Plus size coats

Buying a plus size coat is something you should put a little thought into. This article will hopefully give you a few pointers as to what to consider when you go shopping for one.

A couple of good coats are essential in every wardrobe. Consider this:

• coats are among the most expensive garments any of us owes
  
• we spend a fairly large part of the year wearing a coat every single day
  
• a good coat usually lasts for years
  
• of all the pieces in your wardrobe, coats are the most seen and judged by other people

And yet they're not the object of great consideration. We look at the color and the fabric (how warm it is... that's what matters!), choose the right size and length and disregard the shape. After all, all coats have pretty much the same shape. Or do they?

★ When shopping for a plus size coat, shape matters. A lot!

No, not all coats are created equal. That coat that makes your sister look fabulous might look ridiculous on you - and vice versa. A coat, just like any other garment, should fit you properly. It should have the right shape.

Choosing a plus size coat really isn't hard. The important thing is to be aware of what your body looks like, what are your best features and the flaws you want to disguise, and keep that in mind as you shop.

For example, double breasted coats and trenches, despite their huge popularity, are not a good choice for plus size women. The two rows of buttons will widen your torso, turning you into a shapeless block - something that a plus size woman couldn't be farther from. Plus size women are fabulously curvy, and it would be a huge mistake to cover that up with a shapeless coat. Remember, no matter how beautiful and well-thought out your outfit underneath the coat is (check out our article on plus size dresses, by the way!) most people will see you with your coat on, so you have to worry about its shape and fit as much as with any other garment.

Funnel necks are a bad idea for women with large breasts, short neck and/or double chin. They make your neck shorter, emphasize your double chin and create a bulk on your chest area. It's better to get a plus size coat with a tight waist and an open chest - that will elongate your neck, slim your torso and create a beautiful deep V on your chest. Wear a scarf if you have to (not a bulky scarf if you're a bosomy lady), but do go for this shape when you choose your plus size coat because it will do wonders for your silhouette.

Frock coats are also a good idea because they make your waist seem narrower even when undone. If you have a bit of tummy fat, avoid belts on your plus size coat: they'll increase the width of your waist and attract unwanted attention to your tummy area. Let the shape of your plus size coat create the hourglass figure instead.

Don't forget that your coat is often the first "outfit" people see you in, and like they say, there's no second chance to make a good first impression. Remember these tips the next time you go shopping for a plus size coat and you'll be sure to look fabulous all Winter long!