Introducing: The dark navy Donegal
For our new iteration of the Donegal coat, I wanted to create a version that was the easiest possible colour, weight and pattern to wear. Readers ask so much about versatility - about having one good coat - so I knew making something that could be smart and casual, office and weekend, would be welcome.
The colour, therefore is dark navy; actually a combination of navy and black in the herringbone. There’s a reason navy is the menswear staple, and in the images here I’ve tried to show how that works with both smarter clothing and jeans.
The pattern is herringbone because it creates visual interest (also helps with the versatility) without being a bigger pattern. And the yarn is a slightly lighter merino than the previous Donegals - 680g rather than 720g. This makes it a touch smoother (easier with suits) and a very versatile weight.
Given how popular the article was on jackets that substitute for coats, I know a lot of people are looking for a lighter-weight option, particularly as the world in general warms up. At 24oz, this is a solid mid-weight for a coat.
Here’s a link to buying the coat by the way - I know people say we don’t always include that high enough.
The style of our Donegal - the most popular and probably influential thing we’ve done - is also of course what makes it versatile. The simple fly front and collar mean it doesn’t look dressy with jeans, even in this dark navy.
The outfits hopefully illustrate these points. The coat looks good with my very battered blue jeans above (vintage LVC ones that someone has clearly worn from raw), and would do with a simple white or grey T-shirt as well.
But it’s also effective with a ‘casual chic’ look of dark-brown flannels and a black knit. Those are my Fox char-brown flannels, a Rubato lambswool sweater and black Shanklin boots from Edward Green in the shots below.
I know this is as smart as many people dress these days, so I wanted to include it as an option. I also don’t think readers will have any problem imagining it with a navy or grey suit and tie.
As I’ve commented in the past, a good indicator of the versatility men’s outerwear is whether it can be worn with black and brown shoes. Those two are a decent read on the rest of the outfit, and this coat could equally be worn with dark-brown chukkas, even though both pairs shown are black.
Something else I think it’s worth mentioning is that this dark-navy Donegal would compliment the other colours of outerwear we’ve done in the past - other than the flecked navy Donegal or Bridge Coat.
Readers often ask about that, given our outerwear made by the wonderful Private White VC has been going for seven years, and many already have one piece from the collection - whether it’s the brown, grey or charcoal Donegal, the English Tweed, a Trench Coat or the Wax Walker.
Most don’t want coats that overlap in colour or formality, and the new dark-navy I think would compliment all those non-navy pieces. It’s certainly an easier combination than those readers last year who questioned whether they should get both the English Tweed and Donegal in mid-grey.
We shot the coat in Oxford, both in my college (Trinity) and the city as a whole. It was nice to go back, and it wasn't too hot fortunately, despite it being August.
This of course is also a question that always comes up - what temperatures could you wear this coat in?
It's a hard one to answer because people vary so much - I feel the cold more than most but don't overheat that easily for example. But in general I find this weight of coat is fine in the UK until the real depths of winter, so around freezing.
I just layer up - a thick knit underneath, a T-shirt or undershirt, wool socks and boots, a big scarf and a cashmere watch cap.
And right now in London, with temperatures around 12 degrees and some light rain, I wear the Donegal over a light knit or even just a shirt. Perhaps a knit in the bag or over the shoulders - much like the Rider's Raincoat discussed a couple of weeks ago.
I'm wearing a Medium size in the coat here, and will have it lengthened by a couple of inches at some point (there's good inlay for alterations - unlike most coats). I could wear a Large, but it would be much drapier, a little too big for just a T-shirt or shirt on its own. More sizing info below.
The clothes shown are:
- Navy and black Rubato lambswool crewnecks
- Vintage Levi's LVC jeans
- Whitcomb & Shaftesbury flannels in Fox char-brown cloth
- Shanklin boots from Edward Green in Utah leather
- Piccadilly loafers from Edward Green in calf leather
- Hermes 90x90 silk scarf
- Vintage Ralph Lauren cap
- Vintage Lock & Co suede cap
Ordering:
- The coats are available at William Crabtree in London for the next couple of weeks, to try on if you would like to. Purchases are then made online. They will also be at our London and New York pop-up shops.
- At the moment it is exclusively available through Permanent Style, on the webshop here. Private White VC will also have the same coat on sale from a week today. Of course, we always appreciate it if readers buy direct from us.
