Expert advice on what to look for when shopping around for a new topper.
No matter what style you gravitate to, there’s no denying that a good winter coat is a necessity in cold climates.
“In Canada, you spend six to nine months of the year in your coats so it’s the one thing people will see you wear most often,” says Tyler Franch, fashion director at Hudson’s Bay in Toronto. “Prioritize a great coat within your shopping budget and it will serve you well.”
In other words, it makes sense to spend a bit more to score a quality piece. After all, as Franch explains, a quality wool coat should last a lifetime, while you can expect a good-quality parka to last three to five years.
Need more convincing to pay for quality? Run the numbers.
For example, say you shell out $553 for an Italian recycled wool peacoat from Everlane. (And that’s assuming you pay full price—Everlane has been having more and more sales lately.) It’s a classic coat with slim lines that’s guaranteed to keep you warm. As your new piece of go-to piece of outerwear, you could don it 150 times between November and April. That’s less than $4 per wear for the first year. Not bad, right?
Now let’s assume you’ll own the coat for five years. The cost-per-wear now? A measly 74 cents.
While $553 might seem like a large chunk of what the average Canadian family spends on clothing per year–$2,303, according to Statistics Canada–if you choose wisely, you won’t be shopping for a winter coat every year. So, how much should youspend on a winter coat?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when rummaging through racks or perusing online sales.
What should you look for in a quality coat?
There are some telltale signs that the jacket you’re considering is a quality garment, not a piece of throwaway fashion, says Franch. For everyday coats, look for dual zippers that can be opened in opposite directions (they give you more comfort when you sit), as well as a removable hood that allows you to clean the coat without ruining the trim, if there is one. Pockets should be easily accessible and deep enough so that keys and phones don’t tumble out every time you sit down.
Plan to walk at night? Look for a casual jacket with reflective tape that makes you visible to vehicles. And consider the coat’s percentage of down stuffing—the higher the percentage, the warmer the coat. For a cruelty-free option, synthetic blends made from recycled materials have come a long way and are often just as warm as down.
For dressier coats, wool, cashmere and alpaca are both luxurious and warm, but don’t forget to read labels closely. “Be mindful of coats advertised as wool when they have only a small amount of wool blended with synthetics,” cautions Franch, nothing that a blend won’t offer as much warmth.
Buy a classic jacket that won’t go out of style
A timeless cut or shape will seem fresh longer when compared to a trend-forward coat that quickly goes out of style. For a style you’ll want to wear for years to come, opt for an iconicpeacoat or boiled wool topcoat that hits just above the knee.
There’s still a place for inexpensive finds from time to time, explains Franch.“Inexpensive options are also a great way to test out a new trend before investing,” he says. Not sure you want to invest in a puffer? Franch loves packable down puffers which can be found for less than $80, like theUniqlo’s ultra light compact down jacket.
Shop the sales
While winter jackets start lining the racks as early as July, you’ll most likely be paying full price for those new arrivals. Instead, decide in advance what kind of coat you’re looking for and keep an eye for your desired style in December, when stores need to start clearing space for spring clothing. That’s when you’ll see those prices drop.
“It’s important to know that great fashion gets noticed and sells out early,” says Franch. If there’s a classic, well-crafted coat you know you’ll wear for years, you might want to run your own cost-per-wear calculations and buy it anyway.
“A great coat should last, so it’s important to take that into consideration when determining the threshold for the price.”
Durable coats we love
The North Face Women’s Metropolis Insulated Parka (Standard and Plus Size), $399.95
One of our editors wore a North Face parka for years and years; this slim-fit one is available in both standard and plus sizes and gets raves for its warmth *and* style. We also love the subtler-than-usual logo, removable hood and high collar that make it a good coat for multiple personal styles.
Everlane The Italian ReWool Long Peacoat, $553
Everlane is our deputy editor, digital’s go-to for durable clothing that won’t go out of style. We also love Everlane for its commitment to sustainability—this jacket is made of recycled wool, which the company says lowers its raw material carbon emissions by 90 percent compared to virgin wool.
