The button distance rule for double breasted trenches
March 21st, 2007Generally, single breasted trench coats are more flattering than double breasted ones. This is particularly true if you are well endowed or carry a little extra around the middle. But even slim and well proportioned women sometimes don’t look right in double breasted styles. So I’ve been puzzled in the past when I’ve dressed curvier women in double breasted styles that have worked really well.
The secret lies in the relationship between the height of the person and the horizontal distance between the double row of buttons.
Buttons that are widely spaced on double breasted items tend to have “a widening effect”. Taller women can carry off these styles because the larger spaces are proportional to their height. On the other hand you’ll automatically get “a slimming effect” once those buttons are pulled in closer together. In the extreme a single row of buttons is still the most flattering option for shorter and curvier women.
March 21st, 2007 at 8:19 am
Hi Angie,
If single-breasted styles are more flattering for shorter, curvier women, does it follow that double-breasted styles are BETTER for taller, less-curvy women - or is it merely that these shapes can carry off the double-breated style even tho single-breated is still preferable?
My mom always said that double-breasted styles were good for ummm, us “flatter-chested gals.
Was mom right AGAIN?
Maris
March 21st, 2007 at 8:28 am
I’ve always felt my flat chest was even more flattened by the bulk of a double-breasted jacket. But maybe if I look at button distance I can find one that flatters rather than flattens. Great tip Angie!
March 21st, 2007 at 8:43 am
Good question Maris.
The latter part of your reasoning is how I see it. If you are going to go double- breasted, be mindful of the distance between the double row of buttons despite your size and height. Taller women can generally carry off widely spaced buttons whether they are curvy or not.
If you are less well-endowed, you still need to be mindful of those button spaces because you can be “flatter-chested” but sill carry weight around your midriff. In which case a widely spaced rows of buttons will still make you look wider. Make sense?
March 21st, 2007 at 8:46 am
Maris has just raised the same question Jennifer . Absolutely still be mindful of that button distance, especially if you want to achieve a more nipped-in silhouette at your waist line.
March 21st, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Som,e double breasted style position the buttons in a narrowing V instead of in two straight lines. How about that?
March 23rd, 2007 at 5:27 am
Oh no, I love my new (to me) Jones NY pea coat that I picked up at the Salvation Army for $10-are you telling me that I’m probably making myself look more chunky? Darn it!
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:19 am
As a long waisted short woman with an ample chest (size 6-8 blazer, size 0 pant), what I find is that the positioning of the belt has more to do with whether I can successfully wear the coat or not than whether it is double or single breasted. This is especially true if the coat has a button in lining.