- There are sizes from XS (chest 46, size 2) up to XXL.
- Have a close look at the measurements below if you're unsure of sizing, and if in doubt compare them to a coat you already own.
- The fit is pretty standard, however, so taking your normal size is usually safe.
- I am six-foot tall and usually wear a size 50-chest jacket. I am wearing a Medium (4).
- As with all PS products, there are free returns should you want to change sizes. Ships from the UK.
Alterations
- The coat deliberately has more inlay than other RTW coats, increasing the possibilities for alteration.
- Length can easily be shortened - up to 10cm without interrupting much of the balance. It can also be lengthened slightly, by up to 5cm.
- The sleeves can be lengthened by around 4cm if required.
- And they can be shortened. Shortening by 1.5cm would be easy - more than that would require the wrist strap to be moved.
- The sleeve width can be increased from bicep to cuff up to 2.5cm.
- The body - chest, waist, and hem width - can be increased by up to 4cm in circumference.
Measurements:
X-Small/2 | Small/3 | Medium/4 | Large/5 | X-Large/6 | XX-Large/7 | |
Chest | 50.5cm | 53 | 56.5 | 60 | 63.5 | 67 |
Waist | 52 | 54.5 | 58 | 61.5 | 65 | 68.5 |
Bottom hem | 58.5 | 61 | 64.5 | 68 | 71.5 | 75 |
Length | 108.4 | 109 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 113 |
Sleeve | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 |
Cuff (width) | 13.8 | 14.1 | 14.5 | 14.9 | 15.3 | 15.7 |
Simon, this coat is fabulous. Again, not a huge need for an overcoat in Sydney, but I find when I do, the only one I own – a rather formal bespoke DB with strong shoulders and nipped waist – only works over a suit, so I could be tempted here.
I own the Wax-Walker in a size 3, which is perfect; great over a chunky knit and doable over a sport jacket. Would you suggest a 3 in this coat too, on that basis?
Yes I would. Worth double checking measurements to be sure, but I would expect you to be the same
+1 on that. I own both the Donegal Coat and the Wax Walker in the same size. And I would say that the Donegal is a bit larger (especially if you compare to the Walker with the lining in).
Lovely coat! I am sure it will be very versatile!
The trouses look a lot like flannels (Fox Charbrown?) and not chinos. They are lovely as well (as would the chinos probably be)!
Thank you! Yes you’re right, I’ll update that
Amazing. I’ve had my eye on the Donegal for a while and came close to ordering the grey version a few times. After seeing the teaser post last night, I set a reminder for this morning and made the purchase right away. The combination of versatility and casual elegance in navy? Yes please! Love that it’s roomy as with the bridge coat I was stuck between a 5L and a 4M and had to sadly return both. Well done Simon, this will become a smash hit I’m sure.
Fantastic, thanks O
Happy to see it arrive, it looks very nice. I personally would’ve preferred a tonal lining to the gold, but I guess that’s sort of a signature thing by now 🙂
Yes, very true
Based on the first photo, I sense an upcoming article about the stylishness (or lack thereof) regarding distressing on denim. Or perhaps that would be too incendiary a topic…
Never shy away from those! Yes a nice idea. We did discuss that a bit on my ‘Wear loafers with jeans’ piece as that also featured some holey denim. But be nice to give it some real air
Hi, thanks!
Do you know if there any shops in Stockholm where one could try it on? Or your other coats, to get the size right?
No, sorry Erik, we’re an online brand – we do pop-ups in London and New York to give people a chance to try sizes, but we don’t do wholesale to other shops
I think “Tweed” in Sthlm, Vasastan sold the Donegal coat last year at least. I guess maybe cause they sell Private white clothing?
They didn’t Axel – our collaborations are never available anywhere else
Actually they are (by mistake or not, I dont know). I bought the Bridgecoat in the store named Tweed a year ago and they have also sold the mid-grey Donegal (both PS collabs). I actually saw that they have one size left of the Donegal last week (dont know the size).
