The pre-order period starts today for two PS products: the Donegal raglan-sleeved overcoat and the 12-ply cashmere piece we call the Indulgent Shawl-Collar Cardigan.
The point of doing a pre-order is that it enables us to offer more colours and more sizes. We couldn’t hold all of these in stock, but this way if you want a no-longer-available colour or an unusual size, there is a way to get it.
Also, I know many readers who like the pre-order system because they know they won’t miss out. They’ve been looking at the navy Donegal, for instance, for a couple of years and they can secure it now without having to worry about the size selling out (as does quite often happen).
And this year we’ve used the pre-order system to add one more, really luxurious option for the Donegal coats, which is a version in pure camelhair. This is a hard thing to stock because it’s so expensive, but doing pre-order makes it much easier. More on that piece in last week’s article.
So here are the two pieces that are available, and the details on the sizes, colours and terms.
The Donegal Coat is available in five materials. I’ve linked to the launch articles for each one below, so you can see more pictures by clicking through. The colours are also shown above in the same order:
- Dark grey
- Brown
- Light grey (black/white)
- Dark navy
- Camelhair
Cloth details:
- The first three coats are in the standard weight of 760g, Donegal wool yarn
- The dark navy is in a finer merino yarn and so a little lighter at 680g
- The camelhair is from Harrison’s and really beautiful, like a fuller cashmere. It is a little lighter at 620g, but has a chunkier feel than that implies and is as warm as the 760g Donegals
Order details:
- All sizes are available from XS (2) to XXXL (8). Measurements listed in the table on the order page.
- Sleeves and body can’t be specified - this isn’t MTM - but both can be altered on the final coat, which of course is something no one else makes possible
- There is a maximum of 30 coats in the first two colours, 50 in the second two, and 20 in the camelhair
- A size run of the coats in the light grey will be in the PS pop-up shop from March 26-29, to check sizing
- The light grey and dark navy will be in regular stock in the autumn. The other colours are only available for pre-order
Timings and terms/conditions:
- Payment can be in full now or half now, half before delivery
- Order window is open for the whole of March
- Delivery in late September
- Returns and exchanges are not possible, as the pieces are being made just for you (to order) and usually can’t go back into stock
- Prices have gone up slightly this year, but only (as always) because the cost of the product itself has gone up. The previously released coats are now £995 plus VAT, the camelhair is £1835 plus VAT (camelhair being a lot more expensive!)
If you have any questions on the coat itself, please let us know in the comments below. I know everyone is pretty familiar with this product now though.
Pre-order page for the coats here.
For the Indulgent Shawl-Collar Cardigan, the pre-order allows us to offer that same larger range of colours and sizes. Note, though, that there is some stock currently available too:
There are six colours being offered for the pre-order, with again links below to when they were first featured. And again, images above
Order details:
- All sizes are available from XS to XXL. Measurements listed in the table on the product page.
- There is no maximum on the order volume
- Sizes from S to XL will be in the PS pop-up shop from March 26-29, presuming the stock in that size doesn't sell out between now and then
- There will be small top-ups of navy, grey and natural in the autumn. All other colours are only available for pre-order
Timings and terms/conditions:
- Payment can be in full now or half now, half before delivery
- Order window is open for the whole of March
- Delivery in November
- Returns and exchanges are not possible, as the pieces are being made just for you (to order) and usually can’t go back into stock
- Prices have gone up also, but only because the cost of the product itself has gone up - in fact the amount of cashmere in this one makes it more expensive every year. The price is £1,095 plus VAT
Pre-order page for the cardigans here.
Fantastic! Dark navy donegal ordered. I’m really glad you have continued with the pre-order system. I know it was originally discussed by a few of us readers several years ago, so many thanks indeed.
Now just a short wait for the next drops March/April drops 🙂
No worries Ant, really pleased it works well for everyone
Hi Simon. I am a loyal fan of Donegal Coat, and I am very interested in this camel hair coat. I have some questions that I need to ask again before booking:
1. Does this camel hair coat still have the original elements of Donegal Coat? Such as cashmere pockets and inner chest pockets. Is it still produced by Private White V.C.?
2. Could you please briefly introduce this pure camel hair fabric, such as why the price is so much more expensive than Donegal wool fabric? What do you think are the advantages of camel wool compared to Donegal wool fabric in terms of warmth retention?
Looking forward to your reply as soon as possible, I will book it immediately, thank you very much!
