Winter is the hardest season for fashion and comfort. The temperatures reach bitter lows, and the harsh northern winds howl through the night—it’s enough to make you want to hibernate inside all season. A winter coat should offer a cozy sanctuary as you stroll through snow flurries and down icy sidewalks, all while still displaying your taste in fashion. When it’s time for you to invest in a new winter wardrobe, we have the best tips for choosing a winter jacket that can help you pick the perfect outer layer.
Pick Something Warm and Comfortable
Whenever you begin your search for a warm winter jacket, it’s essential that you value your safety over style, or if possible, find a coat that suits both. Brands will typically display a temperature range on their product pages that indicate what weather their coats function best in, but often, your best resource will be secondhand advice and detailed reviews. Be sure to check which materials line the inside of the jacket and its pockets. A fuzzy fleece-lined coat will protect you from the elements more than an unlined coat.
Choose a Waterproof Jacket
A jacket that prevents water from seeping in will protect you from rain, sleet, and snow. Always check to see if a jacket is waterproof before you make the purchase. Never underestimate the dangerous effects of water during the winter. Clothes that stay dry, even if they don’t seem as warm as non-waterproof options, will save you during hazardous weather. Wet clothes only amplify the harshness of winter cold. A winter jacket should be able to handle all types of weather, not just the dry winter days.
Combine Utility With Style
One of the most useful tips for choosing a winter jacket is to choose something you will want to wear. Name brands are a top pick for winter coats since they can combine the necessary utility required for a winter coat with a sleek sense of style. Pick a reliable jacket that looks stunning and keeps you toasty and warm. Long winter parkas from Escape Outdoors’s collection of Canada Goose apparel are famous for their protection from the elements and their stylish design. Pick a jacket that you can easily pair with winter accessories for extra fashion expression.
Make Sure You Can Add Layers Underneath
As tempting as it may be to purchase a jacket that is tight and form-fitting, that style may not keep you the warmest. Bundling up with extra layers underneath your winter jacket can provide you with added warmth and protection from wind and snow. Wearing layers underneath your cozy winter jacket also provides you with options in case the temperatures warm up.
For any layer of your winter wardrobe, you can rely on our extensive collections of cold-weather gear at Escape Outdoors. We have every brand to suit your outdoor activities and bold sense of style!
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FAQs
If optimal warmth is the priority, you'll want to look at the type of insulation your coat uses (down or synthetic fill), the level of insulation (lightweight, normal or heavy), waterproofness and its windproof capabilities.
How to select a jacket for winter? ›
Comfort, Style And Utility: The best jacket for winter that you choose should combine all these three elements for you. Additional Features: Look out for features like pockets, hoods, zippers or buttons, adjustment features, packability and a 3-in-1 design.
Should I buy a winter jacket one size bigger? ›
Opt for a jacket that's 1 size larger than your shirt size.
This is the general advice for buying a jacket so that it won't be too tight. Having the jacket a little bigger than your normal size will also help to ensure that you can easily layer it over other items.
Should winter jackets be tight or loose? ›
Jackets should not sit too tightly against your body. This is to ensure you have breathing space between your body and the inner layer of your jacket for your body heat to circulate easily. If you plan to wear sweaters or bulkier clothing, ensure you still have enough breathing room.
What color winter jacket goes with everything? ›
Classic Camel Coat
They both go with everything. When shopping for a classic camel coat, choose anything in the creams, browns and camel family that you like that goes with your wardrobe and personal style.
Which is better, parka or puffer? ›
Puffer jackets, on the other hand, are typically thinner and more lightweight. Hopkins explains that they can be hooded or non-hooded and come in varying lengths. And while puffer jackets will keep you warm in cold weather, parkas generally handle extreme cold better, she says.
Which brand winter jackets are the warmest? ›
The Fjallraven Nuuk is so warm that we often had to unzip when temps rose above 20 degrees. The Fjallraven Nuuk is a great choice if you want warmth without sacrificing style and comfort without sacrificing durability.
What is the difference between a winter jacket and a winter coat? ›
Coats are typically longer than jackets, extending to the knees or lower, and are generally heavier and more insulating than jackets. They are also typically more formal than jackets and are often worn as part of a business or formal outfit.
Which fabric jacket is best for winter? ›
Fleece is pretty much synonymous with the wintertime, and has to be considered one of the best materials for cold weather. Fleece is infinitely comfortable and relatively lightweight, so it's a great, warm fabric to use in casual, everyday coats and jackets so you can stay warm on the go.
How do I know my winter jacket size? ›
Raise your arms above your head and stretch your torso to see how long it is. A jacket that rides up past your waistband is probably too short — and can leave your midsection exposed to the cold. If raising up your hands causes the front of the jacket to billow out, it's probably too big.
The right coat length for women
A woman's coat should never end precisely at the knees as this makes you look shorter. It should end at least a hand's breadth above or below the knee. Of course, this does not mean that short women shouldn't wear long coats, and tall women should never wear short coats.
How do you know if a winter coat is too small? ›
If you're struggling to raise your arms, it's a definite sign that the coat is too small. If you can manage a hug, but your movement feels restricted around your shoulders or elbows, then you might want to try the next size up. Remember that different jackets will fit differently.
How to choose a jacket for winter? ›
To perform well in all conditions, a winter jacket must have a weather-resistant outer shell, that's either waterproof or treated with a DWR finish. The outer shell of a winter jacket is your first line of protection against the elements, so make sure it's appropriate for the region you live in.
When should you stop wearing a winter jacket? ›
While January and February are the coldest months of the year, most people will be wearing their winter jackets well into Spring. March and April still see chilly days, and a winter coat will be an essential part of your wardrobe alongside your transitional outfits.
How do you know if a winter jacket will be warm? ›
If optimal warmth is the priority, you'll want to look at the type of insulation your coat uses (down or synthetic fill), the level of insulation (lightweight, normal or heavy), waterproofness and its windproof capabilities.
How do you know if a coat is good for winter? ›
If optimal warmth is the priority, you'll want to look at the type of insulation your coat uses (down or synthetic fill), the level of insulation (lightweight, normal or heavy), waterproofness and its windproof capabilities.
How can you tell if a jacket is good quality? ›
Stitching and lining
Check for any loose threads, uneven stitching, or signs of fraying. Pay special attention to the seams – quality jackets have durable or reinforced stitching at stress points, ensuring longevity.
What jackets are best for winter? ›
Types of Warm Winter Jackets
- Puffer jacket.
- Parka.
- Snowboard or ski jacket.
- Winter jacket for active use.
- 3-in-1 jacket.
- Windbreaker.
- Heated jacket.
- Insulation. If the two main types of insulation are down and synthetic but is one superior to the other?
Technical Winter Jackets
- Certified RDS Down.
- Durable Water Resistant outer fabric.
- Warm and light.
