Many short guys wonder whether or not they can wear trench coats. Trench coats have a timeless style and are a staple in the men’s fashion world.
As a shorter man, finding a coat that looks good during the colder months of the year can be a real challenge. Although a trench coat is a great option, many short guys need help finding one with a good fit.
Which raises the question…
Can Short Guys Wear Trench Coats?
Yes, short guys can wear trench coats. However, since a trench coat is long, it will make a short guy look shorter. Typically, shorter men will make alterations to their trench coats so they have a nice fit. However, other outerwear options may be a better option for shorter men.
For example, bomber jackets, trucker jackets, or puffer jacket fit nicely on a short guy because they elongate the body.
In this post, I share what to look for in a coat and trench coat alternatives for short guys. I also answer frequently asked questions about coats for short people.
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What to Look for in a Coat for Short Men
When purchasing a coat, it’s important to look out for a few things to look your best. Many short guys make the mistake of buying a jacket that is too long. Unfortunately, this isn’t the most flattering.
Here are the 5 things that you’ll want to look for in a coat as a shorter guy:
1. Length
When buying a trench coat, pay attention to the length. Long trench coats can make you look shorter. If you like the look of a modern trench coat, you should purchase one with a medium length.
Another option is to purchase a coat that can be altered. A fashion trick many short guys use successfully is make alterations to their jackets to get the perfect fit.
The perfect length of your coat should fit slightly above or at the mid-thigh level. This fit will elongate your legs and create the illusion of longer legs, instead of making your legs look shorter.
If you’re a short man shopping for a new jacket, avoid long coats. A jacket that is too long will make your frame look much smaller.
2. Proportions
When you’re shopping for a new coat, it’s essential to pay attention to the proportions of the jacket. You’ll want to find a jacket with a narrow fit, a short collar, and a shorter overall coat length.
These proportions are ideal for shorter guys, as the jacket will fit their body type the right way. Look out for jackets with vertical pockets and vertical seams, as they will create the illusion of added height.
3. Fit
Whether you’re looking for a leather trench coat, leather jacket, modern trench coat, or a normal coat, you’ll want one with a slim or tailored fit. A well-fitted jacket is a good choice for shorter men as it will enhance your proportions and look great.
It’s important to avoid jackets with a baggy or boxy style, as they can add bulk and make you look shorter. When purchasing a new coat, the most important thing is to ensure it has the right fit.
Many guys will purchase clothes without trying them on. This is one of the biggest fashion mistakes many men make! It’s important to see how the jacket fits.
4. Sleeve Length
In order to get a coat with a perfect fit, you will need one that has the right sleeve length. The sleeve of your coat should fall slightly above the base of your thumb.
A mistake that some guys will make, is buying a jacket with sleeves that are too long. This will throw off the whole look of the jacket and it won’t look good. It’s essentials to get a jacket with the right sleeve length.
5. Fabrics, Materials and Patterns
When shopping for a new coat, choosing one with the proper fabrics and patterns is important.
Ideally, you’ll want to choose a jacket with lightweight fabrics that don’t add too much bulk.
Materials like wool, cashmere, and lightweight synthetic blends are perfect for shorter gents. When it comes to patterns, it’s important to avoid large and bold designs that will overpower your frame.
Instead, try smaller patterns or solid colors. Another option is to try vertical patterns like vertical stripes, which will elongate your frame.
Do Trench Coats Work on Shorter People?
Trench coats are a decent option for shorter people. However, trench coats are known for making short people look shorter. On the bright side, there are several other coat options which will elongate a shorter persons look. A puffer jacket, bomber jacket and short coats like a flannel are great options for short people.
Do Short People Look Good in Trench Coats?
Short people can look good in trench coats. However, the trench coat has to has a slim-fit and it can’t be too long. Many short people will make alterations to their trench coat so it has the perfect fit. Generally, a medium length trench coat will look good on shorter people.
What Coat is Best For Short Guys?
As a short guy, there are several coat options which look amazing!
Here are the 3 best coats for shorter men:
1. Pea Coat
Pea coats have a timeless style and are a staple in many men’s wardrobes. If you’re looking for a versatile jacket with a classic style, then a pea coat is a great choice.
Its tailored fit and sleek design make for a sophisticated look. When shopping for a pea coat, look for one with vertical details like slim lapels and vertical pockets to add length to your smaller frame.
