Sometimes men's and women's jackets have obvious differences that make telling them apart a cinch, while other times there are merely subtle differences that make this a challenge. If you're trying to decide if a jacket you have is made for a man or a woman, learning the steps and a few quick tips can help you figure it out.

Check the inner lining for a tag or label. This is the easiest way to solve this problem. For example, if the label is a brand or store that caters specifically to one gender then you can determine based on that whether it is a men's or women's jacket. Do a quick online search for that label if you have never heard of it before, as the brand may have a website which can help you settle this issue.

  • Sometimes men's and women's jackets have obvious differences that make telling them apart a cinch, while other times there are merely subtle differences that make this a challenge.
  • For example, if the label is a brand or store that caters specifically to one gender then you can determine based on that whether it is a men's or women's jacket.

Check how your jacket buttons, if your jacket has any on it. Put the jacket on if you can, button it up and pay attention to which side you button on. Men's jackets typically will button on the left side of the torso, while women's jackets will button on the right torso.

Examine how the jacket is tailored. Men's jackets usually have elongated torsos and more width in the shoulder area. Women's jackets, on the other hand, are slimmer, and usually more tailored at the waist with more fabric in the breast area to accommodate the curvier figure of a woman.

  • Examine how the jacket is tailored.
  • Women's jackets, on the other hand, are slimmer, and usually more tailored at the waist with more fabric in the breast area to accommodate the curvier figure of a woman.

Examine the fabric colour. Although men and women can wear any colour they'd like, usually jackets for women are made in a wider range of colours from subtle colours to bold and bright ones. Men's jackets on the other hand are usually more subdued and neutral such as black, brown or tan.

Head to a local tailor or a clothing-exchange store for assistance if you are still having trouble. A professional like this can help you determine what gender your jacket was made for as they are accustomed to examining clothing.

TIP

Have a male and female both try on the jacket to help your find out. If the jacket has sagging fabric in the upper front torso or the male can't even get it over his shoulders it is probably meant for a female. Conversely, if it seems much to wide across the female's shoulders or gives her figure a boxlike shape, it is most likely a men's jacket.