Ok, got clarification. That’s old stock, we don’t sell wholesale to anyone currently
It’s available at Tweed along with your pea coat. https://tweed.se/products/private-white-vc-the-donegal-tweed-overcoat-black-white
Thanks, yes we established that this is old stock from a few years ago. We don’t do wholesale any more, and only did to two or three places back then
Hi Erik,
FWIW I know Tweed Stockholm who sells PWVC has sold the grey herringbone and bridge coat in the past, could be worth seeing if they have the old one to try on for size.
The fabric is beautiful, but for some reason the coat doesn’t “speak to me” in this iteration. Not really a problem as I already own the brown edition and the most recent black/cream herringbone… but it does surprise me as normally I’d expect to be lusting after this one. Not sure why not – it could be that the colour is so dark that it’s actually too understated for my tastes!
That may well be the case Paul. We’ve had several people try it on in the William Crabtree shop the past two days, and it’s gone down very well with those that want ‘a good coat’ but don’t want to be so noticeable or say so much. The others tend towards your black/cream instead. Nice to be able to cater to both
hi Simon, I understand where Paul is coming from. I feel like in making the coat more versatile, you had to make some compromises that make it — for me — less interesting. (I own the black/cream version and love it.) A raglan coat is by definition rather casual, and making it in dark blue cloth is making it almost as formal as you could. It seems to be in a sort of middle ground between smart and casual that in my opinion doesn’t quite work. To my eye at least, it still is too casual because of the shoulders and cut to work with smart outfits (suits, cashmere jacket and trousers) but not casual enough because of the color and lack of texture to work with casual outfits (tweed, jeans, etc).
In my opinion, the black/cream and original brown work best for this coat, as those fabrics are the best match for the relatively casual raglan cut. But they are certainly not that versatile – I wear by black/cream from anything ranging from jeans to tweed jacket and trousers, but it doesn’t work for me with anything smarter than that.
Thanks for the thoughts Andrew. A raglan is more casual, but it also works with this cloth, and I like it with both jeans and tailoring in the same way.
It’s interesting actually, doing the Crabtree shop the past couple of days has really cemented feelings around quite a few of the coats, and we’ve had quite a few people for whom this is the perfect coat
I was one of those people who wants a ‘good coat’ and don’t want to say much with it. Very nice experience on Friday morning trying it on and meeting Simon and Lucas, and James of William Crabtree Thank you all for being so friendly and knowledgeable, it was a delight. My expertise lies elsewhere so I’m happy that others have what it takes to make the many decisions that go into something as well designed and constructed as this coat, which feels just right for me. I intend to wear it for as many decades as are left to me.
Thanks Ian, it was lovely to meet you
I can see where you’re coming from too. I think it looks nice, but on paper, it’s like my dream coat. I Love it, but I wasn’t as blown away as I expected to be. Now that may be down to my own expecations, but I also expect this fabric, even more, has to be experienced to be fully appreciated.
Simon, you mention it’s smoother to the touch than previous versions, I take it this is more akin to a regular woolen coat in touch and feel?
Yes I’d say so
Oxford provides such a lovely backdrop to the photos. Each time I visit I feel lucky to be there, walking around the stone clad buildings.
I’m biased, obviously, and I would say it’s become far more touristy in the past 20 years, but I agree it’s wonderful. Particularly to be at a college and within that world
Any good men’s clothes shops you can recommend in Oxford? I’m going there next month.
Jon
Not really I’m afraid
Did you get a chance to look at Burrows & Hare? Aside from them, Ede and the Turl shops it’s slim-pickings
Hey Simon,
Of all the iterations, would I be right in thinking you are least enamored with the flecked navy Donegal?
Not sure why I think this — perhaps paranoia (I own the flecked navy), or maybe it’s because the black and cream version was such a huge success and that’s the one I see out and about. Was the flecked navy more flecked than you expected, so you revisited the idea of navy — and created something more plain and appealing to a wider audience?
Hey John,
I don’t think it’s a question of liking the iterations more or less, more one of unusual vs subtle styles, and what people prefer. The flecked navy was probably the most unusual we’ve done; the new plain navy is the most straight; and the black/cream sits in between.
Just sitting in William Crabtree today, I’ve met readers who fall into each of those three categories
Lovely combinations with the coat, Simon. What size did you take in the Rubato crewnecks?
Thanks. Medium – ideally I’d have a couple of centimetres more length, but the fit is perfect otherwise
Interesting how many iterations of this coat you’ve been able to do while staying tightly within the classic menswear color palette of blue, grey, and brown (thinking about it more, I guess this could be said for almost the whole PS range). Looks great!
