Fall Outerwear Guide For Shorter Men

Rounding Out Your Wardrobe For Cooler Weather (2024)

Outerwear

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Fall is here, which means it's time to revamp your wardrobe with some worthy outerwear options. As a shorter man, you should have a proper understanding of the different types of outwear for this season, from casual to formal, along with the right sizing.
 

See Also: Stepping Up Your Short Man Sock Game


With this guide, we aim to help point you in the right direction to find items that not only look great, but are comfortable, giving you the type of self-assurance you deserve, along with the look to help make a statement and boost your appeal no matter the occasion. Are you ready? Let's dig in!
 

WHAT ARE DIFFERENT JACKET LENGTH OPTIONS?

When looking to purchase fall outwear, you'll encounter a variety of jacket sizes or length options. It's important to be aware of these to make sure you pick the right fit for your height and style you’re aiming for.

So, let's discuss some:

• Short Jackets: Short Jackets end at or above the waist. They are specifically portioned for shorter men and provide a sleek and stylish look. Some common examples of short jackets include bomber, denim, and biker jackets.
• Three Quarter (3/4) Coats: As the name suggests, 3/4 jackets are quite longer than traditional short jackets and go all the way to your mid-thigh, a little above your knees. Pea coats are a popular type of 3/4 jacket typically worn  by short men.
• Full Coats: A full or long coat is worn as the outermost garment in fall and extends below the knee, hanging at mid-calf. Some common examples of full coats that you can find in the market include overcoats and long trench coats.
   

Overview guide of the different lengths generally available for coats.
 

BUTTON CONFIGURATIONS - SINGLE VS. DOUBLE BREASTED

Typically, there are two types of appearances in this regard for short men: single-breasted jackets and double-breasted jackets. Let's discuss them:
 

SINGLE-BREASTED JACKETS

Single-breasted jackets first came in the 18th century from the Spanish provinces. They have only one row of buttons and buttonholes, and the flaps meet crossover by just an inch.

When it's all buttoned up, you'll notice the column of buttons lies directly at the center. You can wear them to both formal and informal events to have a stylish look. Single Breasted jackets and coats tend to have a sleeker appearance. Because of button placement, they gather attention to and expand along all points of the jacket. Excellent for a modern, metropolitan look.

DOUBLE-BREASTED JACKETS

Originally designed in the late 19th century for the sporting pursuits of the British aristocracy. Peaking again in popularity during the 1980s for the preppy crown, double-breasted jackets are quickly making their way to the wardrobes of short men once again in the modern era.

These jackets typically have two columns with three or four rows of buttons, whereas the left column of buttons is completely for aesthetic purposes.

The flaps meet-up in double-breasted jackets are more pronounced as they have a crossover of 6 to 8 inches. Double-breasted jackets and coats typically call more attention to the top of your physique. During the 80s, double breasted suit jackets were many times accompanied with shoulder pads to achieve a v-taper look. With that information, they are perfect if you are a short guy with naturally wide shoulders and want to achieve a narrow and fit look.
 

The differences between single and double-breasted varieties of outerwear.
 

TOP OUTERWEAR OPTIONS FOR SHORT MEN TO WEAR THIS FALL

Here is an overview of the different coat options you can try this fall:
 

TRENCH COATS/OVERCOATS

If you live in areas with freezing cold or rain, trench coats and overcoats are your best bet. An overcoat is typically a long coat that extends below the waist, covering your arms and torso, and may sometimes reach the ankles. In other words, you’ll see this most in the three-quarter and full varieties.

Trench Coats are usually worn  over suits and formal attire, so you will get to look classy even when the weather is harsh. Most worn with khakis or chinos, trenches can work with dark slim or athletic fit jeans with stylish kicks or Chelsea boots for a more dress casual urban vibe.

Trench Coats most often have large pockets, a belt with a D-ring, and shoulder straps. Materials are generally twill and wool. While these coats are designed to protect you from inclement weather, worn with style in mind, they look perfect on the sunniest days, especially twill.

Some choice and affordable Trenches are the H&M Regular Fit Trench, the Banana Republic Factory Khaki Trench, the Land's End Men's Classic Trench Coat, and the Makkrom Men's Slim Fit Trench. All go down to as low as Size 34 or XS.

PEA COATS

Pea Coats are another staple of fall outerwear. They also go by the names p-coat and p-jacket. Pea coats are renowned for their short length and broad lapels. Pea Coats are almost always double-breasted, the buttons are usually either plastic or wood with the main material being wool.

They are perfect if you don't want something as lengthy as a top coat and are excellent for warmth in the latter part of the fall. We suggest going with a charcoal or navy pea coat, as both colors can go with a variety of clothing and are the most popular colors.

Pea-Coats do come in lighter colors, but often pick up lots of dirt due to the material. If you’ve ever owned one, lint rollers, lint removes and the dry cleaners will be your best friends. All worth it for the look.

Choice and affordable pea coats include the Uniqlo J-Wool Pea Coat, the Nautica Classic Double Breasted Pea Coat, and the sleek, low-cost Zee-Too Men's Windproof Classic Pea-Coat.

