I’m looking for a used Charles Ancona show coat for my daughter and was wondering what I should look out for. Is there a way you can tell newer from older models? Also, I found a few that say they have shoulder pads, is that normal or a red flag telling me that it’s from the 80’s 
I’ve seen people say they run small so I’ll make sure to try to get measurements from sellers.
The shoulder pads are standard. If not your thing, there are many other coats out there, and cheaper ones to boot! The CA do run small, for example, a size 4 Charles Ancona is a 0 in RJ Classics. A size 6 CA would probably be a close-fitting RJ size 2, an 8 CA, RJ 4. Not sure about older or newer models.
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Even within sizes there are different models. Have your daughter’s measurements and compare versus the listed measurements for the jacket. Without shoulder pads the jacket would have no structure-- they’re thin and unlined.
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Measurements are really the only way to tell, or having a trial period to be able to try one on and return it. Just the size doesn’t tell you the whole story - they do custom modifications to their core sizes to make it fit just right. For example, mine has the regular size tag, which is the one that fit closest and what they worked from, but they actually cut a custom pattern not the stock pattern and there would be no way to tell that from the size tag.
Shoulder pads are either standard or an option they strongly recommend, I can’t remember which, but it is not an indication that it is an older coat. It just gives a little more structure/shape since the fabric is lightweight. I’m a hard to fit size, so I ordered somewhat begrudgingly to be able to get a nice coat that fit well and was comfortable, and I have absolutely loved mine more than I expected to. So, if you can find a used one that fits, it can be a good option! lots of good places to look - the Used Charles Ancona group on Facebook, Chagrin Saddlery, and On Course Consignment in Wellington all tend to have a steady inventory.
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Thanks! I’m going to check out the used options you mentioned. I didn’t even think to look for a Facebook group.
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Thanks! those size comparisons are helpful. They at least give us a starting point on sizes to look for.
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