The red-and-white gingham dress coat lists two waist measurements for every size: “buttoned” and “unbuttoned.” That distinction matters more than the usual instruction to size up for a layer. The coat also has a button front and a shaped, fit-and-flare outline in the product photos. Here is a way to use the actual chart without treating either waist column as a guaranteed body measurement.

Start with the coat you already wear over a similar layer

Choose a coat you can comfortably close over the sweater or top you intend to wear. Measure it flat across the chest at a consistent point, double that flat width, then record the waist and shoulder-to-hem length using the same garment. This gives you a comparison garment, not a body-size conversion. If you cannot tell whether MAXCT measured the new coat at the same points, ask for the measurement method before choosing between close sizes. The general garment-versus-body measurement guide explains why your body circumference and a coat circumference are different numbers.

The current product chart gives these measurements in inches:

Make a first comparison, then check the fastening

Suppose a coat you own measures 40 inches around the chest and 29 inches at its fastened waist, and it fits over the layer you plan to use. These are hypothetical measurements of your comparison coat. The listed S is 39.5 inches at the chest and 28.5 at the buttoned waist, both half an inch smaller. M lists 41 and 30 inches, both one inch larger. M would be the first size to compare with that coat; the example does not prove that M will fit you. Shoulder shape, lining, padding and the location of the measuring tape could change the result.

Across this chart, each step from XS to S, S to M and M to L adds 1.5 inches at the chest and 1.5 inches at the buttoned waist. Moving up a size therefore changes both widths together. The length stays 43.5 inches from XS to S and 44 inches from M to L. If your main concern is a longer hem, moving from M to L does not give you more listed length. Compare a coat you already own at the hem before sizing up for that reason alone.

What does “unbuttoned waist” mean here?

Each unbuttoned waist value is four inches above its buttoned value: for example, M is 34 versus 30 inches. The listing also mentions buttons at the back belt, but it does not define precisely which fastening position or measuring method produced the two columns. Do not use the larger figure as a promise of room when the coat is fully fastened. If you expect to wear it closed, compare the buttoned waist first. If you plan to leave it open or adjust the back, ask MAXCT which buttons were released for the chart and whether the width was measured flat.

The photo gallery shows a rounded collar, double-breasted buttons and a red-and-white gingham pattern. Those details can guide a separate outfit choice: a simple solid layer will keep the check and gold-tone buttons visually prominent, while a patterned layer would add another competing motif. This is a styling suggestion based on the images, not a wear test. Check the selected XS, S, M or L option and the product photos before ordering; the chart does not give sleeve length, shoulder width, fabric composition or a tested warmth rating.