1. Yes, all the same
2. Camel hair is a more precious fibre than wool, both rarer and more luxurious as well as being softer and warmer. It’s often seen as a good alternative to cashmere, being almost as soft and stronger. That’s why it is more expensive and its advantages. Actually, as often happens with these things, our margin is lower on the more expensive coats than other things (it’s a little scary pricing high!)
Many thanks for the opportunity to pre-order the dark navy Donegal! Excited to receive it later in September.
Two questions:
It appears the sizing chart on the pre-order site has different values than the one for the (sold out) ones in the regular shop. Values are roughly doubled, e.g. chest on Size 5 is 60cm in the regular shop and 122cm on the pre-order site. I assume this is due to them being measured differently, not actual changes in sizing?
Related to this, are there any changes to the coats vs previously sold iterations (even minor details)?
Thanks Jay, good spot, I’ll correct that.
The only minor changes over the years have been:
– The weights are now consistent across the dark grey, light grey and brown
– The sleeve was slightly widened a couple of years ago, just by 1.5cm
Many thanks for the quick reply Simon!
Simon, you say “Sleeves and body can’t be specified – this isn’t MTM – but both can be altered on the final coat, which of course is something no one else makes possible” – are you referring to the alterations described on the product page, i.e., shortening/lengthening by 2 cm? Isn’t it common to have 2 cm inlay in a coat, regardless of the maker? Or do you mean it can be done for the buyer before delivery so they don’t have to go to a tailor?
Also, on the Cardigan page the sleeve measurement is underarm but the picture shows the sleeve measured from the centre-neck. Doesn’t change much, but I thought I’d let you know.
Hey Robert,
It’s not common for ready-made coats to have this amount of inlay (5cm on the body, 4cm on the sleeve), and usually they effectively have none at all on the length of the coat, as the material is cut on the facings. Although there might be material you can see on the inside at the bottom, this doesn’t run all the way round.
Thanks on the sleeve measurement point
Hi Simon,
You hae said on the preorder system that they cna be lengthened by 2cm. Yet all the other content ont he coats in the past says they can be lengthened by 5cm. Has this changed?
Sorry, no that’s an error. I think there’s an issue with that text coming from an old entry for the coat. We’re updating it now, apologies
Ah, that explains it! Indeed, having as much as 4 additional centimetres in the sleeve is not common. Thanks!
The Donegal coat in camelhair got me. I tried to resist, but… Credit card now lying down in a darkened room, smoking gently at the edges…
As my birthday is mid September, I’m justifying it – as if such were needed! – as my birthday present to myself!
BTW: the preorder links for both the Donegal coat and the Cardigan both link to the Indulgent Cardigan page.
Goddammnit. Ok, correcting now…. cheers Paul
Hi Simon,
Will all of the colors of the Cardigan be available later in the year as well or are some of them just for pre-order?
Good point. The existing navy, grey and natural will have small top-ups, but the others are only available on pre-order
Thank you! If one has the Natural and was interested in getting another color, which one would you recommend in terms of versatility?
I’d say probably navy or grey
It’s interesting that the camelhair coat gets categorised as Donegal coat, I personally don’t care that much but I wonder if people who work in that industry or whose heritage culture it is might be annoyed?
Interesting point. It’s a problem I’ve had before with naming products too closely after a material or make, and then changing that in subsequent seasons. We need to get out of that habit
Why didn’t you just call them Balmacaans? Given that is the style isn’t it?
Surely Donegal actually only ‘technically’ applies to two of the range of them?
Well three, the first three we did. But yes, that is the style, it’s just hard to change the brand once it’s sort of established
Though that said, when I hear the word ‘Donegal’ my mind immediately returns to your line of coats, despite owning several donegal shetlands!
Exactly!
I’ll be in London during the pop-up week. Looking forward to handle the items.
Looking forward to seeing you Willem
Hi Simon, I am considering one of the coats. The camel is out of the question, because I have one already. Which one of the other colors would you consider the most versatile? I rarely wear suits, but do wear sport jackets/trousers and I also wear chinos/denim often.
I’d say the black/white then. It’s proved so popular I think because it bridges formal and casual well, and is interesting without actually being showy at all once it’s on
Ok. Thanks Simon. I forgot to mention, and apologize, but I also have your English Tweed coat with the belt. Would your recommendation still be the same considering this?
That’s a touch harder but I would say perhaps the brown in that case
Thanks Simon. This will be my first coat that I’ve really invested in and I’m torn between the light grey which my head says is most sensible yet my heart loves the look of the brown. Do you see the brown as being (as) versatile?
