How To Buy A Winter Coat

[image error]A warm coat will be essential this year, with the coming winter expected to be colder than the previous season in most U.S. regions. The Northeast will likely see more snow and even the state of Florida is expecting a cool down, according to forecasting firm AccuWeather.

It’s a must-have item that experts say is worth paying a bit more for.

“A winter coat is an investment piece,” says New York fashion expert Amy Salinger. “You’ll wear it at least five times a week and want it to last more than one season, so think of it as a cost per wear item.”  While a few hundred dollars may seem pricey, over the course of the season, she says, it’ll be worth it.

That said, you can find high-end labels for less this time of year. ”Right now is the best time to buy a buy a discount winter coat,” says Salinger. Quality designs by designers like Laundry By Shelli Segal, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and others usually fall on the higher end but are currently available at discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and Loehmann’s for significant discounts. Macy’s, for example, currently has winter coats 25-50% off. Salinger says these sales will dwindle toward mid November so don’t wait to go shopping. Get your coat today.

Here’s more on how to buy a winter coat that will keep you warm and stylish.

The Right Style

Parkas, peacoats, and puffers are all great, classic winter coat options. Parkas are those heavy jackets with fur-lined hoods. This style comes in handy if you’re not a hat person, live in a snowy region or plan on spending significant time outdoors. The same goes for a puffer coat. Puffers come in many styles from vest to long coat but are marked by their puffy look and down feather stuffing, which can make keeping warm comfortable as well. Then there’s the classic peacoat. Originally worn by U.S. and European Navy members, the peacoat usually comes in wool and can be a simple solution to falling temperatures. Finally, for the professional, a chesterfield coat is another conservative option. This top coat is a classic for anyone that needs something long enough to cover a suit or sport coat.

So many options. Which is best? The one that best fits your style – but has the potential to last several wears.

“Buy something classic,” says Salinger. She suggests a neutral tone to get the most use through the season. “Neutral doesn’t mean just black or brown. It could be camel, hunter green or another darker, richer color that wil go with everything.” When it comes to trends, Salinger says leather trim will be hot this winter and the fashionable consumer should look to small things – belts, buttons and epaulets for example – to give your coat some personality.

Materials Matter

The make of your coat is is just as important as its style.  Materials including wool, cotton, and leather are always good to insulate heat but they’re also highly breathable due to their natural fibers. This will keep you warm without baking you like a potato inside the coat, which can happen with some synthetic fibers. If you prefer a synthetic parka or puffer however, retailers including REI, The North Face and Uniqlo all make more stylish puffer coats with no resemblance to the sleeping-bag-shaped coats from childhood. Uniqlo recently expanded into the U.S. with stores in New York and California and many of its items are available to purchase online. Most of their coats are priced below $100 and their Japanese HEATTECH materials are designed to be lightweight, absorb moisture and generate heat.

The Best Cut

When it comes to protecting your body from the cold, length is important but with so many styles and cuts, how do you know which length is right for you? A good winter coat doesn’t have to scrape the floor in order to keep you warm. A shorter jacket, like a peacoat, should fall just below your backside. A long coat is best kept at knee-length. When trying the coat on, make sure the sleeves fit to your wrist with your arms extended. According to Salinger, many consumers buy their winter coats too big. “You’re staying warm, not sharing your coat with a friend,” she says. Get a fitted coat, paying special attention to the shoulders, waist and length depending on your height.

Photo Courtesy,  lululemon athletica.