Double-Breasted Overcoat: Questions Answered — Fit, Sizing, Fabric and How to Wear One
The short answer: a double-breasted overcoat is a long coat with two overlapping rows of buttons at the front, wide lapels and a structured, tailored shape. Wardley's version — the Greenwich, £257.95 — is a long double-breasted coat in Charcoal, Black or Camel, with a six-button front, wide notch lapels, a half-belt at the back and a lined body, in a regular fit, sizes S–XXL. It is the coat that finishes tailoring: buttoned over a suit or a roll neck, the commute stops looking improvised. Below are the questions men actually ask before buying one, answered plainly.
Does a double-breasted overcoat work over a suit?
Yes. The Greenwich double-breasted overcoat is cut to layer over tailoring and knitwear, with a regular fit that leaves room for what sits underneath. Buttoned over a roll neck and tailored trousers it reads as a finished outfit rather than a coat thrown over one; worn open, it still holds its structured shape. That is the first-cold-morning job this coat is for — the moment a sports jacket or a short puffa stops matching the rest of the wardrobe. Our longer guide, men's longline overcoats — the UK guide, covers length and proportion in full.
What is the Greenwich made from?
It is made from wool-finish polyester cloth with a polyester lining. The maker does not publish an exact fibre-percentage breakdown, so we state the cloth as supplied rather than estimate a figure — it is a wool-finish cloth, not a wool cloth, and the product page says so in the same words.
How does a double-breasted overcoat fit?
The Greenwich is a regular fit, cut to layer over a jumper. It has a clean, structured shape rather than a relaxed one, so judge it by the garment measurements below rather than by a letter size carried across from another brand. Between sizes, size up if you will wear it over chunky knitwear.
What size should I buy? The measurements, in centimetres
Start with your usual size, then check it against these garment measurements, as published on the product page. These are garment measurements, not recommended body sizes:
| Size | Length | Chest | Shoulder | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 95cm | 110cm | 47cm | 62cm |
| M | 97cm | 115cm | 49cm | 63cm |
| L | 99cm | 120cm | 51cm | 64cm |
| XL | 101cm | 125cm | 53cm | 65cm |
| XXL | 103cm | 130cm | 55cm | 66cm |
The simplest check is to measure a coat you already own — length from the base of the collar to the hem, and chest across — over the layers you plan to wear, and compare the two sets of figures. If you need help interpreting a measurement, contact us before ordering.
What colours does it come in?
Three colourways: Charcoal, Black and Camel, each in sizes S–XXL. Charcoal and Black sit most naturally over tailoring; Camel is the colour that changes a plain outfit most. Our guide to choosing an overcoat colour works through the trade-offs.
How do you wear a double-breasted overcoat?
Two ways cover most of winter. Buttoned over a roll neck and tailored trousers for work and formal days — the six-button front and wide notch lapels do the work, so everything underneath can stay plain. Or open over a hoodie and jeans at the weekend, when the same coat gives an easy outfit a deliberate outline. The half-belt detail at the back keeps the shape defined from behind as well as from the front. For the wider choice, see our comparison of single-breasted vs double-breasted overcoats and the complete guide to men's overcoats in the UK.
Is the Greenwich lined?
Yes. It has a lined body in polyester lining, which is part of why it layers cleanly over tailoring and knitwear without dragging. The front is a six-button double-breasted fastening, the lapels are wide notch lapels, and there is a half-belt detail at the back.
How much is it, and how does delivery work?
The Greenwich is £257.95, with free tracked UK delivery. Orders are dispatched in 1–2 working days and delivered in 6–10 working days from order — so order ahead of the cold week you need it for, not during it.
What if it does not fit?
There are 30-day returns on unworn items. Return postage is paid by you unless the item is faulty or incorrect. If you are between the measurements above, checking before ordering is the surest way to get the size right first time.
Browse the wider range in men's coats and jackets.
For the occasions themselves: the double-breasted overcoat for weddings and evenings — questions answered on colour, fit and how to wear one after dark.