Ettore de Cesare bespoke navy overcoat

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Friday, February 24th 2023
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This overcoat from Ettore de Cesare in Naples has been featured before, in the style feature a couple of weeks ago talking about silk scarves and shades of navy. 

However, there have been a few comments recently that readers appreciate articles on new commissions, even if I’ve used the tailor before and effectively reviewed their work. 

I can see how it serves as a focus for current thoughts on a category of bespoke tailoring, such as overcoats today. I might make one a year, for example, and covering it is a useful jumping-off point for discussions of how one’s wardrobe evolves, or changing views on value - or simply a place where readers can ask all the questions they have right now about coats. 

So here’s a little review of this new coat from Ettore, followed by more general points. 

Ettore de Cesare is a solid technician. All the pieces I’ve had from him have fit well from the start, and this coat was no exception. 

The main things I look for at the first fitting are inevitably the ones where I know tailors have difficulties. They include a clean drop at the top of the sleeve, which isn’t always easy with my rounded shoulders; the right side of the garment (my right) as my lower right shoulder can make the balance hard; and a close fit on the collar, which makes a big difference on my slightly long neck. 

Ettore nailed all these things. Of course, he has an established pattern for me now, but that was true with the first coat six years ago too

I’ve included some straight-on photos below to illustrate. The only thing I’d want to improve would be lifting up the shoulders at the back, although bear in mind I like a lot of fullness in the back of a coat: there’s nothing worse than trying to get on a coat over a jacket when the fit is just a bit too tight. 

Of course, this style of Ulster coat also deliberately has fullness visibly gathered into the waist, whatever form of pleat or fold it’s done with.

Where Ettore and I often differ is style. His default with a jacket with a high gorge, a shorter length and a close fit. The more contemporary end of the Neapolitan style spectrum. 

Fortunately we’ve established that this isn’t my style now, and again, fittings run well as a result. The amount of comfort I like has been noted - not just mentally, but I’m sure somewhere physically on the patterns. 

Style issues did rear their head again with this coat, however, due in part to a lack of communication, and in part the lack of examples to try on.

I could see most aspects of the style of the coat at the fitting - the height of the waist button, the amount of overlap, the line of the lapel. But as is often the case, we were drawing on the position and angle of the gorge - and therefore the shape of the collar. 

The gorge line on the final result was more downward-sloping than I expected, certainly compared to other Ulster-style coats. Look at my Liverano or Ciardi versions, and you can see the difference. 

When the collar is up, this just means there is a slightly smaller, slightly more pointed shape around the chin. But when it’s down I think the shape of the collar rather stands out, and I do wear coats more with the collar down these days - usually with a scarf, with a smarter outfit. 

Unlike other overcoats, Ettore also included a button on the cuff of the coat. It’s not a big thing, but had I known it was going to be there I would have gone without. I think it looks a little lost next to the big turn-back cuff. 

The top set of buttons on the front were also set quite far apart, but that of course can be changed. 

Overall, while I like the coat, it’s a reminder of the point I made in my first piece on my favourite tailors: whenever possible see an example of the thing you’re going to commission, especially if it’s a DB or overcoat, where design choices make such a difference. 

The material, on the other hand, was absolutely perfect: a Fox Brothers 20oz merino in a midnight herringbone (CT12). Deliberately a little lighter in weight than some of my others, but dense and with a lovely drape.

My other navy DB coat, a cashmere from Cifonelli, is still great but isn’t quite as versatile this will be. Not just because of the visible finishing on the Cifonelli, but because that cashmere makes it too formal (for me) to look good with jeans. 

Although I’ve never worn that Cifonelli heavily - given it’s never been my only coat - I still think the cashmere has aged pretty well. But this wool will be better, and have that versatility of style. 

That’s illustrated by the outfit here. Even thought it’s fairly smart (the navy jacket and trousers detailed previously here) the old Ralph Lauren cap sits better with this coat than with the luxe Cifonelli. Contrast is intended, but not quite that much. 

Other things to note are the suede that Ettore often uses on his clothing, and I have here in black on my undercollar. 

And on the flip side, I think it’s fair to say Ettore’s finishing is not quite as good as some Neapolitans, and certainly not at the level of the English, French or Milanese. That lapel buttonhole is about average for Naples, with some finer and longer.

We took these shots one evening in Naples, by the way, on the waterfront after a busy day visiting factories. I think the details come out enough, but if anything isn’t clear please do ask. 

Seeing them again reminds me how great a DB overcoat like this looks in use, in motion, with hands in pockets and even in trouser pockets. Static poses just never do it justice. 

Ettore de Cesare travels to London regularly, usually using the Holland & Sherry showrooms, now in a bigger space on Savile Row. 

