How Much Fabric Do You Need For a Coat? (Trench, Sport)
Men are not the same size. Making a trench coat or a sports coat for different men can be time-consuming because you have to re-measure and re-figure your calculations for each man. It is a good thing men come n different shapes and sizes because the world would be boring if they didn’t.
How much fabric do you need for a coat? Using 45-inch wide fabric, you can get away with needing only 2 1/2 yards of material to make a nice sports coat if you are making it for a small to average size man. For a trench coat for a tall man, you are looking at double that amount.
To learn how much fabric you need for different coat projects, just continue to read our article. It provides you with the figures you need so you do not waste too much time doing your own calculations.
How Many Yards of Fabric for a Coat
As usual, the amount of fabric you will need for a suit or sport coat will depend on the size of the man you are making it for. Also, how much you buy will depend on the width of the fabric you are using.
Smaller widths require more yardage and for large men both horizontally and vertically, you need to add in some extra to make sure you have enough. For a standard sports coat for an average man, you are looking at needing 2 1/2 yards of material. Add in a little extra for allowances, seams, etc.
For a 60 inch wide fabric, you do not have to use as much and may get away with needing only two yards. When your man is tall or a little heavy set, go for about 3 to 4 yards depending on the width of the fabric you are buying.
How Much Fabric for a Trench Coat
The same conditions apply here as they do for a sports coat. Look at your man’s physique and see how they stand. If they are tall or wide or both, then make sure to get about 5 yards minimum.
You will also need to add in some extra fabric for cuffs, seams, collars, and other trench coat necessities. If you are using wide fabric, you may be able to get away with as little as 4 yards, if the man you are making it for is slim and short. Go about 4 1/2 if they are short and stout and if you are using wide materials.
A 36-inch chest and average height requires about 4 1/2 yards of material to make a good looking trench coat. You are going to have to play a lot by ear as how much material you buy will depend on how big the extras are. Pockets need to be factored in as well.
Fabric Needed for Coat Lining
Since not every inch of your coat will need a lining behind it, you will not need as much material as you would for the main coat fabric. For half linings, you should be able to get away with 1 1/2 yards of material.
If you are going with a full lining then you will need 1 3/4 yards of material. Then make sure to factor in at least 10% for any mistakes or extras you need the lining for. Those measurements include both body of the jacket and the sleeves.
If you want lining for the interior of the pockets so your hand slides easily in and out, then add in a little bit more to those totals. A side note here, if you are using a pattern fabric, you will need at least 1/4 yard extra to the measurement listed in the previous section.
How Much Fabric for a Long Coat
A full-length coat is a very subjective term as the total length depends on the height of the individual the coat is for. You will not need 5 yards of material if your man is only 5 feet 5 inches tall or smaller.
Then if he is over 6 feet and pushing 7 feet high, you are going to need more than 5 yards of material. If you are using plaid material for an average person, then you will need the same amount of yardage as you would if you are making a full-length coat for a tall man.
The standard measurement is 5 yards approx., and you will have to make adjustments, either way, depending on the shape of the man you are making the coat. That is using a 58-inch wide piece of fabric. Your calculations will change if you use thinner material. (check blazer fabric options)
How Much Fabric for a Sport Coat
As you know sport coats and suit coats are just about the same thing. The latter piece of clothing is just without the pants and vest. What that means is if you are using a 45-inch wide piece of fabric, you will need 2 1/2 yards for average men and smaller, and 3+ yards for taller men.
If you use a 36-inch piece of material, then you are going to need at least 3 yards or more for the average man and 4 or more for the taller man. A 60-inch piece of fabric will cut the amount of material you need down.
There will be a lot of estimating going on here when you are figuring in extras or gauging the stoutness of the man so add in enough material to make sure you do not run out.
Some Final Words
Making a sport or trench coat is not that difficult. The vital part is making sure you got the measurements and the amount of fabric right to do the job well. Measure twice and cut once is a good piece of advice when getting ready to make a coat for your mate or best friend.