Pretty much, I think it just depends a little more on what else you have in your wardrobe. The light grey is definitely the easiest from that point of view
lovely camel!
could you say something more on the differences between you project the Anthology and this one regarding the colour (looks much warmer on the screen); also, if I may, which type of coat is traditionally associated with camel, SB, DB or is the material to be found in every style?
The colour is actually very similar – the pictures of the anthology one are a little washed out, the others are more true to the colour
You find camel in lots of styles, though the polo coat style probably goes back the farthest
It would be useful to know the differences in make, e.g. canvas construction. How do both coats compare to a bespoke, MTM or even RTW coats from a Neapolitan or British tailor?
Those points have been covered in the previous articles on the two coats, but in brief:
– The donegal coat has no canvas, it is unstructured (as pretty much all RTW coats are)
– The polo coat has a normal tailored coat construction with a hand-padded canvas
– The polo coat style is soft, similar to the Anthology’s regular cut in coats, which is between central and southern Italian
Hi Simon,
Just wanted to thank you for making the black cardigan available again – order placed (and justified to myself as an early birthday present).
Regards,
Mark
No problem at all Mark, and early Happy Birthday!
Part of me wants to check off the box of having a navy shawl collared cardigan, and I know it can be versatile. It however feels like I’d get much more joy from one of the others. I typically wear a myriad of black,charcoal, oatmeal, cream, and brown, so maybe the cream, brown, or natural cardigan might be more suited to my lifestyle… What would you say is the next most versatile after the navy?
I think the brown or the natural would be best for you Zawaad. They’d go really well with everything else in there
Hi Simon,
I’m interested in the light grey coat, and potentially the dark grey. My question to you is about sizing.
I only have one PS/PWVC coat for reference and that is the motor trench. I bought a size 5/L a little hastily on marrkt but I think, fortunately, it was the right choice for my shoulder width partly to fit over a suit/jacket too. It just needed the sleeves and body shortening.
With that in mind, given this coat has no belt to cinch would it be worth sticking to a medium, seeing as it’s a raglan sleeve?
Cheers
I think I’d say stick to the same size Richard. The coat is meant to be flowy and have room underneath to layer things, and if anything I push people to size up rather than down if they’re in any doubt
On the cardigan order page, it says you wear both Small and Medium depending on how you want it to fit. Are all of the pictures of you in one size (is it Medium)? If not, could you point to one in each just to have a feel. I am 5’9″ and 39″ chest so your Mediums usually suit me, but just want to be sure Medium in this is not too big. Thanks.
Good point. They are actually all in a small, the natural is a medium but I don’t have any images of me in it.
However, if you look in our Reels on Instagram, there is a video of me wearing a Medium in the natural. It’s the 13th ‘walkie talkie’ ago
Afraid you need to read the Consumer Contract Regulations, as you say these are not customised but selection of pre-set options meaning there is a statutory right of return , at least for those ordering in the UK, as a distance contract.
It’s an offence under CCR to not inform customers of their right of return, or to falsely tell them there is no right of return, penalty is level 5 of the standard scale, unlimited.
Hi John,
Our legal advice is that as the garments are made to order for the customer, and this is made clear to them, we are within our rights to make the garments non-returnable. Unless of course there is a fault with the garment.
No pre-order systems would be possible for any brand unless this were the case.
John – this is not true (custom made items are excluded from the right to return), and this can easily be verified at gov.uk/accepting-returns-and-giving-refunds – and more generally you should think carefully before submitting misinformed opinions on legal matters.
28(1)(b) the supply of goods that are made to the consumer’s specifications or are clearly personalised
The article clearly states they cannot make it to my specification and no talk of personalisation so how do you feel MTO meets the legal requirement for exception to the CCR cancellation rights Alexander?
Being made to a specification is broader than you are inferring John. The customer is specifying a one-off garment be made for them in a particular colour and size that they are selecting and that is not available otherwise.
John, I would suggest accusations like this are expressed directly to PS. It ruins the comment section for most readers who are here to discuss the product, and receive advice and reviews from other readers and the PS team. If you don’t agree with the t&cs then don’t buy the product. If you feel that you need to express your opinion on it there’s no need to do so publicly.
Quite.
Hi Simon
Have your dark brown shell Harvard’s lightened or darkened with age?
Neither I’d say, they’ve got a little variation in the colour but overall it’s pretty much the same
Hi Simon, thanks for offering such a wide range of options for the coat. How long will the pre-order process be open for? Thanks.
It says in the bullets Moby – until the end of March
Hey Simon,
Just so I’ve got this correct, will the brown Donegal overcoat be on general sale on the PS shop next autumn/winter or is it only available as a pre-order?
