A Guide to Winter Coats

Winter, like a monsoon, is a season everyone has to be prepared for. The uncertain weather and the sheer cold make it essential for a person to have their wardrobe contain some sort of winter clothing, especially in regions where it snows like the higher latitudes and altitudes. That is why it is a good idea to have your winter wardrobe picked out well before the season and decide what kind of winter coat you will be needing. Winter coats have so many styles and designs that it can be difficult to narrow down on a choice, but this guide will help you in deciding just that.

Winter is a blessing in terms of fashion and everybody is looking forward to dressing up. A simple rule of fashion can be said to be: “the more the layers the better the outfit.” Layering is important to give depth and characteristic to an outfit and show different colour combinations and this is only possible in the colder seasons otherwise you will end up perspiring in the heat. This makes winter a very fashion-friendly season. Now, this does not mean you can just stack up any and all clothes to look good. This guide will help you with what kind of coats to wear at what events and temperatures and how to style them.

Things to look for in a Coat

Filling and Insulation

The filling of a coat is what gives the coat it’s warmth. It is important to look for the right kind of insulation according to the expected weather. Down and synthetic fibres are the most common kinds of fillings. Down is similar to padding or stuffed wool, and works very well to provide warmth but cannot handle moisture. Synthetic fibres are better at handling moisture that way.

Outer Shell

The outer shell is the exterior material of the coat. This can be leather, fur, cotton, wool, shearling, suede, faux alternatives, cashmere, fleece, nylon or even polyester. This material is going to give the look and style to your coat but make sure it’s a waterproof material so that it is a practical choice.

Lining

This part of the coat is the one that shall be in contact with your body. It should be a material that is comfortable. Some companies provide better materials for the lining that provide better heat retention and you should be on the lookout for such coats if you can.

Finally, we come to the different styles of Winter coats. We start off by talking about the most formal to the least formal ones. Since this guide is meant to cover coats, we shall talk about them primarily and then casual selections for not so cold settings will be given at the end.

Trench Coat

The trench coat is certainly one of the most classic coats to be listed here. Developed before the first World War and then adapted for use, it was worn by military officers and has been used since. It is generally weather-resistant, waterproof and worthy to be our first pick. They are slimming and have a sharp look. This makes you look taller and provide a better ability to move around. They have a formal look and can still be worn with any kind of outfit due to their full-length nature. If you want one coat to last you all season and stick to something classic this is the pick for you.

Overcoat

Overcoats are the go-to for formal attire. Another full-length option that has been used as a staple in the Winter Coat. They are thick and heavy and provide a lot of warmth to the body. Finding one with premium quality wool or any other material with 2 to 3 buttons and a well-tailored lapel shall ensure that it brings out a professional look.

Topcoat

An alternative to the overcoat that is very similar to it, is the topcoat. Topcoats are simply shorter in length and lighter than overcoats and more likely to be used in formal settings since their length makes them easy to wear indoors.

Duffel Coat

Another option that gives a lot of warmth is the duffel coat. Duffel coats are made from duffel which is a thick woollen blend. The length can vary but the signature look of the duffel coat is different from any other Winter coat. It has huge pockets and fastenings instead of buttons in the classic versions. They give a lot of warmth and a completely unique look among other coats.

Peacoat

The peacoat is a short length variant that is a comparatively casual Winter coat to wear. The double-breasted peacoat can change any outfit and provide both warmth and functionality. They are a classic option to go for and their shorter length makes them a good choice in regions where there is no heavy snow. The thick collar makes the coat look smart and you can opt for a coat that is slightly lost around the neck region to add in a scarf beneath.

Parka

The parka might be the most casual Winter coat out of these but is still very popular in the market. They are a loser and have a more relaxed fit than the other options given above. They still provide warmth but bring about a very casual and yet functional look. They have hoods as well that come in very handy in the rains. You can even look for parkas with fur-lined hoods. Since they have hoods and large pockets, they are highly practical choices.

Jackets

As promised, we look at the casual and easy to wear jackets at the end. There are several kinds of jackets. Their types make them more fashionable but provide less warmth than their coat counterparts.

Biker Jacket

Everyone has seen all-black leather biker jackets. These are great to wear in milder weather conditions and their sleek style makes them look very stylish.

Bomber Jacket

Bomber jackets are the easiest to wear and can be worn for any occasion to elevate your outfit. They are usually made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester and are hence very light to wear. They don’t have any significant filling and can be worn for warmer weathers.

Puffer Jacket

Puffer jackets or quilted jackets are casual jackets with a lot of down filling. It looks like the smaller version of a parka in a way. You can opt for a puffer vest of if do not want to compromise in the sense that puffer jackets take away the sleekness of a look. On the other hand, if you want brighter shades that catch the eye, the puffer is the best option for you.

Shearling Jacket

One of the most premium looking materials, shearling is sure to give warmth and a look of luxury. This jacket might be fairly expensive but if you are willing to be generous with your budget and look like royalty, the shearling jacket is the way to go.

Racer Jacket

The racer jacket is another sporty jacket that is a mix of a biker and a bomber jacket. It is very casual. Picking one made of suede or some other fancy material will make this a solid choice for you as well.