Yes, true. And thanks!
Thank you to Simon and William Crabtree for the beer and hospitality at the pop up on Thursday. It was a pleasure to meet Simon (and other guests), and really useful to have the chance to try all the coats without the potential inconvenience of needing to send any back.
I was lucky enough to try to 3 of the PS coats (wax walker, the new Donegal and the reversible suede bomber). They are great products which doesn’t make decision making easy, and I am sure the new donegal coat will do very well. My only regret is not asking Simon for guidance on which coat to go for!
With regards to comments on a previous recent article, I’m reasonably tall and wouldn’t be concerned at all by the new, reduced length of the wax walker.
Beautiful color variation in that herringbone. Wow!
Thanks Ben
The brown cap with the blue coat (collar turned up), always such a great combination, a great look.
Cheers
Hi Simon, I bought the grey donegal last year, and I love it! I’ve received many compliments. There’s only one issue—the collar doesn’t stay up. The back of my head hits it and it falls down. Any advice on getting it altered so it stays up?
The collar is pressed flat when you first get it, so it does want to lay flat. I find the best thing to train it the other way is to keep it up when it’s hung up, and even button the top button so it stays like that all the time it’s not used.
You can also iron it to stay up more, but that shouldn’t be necessary. And always keep in mind a little natural variation in the collar is nice, you don’t want it straight up and rigid
I love the look of the new navy, I do regret not trying it on while I was in William Crabtree, I can certainly see it being a perfect coat for those who want something smart that you could wear with tailoring, though I’d probably avoid wearing it with a hard finish worsted myself.
Nice to hear. It will be in there in Crabtree until October 29th (it’s just Lucas and I won’t be)
Simon, this post got me thinking. I’m coming to London in mid November. Is a jumper over a shirt and topped with a Barbour quilted jacket sufficient, or would you recommend something heavier?
London is very variable Benn, this is your challenge. I’d check the weather closer to the time. Unlike say the East cost of the US, the weather is a lot less consistent – it’s why we talk about it all the time!
The best picture is the beer drinking pic. It has an authenticity about it.
It was the first beer of the day. It was blummin’ lovely
Just popped in today to try on all of the coats, a really nice selection – congratulations Simon, must be lovely building up the products.
The reversible suede is fantastic – I think the more relaxed bomber style goes really well. Since trying it on I think it compares really well vs the valstar shape, which I would have always thought as being my ultimate suede jacket. Whilst still having a great shape, it’s a much more relaxed fit that made me feel like it was wearing the jacket and not the other way round.
The Wax Walker felt to me like the jacket most in keeping with the PS ethos – best in class. The colour is a great alternative to the standard dark green option for other waxed jackets. The number of small details that improve it vs other options are really telling. The stud buttons on the vent were the most noticeable, but there’s so much to like. I forgot to bring a sports jacket to check length, but it looked like it would be absolutely fine – for context I’m a size 5 and 6’3” /191cm. I imagine the old cut would have been fine on me, but this one definitely didn’t feel short at all.
Hot on its heels was the bridge coat, which I’d say is another example of being best in class. Not lots to say other than I’d strongly recommend trying on if you’re after that style of jacket. The feel of the blend is very nice, a touch of sponge but not too soft (felt like it was spot on for this design).
I think the donegal wasn’t quite the right fit for me – I could be between size 4 and 5, but if the fit suits you they both look great.
The tweed overcoat – very unfortunately my size wasn’t in stock, but if I had to guess I think the fit would also not quite be right for me, but the detailing with the belt and the fabric itself was outstanding. I’ve not felt a wool like that in an overcoat – really leaning into the sponginess and other unique offering.
As said above, really worth a look
Thanks a lot Michael, great to have the feedback on the whole outerwear range
As an urban dweller, If I were to buy a PS donegal coat as my only coat, I think currently I’d pick this navy over the past iterations. After experimenting a bit, I’ve come to re-realise that navy and darker grey are the perennial classics for a reason, just so much more effortless to wear. Oh and I love the styling with the silk scarf.