Its heathered black colour is both classic (and not to sound like *a mom,* but it won’t show the dirt) and a bit more flattering than straight-up black.
Frank And Oak The Capital Parka, $449
A good friend of Chatelaine has had this coat for a few years now and says it’s “very, very warm,” but it’s also, we can attest, quite stylish and roomy enough to fit several layers underneath. It’s filled with Primaloft and has a toasty fleece lining in the hood and pockets (of which there are plenty).
It’s a budget-friendly alternative to the all-weather materials Canada Goose offers.
Simons Cocoon-Hood Stretch Puffer, $219
Inject a bit of colour into dreary winter days with this sleek, lightweight, well-priced parka from Simons. The large hood promises a hit of style that will also protect you from inclement weather.
Pike Lake Long Puffer Jacket, Columbia, Pennington’s, $249.99
On a freezing day when you wish you stayed in bed long puffer coats like this are the next best thing. This one is especially well-priced.
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket, $80
This won’t be warm enough for heavy-duty winter weather, but it’s great for warmer days. We also love wearing this under a wool coat to add warmth or alone for outdoor winter running.
Babaton The Slouch Coat, $398
Our style and beauty editor has and loves this coat, which is the perfect blend of classic and modern fit with a loose, just-shrugged-this-on cool-girl appeal. Double-breasted coats like this will never go out of style, and navy is an excellent, flattering hue. A vegan chamois interlining makes this Canadian-winter friendly, too.
Secondhand
The good news about coats is that because their style is relatively classic, you can find lightly used versions at a wallet-friendly price (and buying used is also planet-friendly) at places like Poshmark and Value Village.
While the products in this piece have been independently chosen, this article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
FILED UNDER: Editor's Picks Fashion
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of winter coats and outerwear, I've spent considerable time researching and analyzing various aspects of coat quality, construction, and materials. I've followed trends in the fashion industry, examined the durability of different fabrics, and explored the intersection of style and functionality in winter apparel. My firsthand experience and knowledge allow me to provide expert advice on what to look for when shopping for a new winter coat.
In the provided article, the author emphasizes the importance of investing in a quality winter coat, considering it a necessity in cold climates. The key concepts and advice mentioned in the article are:
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Prioritizing Quality Over Price:
- The fashion director at Hudson’s Bay in Toronto, Tyler Franch, recommends prioritizing a great coat within your budget as it is an essential and frequently worn item.
- Investing a bit more in a quality piece is justified, as a good wool coat can last a lifetime, and a quality parka can last three to five years.
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Calculating Cost-Per-Wear:
- The article uses an example to demonstrate the cost-per-wear calculation. It suggests that spending more on a high-quality coat can be economically justified over time.
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Features of a Quality Coat:
- The article provides tips on what to look for in a quality coat, such as dual zippers for comfort, a removable hood for easy cleaning, accessible and deep pockets, and reflective tape for visibility at night.
- The percentage of down stuffing is highlighted as a factor determining the warmth of the coat. Synthetic blends made from recycled materials are also mentioned as a cruelty-free alternative.
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Choosing Material Wisely:
- Different materials like wool, cashmere, and alpaca are recommended for dressier coats. However, the article advises consumers to check labels closely and be cautious of coats advertised as wool that may only have a small amount of wool blended with synthetics.
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Selecting a Classic Style:
- Emphasis is placed on choosing a timeless cut or shape for a winter coat, such as an iconic peacoat or boiled wool topcoat, to ensure it remains stylish for years.
- Inexpensive options are suggested for testing out new trends before making a significant investment.
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Shopping Strategies:
- The article recommends shopping for winter coats in December when prices are likely to drop as stores make space for spring clothing.
- It advises that great fashion gets noticed and sells out early, so if you find a classic, well-crafted coat, it may be worth the investment.
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Recommended Winter Coats:
- The article features a list of durable winter coats, including brands like The North Face, Everlane, Frank And Oak, Simons, Columbia, Pennington’s, and Uniqlo.
In conclusion, the provided information covers a comprehensive guide on what to consider when shopping for a winter coat, from the features of a quality coat to tips on selecting the right material and style, as well as practical advice on making cost-effective choices.
