In Ireland, where the weather doesn’t ask for permission before it pours, your coat isn’t just fashion-it’s survival. From the misty cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way to the drizzly streets of Temple Bar, the right coat can mean the difference between staying dry and spending half your day shivering in a damp wool blend. So, should coats be one size bigger in Ireland? The short answer: sometimes, but not because of fashion. It’s about layering, mobility, and enduring the kind of rain that turns a light jacket into a wet sponge by lunchtime.

Why Layering Matters More Than You Think

Irish winters aren’t about snow-covered fields and crisp frost-they’re about damp cold. The kind that seeps through your bones even when the thermometer says 6°C. Most locals don’t wear one thick coat. They wear a thermal base layer, a sweater or fleece, and then a water-resistant outer shell. That’s why a coat that fits snugly in summer might feel like a prison in November. If your coat is too tight, you can’t zip it over a chunky knit from Dunnes Stores or a wool cardigan from The Irish Craft Company. You’ll end up leaving it unzipped, which defeats the whole purpose.

Look at how people dress in Galway on a Friday night. Walk down Eyre Square and you’ll see students in Barbour jackets layered over hoodies, commuters in long wool coats from Claddagh Cashmere, and farmers in waterproofs from Koolaburra. None of them are wearing slim-fit outerwear. They’re choosing space-not for bulk, but for function.

What ‘One Size Bigger’ Really Means

‘One size bigger’ doesn’t mean buying a coat that swallows you whole. It means choosing a fit that lets you comfortably wear two layers underneath without pulling at the seams or restricting your arms. Try this simple test: put on your thickest winter sweater, then try zipping up the coat. If your shoulders feel pinched or the sleeves ride up when you raise your arms, it’s too tight. If you can still move freely and the hem doesn’t ride up when you sit, you’ve got the right fit.

Brands like O’Neill and Craghoppers design their Irish-specific jackets with this in mind. Their men’s and women’s parkas have articulated sleeves and slightly roomier torsos-not because they’re oversized, but because they’re engineered for movement in wet, windy conditions. Even the classic Barbour waxed jacket, popular in Donegal and Kerry, is cut with a little extra room to accommodate a wool vest or thick shirt underneath.

Don’t Fall for the ‘Bigger Is Better’ Trap

Some people think, ‘If one size bigger helps, then two sizes bigger must be better.’ That’s a mistake. A coat that’s too big doesn’t trap heat-it lets it escape. Wind whistles through the gaps, rain pools in the excess fabric, and you end up looking like you’re wearing a tent. Worse, oversized coats can make you feel bulky and unbalanced, especially if you’re walking the cobblestones of Kilkenny or hiking the Wicklow Way.

Look at the fit of a traditional Irish tweed coat from Thomastown Tweed. It’s structured, not baggy. It has a defined waist and a slightly flared hem to shed rain, but it doesn’t drape like a curtain. That’s the balance: enough room to layer, not so much that you lose shape or warmth.

Check the Sleeve Length and Hem

Too many people focus only on the chest or shoulders and ignore the sleeves and hem. In Ireland, where you’re constantly pulling gloves on and off, your sleeves should end just above your knuckles-not halfway up your hand. If they’re too short, your wrists get cold. If they’re too long, they get soaked when you reach for your umbrella.

Same goes for the coat’s length. A knee-length coat might look stylish in Dublin’s south side, but if you’re cycling to work in Limerick or walking the Dingle Peninsula, a mid-thigh cut gives you better mobility. You need enough coverage to keep your lower back dry, but not so much that you’re tripping over your own coat when you’re rushing for the bus after work.

What to Look for in an Irish-Ready Coat

When shopping for a coat in Ireland, keep these three things in mind:

• Water resistance: Look for DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating, not just ‘waterproof’ labels. Many coats claim waterproofing but fail after a few rain showers. Brands like Regatta and Berghaus, sold in Decathlon and outdoor stores across Cork and Belfast, have tested their gear in Irish conditions.
• Breathability: You’ll sweat under a heavy coat if you’re walking to the shops or commuting. Look for fabrics with moisture-wicking liners-like Polartec or GORE-TEX INFINIUM.
• Adjustable features: Hood that fits over a beanie? Check. Adjustable cuffs? Check. Drawstring hem? Essential. These details make a coat work in real Irish weather, not just in a catalogue photo.

Avoid coats with thin linings or synthetic padding that clumps when wet. Wool blends, down with water-resistant treatment, or high-loft synthetic insulation (like PrimaLoft) perform better in damp conditions than cheap polyester fill.

Real-Life Examples from Irish Wardrobes

Think about what people in rural Clare wear. A farmer’s coat is often a heavy-duty waxed cotton jacket from Helly Hansen, worn over thermal underwear and a wool sweater. It’s not flashy-it’s functional. A student in Trinity College might wear a longer, tailored wool blend from O’Neill’s Irish Collection, layered over a turtleneck. Both are one size larger than their summer coats, but for different reasons.

Even in Dublin’s trendy areas, where fashion matters, people don’t sacrifice practicality. Walk into a shop like Brown Thomas on Grafton Street and you’ll see coats with hidden internal pockets for phones, detachable hoods for indoor wear, and reinforced elbows for carrying bags or pushing prams through puddles.

When You Don’t Need to Go Bigger

There are exceptions. If you’re buying a lightweight trench coat for early spring in Kildare or a stylish pea coat for city nights in Galway, you might not need extra room. These are meant to be worn over thin layers-light sweaters, shirts, or even just a blouse. In those cases, stick to your regular size. The goal isn’t to be bigger-it’s to be appropriate for the layering system you’ll actually use.

Same goes for children’s coats. Kids grow fast, but buying a coat two sizes up means they’ll look like they’re drowning in fabric. A half-size up is enough for growth, and you can always tuck in the cuffs or hem if needed.

How to Test a Coat Before You Buy

Before you hand over your cash, do this:

1. Put on your thickest winter layers-sweater, fleece, maybe a thermal top.
2. Zip the coat fully and raise your arms. Can you reach your head without straining?
3. Walk around the store. Sit down. Pretend you’re holding a bag of groceries. Does the coat pull at the shoulders?
4. Check the hood. Can you fit a wool beanie underneath it? If not, it won’t work in a Dublin downpour.
5. Feel the lining. Is it smooth? Does it feel like it’ll hold up after 10 washes?

Try the coat on in the store if you can. If you’re shopping online, check the size chart-not just the chest measurement, but the sleeve length and body length. Brands like Mountain Equipment and Cotswold Outdoor in Ireland include detailed measurements for a reason.

Final Advice: Fit for Function, Not Just Form

In Ireland, your coat isn’t a runway piece. It’s your daily shield against wind, rain, and the kind of chill that lingers even when the sun tries to peek out. Choosing a coat that’s one size bigger isn’t about being trendy-it’s about being prepared. It’s about walking out the door in the morning knowing you won’t be soaked by lunchtime, no matter if you’re heading to work in Cork, hiking in Sligo, or catching the ferry to the Aran Islands.

Don’t buy a coat because it looks good in a photo. Buy it because it lets you move, breathe, and stay dry. That’s the Irish way.