Gothic coats: silhouettes, warmth and sizing
What makes a coat gothic?
Silhouette before colour. A gothic coat is longer than a standard overcoat, narrow through the waist, and finished with a detail borrowed from military or Victorian tailoring: frogging across the chest, a standing collar, a tailcoat or swallowtail hem, or an asymmetric front. The result reads as gothic even in a plain wool blend.
| Type | Length | Warmth | Typical fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter coat | Mid-calf to ankle | High | Wool blend, padded lining |
| Tailcoat | Short front, long back | Medium | Brocade, twill |
| Cropped jacket | Waist | Low | PU, faux leather |
| Faux fur | Hip to knee | High | Faux fur, satin lining |
Sizing
Coats are the item where Asian sizing bites hardest, because the waist is cut close. Measure your bust over the jumper you intend to wear underneath, then read the centimetre table on the product page. If you are between sizes across the shoulders, size up.
Frequently asked
- Are these coats warm enough for winter?
- The full-length wool-blend and padded styles are. Brocade tailcoats and PU jackets are three-season pieces meant for layering.
- What is the difference between a gothic coat and a steampunk coat?
- Steampunk leans on brown leather, brass hardware and visible buckles. Gothic stays black, with matte hardware and a longer, narrower line.
- Can you machine wash a brocade coat?
- No. Brocade and wool-blend coats are dry clean only. PU and faux leather wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Do PunkRave coats run small?
- Yes, and more than the rest of the range because of the fitted waist. Measure your bust over a jumper and order from the centimetre table.