On a side note, for a while now I’ve been looking for a really chunky and luxurious roll/O/V-neck cable-knit ( looser gauge / 8 ply+ ) to wear under a coat. Something like Cucinelli sells but that doesn’t cost 4000€. There are really only a handful of options available and I think this could be a good idea for a new PS product, The Indulgent Shawl Collar Cardigan in crewneck/v-neck/roll-neck form. The competing products from Italian designer brands are thrice as expensive and thus out of reach, Scottish variants on the other hand often have questionable design choices like less appealing colours.
Nice suggestion, thanks m
Simon – Do you anticipate the new navy Donegal will sell out in 3 or 4 before your NY pop up? I’m planning to swing by to try a few of the jackets I’ve had my eyes on (including this one now) but a bit worried it may already be gone before I get to try it out! Trying to avoid ordering two sizes and having to deal with returns, inbound customs, etc. Also potentially a silly question but if the coat isn’t flecked, what makes it a Donegal? I always associated that term with the flecks from prior versions
Good point on the Donegal – it is what makes the yarn distinctive, but you can request it without as well. Here we’re really doing it just for consistency with the other products.
I think we’ll be fine for NY. We’re a week away and we’ve sold 40% of the coats, but there’s always a big rush at the beginning, it’ll settle down
Hi Simon, can you fit a jacket underneath the coat in your normal size? I’m typically a 52 but the chest measurement on this coat seems a bit slim. Curious how much layering is possible.
Yes I can, though it’s not how I wear it most of the time. If I was going to wear it with a jacket a lot, I might size up.
When I see people trying on sizes, a bigger size never looks wrong, which is nice. It just tends to look like it has a little more swish, a slightly more classic style
Hi simon
from the photos this looks really nice. Quoted chest size for the medium is 56.5 cm. I was comparing it to drake’s wool raglan coat https://www.drakes.com/products/navy-wool-raglan-coat-1 and the chest size is 38/40 is 64.5/67. Am I missing something here but there is a big difference in dimensions. For what it’s worth I like the look of the PS coat more. I know the advice is to look at the measurements of something similar that I own, but I don’t have anything to compare
Hey Malcolm,
I think the Drake’s is a lot more big and boxy. If you’re in doubt on size you could size up one size on ours, but you won’t need more than that
Hello Simon, I went to William Crabtree to try on coat sizes. I think I’m somewhere between size 3 and 4. The chest fits well with size 3, while the shoulders fit better with size 4. Unfortunately, I couldn’t try on size 4 as it wasn’t available when I went there. I’ve attached photos of me wearing size 3 and would appreciate it if I could hear your thoughts.
For reference, all the outerwear I’ve bought from the PS Shop so far (The English Tweed Coat, The Wax Walker, and The Rider’s Rain Coat) are all in size 4. While size 3 gave a cleaner silhouette and looked nice overall, I did find it slightly uncomfortable to button up the top button when I wore thicker knitwear underneath.
Many thanks,
Jack
Hey Jack,
I’d go for a 4 in that case. It’s worth being a little oversized in this and definitely more danger in being too small than too big. There is a 4 in the store by the way, just in the grey donegal not the navy, so you can try that on for size
I agree, thank you, Simon.
This is a photo with the button done up. Thank you.
Yes this looks a touch tight to me. I’d go for the 4
Hi Simon.
After trying it alongside the Wax Walker and Bridge Coat at William Crabtree, I fell in love with the Navy Donegal and have ended up ordering it in size 3 (in case it helps others, would have gone for a size 4 in the other two).
I think the sleeves need to be shortened a touch (as did James from WC!) but I wondered if you agree and if so, how much shorter would you go?
The only comment I found on the PS website was about an overcoat sleeve usually needing to be long enough to cover a jacket sleeve, but I may have missed other advice already on there (and will mostly wear it without tailoring anyway)!
Looks nice Viktor.
Yes, on length the guidance is to cover whatever is underneath, whether that’s a knit or a shirt or a jacket.
This is such as fabulous coat. I’m currently debating because I already have a navy raglan coat from Drake’s (https://www.drakes.com/products/navy-wool-raglan-coat-1 ). If I buy this coat do you think it would be too redundant in terms of style or quality? Cheers.
