How to Buy a Winter Jacket
Down, Wool, Fleece, Raincoats and Leather Outerwear
It's true that cold weather is a little depressing at times, but that makes being warm and looking good all the more important! The fact is that no matter what you wear underneath, you coat is still the first thing people see in Fall and Winter.
Layering is the best option in Spring and Fall because you can never be sure what Mother Nature is going to throw at you throughout the day. A fleece and windbreaker combo is ideal because it will wick away moisture if you are active but keep you toasty warm until it's cold enough for a Winter jacket.
A good winter coat can be a big investment but if you choose wisely keeping your lifestyle, body type, and budget in mind, it will last you many years. Since you tend to get what you pay for when it comes to materials and construction, the experts recommend spending as much as you possibly can on a Winter jacket. Higher quality garments are warmer, fit better, and will last longer.
Our Top Tip: To help stretch your budget, stay away from fashion statements like bright colors, puffy sleeves, or oversized collars, and stick to a more classic design. You certainly don't want your coat to scream last year when you pull it out next season! To stay on top of yearly trends just stock up on fun scarves and hats.
This guide will walk you through your options for Fall and Winter outerwear and show you how to care for each fabric.
Down
Down jackets are the epitome of cool weather comfort on a frosty Winter day. They are surprisingly light considering the degree of warmth they provide in cold dry weather. Unfortunately they don't perform as well in damp climates as the down tends to clump together and loses its insulating properties.
Down fills are rated from 500 to 850 - the higher the number, the better quality the down fill is. Because feathers can be quite uncomfortable as they migrate out of fabrics, make sure that your choice is constructed of a down-proof fabric. A water-proof shell is essential in a damp climate. Lastly, the quality of the outer fabric will become painfully apparent in extreme temperatures because it may sound like you are wearing a garbage bag as it reacts to the cold. So when you think you have found a great deal, keep in mind that this might be an issue!
Care: Wash using a down soap and the gentle cycle. Tumble dry with a tennis ball or shoe to re-fluff the down.
Our Top Tip: If you are aiming for a long, lean look from your coat, down is not your best option. To minimize the “Michelin Man” effect we so often get from a cozy down coat, choose a longer hem length and a design that cinches at the waist.
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$114.56
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Buckle, Inc.
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$66.95
at
L.L.Bean, Inc.
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$66.95
at
L.L.Bean, Inc.
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Wool has been used for its warming properties for centuries. It is naturally water resistant (to a point) and will keep you warm even if it does get wet. On the other hand, wool gets extremely heavy, takes a long time to dry, and can tend to smell a bit like a wet sheep! Wool fibers may irritate the skin but that can easily be remedied by choosing a coat that is appropriately lined.
Care: A lot of wool garments are dry clean only which is a factor to consider if your budget is limited.
Our Top Top: Wool tends to attract hair and lint so as a pet owner you may want to pick a colour similar to that of your pet's fur.
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$87.02
at
Buckle, Inc.
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$72.86
at
Buckle, Inc.
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$82.02
at
Buckle, Inc.
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Fleece offers the best qualities of wool in a much lighter-weight alternative. It is extremely popular for athletic clothing because of its wicking properties that draw moisture away from the body. It is breathable and repels water to a point, so can keep you warm in wet conditions. On an eco-friendly note, fleece can be completely fabricated from recycled plastic. Its drawbacks are that it is not wind proof and it attracts lint and hair.
Care: Machine wash and tumble dry (temperatures should not exceed 30C to 40C).
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$78.30
at
L.L.Bean, Inc.
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$66.95
at
L.L.Bean, Inc.
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$56.17
at
L.L.Bean, Inc.
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Shells are great options for layering during outdoor activities such as jogging or skiing. A shell will protect you from the elements while allowing you to customize warmth by wearing fleece or a wool shirt closer to the body.
If you want to use your shell as a rain jacket in the Spring or if you plan on being in heavy snow, a hard shell is what you should look for. It's both waterproof and wicks away the moisture generated by the body.
If you want to use your shell for vigorous sports like jogging, a soft shell will offer more breath-ability and better movement. Rain can start to soak through after a while, however.
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$226.95 
$339.31
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L.L.Bean, Inc.
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$66.95
at
L.L.Bean, Inc.
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$362.00
at
L.L.Bean, Inc.
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A leather jacket is a classic! Leather is durable, windproof, waterproof when treated, and easy to clean. It does however require special care and can be quite a hefty investment. Most will argue though that getting 10 years or more out of a jacket or coat totally justifies the price tag.
Leather boots are also a winter staple. Most styles provide a clean and classic look, while keeping your feet warm and dry.
Care: Use a damp cloth to clean dirt and spills. To retain waterproofing, the garment will need to be treated. A protective lotion should be applied from time to time to keep the leather moisturized and shiny. To store, hang your garments on a sturdy hanger - never in a plastic bag – and out of direct sunlight.
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$763.75
at
Buckle, Inc.
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$137.44
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Buckle, Inc.
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$147.47
$237.17
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L.L.Bean, Inc.
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Click here to see all women's outerwear.
Click here to see all kids' outerwear.
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