The overcoat cost £3500, which is Ettore’s starting price for all wool coats. Jackets start at £2500. You can see where they’re made, in Ettore’s Neapolitan workshop, from our visit here. 

www.ettoredecesare.it

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Lindsay McKee

Great to see you with a new bespoke commission Simon. One thing that caught my eye with this beautiful coat is that it has a formal, yet a relaxed formality, definitely not casual. The front and back photos (photos 3&4 ) show this well. Would work well with a fedora hat also in a city environment.
Health to enjoy.

Peter Hall

Do you think you will wear it unbuttoned Simon? The fitted shape works really well. I know you like a dramatic coat

Nice example of how a ball cap can add to an outfit.

Alexander

The length looks like it is right at the knee, so that would be shorter than the clearly below knee length you normally advocate. (I also thought that with the pictures from your PS donegal overcoat.) Am I just wrong about the actual length or is that on purpose with your more casual overcoats?

Wouter de Clerck

Cool coat, Simon. I wouldn’t worry too much about the style points. In my view, the buttons add some looseness and playfulness to the coat. Same goes for the sloping gorge-line, which looks very relaxed and stylish in the silk scarf feature.

James

Hi Simon,

How comes you wear the collar down these days?

Would you wear this one with jeans?

Also, is the fabric still available from Fox?

Mateusz

Simon, could you elaborate on how this coat is less formal than the Cifonelli? Is it mostly the fabric (maybe just not so obvious in photos), or less structure? Doesn’t seem that much busier in terms of style details, and I like how pockets here are simple flaps, not postboxes

Mateusz

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense! With one exception though: isn’t visible pick stitching normally a more casual detail – I’m thinking Neapolitan jacket lapels?

Anon

Hi Simon,

I was wondering if there is a reason behind the top two buttons not lined up with the bottom four on the coat? Not just for your coat for in general.
I’ve seen many coats like yours in this post where top two buttons are spaced apart and other coats where all six buttons are aligned in spacing.

The Polo coat below for example has the buttons aligned and top two buttons are not spaced differently than bottom four.
comment image

Paul

Great Article. But let’s talk about how amazing these shots turned out. (Especially the one under the headline)

José

Hi Simon,
This overcoat looks a bit shorter than your Liverano and Ciardi, is it? I think the combination of design/cut and fabric make it a very versatile piece, easily wereable with jeans. But I agree with you, I don’t really like the cuff button and I think it would look better without it. And the top set of buttons is too widely spaced, it looks unbalanced, particularly in the 5th photo counting from the bottom, front view with the collar up (I think it’s not as bad with the collar down, since the lapels fill up the space), they just seem to be floating in the ocean. But since that is easy to change without an impact on the fit, it’s not a big issue.
Also, I think you are great at tonal outfits (similar colour palette, but clearly different colours), which is something you really enjoy. Lately you’ve been experimenting with “monocrome” outfits (not strictly, since the pieces are often not the exact same colour), all black (in the summer with the Casatlantic pieces), all navy (here), brown on brown (the brown flannels with the brown v-neck)… With great sucess in my opinion! I think you nail the “monocrome”, in a very elegant way, which is pretty hard. Thank you for being such a great inspiration!:)

Alex O

My guess from the photos was about two inches shorter, and I wondered if that was a new preference.
It’s fascinating to compare all the coats you referenced and consider the differences you cite. Despite their similarities, they’re all quite distinct.
Regarding the gorge, it seems to reflect your shoulder line, which I think creates a sense of harmony. I really like how the lapels and collar work together when they’re down, and their proportions in relation to the shoulder and the waist.

Gary

Unlike other overcoats, Ettore also included a button on the cuff of the coat. It’s not a big thing, but had I known it was going to be there I would have gone without.”

No tailor should not impose personal tastes on the client without his/her agreement. The sleeve button, or rather its absence, should have been specified at the first or second fitting. At £3500, the overcoat should have met your bespoke requirements exactly. Ettore should cut and fit new sleeves at his own expense.

Lax

This is literally the perfect coat, smart but not stuffy, elevates the jeans and cap, epitome of high/low dressing. Unfortunately for me it’s outside my budget, I’ve seen the one below, appreciate it’s well below the standard that tou cover, but would appreciate your thoughts. I feel it’s too smart now that I’ve see yours.

Georgios

Simon thats a really nice coat and very versatile. How casual would you go with it without creating a huge contrast ? By the way do you plan a new color of the donegal coat for this year ? If yes what color are you thinking of ?

m

Excited to hear about the new coat. Can you share few key details on what material you are planning to use and where will it place in relation to current Donegal coat, as in make and details?
Also am I correct in assuming the prices for Ettore de Cesare you mentioned are sans VAT?

m

Thanks, that’s exactly what I’m looking for. I’ve been between ordering one you helped design for Anthology or having one made bespoke. I figure I’ll wait a bit now.
If that’s the case then Cesare prices are very reasonable, I’d have expected these numbers to be pre-Covid.

Michael

Simon, on your DB coats, do you button just the one button, or the button opposite that is concealed as well? Do you do two buttons up or one?
Seems to be both in the photo of you walking?

