Didriksons Size Guide: Do Didriksons Coats Come Up Big or Small?
You've found a Didriksons coat you like.
It's waterproof, practical and looks ideal for the sort of weather we regularly get in the UK.
Then you reach the size selector.
Do Didriksons coats come up big?
Should I order my normal size?
Do I need to size up if I'm wearing a jumper underneath?
These are sensible questions, particularly when you're buying a coat online.
The useful thing about Didriksons is that the brand doesn't treat every garment as having exactly the same fit. Didriksons uses different fit descriptions, including Narrow, Regular, Relaxed and Oversized.
That means asking whether all Didriksons coats run big isn't really the right question.
A better question is:
How is the particular Didriksons coat I'm considering designed to fit?
You can browse the Didriksons collection at Armstrong Country Store while you read.
Do Didriksons Coats Come Up Big?
Some Didriksons coats can feel roomy because they're designed that way.
That doesn't mean every Didriksons coat runs large.
Didriksons categorises the fit of its garments into four main types:
Narrow – designed to sit closer to the body.
Regular – a classic fit with room for movement.
Relaxed – intentionally roomier.
Oversized – deliberately designed with a significantly looser silhouette.
Didriksons itself recommends checking the fit description of the garment rather than treating every product identically.
That's important.
If you've ordered a Relaxed coat and it feels roomier than another jacket in your wardrobe, that doesn't necessarily mean you've ordered the wrong size.
The extra room may be part of the design.
Should I Buy My Normal Size in Didriksons?
Your normal clothing size is the logical place to start.
But don't stop there.
Before ordering, check:
Your body measurements
The size guide
The fit category of the particular coat
What you'll normally wear underneath it
How you personally prefer a coat to fit
Didriksons advises customers who fall between sizes to consider whether they prefer a closer or looser fit when deciding which direction to go.
That's much better advice than blindly saying:
“Always size down in Didriksons.”
or:
“Always go one size bigger.”
Neither rule works across every garment.
Understanding Didriksons' Four Fits
This is probably the most useful thing to understand before buying.
Narrow Fit
A Narrow garment is designed to sit closer to the body.
If you prefer a neat silhouette, this may appeal to you.
But remember what you're going to wear underneath.
If you're buying a winter coat and regularly wear substantial knitwear, layering still needs to be considered.
Regular Fit
Regular is the more traditional middle ground.
You get room for movement without the garment intentionally having the looser appearance of a Relaxed or Oversized style.
For many shoppers, this will feel closest to what they expect from a conventional coat.
Relaxed Fit
A Relaxed coat is deliberately roomier.
Don't immediately assume:
“This is too big.”
Look at how the garment is supposed to sit.
The extra room can be particularly useful in outerwear, where you may want freedom of movement and space for layers underneath.
Oversized Fit
Oversized means exactly what it sounds like.
The larger silhouette is part of the design.
If you order your normal size and it looks noticeably looser than your fitted jacket, that doesn't automatically indicate a sizing problem.
It's supposed to look oversized.
Should I Size Down in a Didriksons Coat?
Not simply because it looks roomy.
First check whether you've chosen a Relaxed or Oversized style.
Sizing down can alter the intended shape of the garment and may reduce the room you need across your shoulders, arms or chest.
It can also reduce your ability to layer comfortably underneath.
If you're between two sizes, that's different.
Then it makes sense to compare your measurements carefully and think about whether you prefer the garment closer or looser.
But automatically buying one size smaller in every Didriksons coat?
We wouldn't recommend using that as a blanket rule.
Should I Size Up in a Didriksons Coat?
Again, not automatically.
There's a common assumption that everyone needs to buy waterproof or winter coats one size bigger because they'll be wearing layers underneath.
That can result in a coat that's much larger than necessary.
A coat designed with sufficient room for movement and layering may already give you the space you need in your normal size.
Instead, ask:
Is this Narrow, Regular, Relaxed or Oversized?
Then consider your measurements and what you'll wear underneath it.
That's a far more reliable way to choose.
How Should a Didriksons Coat Fit?
Whatever style you choose, you should be able to move comfortably.
When trying it on, don't just stand still and look in the mirror.
Fasten the coat properly.
Move your arms.
Reach forwards.
Sit down.
Wear the sort of layers you'd normally have underneath.
Then check:
- Does it fasten comfortably?
- Can you move your arms without restriction?
- Does it pull across your shoulders or back?
- Is there enough room around the chest?
- Are the sleeves the right length for you?
- Can you comfortably wear your normal layers?
- Does the overall length suit you?
A coat can look perfect standing still and become irritating the moment you start walking the dog.
Think About What You'll Wear Underneath
This is particularly important with Didriksons because many customers are buying the brand for practical outdoor use.
Think realistically about when you'll wear your coat.
Mild, Wet Weather
You may only have a T-shirt or lightweight top underneath.
Autumn
You might add a jumper, fleece or sweatshirt.
Cold Winter Weather
You may be wearing substantially warmer layers.
If you're buying one coat to use throughout autumn and winter, try it with the sort of clothing you'll actually wear underneath it.
Don't judge the size solely while wearing a thin summer top.
What Size Didriksons Coat Is Best for Dog Walking?
There isn't a special dog-walking size.
But there are some practical things worth considering.
If you're walking regularly in autumn and winter, you're likely to want:
Comfortable movement
Room for appropriate layers
Enough coat length for the protection you prefer
Comfort around the shoulders and arms
You may be bending down, handling a lead, opening gates and moving considerably more than somebody wearing the same coat simply for a trip into town.