They are slightly different styles, but I’d think they would be redundant together. Maybe the black/white donegal instead? That with this navy would make a very useful pairing – or the English Tweed in its grey herringbone, when it’s in
I have the bridge coat in a size 7. I love it. I’ve had it tailored down a little and I wore it on my vacation to Vienna and Prauge this past winter. I just purchased the Navy Donegal in a size 6 and can’t wait to try it on. Hopefully it fits well.
Nice to hear Nick. That sounds like it should be good, the Bridge is a little slim already and you’ve had it tailored down as well. The Donegal also has a little inlay in the seams (unlike other brands) so you can expand it if you need to (even later, in a few years)
H Simon
I’m the process of trying to get my brown Donegal lengthened.
According to my trusted tailor, it’s not possible. Apparently thoug there is inlay around the bottom, at the front it has been cut in such a way as to prevent lengthening. He said the result would look very weird.
Is this something you recognise to be true
Hi Jackson,
That is strange – would you mind contacting the support team ([email protected]) so Lucas can sort it out, potentially talking to Private White about it as well?
Thank you
Hey Simon – Will follow up with Lucas, but have been in talks with Private white.
Looks a little like lengthening isn’t actually possible, which is a real shame as being 6’5, the ability to get it lengthened was the main reason I went with the PS donegal in the first place. It’s a garment I have genuinely loved and taken pride in, whilst knowing I was going to have to lengthen it at some point as those extra 5cm of inlay that you advertise were basically necessary to get the length right.
Probably wouldn’t have bought it had I known it wasn’t possible as it’s a lot of money to end up with a coat that ‘just about works.’ I’d recommend taking the ‘5cm of inlay for lengthening off the site so other people don’t end up in this situation.
Hi Jackson,
Please do talk to Lucas. This was an error with only one part of one batch of the coats – all other coats before and since have had this corrected, and Private White should be happy to make a new coat for you as it was their error. We have spare cloth to supply to them too. Lucas will be able to arrange this – best not to go straight to Private White as the person there won’t necessarily know the background.
Thanks
Oh right I see! That’s interesting to know. In that case, I will contact Lucas directly. Many thanks Simon. Trust restored!
No worries
I would also add that I think you overstate how much it can be altered. I took the coat to Pinnas and Needles about a year ago to get the back/chest let out and they told me it couldn’t be done. They could squeeze about 1cm out of the alteration but that was it, as the inlay was cut at various points. They said that was very normal on RTW garments and to be expected and that the donegal was no different.
When I assured them that they must be mistaken and explained why, they scoffed and told me that a salesman had gotten the better for me.
Sad really, as you and PS is a very trusted resource. Perhaps I should have just gone for the size up. But even so, the possibility for alterations is I think overstated on your site.
Thanks Jackson, but this is just because of that error with this one part of one batch, as mentioned. All RTW coats are indeed like that, but ours are not.
Hey Simon,
Been in touch with Lucas over email and we discussed briefly, but haven’t heard back from him since thursday. Is anyone manning the desks? Hoping to resolve this fairly soon if possible. Cheers!
Hi Jackson,
Please be patient if you can. There are no replies over weekends, and we’ve literally just landed from New York having done the pop-up shop. I know Lucas is sorting out the details with Private White.
Ah – my apologies! Of course, forgot about the Pop-up shops you’ve had recently.
No worries. Even without those, we say things will be replied to within 2 working days, so that’s only just now!
Just on a lighter note, I lost a single button on a PS Oxford and contacted Lucas. He replied back and said this would be sorted. About a week or so later, a packet of buttons in different sizes for the shirt arrived direct from Italy. That was great.
Nice. Thanks Alex
Hey Simon,
Just to let you know the issue has been resolved, as I am sure you are aware. Want to thank both you and Lucas for your accommodations and the replacement it is much appreciated. It’s a gorgeous coat
However, I’m actually considering now just buying the brown donegal MTO, since I understand you still have material left.
Lucas mentioned you had one size 7 still, but that would likely have the same issue as my old one? Is that right? (If not and it is actually alterable, I’d happily buy that one off you!)
One more question for you if possible: has the style of the coats evolved over the years? Seems the arms have become a lot roomier on the newer models, compared to the old brown donegal. Is that right, or is that just a question of sizing?
Hi Jackson,
That’s great to hear.
The remaining brown donegal might be fine, it depends which batch it was. We can check for you if you’d like.
