Choosing a Winter Coat

Hard as it may be to believe, the winter months will be here before we know it. And if your winter coat is looking a little threadbare, the impending arrival of winter may mean that it’s time for you to shop for a new winter coat. Because a good winter coat is normally more expensive than an ordinary article of clothing, and is typically going to be in use for more than one season, it’s important to take care in choosing a new winter coat. The winter coat is probably going to be more of an investment than most other pieces of your wardrobe. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of that investment.

• Warmth. Obviously, the most important factor to consider is whether the coat is going to keep you warm enough. There isn’t much point in paying the money for a coat that’s going to leave you shivering. The length of the coat and the material it’s made from are important factors in determining how warm it will be. Wool is one of the best materials for a warm yet breathable coat. A coat with a hem below the knees is fine, but be sure that it is not so long that it interferes with comfortable driving. You’ll also want to be sure that you can wear several layers underneath the coat and still button or zip properly.
• Style. Remember that you’ll probably be wearing the coat most days for an entire season, and that you’ll also want it to last for more than one season. For that reason, it’s vitally important that you like the coat, and that you still like it after extended wearing. Stay away from overly trendy or loud colors or patterns. Instead, look for solid colors or neutral patterns that flatter you and complement the rest of your wardrobe. Above all, pick something that you like.
• The details. Look for a coat that is windproof and water resistant, so that you’ll be covered in all kinds of weather. A good quality coat will have sealed seams. If the stitching goes through the insulation, cold wind will go through as well. Look for insulated hoods, wind flaps over zippers, lined pockets, and draw strings around the waist. All of these will contribute to ensuring that you have a warm and comfortable winter coat.

Lastly, you will want to make sure that you purchase the coat from a company with a reasonable return policy, just in case. This may seem like a lot of effort for a piece of clothing, but the winter coat is an important part of your wardrobe, and it’s well worth the extra effort to make sure that the coat is just right for you.