Coats: What Type Should I Buy for a Curvy Body Shape?

Introduction

For women with curvy body shapes, finding a coat that fits properly across the bust, waist, and hips—without pulling, bunching, or looking boxy—is a seasonal struggle. While coats are designed to provide warmth and structure, too many are cut for a straight frame, leaving curvier women compromising on style or fit.

Enter Tellar.co.uk, the UK’s leading free sizing tool. By matching your actual body measurements to garment data from over 1,500+ brands, Tellar eliminates sizing guesswork, especially for structured outerwear like coats where poor fit is most obvious.

This guide breaks down the most flattering coat styles for curvy women, key technical considerations, fabrics that work best, brands that cut for shape—and what to avoid.

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What Defines a Curvy Body?

Technically speaking, a curvy body shape typically involves:

• A fuller bust (UK D+ cup)

• A narrow waist relative to hips or bust

• Rounded hips or thighs

According to data from Tellar.co.uk, over 45% of UK women have a curvy or hourglass frame. Yet many popular coat styles (especially double-breasted, oversized, or cocoon shapes) are designed without consideration for waist definition, upper-arm space, or hip width.

By creating a free size profile at Tellar.co.uk/create-profile, users can input their chest, waist, and hip measurements and get instant size recommendations for brands that suit their frame.

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Best Coat Styles for Curvy Figures

1. Belted or Wrap Coats

Why they work:

• Emphasise the waistline

• Offer adjustability through tie-belt closure

• Soft lapels create vertical lines that slim the torso

• Avoid the stiffness of double-breasted styles

Perfect for: Hourglass and pear shapes seeking tailored elegance.

Brands to explore:

• Reiss: Polished wrap coats in wool blends

• Hobbs: Classic belted styles with room through bust

• Karen Millen: Wrap coats designed to sculpt curves

🔗 Find your correct coat size at Tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup

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2. Fit-and-Flare Coats

Why they work:

• Fitted through the bust and waist

• Gently flare out to accommodate hips

• Maintain warmth without bulk

• Create natural proportion

Best features:

• Panel construction

• Seams that follow body contours

• Slight A-line shape at the hem

Brands to try:

• Phase Eight: Fit-and-flare silhouettes with stretch

• Chi Chi London: Feminine tailoring for formal wear

• Boden: Mid-length coats with excellent waist emphasis

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3. Single-Breasted Coats with Shaping

Why they work:

• Avoid bulk over bust (unlike double-breasted)

• Offer structure without over-layering

• Subtle waist darts sculpt curves

• Ideal for everyday city wear

Technical tip: Prioritise coats with princess seams, which provide bust-to-hip shaping.

Top performers:

• Whistles: Modern minimalism with contour

• M&S Autograph: Available in extended sizes with inner shaping

• Zara: Occasionally offers curve-accommodating cuts—check via Tellar for each style

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4. Tailored Longline Coats

Why they work:

• Provide length and vertical lines

• Streamline the body visually

• Create a clean silhouette from shoulder to knee

• Accommodate layering without widening the profile

Fabric tip: Look for structured wool with 2–4% elastane for movement.

Smart buys:

• Massimo Dutti: Streamlined tailoring with Italian finishes

• AllSaints: Sleek silhouettes with edgy detail

• COS: Better for straighter shapes—but only buy with a Tellar fit check

🔗 Use Tellar.co.uk to confirm how these brands fit your profile before buying.

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5. Parkas with Cinched Waist

Why they work:

• Combine practicality with shape

• Drawstring waists add definition

• Roomy enough through bust and hips without sacrificing proportion

Best for: Casual wear, school runs, weekend layering.

Curvy-friendly parkas from:

• Barbour International: Classic styling with female tailoring

• ASOS Curve: Great high-street options in inclusive sizing

• Seasalt Cornwall: UK-made, water-resistant and curve-conscious

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Key Features to Prioritise in Coat Shopping

Pro Tip: Always fit for your largest measurement (usually bust or hips), then tailor the rest. Tellar helps you size accurately without trial and error.

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What to Avoid in Coats if You’re Curvy

Avoiding poorly cut outerwear is just as important as choosing the right style. Common coat pitfalls include:

• Double-breasted coats: Add bulk at the bust and rarely close neatly

• Cocoon or swing shapes: Drape off the shoulders with no waist shaping

• Short boxy pea coats: Cut you off at the hip and widen the torso

• Oversized lapels: Can overemphasise the bust and narrow shoulders disproportionately

• Dropped shoulders: Make arms look bulkier and add volume where not needed

🔎 See which brands avoid these pitfalls using Tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup

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Recommended Fabrics for Structured yet Comfortable Fit

Choosing the right material makes a significant difference in comfort and appearance for curvy women.

✅ Wool-Blend Coats with Stretch

Offers shape, warmth and movement. Ideal blends: 90% wool / 10% nylon or elastane.

✅ Ponte or Heavyweight Jersey

Used in dressier styles with movement. Great for fitted formal coats.

✅ Water-Resistant Cotton or Nylon with Adjustable Waist

Common in parkas or utility styles. Ensures functional comfort.

❌ Avoid stiff, heavy polyester or unlined synthetics

They restrict movement and accentuate width.

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Brands That Serve Curvy Frames Well

Mid-to-High Street Brands:

• Karen Millen: For tailored formal coats with shaping

• Phase Eight: Sophisticated fit-and-flare and occasionwear

• Hobbs: Elegant, timeless silhouettes with generous fit

• River Island Plus: On-trend outerwear for curve sizes

• ASOS Curve: Budget-friendly range for busty/hip-heavy builds

Premium Brands Worth the Investment:

• Lauren Ralph Lauren: Long coats with generous arm and bust space

• Marina Rinaldi (Max Mara): Luxury Italian tailoring for curvy women

• Barbour International: Classic UK fit with waist cinching

Find your precise size in each using Tellar.co.uk

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Expert Sizing Tip: Measure, Don’t Guess

For best results:

• Measure chest, waist and hips accurately

• Select CM or Inches (Tellar supports both)

• Enter your profile at Tellar.co.uk/create-profile

• Instantly see your size across major brands in real time

Tellar uses actual garment data—not size charts—to show whether a UK14 at Reiss is bigger or smaller than a UK14 at Mango. No more buying three sizes just to return two.

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CTA: Find Your Perfect Coat in Seconds

🧥 Ready to stop guessing and start buying coats that actually fit?

🔗 Create your free profile now at Tellar.co.uk

🔗 Get your personalised coat size for 1,500+ brands

🔗 No signup fees. Just clarity and confidence.

Tellar.co.uk – UK's Leading Free Sizing Tool

Find your fit. Love your shape. Shop smart.

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