The pattern changed a little on the sleeves with the last two years’ batches, but the dark brown was also a thicker material, which made it feel a touch slimmer in the arms, yes.
Just out of interest, has the pattern changed in any other ways?
Well if that one can be altered (lengthened and sleeves widened a tad) then just buying that one would probably be the easiest option.
Though, if it is one of the unalterable batch, would putting in an order with the material you have left be possible too?
No it hasn’t.
Sleeves can’t be widened I’m afraid.
You can have one made to order, but you need to buy the cloth from us and then arrange the MTO with Private White
Ah I see. Do you know if there is much of a difference in sleeve width between the size 6 and the size 7? Also do you know how much wider newer versions of the coats sleeves are?
May be easier just to go for your remaining size 7, so I will wait to hear from either you or Lucas regarding if it can be altered. Will explore the MTO option if it turns out that’s not possible.
Hi Jackson,
There isn’t much difference between the sizes on sleeve width, no, and the difference is small, about a centimetre.
Let me know if you still want us to check whether the remaining brown we have can be lengthened
Thanks
How much would it cost extra to have the brown donegal made as MTO?
You’d have to check with Private White – I don’t know their current costs. They’d make it, but you would buy the cloth from us
Hey Simon
I emailed Lucas. But I think I’d like to purchase the remaining Brown in size 7 and hope that the length works, even if it can’t be lengthened…
If it feels a tad short too, I think I’ll return it and purchase either the grey herringbone, or the cloth itself for the MTO order. (Checked with Private White and apparently MTO without cloth will come in at nearly 2K, so obviously this isn’t my first port of call!)
Does that work?
Sure, but can you not tell quite easily whether the length of the brown works, without having to send it out and back?
Is the length of the Brown in a 7 the same as the New Navy in a 7? Just wondering as they are different generations of the coat.
Yes, the same
Sorry to pepper the comment board with messages about this, Simon!
How about this actually? Would very much appreciate it if you could let me know if that brown can be altered. As I’ll definitely be getting the navy lengthened by about 2-3cm.
OK, sure. Please email Lucas and let him know, and he can get the warehouse to check the brown
Sorry to keep responding to the wrong message by the way, but for some reason the post comment icon disappears on lower down messages.
This may be a tad ambitious, but do you think I could buy the brown donegal today, with it arriving tomorrow, so I can check the length to see if it fits well (or not an issue if it has the correct inlay)?. I leave for a trip Sunday, so could have my girlfriend return it to PS on monday, if a return is indeed necessary.
No Jackson, I don’t think we could guarantee it would arrive tomorrow in that way
It’s probably far too early for you to say, but what do you think the chances are that this cloth will return next year? I already bought a different PS coat and a PS cashmere knit so I am kind of tapped out for AW, but would love to add the navy overcoat next year
I really don’t know I’m afraid Erik. Certainly we wouldn’t do both the colours that we’ve offered this year, next year. One of them will have to go
This is the perfect coat, especially if a man were to have only one. It would elevate a t-shirt and jeans or complement a smart casual button-up with slacks, which unfortunately is about as dressed up as men tend to get in the Bay Area. It would look dreamy over a suit. I can imagine a man traveling to colder climes with this beautiful Donegal coat or to a wedding and women wondering where the heck this guy came from.
Always nice to hear…
Simon, why did you design the Donegal Overcoat and English Tweed overcoat with slanted welt pockets, but then use postbox pockets for the Anthology polo coat? Do you wish you had added chest high plunge pockets to the polo coat?
I am designing a raglan sleeve DB overcoat with the PS light grey donegal fabric and am trying to figure out pockets as well as whether to elongate the lapels.
Hopefully the current design photo attaches to this comment.
You wouldn’t usually use slanted pockets like the Donegal or a DB coat, certainly not a remotely smart one.
On your design, I would take off the higher pockets, and generally resist the urge to overcomplicate it
Hi Simon,
I found your website and beautiful coats last year when things were already selling out – so have been waiting to see what’s in store this year – glad I checked at the right time! The navy Donegal looks very nice. Can you say a little more about the interior hip pockets – it is one pocket, or two (one on each side)? How large is this hip pocket?
And, I’m afraid I need some help with sizing and don’t know where to turn. I’m 5’9″ and about 200 lbs. I’m thinking the L/5 would be right, but I’m not sure. Any guidance would be appreciated!