Only pre-order
How similar would you say the cloth is on the brown Donegal overcoat to this Drake’s one:
https://www.drakes.com/products/brown-herringbone-wool-raglan-coat?variant=44249448087765
I ask because I see in the original article you mentioned you opted for a darker, cooler brown to better go with tailoring. I don’t really wear much tailoring so wanted something a bit more casual/warm in tone like the above and your old Cordings one, so was wondering how this compared.
That cloth looks warmer, yes, and more colourful. Bear in mind it’s a rather different cut of coat as well – much wider and chunkier (which may well be your style)
Thank you. In that case, and I hope this doesn’t cause offence, but I’m not sure the brown cloth used for your coat is as warm or colourful as I would like given it’d be a very substantial purchase. With that in mind, I’ve been searching for an overcoat using brown cloth akin to the Drake’s one, so I don’t suppose you’re aware of anywhere that offers an MTO or MTM service for something similar to the Donegal overcoat? Or perhaps somewhere sells similar cloth I could get commissioned into a coat? I’m not really sure how the process for something like this would work or if it would be viable.
Hey Harry,
If you wanted a different coat design to our one, then no I don’t know anyone really that does MTO like that. You could definitely get one bespoke in a different cloth, but then you’re talking a lot more expensive.
And don’t worry, no offence taken! We’ve almost sold out of the brown anyway
Two questions…
1) if we would like to pre-order multiple items, should we do so in one transaction or one transaction per item?
2) are you able to share which Harrison’s camelhair cloth you utilized? Or is it a proprietary cloth you developed with them?
Hi Ben,
Good point. Few order a coat and cardigan together, but if you do then two separate orders would be helpful, yes.
I’m checking the number/code on the cloth
I am surprised that the navy donegal gets not much love and is discontinued. It is what I bought and it draws a lot of compliments.
Thanks Alexander. It was really lovely, I think just a little more niche. Not as popular as the others and a hard one to buy the cloth in bulk for in order to offer as MTO as a result
I may have missed a post, so apologies, but what is the plan for the pop-up shop 26-29th March? Opening hours etc. Thanks!
Hey David,
No sorry we didn’t mention times on that post. They are listed here, on a new Events page we have with all events listed.
Hello Simon,
I live in both Japan and China. As you may know, both countries have a strong community of classic menswear enthusiasts, with many forums and blogs where people share thoughts and engage in discussions. Since I am familiar with both languages and cultures, I actively participate in both communities.
Naturally, given your prominence in this industry, your name comes up frequently in discussions. However, there are some recurring criticisms about you that I have noticed. Specifically, some argue that because you receive sponsorships from many bespoke houses and brands, you do not pay the same prices as regular customers, which, in their view, affects the credibility of your reviews.
I understand that this is a sensitive topic and that you might find it uncomfortable. However, rather than blindly believing discussions online, I thought it would be more appropriate to ask you directly, in your own space, how you feel about this matter and if you could share your thoughts on it.
Sorry, but I’m not sure if my post is appropriate here. If it isn’t, I apologize.
Kenji
Hi Kenji,
Not at all, this comes up regularly and I’m very happy to answer. I’ve also written about it consistently and publicly over the years.
To start with, can I ask whether you have read the ‘Is this an advert’ article that is linked to in the footer of the site? That’s a good place to start.
Thanks
Simon
Hi Simon,
I’ve been eyeing the Donegal for quite some time, and it will be my first overcoat. But I’m very uncertain about the sizing.
My sizes are:
183 cm height
108cm chest
33inch waist
85kg weight
So I could be described as upper body size Large (my shoulders are not in proportion) lower body Medium.
I usually take size L in shirts, sweaters and jackets and it always works out fine for me.
I’ve taken the size guide quiz on PWV and it recommended 4/M.
You have similar dimensions and wear a M size, but your chest and shoulders are smaller than mine, haha.
Since it is made to order, non refundable and I’m based in The Netherlands, I’m very cautious about ordering the right size.
Would you recommend me a size 4 or 5?
Cheers
I think a size 5, partly because you can alter it later if you want to, but easier to bring it in a little bit than take it out. I think PWVC and I would also disagree a little on the style – if in doubt you want this to be larger rather than tighter in my opinion. It’s where all the style lies
Hi Simon!
Planning on ordering the Donegal coat in light grey. I just have a question regarding the sizing. I am a 48/50 in jackets, and my chest measures 99cm. However, I am 170cm tall (or short you could say). Thinking of ordering the coat in size 50/4, but not 100% sure if I should choose that size or the 48/3. What would be your recommendation?
