Should Coats Be One Size Bigger in Ireland?

When you’re standing in a shop in Galway or browsing online for a new coat in Dublin, and you’re staring at that rack of wool-blend peacoats or waterproof trench styles, you’ve probably asked yourself: should coats be one size bigger? It’s not just about looking good-it’s about surviving the Irish winter. The answer isn’t simple, but the right fit can mean the difference between shivering through a Galway Bay breeze and walking confidently into a pub in Cork with dry shoulders and no damp collar.

Why Irish Weather Changes Everything

Ireland’s climate doesn’t follow the rules. One minute it’s drizzling in Killarney, the next it’s gale-force winds off the Atlantic hitting Doolin. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing, but the dampness? That’s the real enemy. A coat that’s too tight won’t let you layer up properly. You need room for a thick wool jumper under your coat, maybe even a fleece mid-layer if you’re commuting from Limerick to Shannon Airport in January. A snug coat might look sharp, but it traps moisture against your skin-and that’s how you end up feeling colder than if you wore nothing at all.

Look at what locals actually wear. In Belfast, you’ll see people in Barbour waxed jackets layered over jumpers from Penneys. In Wicklow, farmers and walkers wear longline waterproofs from Berghaus or Rab, often sized up to fit thermal base layers underneath. Even in cities, the trend isn’t slim-fit. It’s functional. That’s why brands like O’Neills and Koolaburra design their Irish-made coats with extra room in the shoulders and torso-not for fashion, but for survival.

The Layering Rule: Bigger Isn’t Just Better, It’s Necessary

Think of your coat as the outer shell of a three-layer system: base, mid, outer. In Ireland, the mid-layer matters more than anywhere else. A simple cotton shirt won’t cut it. You need merino wool, thermal fleece, or even a lightweight down vest. That’s why buying a coat one size bigger isn’t a fashion choice-it’s a physics requirement. More space means better air circulation. That trapped air acts as insulation. Tight coats compress insulation, making it useless.

Try this test: put on your regular-sized coat with a thick sweater inside. If your arms feel restricted when you raise them to adjust your scarf, or if the hem rides up when you bend over to pick up your shopping from the Tesco in Bray, it’s too small. You need at least 2-3cm of extra space around your torso. That’s not oversized-it’s optimized.

What Happens When You Get It Wrong?

I’ve seen it too many times. Someone buys a stylish, slim-fit pea coat from Zara or H&M because it looks good on the mannequin. They wear it to the St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin, and by 3 p.m., they’re soaked through from the drizzle, their sweater is bunched up under the tight sleeves, and their hands are numb because they can’t fit gloves over the cuffs. That coat didn’t protect them. It trapped the cold.

On the flip side, a coat that’s too big looks sloppy. You look like you borrowed your dad’s old Macintosh from 1998. The sleeves hang past your knuckles. The hem drags on puddles in Lough Key. Wind whistles through the gap at the waist. That’s not style-that’s a liability. The goal isn’t to be baggy. It’s to be roomy enough to layer, but fitted enough to keep the wind out.

How to Get the Right Fit in Ireland

Here’s a simple, practical guide based on what works for locals:

1. Try on coats with the exact layer you’ll wear underneath-preferably your thickest winter jumper.
2. Check the sleeve length: when your arms are relaxed, the cuff should end just above your thumb. If it covers your hand, it’s too long.
3. Make sure you can zip it fully without pulling the fabric tight across your chest.
4. Look for adjustable cuffs and a drawcord at the hem. Brands like Berghaus and Columbia have these features built into their Irish-market models.
5. Don’t trust online sizing charts. Irish brands like Koolaburra and O’Neills often run true to size or slightly large. If you’re between sizes, pick the larger one.

And here’s a pro tip from a Galway tailor I met at the Claddagh Market: if you’re buying a wool coat, go one size up and have it taken in at the waist by a local seamstress. It’s cheaper than returning it, and you’ll get a custom fit that lasts decades. Many tailors in Cork, Limerick, and Waterford offer this service for under €30.

What Coats Actually Work in Ireland?

Not all coats are built for the West of Ireland. Here’s what locals actually buy:

• Barbour Wax Jackets - The gold standard. Water-resistant, durable, and roomy enough for layers. Popular in Donegal and Connemara.
• O’Neills Longline Waterproofs - Made in Ireland. Designed for farmers and outdoor workers. Slightly oversized by default.
• Rab Microlight Alpine Jackets - Lightweight, packable, and great under a trench. Used by hikers on the Wicklow Way.
• Penneys Wool-Blend Coats - Affordable, decent quality. Often sized generously. Great for city dwellers.
• Traditional Irish Pea Coats - From local makers like Claddagh Coats in Galway. Cut roomier than standard styles. Often lined with wool or cashmere.

These aren’t fashion statements. They’re tools. And tools need to fit right to work.

Seasonal Shifts Matter Too

In Ireland, winter doesn’t start on December 1st. It starts when the first real rain hits and the wind picks up off the Atlantic. That’s usually late October. By then, most people have already bought their coat. But here’s the catch: you might need two. A lighter, water-resistant coat for early autumn, and a heavier, insulated one for December to February. Many Dubliners own both. The lighter one fits closer to the body. The winter one? Always one size bigger.

Even in spring, when the weather feels like it’s improving, the wind still bites. A slightly oversized coat gives you breathing room for those unpredictable days when you go from sunshine in Kilkenny to hail in Sligo in two hours.

Final Rule: Size for Function, Not Form

In Ireland, your coat isn’t just clothing. It’s your first line of defense against the elements. It’s what keeps you warm during the Galway Film Fleadh, dry on the Doolin ferry, and comfortable walking the cliffs of Moher. If you’re wondering whether to go up a size, the answer is almost always yes-especially if you’re buying for the winter months.

Don’t buy for the mannequin. Buy for the weather. Buy for the layers. Buy for the 12 months of rain that don’t care how stylish you look.

What to Do Next

If you’re shopping for a coat this season, don’t just grab the first one that looks good. Try it on with your winter layers. Walk around the store. Raise your arms. Zip it up. Check the sleeve length. Ask yourself: will this keep me dry on the bus from Bray to Dublin? Will it survive a walk through the Phoenix Park in a downpour?

And if you’re still unsure? Go one size up. You can always have it adjusted. But you can’t fix a coat that’s too tight.