 39.5 |
| Bust (in) | 38.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 | 49.5 | — |
| Shoulder (across back) (in) | 14.25 | 14.75 | 15.25 | 15.75 | 16.5 | 17 | — |
| Sleeve — cuffed (in) | — | 28 | — | 32 | — | — | — |
| Sleeve — extended (in) | — | 34 | — | 36 | — | — | — |
The Halsted — Wool Jacket
A shorter, hip-length wool jacket, with an A-line / swing coat fit. Expect this coat to flare out slightly around the hips. Soft shoulder. Fits true to size.
HALSTED — BODY MEASUREMENTS
| Measurement | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Size | 00/0 | 0/2 | 4/6 | 8/10 | 12/14 | 16/18 | 18/20 |
| Bust (in) | 30 | 32 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 42 | 46 |
| Shoulder (across back) (in) | 13.5–14 | 14–14.5 | 14.5–15 | 15–16 | 15.5–16.5 | 16.5–17 | 15.5–16.5 |
HALSTED — COAT MEASUREMENTS
| Measurement | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB Length (in) | 29.5 | 30.5 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 33 | — |
| Bust (in) | 37.25 | 40 | 41.75 | 43.25 | 44.75 | 47 | — |
| Shoulder (across back) (in) | 13.5 | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 16 | 16.5 | — |
| Sleeve — CB to hem (in) | 31.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 34.5 | 34.5 | 34 | — |
Sizing FAQ's
If you're 5'9" or taller
As a 5'10" individual myself, I tend to cut my coats on the longer side. Our sleeve lengths run slightly longer than most brands. The adjustable cuffs on the Dearborn, Southport, and Tuxedo are a huge draw for our taller customers since they extend to 36". Best suited for women sizes XS–XL.
If you're under 5'4"
Many customers under 5'4" wear our coats successfully. Our XXS is designed specifically engineered for women under 5'4" who are a size 0. For a sizes 2 and up, we encourage you to order your true size and try it on. Many of our more popular styles are available in petite sizing, but we ask that you try the coat on as is to confirm that you are happy with the style before ordering a petite pattern adjustment. Petite coats are non-refundable.
Plus sizing
We offer extended sizing on most styles up to a size 3X. Our 1X fits a US 18–20 with a 46" bust. Availability varies by style. If you don't see your size listed on a product page, email me — I'll let you know what's available. I am committed to inclusive sizing and always working to expand the range.
Custom Requests
We can make small changes to our coats/ coat patterns for an alteration fee, once the customer has tried on the coat and determined what they would like changed. In these cases, we can will make a new coat based upon preferred alterations. This coat will be non-refundable.
Still not sure? Email me.
I personally respond to every sizing email.
Tell me about your concern and I'll give you a recommendation — usually within a day. Contact Me Here.
And if your coat arrives and the fit isn't right: we accept returns and exchanges on unworn coats within 30 days of delivery. You won't be stuck with a coat that doesn't work.
"Liz is not just selling a coat — she is offering a very personal service of choosing the right coat for your style and satisfaction. I wore the coat the very day I received it."— Susan M., verified buyer