Non-boxy women's parka w/lots of room across shoulders/chest

[Acadie]

I'm in search of a women's parka that has a shape to it--not completely boxy--but still has plenty of room across the chest and shoulders. Every coat I try on feels and looks much too tight on top, and if it it's constricting in a t-shirt forget about adding layers for the weather and outdoor activity. Sizing up generally means the bottom is way too loose, like freezing-winds-would-gust-up-loose, and I'm guessing men's styles would be boxy.

The weird thing is I'm not particularly busty and know lots of women who have much broader shoulders. Where can I find a women's coat that looks reasonably trim but still allows for shoulder movement and layering? 

[wintermom]

It's a tough one as most of the styles seem to be that long or short boxy look. If you can find something with a defined waist and perhaps go up one size, that might help. Good luck!

What sort of price point are you looking for?

[Acadie]

1 hour ago, Mom2mthj said:

What sort of price point are you looking for?

 

Good question. I think since I'll be outdoors more this winter due to Covid, I'm willing to spend more than usual. Let's say under $300, preferably less.

[Acadie]

3 hours ago, wintermom said:

It's a tough one as most of the styles seem to be that long or short boxy look. If you can find something with a defined waist and perhaps go up one size, that might help. Good luck!

 

Thank you! It doesn't even need to be super fitted, long as I don't look like my refrigerator 🙂 

[Arcadia]

North Face Miss Metro down parka is kind of hourglass 

https://www.rei.com/product/872502/the-north-face-miss-metro-parka-womens

Pajar down parkas are also kind of hourglass 

I wear the North Face one with a down vest. The Pajar ones I have are warm enough for me not to layer but I could wear a vest or turtleneck sweater if I want to. I bought mine all on sale from Nordstrom Rack and Saks 5th Avenue. My husband likes to buy me outerwear so I have a collection. I’m about 34-23-36. So my problem is hip and waist for fitting rather than chest area.

ETA:

Pajar Panther Parka, quite hourglass cutting  https://us.pajar.com/products/panther-1

Edited September 13, 2020 by Arcadia

[wintermom]

1 hour ago, Acadie said:

 

Thank you! It doesn't even need to be super fitted, long as I don't look like my refrigerator 🙂 

My friend has one that makes her look like a walking sleeping bag. 😅  She loves it, though.

[Matryoshka]

14 minutes ago, wintermom said:

My friend has one that makes her look like a walking sleeping bag. 😅  She loves it, though.

My mom always looks like a walking sleeping bag in her winter coat.  She puffy heart (haha) loves it, though! 😂

LL Bean has some more fitted/hourglass down coats, along with the more boxy sleeping bag varieties...

[wintermom]

This would be nice! Not too boxy, and so cheerful. https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwjz2YXQzeTrAhWLhsAKHV0tBeAYABAGGgJpbQ&sig=AOD64_3dquwiOTHcMHAWH2lFhTsUlkeeBw&adurl&ctype=5&ved=2ahUKEwjeyffPzeTrAhUDNa0KHR1GBYQQvhd6BAgBEE4

Edited September 12, 2020 by wintermom

[mathnerd]

Marmot has fitted jackets (both down and artificial down). I have had one for 9 years and I wear it for exercising every day in the winter. I like it because it is fitted as I don't want to look like a box.

[Lanny]

I have the same suggestion for you that I gave to my DD:  She'd purchased a long L.L. Bean Parka and wore it a few times and there was an obvious defect. She sent it back and received a refund to her CC account. I suggested to her that on approximately 01 November she look on the L.L. Bean web site. At that time, I believe they will have the largest selection of different styles in stock and in more colors and sizes.

In your case, after you come up with 2 or 3 possibilities (Style, Size and Color) I suggest that you contact L.L. Bean Customer Service by phone or Chat and explain what you are seeking and ask for some guidance in which style is likely to make you happier and more comfortable.

My DD had paid somewhat less than $300 USD for that Parka. That IMO is a lot of $ for a garment that had a tiny hole and was leaking Down insulation.   I'd sent her with my old L.L. Bean Parka  (Red) when she went to the USA and that got her through her first Winter there.  🙂