MIchael

Sorry to be more specific, if you are doing up the middle button, do you almost always do the jigger button as well?

Dr. Goshi

Hi Simon,
I am new to your page, I like my garments and it’s make. I wish to follow you, is it ok!
The Blue coat, see to be very comfortable fit, I ought to have it little longer which might give a great look while taking a walk along the Cornish.

Thomas

Beautiful coat and evening photos of Naples, going there for the first time for Easter, can’t wait. A lot of questions regarding coat length. I have two formal coats that are slightly above the knee but I am shorter than average. Appreciate your thoughts on the pros and cons of long vs above the knee cuts. Maybe in a separate post if the answer is too complex.

Brax

I just read the article that you linked about overcoat styling. Great read. But it seems that you have changed your position on one issue. You wrote about incongruities among details in overcoats and topcoats. Specifically you wrote that it would be incongruous to have a peak lapel coupled with a cinched back. But that is what you chose for your cashmere Cifonelli, no? Can you please explain the evolution of your thinking on this point? Thank you.

Brax

Got it. Thanks. There were no clear pictures of the Cifonelli lapels so your clarification is much appreciated.

Stephen

Hi Simon,
Another interesting article on the technical side and great pictures. In addition what I find very useful is how you adapt clothes to create different looks, which makes for more longevity with existing clothes and to bear in mind when purchasing something new. In particular, in my case I am wearing jeans more nowadays and generally more casual, so wearing an overcoat in this style with a ball cap and jeans provides some great ideas for different looks. Thanks again to you both for very useful post which is greatly enhanced by the excellent photography which in some shots captures a nice sense of motion.
P.S thanks again for recent feedback on my questions on some other posts. Much appreciated.

John

Hi Simon,
A lovely coat! Yes, an alteration of the two highest buttons’s stance would greatly improve its overall look, indeed. I’m trying to figure out the possible exact level of this outfit within the Monk’s style. Still, a better alternative to the black one for sure.
John

Mark Humphry

I understand from Des Merrion that you have finally made contact. Can we expect something from you on this sometime? Des is a true craftsman and I know many of your readers have recommended him to you in the past.

Mark Humphry

Why not bespoke Simon?

Mark Humphry

Yes, saw that article, but given so many readers responded to it by recommending Des it seems you’re missing an opportunity here.

Rob

Not a clothing comment at all. But noticing the Diego Maradona mosaic and the fact that you can’t walk 50 yards in Naples without seeing a mural, a shrine or graffiti dedicated to him, I do wonder what will happen when Napoli win Serie A this season (as I think they inevitably will do now). Will they get replaced with Spalletti murals.

Rob

Just wait for the party in April/May …. it will go on all summer!

Jack Williams

Hi Simon,

As always I enjoy your articles and discussions. I would like to suggest, however, that you consider a new baseball cap that is fitted, rather than the one shown with this beautiful long coat. The adjustable strap across the back is not at the same level as the rest of your outfit – or the rest of your outfits across your site in other images. And that exposed part of the back of one’s head is never the best view peeping above the strap. Can I suggest the New York Yankees MLB hat as the best graphically in a deep navy blue, a simple but elegant N and Y in white. And fitted to your hat size. If you give me a mailing address and hat size, I will send you one from the offical Yankees MLA store in the City.
Best and cheers,

Jack Williams

A woman who loves to read about men's style

The Ettore de Cesare navy overcoat looks fabulous on you, Simon. The style and features flatter in a low-key, masculine way. One of the things I consider when contemplating a purchase is whether anything about it–style, cut, color, fabric–would look better on a different body type or someone with a different look.

I can’t imagine another man looking better in this gorgeous overcoat than you. It’s simple enough to elevate casual outfits but classic enough to look natural over suits. I like luxury when its like this, recognizable to those who appreciate it, but otherwise very quiet.

Mac

Hi Simon
If you were able to re-do this coat with Ettore, what would you change? Would you have a straighter gorge line and lapel? Would you use a heavier cloth?

Jack Williams

Simon,
I wanted to follow up on our conversation about baseball hats. My point was that a fitted cap is more elegant (if baseball caps can be elegant) that an adjustable one. The Yankees hat was a little tongue in cheek. The Yankees graphics is one of the more elegant ones, rather than the more cartoon-like brands. The MLB does make cotton and even wool ones under their “heritage” line. And they do make several profiles, low being the best. Since the baseball hat has become ubiquitous in many of your images, can I suggest an article about them as an important accessory, their history, their graphics, and what ones are most useful. Low profile, fitted, color – and most importantly as you pointed out, their worn or broken-in, well used style.

All the best

Jack williams

Peter Hall

Can I add a vote for an article on smart/casual hats please-smarter than a beanie but not too formal.

Tim

Nice coat, but I personally cringe at the thought of an exposed neck against tailored wool

Chee

So you prefer a minimalistic approach when it comes to turn back cuffs. It seems that nowadays, most prefer a button or 2 even with turn backed cuffed overcoat.