I very much enjoy my longer topcoats and am fortunate to have a dozen or so handmade for me over the years.
Tweed Double Breasted by
The London Lounge, on Flickr
BTM3 004 by
The London Lounge, on Flickr
City Double Breasted by
The London Lounge, on Flickr
Raglan by
The London Lounge, on Flickr
But a few years ago I started wearing some shorter coats, 3/4 coats like the Car Coat, Reefer and British Warm.
IMG_0133 by
The London Lounge, on Flickr
In an urban environment, these days, I find I reach for the shorter coats (just short of mid thigh or just above the knee) much more often than the longer ones. If what’s planned is a long walk, a longer overcoat is just great. But if the days’ activities include climbing in and out of taxis, buses or metro trains. If they include restaurants and having to hang the coat someplace where it is safe, the shorter coat always gets the call. They are not nearly as beautiful, but they are just so practical and easy to live with. What’s important is that you have good coverage over the chest and the possibility to close and cover the neck. A good pair of flannel or tweed trousers will protect your legs.
Cheers