2. Bomber Jacket
A bomber jacket is perfect for shorter men because of the waist-length fit. These jackets have the perfect fit, and they will elongate a short person’s height.
Bomber jackets offer a casual and modern style that can be dressed up or dressed down. When you’re looking for a bomber jacket, try finding one with a slim fit and a defined waistband to maintain proportions.
Related: What Is a Bomber Jacket? Everything you Need to Know
3. Harrington Jacket
The Harrington jacket is one of the most popular jackets this year. This jacket has a cool and casual vibe and it has a lightweight design.
Similarly to the bomber jacket, the Harrington jacket fits around the waist. Some features on the Harrington jacket is that is has a stand-up collar, buttoned front and ribbed cufts.
Since a Harrington jacket is shorter in length, it will create the illusion of longer legs.
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- Best Brands For Winter Jackets – (Warm, Stylish & Practical)
Final Thoughts on Can Short Guys Wear Trench Coats?
While some may believe that a trench coat is exclusively reserved for taller guys, it’s definitely possible to find a trench coat that looks good on shorter guys. The key is to find a jacket with the right length, fit, and styling elements that complement your body type.
Trench coats can be a great addition to a shorter man’s wardrobe, adding a touch of sophistication, elegance, and timeless style. By choosing a trench coat with a shorter length, a slimmer fit, and paying attention to proportional details, you will look good and be prepared for those colder months of the year.
In this post, I shared what to look for in a coat, trench coat alternatives and answered frequently asked questions about coats for short people.
I think honestly one of the coolest things about 2023 is the way everyone is so much more free to express themselves via their clothing.
For example, I think one of the coolest casual looks out there in ’23 is a hoodie, tee, black slim fit joggers that are short enough that they show off the socks and shoes, multi-colored graphic socks, and futuristic looking sneakers such as black Yeezys. I’ve seen people rocking that look at least three times this past week.
What I find so fascinating is the fact that if you were to dress that way a few decades ago, esepcially in school, people would have laughed at you and thought you were weird. I mean, I used to get made fun of all the time at one point just because I wore crew socks with sneakers instead of no-shows like everyone else. Other kids would actually roll my socks down and then run away laughing at me in the hallway! And if you were a guy, you’d better not even think about wearing a pink shirt – unless you enjoyed being ruthlessly mocked. These days, guys wear pink shirts, pink socks, and even pink sneakers and nobody cares – that is just so freaking sick!!!
Maybe I’m being naive, but it just seems like nowadays everyone is so much more chill about fashion. I love that fact so much, and I think ’23 styles are amazing. With all the modern clothing, footwear, and futuristic hairstyles I have been seeing out there lately, I really do feel like I am sharing the planet with a bunch of awesome real-life video game characters! When I say that, I mean it as a sincere compliment because it shows how much more creative, chill, and enlightened you guys are now compared to the last century.
Overall, I really do love being alive in ’23 and getting to participate in the chill society that the new gens are creating. It’s a society that makes me feel like a welcome part of it, makes me laugh, and makes me just overall love life and humanity at large. It’s a really cool new world out there, and this website and its content are a legit reflection of everything that is awesome about life in the 20’s! You do a really great job here, Ethan.
Spotted on campus today here in Mass, where temps topped out at a balmy 45 degrees 🌴……..
One Gen Z’er…insanely futuristic “video game character” type hairstyle (aka really sick)…..knee-length black *trench coat*…..slim-fit tapered black joggers that allowed about 8 inches of heavier (wool?) grey crew socks to show……and sleek-profile, futuristic white adidas sneakers with silver/grey stripes (not sure of the model).
Immediately I thought of WTWM and this post on trench coats – this blog has consistently been so legit and on point with what I see out here everyday. That combo was amazing – it was like the perfectly bold mix of classic and futuristic all in one! When I talk about Gen Z being a mix of classic 1980’s boldness and modern 2020’s sophistication….yeah, that look was it exactly 😎💯🎯
It really never ceases to amaze…you guys are just this bold yet chill, rule-changing, ***REAL*** generation that is totally taking things over, getting it right, and is unlike any of the others before you. As a generation, you are actually taking collective ownership of your decade – The 20’s – and boldly defining every aspect of it in such a larger-than-life way. That is something that in my opinion hasn’t really happened with other gens since the 80’s fizzled out, and it is really cool to see it happening again now with all of you, but even better this time around. Legends.