Thank you!
Hey Steven,
Sure, no problem. The internal pocket is on the left and is the kind of size for a paperback book. It’s useful for a hat, gloves, that kind of thing.
On the sizing, the best thing is usually to compare the measurements of the coat to something you already own. Can you do that? And then I’d say with this coat, size up if you’re between sizes. It should be a little loose and have a flow to it
Thanks, Simon.
I ended up deciding on a herringbone Donegal coat, and got a size 5. It arrived just three days after I ordered it (very fast!) and I love it! The fit is really comfortable, and it is quite cozy to wear. I knew I was ordering a high quality coat, but I was not really prepared for just how high the quality is.
I do need to get the sleeves shortened a bit – how does one go about finding a good tailor? (I’m completely new to the world of tailoring.) I don’t see a “Guide to…” for this, but perhaps I’m just not looking in the right place?
Also, a bit of feedback on the interior hip pocket for future reference, for whatever it’s worth: I do wish that the hip pocket were a little wider – it is only marginally wider than the other two interior pockets, and it is just barely large enough for a “large” moleskine notebook (5″ x 8.25″), which is about the smallest book size that I am usually carrying around. For someone like me, a wider hip pocket (or maybe two, one on each side?) would make the interior significantly more versatile.
Thanks again for designing a beautiful coat!
Best,
Steven
That’s so lovely to hear Steven, and thanks for the feedback as well.
There are two articles on alterations places we recommend, for London and New York, at those links.
Simon
How is inventory of the Medium holding out? I am heading to New York tomorrow to confirm size and compare colors. I saw the Large is sold out in Navy and it’s making me nervous.
Eric
There’s quite a bit in the medium, no worries there
Very tempting. I bought the Private White coats in the grey and navy Donegal. My chief criticism is that the hand pockets are too shallow. I can’t put any valuable objects in these with any confidence, like keys and phone. Couldn’t even stuff my gloves in there without fearing they might fall out. Also, I felt that the pocket lining material was a bit flimsy, compared to the linings in my older tweed coats from the sixties by Daks and Crombie etc.
Useful feedback, thanks Edward. I’d put my gloves in the inside hip pocket and phone in the chest pocket, they work well there.
Hi, Simon
When are you going to release the new outerwear project, the sport one?
Thank you!
Hey Michael,
We’re just waiting to hear when it will arrive. The launch will either be next Wednesday or the Wednesday afterwards
Hi! Question about the sizing.
I have a 38 inch chest size and am 5″9 but i wear 46(EU) and Size S in most clothing but prettu mvuh never XS. Private white fitbot recommends Xs. Also on their website the chest measurement is a bit bigger. Should I still go S (TTS) on this coat?
I’d say so, yes. If in doubt on this coat I’d always go for the larger size – it should be free and hang loose, it’s terrible if it’s tight anywhere.
We still have small in stock on our site if you want to go there.
Hello Simon,
With winter on the way, I’m considering investing in a new coat, and I’m torn between the one you’ve done with Private White, or options from A&S and Drake’s. A&S seems to come in a bit higher price-wise, while Drake’s is around the same range. From an objective point of view, which would you say comes out on top in terms of quality?
Thank you!
The quality of our Private White and the A&S one is similar. The Drake’s one is a little below that. However, the biggest difference is style – the Drake’s is much chunkier, bigger, squarer. It is their style but not the one we were going for, which is more similar to A&S in that respect
It’s wonderful. Who makes the fabric? It’s enticing.
Thank you. It was made with Marling & Evans, but an exclusive development by us, not sold by the metre I’m afraid
Thanks for the reply! A credit to you then, the pictures make it look fantastic.
Hi Simon,
Do you happen to wear a Large when wearing this coat with knits (eg rubato) or do you stick to Medium?
Kind regards.
Charles
I still wear a medium
Dear Simon, which of the donegal coats – black & cream or dark navy – will work better in terms of versatility? My first choice office uniform consists of flannel trousers (mainly darker colors: navy, brown, different shades of grey), white / blue shirt and navy / brown sport jacket. I have had black & cream version on my wish-list for some time, but know I am a little bit confused. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I’d say black and cream. It would suit that look very well, and translate better into casual outfits as well if you ever wanted to wear it that way