So don't choose such a tight fit that movement becomes restrictive.
Equally, you don't need a coat two sizes too large simply because it's being used outdoors.
Choose the fit that allows you to move comfortably in your normal walking clothes.
How Long Should My Didriksons Coat Be?
Length is partly practical and partly personal preference.
Longer coats provide more body coverage, which can be very welcome when you're standing outside in miserable weather.
Shorter jackets may feel less restrictive and can be convenient for more active use.
The important point for online shopping is to check the actual garment length where available, rather than judging it solely from the photograph.
The model may be significantly taller or shorter than you.
A coat that finishes around the knee on one person could sit quite differently on another.
Don't Forget Sleeve Length
This gets overlooked when people concentrate entirely on bust and waist measurements.
With outdoor clothing, sleeve length matters.
Too short and you'll notice it every time you stretch your arms forward.
Too long and the sleeves may become annoying around your hands.
Some Didriksons designs include adjustable features at the cuffs, depending on the particular garment.
Check the individual product specification rather than assuming every coat has identical adjustments.
How Should a Didriksons Parka Fit?
The word parka doesn't tell you the fit.
One parka can have a regular silhouette while another is deliberately relaxed.
Again, the individual product information matters more than the category name.
If you're buying a parka for winter use, we'd pay particular attention to:
Shoulder room
Chest room
Sleeve length
Garment length
Room for winter layers
and
The stated fit category
Don't automatically size up just because the garment is a winter parka.
Check how that particular parka has been designed first.
What If I'm Between Two Didriksons Sizes?
This is where personal preference matters.
Didriksons' own women's sizing guidance says that when you're between two sizes, you can choose according to whether you want a tighter or looser fit.
We'd also consider:
What is the garment's stated fit?
If it's already Relaxed, you may not need additional room.
What will you wear underneath it?
Winter layering can influence your decision.
Where are you between sizes?
Bust, waist and hips don't always fall neatly into the same size.
How do you prefer your coats?
Some people hate excess room. Others strongly dislike feeling restricted.
There's no point buying according to somebody else's preference.
Measure a Coat You Already Love
This is one of the easiest tricks when buying a coat online.
Go to your wardrobe and find a coat that fits you well.
Preferably choose something you wear in similar circumstances.
Then use it as a reference.
Look at:
Overall length
Width
Sleeve length
Shoulder fit
and
How much room you've got for layers
It gives you something tangible to compare against instead of trying to imagine how an online photograph will fit your body.
Waterproof Doesn't Mean You Need an Oversized Coat
Don't confuse weather protection with sizing.
You don't need an enormous coat simply because you're buying something waterproof.
The coat needs to fit correctly and allow you to move comfortably.
What matters for weather protection is the construction and specification of the particular garment, not whether you've bought it two sizes too large.
This is something we'll cover separately in our upcoming guide to choosing a waterproof coat for UK weather.
Didriksons at Armstrong Country Store
At Armstrong Country Store, we stock Didriksons alongside our wider range of country and outdoor clothing.
If you're shopping for a Didriksons coat online, we'd strongly recommend checking the individual product description and fit rather than treating every Didriksons garment as though it follows one universal sizing rule.
You can browse the current Didriksons collection at Armstrong Country Store.
Frequently Asked Questions About Didriksons Sizing
Do Didriksons coats come up big?
Some Didriksons garments are intentionally designed with a roomier fit, but you shouldn't assume every Didriksons coat runs large.
Check whether the particular garment is described as Narrow, Regular, Relaxed or Oversized.
Are Didriksons coats true to size?
Your normal size is a useful starting point, but check your measurements and the fit category of the particular garment before ordering.
Should I size down in Didriksons?
Not automatically.
If the garment is intentionally Relaxed or Oversized, the additional room is part of its design.
Should I size up in a Didriksons winter coat?
Not automatically.
Consider the coat's stated fit and whether your normal size gives you sufficient room for the layers you'll actually wear underneath.
What if I'm between Didriksons sizes?
Didriksons advises choosing according to whether you prefer a closer or looser fit when your measurements fall between sizes.
What does Didriksons Regular Fit mean?
Regular Fit is designed to provide a classic fit with room for movement, rather than the closer silhouette of Narrow Fit or additional room of Relaxed and Oversized styles.
What does Didriksons Relaxed Fit mean?
Relaxed Fit provides a roomier silhouette. Don't automatically mistake that intentional additional room for incorrect sizing.
What does Didriksons Oversized Fit mean?
Oversized garments are deliberately designed with a larger, looser silhouette. The oversized appearance is part of the style.
Are Didriksons coats good for layering?
This depends on the individual coat and its fit. Check the product description and try the coat with the type of layers you'll normally wear.
How should a waterproof coat fit?
You should be able to fasten it comfortably and move without excessive pulling or restriction, while still having enough room for the layers you expect to wear.
So, What Size Didriksons Coat Should You Buy?
Don't start by assuming:
“Didriksons comes up big, so I'll order a size smaller.”
That's too simplistic.
Instead, check:
1. Your measurements
2. The Didriksons size guide
3. Whether the coat is Narrow, Regular, Relaxed or Oversized
4. What you'll normally wear underneath it
5. Whether you personally prefer a closer or roomier fit
Then make your decision.
The word Relaxed on a coat isn't a warning that the sizing is wrong.
It's telling you how the garment was designed.
And understanding that before you order gives you a much better chance of getting the fit right first time.