LEATHER JACKETS

If you are a short man searching for something casual and slick with a bit of edge to wear in the fall, you can never go wrong with a leather jacket. They are typically made from a variety of animal hides, and the most common choice is cowhide. Polyurethane (“Pleather”) is another popular material. Once upon a time, PU jackets were the ones to stay away from. These days, many of them are as or more durable (and expensive) than the real thing.

That said, there are even more options. Search enough and you’ll see varieties made from sheep or pig hides. Lambskin tends to be the lightest, thinnest and best for the early fall (and also rips the easiest). Cowhide is the toughest and heaviest and will help you hang tough in the latter part of the season. If you’re pro-vegan, there are some “vegan” options on the market now that are purely made from plants. Leathers depending on the weight, can be warm and are mostly windproof, making them popular among motorcyclists and travelers. Get one with a thick lining and you can sport them in the latter part of the fall and into the winter months.

A good leather jacket should be a staple in every man's wardrobe. From bomber jackets, to double-breasted pea-coat styles these jackets can be found in every length from short to full length.

Choice leather and pleather options at a myriad of price points include the Buffalo Jackson Legacy Leather Jacket, the Asos Premium Leather Harrington Jacket which goes down to size XS, the Deckra Men's Genuine Leather Moto-Jacket, the Banana Republic Leather Biker Jacket and the Decimal Genuine Lambskin Leather Biker Jacket. Good leather costs, but you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get a nice looking leather jacket.

QUILTED JACKETS

Quilted jackets are a great fall option, particularly for formal-minded or mature crowds. Quilted jackets generally come in synthetic fabrics with light insulation inside and patches on the shoulders, breast plate or elbow areas.

They were first worn in England, where two pieces of nylon were sewed together to accommodate polyester padding. Rising in popularity in the 1960s there has been a huge resurgence over the last few years. From khaki pants to jeans and oxfords to stylish boots, these jackets are an excellent for the earlier part of the season.

Keep in mind, materials vary, so quilted jackets can come in anything from leather to polyester and wool.

Some choice and affordable Quilted Jackets include the Hypestfit Men's Diamond Quilted Puffer Jacket, the Ralph Lauren Quilted Jacket, the Cole Haan Tonal Mix Media Jacket With Faux Sherpa Lining which features brown shoulder patches. For Faux-Leather lovers, there’s the Vegan Leather Jacket from Hollister and the Washed Pleather Jacket from Buckle.

Complete outwear identification guide from coats to sweaters.
 

BOMBER JACKETS

Bomber jackets are always in style. They're easily recognizable due to their short length, which ends at the waist and has front pockets.

The presence of a matching waistband, matching cuffs, and rounded collars truly gives it a stand-out appearance with an air of “cool”.

Bomber jackets first appeared in World War 1, and ever since, they have been popular among men from all regions, irrespective of culture. Bombers are available in leather, wool, corduroy and synthetic fabrics.

Plain single-colored fabrics will have you lean toward a more semi-formal appearance, while multi-colored options paired with patches will you give more of a casual or urban look. The latter will pair well with jeans and sneakers, while the former will lend it self better to shoes and boots.

Choice affordable and attractive Bomber Jackets include the Wantdo Men's Military Casual Bomber from Amazon. This is one of my personal favorites. I have it in every color. There is the Eklenston Men's Miliary Jacket, the Misty Men Leather Bomber and the Buck Mason Storm Trooper Bomber which is fully lined, of quality and weather resistant.
 

VESTS

A vest is most often a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt or under a jacket during fall to add an extra layer of warmth, though the sleeved variety makes for a more professional look. These come in a variety of colors and styles, including button-ups or pull-overs. The most popular iterations are V-neck and rounded-neck. V-neck options are a personal favorite as they expose more of the collar of a button down shirt. Rounded necks create a more tight look.

You can get them in any material, ranging from wool and cotton to polyester, depending upon your personal and aesthetic preferences. As a short man, darker single colors are said to create a lengthening effect. Choose the appropriate fit for your body type. Athletic and skinny types will look best in slim fit varieties, while burly guys can opt for a looser fit.

Choice and affordable vests include Uniqlo's vest collection. Uniqlo only has these available during a narrow window during the fall season, so check back when we have current link. There's the Coofandy V-Neck Pullover available in many color choices. You have the Paul Jones V-Neck Sleeveless Cable Knitted Pullover Cardigan, and the Heortho Thick Argyle Sweater Sleeveless Pullover. Express also has a nice multi sweater-vest collection, and I used to swear by them. They're typically available from the end of October onward.


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FALL OUTERWEAR GUIDE WRAP-UP

Being a shorter guy, your choice of dressing not only impacts your overall appearance, but also helps you to stand-out and stand on business. Consider this fall outwear guide and opt for coats, jackets and vests that suit your body type and eye for personal style. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share your look. Looking for some more fashion tips for short men? Visit Short Kingz today and engage with other fellow short men in our community to discover new styles that will definitely add more tricks to your fashion-tool kit!
 

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