Aritzia The Only Coat: Why Everyone Is Ditching Their Slouch This Winter

You know that feeling when you're standing in the middle of a literal wind tunnel—otherwise known as 5th Avenue in January—and you realize your "cute" coat is basically doing nothing? It’s the worst. Honestly, we’ve all been there, shivering in a piece of polyester that looked great on the rack but has the thermal insulation of a wet paper towel. That's usually the moment people start looking into the heavy hitters.

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or scrolled through Aritzia’s "Tailored Coats" section lately, you’ve probably seen it. Aritzia The Only Coat. It’s the one everyone seems to be talking about as the more "adult" alternative to the viral Slouch coat. But is it actually worth the $400+ investment, or is it just another pretty wool shell that leaves you freezing?

I’ve spent way too much time looking into the specs of this thing. We’re talking Italian wool blends, hidden interlinings, and the kind of "warmth ratings" usually reserved for parkas. Let's get into what makes this specific piece a staple and why some people actually hate the fit.

What Actually Is Aritzia The Only Coat?

Basically, it's a single-breasted, oversized wool coat. But calling it "just a coat" is kinda downplaying it. This thing is designed by Babaton—one of Aritzia’s more sophisticated "in-house" brands—and it’s meant to be the middle ground between a structured blazer and a massive winter parka.

The big selling point? The warmth. Most wool coats are just... wool. This one actually features something called UnReal Suede Interlining. It’s an ultra-thin layer tucked between the wool and the lining that acts as a windbreaker. It’s the reason Aritzia claims this coat can handle temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F).

The Material Breakdown

You aren't just paying for the name here. The fabric is sourced from Bellandi, which is a pretty famous mill in Italy. Depending on which version you grab, you’re looking at:

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• Soft Wool Cashmere: This is the "luxe" version. It’s incredibly soft and has that slightly fuzzy, high-end texture.
• Luxe (Re)Wool: A more sustainable option that’s still heavy and warm.
• (Re)Camel Wool: If you want that classic tan look with a bit more of a rugged feel.

The Slouch vs. The Only Coat: The Great Debate

If you’re stuck between these two, you aren’t alone. It’s the most common question in the Aritzia subreddit. The Slouch is the double-breasted icon. It’s huge. It’s cool. It looks like you borrowed it from a very chic boyfriend.

But Aritzia The Only Coat is different. It’s single-breasted, which means it doesn't have that extra flap of fabric in the front. This makes it look a lot "cleaner" when it's unbuttoned.

"If you ever want to wear a hoodie with your coat, go with Slouch. If you prefer a bit dressier of a wardrobe, go Only." — This is the general consensus from long-time owners.

The Only Coat has a bit more structure in the shoulders. While the Slouch "slumps" (hence the name), The Only Coat holds its shape better. It feels more like something you’d wear to a corporate office or a fancy dinner, whereas the Slouch is for Saturday morning coffee runs in leggings.

Let’s Talk About That "Oversized" Sizing

Here is where people get frustrated. Aritzia’s sizing is notoriously... confusing. For Aritzia The Only Coat, the general rule is to size down.

I’ve seen girls who are 5’5” and 160 lbs wearing an XS comfortably. If you buy your "true size," you might feel like you're drowning in fabric. It’s designed with dropped shoulders and a roomy body, which is great for layering thick sweaters, but it can look sloppy if you don't get the right fit.

The Length Issue

Aritzia finally started offering two lengths: Regular and Short.
If you’re under 5’4”, please, for the love of everything, look at the Short version. The Regular length on a petite person can hit way below the knee, and the sleeves are often too long. One reviewer who is 5’1” noted that even the 2XS Regular felt "literally huge" because of the sleeve volume.

Is It Actually Warm Enough for a Real Winter?

Let's be real: no wool coat is going to be as warm as a goose-down puffer. If you live in Winnipeg or Chicago and it’s -30°C with a wind chill, you need a Super Puff.

However, for a "fashion" coat, Aritzia The Only Coat is surprisingly beefy. That vegan chamois (the UnReal Suede) really does block the wind. Most wool coats let the air whip right through the fibers, but this layer acts as a barrier.

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One thing to watch out for? The neck. Because it has a notched lapel, your chest and neck are pretty exposed. You will need a scarf. Without one, that -20°C rating feels like a total lie because the cold air just pours into the top of the coat.

Why Some People Regret the Purchase

It’s not all sunshine and Italian wool. There are a few common complaints:

1. The Shoulder Width: Some shoppers feel the shoulders are too broad, giving them a "football player" silhouette.
2. The Button Placement: Because it’s single-breasted with only a couple of buttons, the bottom of the coat can "flap" open when you walk, letting in a draft.
3. The Weight: It’s heavy. If you’re used to lightweight tech-fabrics, this is going to feel like a workout for your traps.

How to Style It Without Looking Like a Marshmallow

Since it is so voluminous, you have to balance the proportions.

• The "Clean" Look: Pair it with straight-leg trousers and a slim turtleneck.
• The "Street" Look: Go for a hoodie (yes, it fits!) and some chunky sneakers.
• The "Pro" Tip: Use the "Short" length if you want it to look more like a traditional overcoat and less like a blanket.

Actionable Buying Guide: What to Do Next

If you're ready to pull the trigger on Aritzia The Only Coat, don't just hit "add to cart" in your usual size. Do this instead:

1. Check your height: Under 5’4”? Only look at the "Short" height option. This affects the sleeve length and the hem, which saves you $60 in tailoring costs later.
2. Size down at least once: If you usually wear a Medium, try the Small. If you want it to look "fitted" (though it’s not meant to be), go down two sizes.
3. Choose your fabric wisely: The Soft Wool Cashmere is the most popular for a reason—it’s the least "itchy." If you have sensitive skin, avoid the cheaper wool blends that sometimes pop up in the outlet or during the Warehouse Sale.
4. Inspect the lining: Make sure the version you’re buying specifically mentions the "UnReal Suede" or "Vegan Chamois" interlining if you actually plan to wear it in the snow. Some lighter "spring" versions of this silhouette skip that layer.

Ultimately, this coat is a "buy once, cry once" kind of deal. It’s expensive, but if you take care of it and get the sizing right, it’ll probably be the only dressy coat you need for the next five years. Just don't forget the scarf.