Go to Overstock or similar for an overcoat. He can try on a raincoat locally - you must have those - and use that to determine size. Don;t know about the fedora - I wold go hatless unless it;s in the 20's - unless he really feels the cold.

If it's 30's or above he shouldn;t need long underwear - if less he'll probably freeze without it. Be sure to get a good warm scarf and gloves. Don;t knowhow fitted his suit is - but he may be able to fit a thin sweater under his jacket if it's a little roomy.

No, he won't be in DC until a couple days before the event, and he'll be extremely busy once there, so it'll be best if he has everything he needs before he leaves CA.

***But, what are 180s?

Still working on finding the overcoat; the suggestion for 3/4 length rather than full may make it easier to find...I hope! Overstock.com was a bust.
Will def. get the hand and toe warmers!

REI will be great for the smaller basics, but not for the coat. He needs dressy.

I really appreciate all this detailed help! Thank you!

As everyone said, we can't tell you how cold it will be. It could be lovely and warm or it could be in the 20's with wind and snow or rain. He'll need leather shoes with comfortable rubber soles, because of all of the time walking and on his feet.

As for coats, there are a number of black wool/wool-blend overcoats on sale on Macy's online. There are size charts, and as long as he knows his suit jacket size, it won't be hard to determine the jacket size.

Gloves should be lined or leather -- something that is NOT an open weave where the wind can get through. A thick wide scarf in a neutral color (burgundy, charcoal, hunter green, etc) can really protect the neck. Consider a hat that covers ears or ear covers/bands in some fashion.

OK, we're getting the picture now...but still struggling to find the coat. He needs 42R in black or grey. So far I've tried online
*macys
*nordstrom
*brooks brothers
*saks
*bloomingdales
*nieman marcus
*overstock
no luck with size and color, so far, or way too expensive

Am I missing any obvious place?

joseph a bank - website josbank.com has a number of items - the second one on the list of outerwear is a wool merino long topcoat, available in his size and color for just under $200. There may be other items, but one I found one, I will leave the rest of the shopping up to you.

Have you looked at bridal and tuxedo rental shops to see if he can rent a coat? Have you tried consignment or second hand shops in LA? You might try http://www.tuxedojunction.com/ or in Washington, you might try
http://www.geoffreylewisltd.com , http://www.christopherkims.com/
ohttp://bethesdatailors.com/our_store.html. Here is a listing for formal wear rental in DC, you might try contacting some of these shops to see if they rent outwear, see http://www.localsearch.com/insp.bylo...al_Wear-Rental.

For rental and retail also try http://www.menswearhouse.com/index.jsp

a quick look on ebay has black, navy and camel-hairmens wool overcoats, size 42R for $120. right now . . .

180's are ear warmers that go around the back of your head rather than across the top like most eaf muffs.

http://www.180s.com/

WOW - THANK YOU ALL! Fodorites are the best!

JC Penny online has wool blend topcoats on sale -- half off.

jcpenney.com

SierraTradingPost has some great men's topcoats, like these from Ralph Lauren:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/1...e-For-Men.html

($178 fior a full-length coat, available in black 42R)

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/1...e-For-Men.html

That one is $149, 3/4 length in wool-cashmere charcoal herringboe, also in 42R

Lots more, but you have to page through the mixed coats to find them, or try a brand name search.

If he will never have any other use for a dress topcoat, might a carcoat or peacoat be adequate --tailored style, black or navy wool blend, long enough to cover suit jacket)?
It would not stand out in a crowd of dark overcoats on the podium (and only the Obama and Biden families' wardrobes will receive close scrutiny) but might be of some use to him on other occasions.

Orvis for a foldable/packable felt hat.

Underarmor for long underwear (I'd go bottoms only). Cycling tights might be another alternative.

Wool overcoat (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WN6YGO/...O&linkCode=asn)

You might also want to consider a scarf (red, white, blue for the occasion).

Have a couple of instant handwarmers available (Gander Mountain, Dick's Sporting Goods, or some type of hunting/camping store).

Check out this link on ebay. It looks like it may work out- the price is certainly right!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...%3D4%26ps%3D42

Amazon.com had the black coat I've been searching for. Good luck!

This may be too late, but thought I'd throw it out anyway. I work with many of the dignitaries involved in this....Basic DC uniform for men is a dark, very conservative suit and a long black dress coat (maybe look in department stores for it?). A longer coat will help him keep warm, too. I wouldn't expect to see too many hats on the men, especially not younger ones. A nice wool scarf (solid or plaid are typical) and gloves are a good idea. Can never go wrong with a white shirt and blue tie for this crowd! Black dress shoes, yes, and keep in mind if he'll be standing on marble (Capitol steps) his feet will get sore very quickly, so thick soled shoes are best; this is also another reason for thick socks.

It's been much warmer than usual here this year, but he should at least be prepared with the heavy socks and long underwear. The last two inaugurations were FREEZING. Just stay on top of the forecast.

Very exciting for him!

I absolutely love everyone's helpfulness! Thank you. While in San Francisco today we happened across a Jos.A. Banks and found the long wool overcoat. Perfect. Hmm, now for thick-soled shoes...Californians never have to think of such things. Is there any particular brand that would be dress-appropriate and 'thick' enough? Recommendations welcome.

zappos.com