I think the 4 – ignore the body length and sleeve length as those can be easily changed, and focus on the chest
Simon and all: I have the PWVC Lowry Cuddler coat, in size 5, the fit is ideal. Assume the camel Donegal would also be best in the same size? And it is being made by Private White?
Yes I would think so, and yes it is (thought not available through them)
Excellent thank you! I appreciate your work and writing so much.
Hello – Will the overcoats be identical sizing to winter 24/25? I tried on a size 3 in William Crabtree at the end of last year. It was a good fit and I’d like to confirm the sizing for these overcoats is identical.
Thank you
Yes, it is the same
Thanks for confirming
Hi Simon,
which coat would you say is the most versatile between light grey donegal and camel? Does the former equally work with grey flannels (both mid-grey and charcoal) or is it a bit tricky? I wear a lot of flannels pants with suede loafers in a rather formal workplace. Many thanks!
best
Charles
I’d say the former works with both, yes. The pattern of the coat makes sure of that. And I’d say it’s marginally more versatile
Thank you for answering these highly nerdy questions!
Will opt for the light greyf then.
No worries Charles, always happy to help
Just missed out on the brown today, it seems. Is there any chance it’s coming back? Perhaps due to additional demand?
I’m afraid not, sorry. It would take months to reweave the cloth
I seem to have suffered the same fate as Kian with the dark grey (i.e. it’s very recently out-of-stock). I assume the same answer applies as for Kian with the brown?
Yes, sorry Alastair
That’s a shame. Do you anticipate having a similar pre-order set-up (with the dark-grey) next spring Simon? Or is it too early to say?
Congratulations on your popular coats!
Too early to say I’m afraid Alastair
Ok. Thanks Simon. I’ve added my email to the wait-list, just in case any of the 30 people ahead of me have a change-of-mind. In the meantime, if you’ve not already made a decision on the ‘standard’ colour for winter 25/26 can I please register a vote for the dark-grey’?
You can, thank you Alastair
Simon, any chance for future coats to include your donegal type coat but made of 95% or 100% cashmere? In black or dark navy? Now that would sell!
We’ll certainly look at it! Nice suggestion
Simon, with apologies for yet another sizing question, I’d appreciate your thoughts on the fit of this coat, which I was lucky enough to pick up from the small batch released on the Private White site last week.
My chest measures 40-41 inches, but due to my broad shoulders, I typically wear a 42US/52IT jacket. My only other PWVC item is the Twin Track jacket in Size 5. However, their customer service recommended sizing down for the Donegal Overcoat.
Following that advice, I purchased the Donegal Overcoat in Size 4. My instinct is that the overall fit seems right—not too trim—though the sleeves might need a slight lengthening. In these photos, I’m wearing a fairly bulky sweater and a thick shirt, and the coat fits similarly when paired with a suit jacket or tweed sport coat. Buttoned, there are still about 2-3 inches of room in the chest, though I intend to wear it mostly unbuttoned (as you’ve styled it in your own photos).
While I generally prefer a trim fit in outerwear, I recognize that the balmacaan style is designed to have a looser, more dramatic drape. The Size 4 certainly seems to have flow and a bit of drama, especially when worn open. I’m mindful of your typical advice to size up when uncertain, but my concern is that sizing up might result in a coat that’s overly roomy—especially since I’d probably need to wait several months for a restock.
Would you suggest keeping this one? Again, my instinct is that this is the right size, but I’m not sure whether I’m missing something important about the intended look.
Thank you very much for your guidance, and for designing such exceptional outerwear—the fabric and style are truly magnificent in person.
Hi Jonathan,
To be honest I think you should size up, it is missing quite a lot of the style with that size. Private White and I sometimes disagree on the styling, and this is one case – I wouldn’t advise people to size down in that regard.
By the way, I hope you don’t mind me saying but it would be nice to buy from us if you do appreciate PS and use it. Private White and PS should always have new stock at the same time, and last week was a mistake on their part – they put their stock up early. We will both have the same, small run available next week.
Thanks
Hi Simon,
Thanks very much for the candid response. I’ll give it a bit more thought, but I’ll likely end up returning the Size 4 and pursue the larger size. And I also appreciate your point about supporting PS. (I received the automatic Private White restock notification before I saw this post on PS, and knowing how scarce these coats are, I felt had to jump at the opportunity.) Should I size up, I’ll get the Size 5 through your shop.
Jonathan
Thank you Jonathan, that’s kind, and any other help do please shout