Coat: How To Buy A Winter

Bring your thickest hoodie or sweater to the store. You should be able to move your arms freely without the shoulders feeling tight.

Prioritize high-fill-power down and full-coverage lengths (mid-thigh or lower). 2. Choose the Right Insulation The "stuffing" is what actually keeps you warm:

The gold standard for warmth-to-weight ratio. Look for a Fill Power of 600 or higher. Note: Down loses its warmth if it gets wet unless it is treated with a water-resistant coating. how to buy a winter coat

Finding the perfect winter coat is a balance between technical specs and personal style. 1. Know Your Activity Level

The insulation is useless if the wind or rain cuts through it. Bring your thickest hoodie or sweater to the store

Check the care label. Down coats often require special detergents and a dryer with tennis balls to "re-fluff" the feathers. If you want low maintenance, go for a machine-washable synthetic or a dry-clean-only wool coat.

Look for "hand-warmer" pockets (lined with fleece) located at chest or hip height. Note: Down loses its warmth if it gets

Most city coats are water-resistant (fine for light snow). If you live in a rainy climate, look for waterproof materials like Gore-Tex .