Sezane Leo Coat Review
Today I’ve got A/W outerwear on the mind and thought it was only fitting to share a review of the piece I’ve been reaching for most, the Sezane Leo Coat. Fall in London has been a bit of a mixed bag, with warm and cool temps, sun, rain, wind and lots of cloudy days. It also started to get nippy right when I arrived at the start of September. That’s why I was so happy when I found the Sezane Leo Coat to keep me warm and toasty as the temperatures dropped. This is one of my favorite brands for outerwear (I previously wrote a review of the Sezane Scott Trench Coat) and one I always recommend for those of you asking for worthwhile investment pieces.
In this review I will be sharing all the details of this jacket style, from fit and sizing to material and care tips. The Leo Coat, like many other pieces in their core collection, has been brought back again this year and in some lovely new colors and materials too. So if you’re looking for a great updated classic autumnal piece to add to your wardrobe, keep reading.
First Impressions
I ordered the Sezane Leo Coat in September as part of my current fall travel capsule wardrobe. I was very much in need of a warm coat to see me through the chillier than expected early fall in London and yet I didn’t want anything too bulky and heavy just yet for packing purposes. But really this is the ideal type of coat to have in any wardrobe for this time of year as it’s shorter and lightweight so it layers well with knitwear while still keeping the chill off. The shorter length also makes it feel a bit more casual and easy to throw on day to day as opposed to a longer wool coat. But it’s the details that really sold me on this piece, from the boucle material to the boxy fit. This feels like a fun, modern update on a classic menswear-inspired piece, which is just what I look for it outerwear.
At a Glance
Price: $380 USD
Sizes: 2-14
Available in Black (pictured), Sage, Floral Print, Multicolored Stripes
Outer: Virgin Wool, Alpaca, Mohair, Polyamide Blend; Lining: Acetate, Viscose; Pocket Lining: 100% Cotton
Dry clean only
Design Details
As mentioned previously, the details of this coat are what really sold me on it and what I’ve come to love about the brand. The first thing I’d like to mention is the material, which changes depending on the color you choose. The black coat is made of a lovely textured boucle material, adding a bit more interest to an otherwise pretty neutral color option. This also makes the coat work well going into winter since it’s a bit heftier and more seasonally appropriate beyond fall, as opposed to say a heavy cotton.
The menswear design influence is another favorite feature of mine, taking the classic Aviator style jacket and reinterpreting it with a boxy, oversized fit. The large collar can be worn folded over or propped up and fastened with the button detail around the neck (which is usually how I style it) for added warmth. It has two side pockets and two buttoned front pockets over that, one of which I use to secure my phone or keys for easy access and the other which I use to keep my hands warm. It’s really these little details that make the Leo Coat so functional and stylish.
This style is quite boxy in the body, which is typical of the popular oversized aviator jacket style, and one of the reasons why I find it so modern and chic. Because of this, it pairs well with both fitted bottoms and oversized styles too. One of my favorite ways to style this is with a pair of straight leg jeans in a contrasting color and some heavy flat boots, which balances out the oversized silhouette of the coat nicely.
Fit & Sizing
Sizing is always a bit tricky for me with this brand and I haven’t always found it to be very consistent, even when buying the same type of garment. As always, I recommend consulting the sizing guide first. I ordered a size FR 38, or a US 6. Typically I wear a US size 4-6 and tend to size up in outerwear to ensure that I can comfortably layer knitwear underneath. That said, the Leo Coat is designed to be slightly oversized already and therefore I would recommend sticking with your usual size for this style, and even consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes. Because I sized up on an already oversized coat, there is plenty of space in the arms and shoulders, while the body is a bit roomier than needed.
The length of the coat sits comfortably just below hip height on my 5’6” frame, making it short but not too short. I feel it would be quite wearable regardless of your height, and perhaps ideal for more petite people, as it won’t overwhelm a shorter frame. The sleeve length is also ideal for those with longer arms (like myself) who struggle to find coats that fit right everywhere.
Material & Care
Lastly, let’s talk a bit more about materials, which I’ve touched on in the design details section of this review. The outer materials is not only a lovely texture, it’s also quite warm due to the fact that it’s 80% natural wool blend (virgin wool, alpaca and mohair to be exact) and 20% polyamide. I am a big fan of natural cashmere and wool materials to keep you super warm in the winter. In contrast, the synthetic Acetate/Viscose lining of the coat feels lightweight and breathable. This coat is dry clean only, which is the case for most outerwear containing wool.
More Great Short Coat Options
If you’re still not sure the Sezane Leo Coat is for you but you like the style then check out these other great sustainable options at varying price points and for a variety of climates.
Sezane James Coat ($405): A more tailored option in a lovely double breasted style. The long shawl collar makes this ideal for layering over high necklines and button downs.
Reformation Camden Jacket ($298): An oversized, collared shirt jacket for those in a more moderate climate. This style has a similar boxy, short fit that looks great with more casual outfits.
Gentle Herd Short Cut Off Wool Coat ($169): An ever so slightly retro style collared coat that comes in a lovely camel color option. I adore the drop shoulders, wide sleeves and large tortoiseshell buttons.
Gentle Herd Oversized Wool Peacoat ($199): Another classic, tailored style with an updated oversized lapel and large front pockets. This is the perfect piece for fall and winter in more moderate climates.