The WoW Style

To prepare for the winter season, you need to make sure that you have the right outfit. However, before you go searching for warm clothing uninformed, it’s important to know the different types of winter outerwear that’s right for you.

Therefore, make sure that you research, and get informed before you go shopping for your winter outfit. In this post, we’ve selected the top 7 types of winter jackets and coats that you need to know.

Varsity Jacket

Even if you didn’t factor in a pep rally in your fall plans, a varsity jacket can be a valuable addition to your cold-weather closet. Although varsity jackets are commonly associated with sports, they are also well suited for the winter season, and wearing one will give you a cool appearance. In fact, varsity jackets can be used for different functions, from a casual coffee date to official wear. The most interesting thing about varsity jackets is that they are unisex, and they can be paired with several different outfits. All in all, this jacket will make you rock, while still keeping you warm.

Peacoats

Peacoats originated from the Netherlands, and their popularity spread into the United States and Great Britain. This short jacket style is made from a heavy and dense, woolen fabric, and it has a wide lapel, which features 8 – 10 buttons, as well as double breast, front, and hand pocket. Initially, these jackets were long, but they were cut short, with a wide bottom to increase the range of motion. This allowed anyone wearing the jacket to carry out orders on the deck easily. The wide lapel, on the other hand, provided the much-needed protection when the weather became harsh.

Peacoats were introduced back in the 1800s for naval purposes, but their use has changed today. That’s why it’s so common to find one in your local store, and you shouldn’t be surprised to find different modern interpretations of these coats.

Duffel Coats

Just like peacoats, duffel coats are made out of a dense, woolen cloth. Duffel coats come with some distinguishing details, like hood and toggle closures, mostly made from jute and horn. Gloverall, a British-based fashion brand is a brand that’s currently associated with duffel coats—and they have been dealing with this classic style since the 50s.

Parka

Parkas are thick fur coats, commonly worn by people living in the arctic. The Caribou Inuit originally invented these coats, and they used them for kayaking and hunting. Sealskin was the first material used to make parkas. However, today you can find parkas made out of faux fur.

The easiest way to identify these jackets is through their fur-lined hoods, together with their heavy and thick material. Parkas are made with heavy materials to offer maximum insulation to the wearer, especially when the weather elements go extreme. It’s common to see someone wearing parking over their suit. However, you can also wear one over other layers of clothes.

Down Jacket

Also known as a puffer coat, a down jacket comes with a wide range of bulkiness—from super-light jackets to super heavy jackets. The lightest down jackets are ideal for layering, but they can also protect you on a cold evening. Moreover, you can easily pack a light down jacket when traveling.

Genuine down jackets are stuffed with down feathers of geese or ducks. Between the down jackets there a small pockets of trapped warm air—and this is how a down jacket can keep you warm. Down jackets made out of goose down are lighter and warmer, while jackets stuffed with duck down are heavier and cheaper.

Before buying any down jacket, it’s important to understand their quality greatly is determined by the fill power. Higher fill power means that the jacket can provide better insulation. For a down jacket to be suitable for winter wear, it should have a fill power range of 600 to 8000.

Bomber Jackets

First introduced for the U.S military, bomber jackets are iconic for their old-school style, which has a close-to-the-body fitting. Initially, these jackets were used to keep U.S. pilots warm during World War II.

Bomber jackets are easily distinguished by their distressed leather material. However, these jackets have other accessories like shearling collar and lining, which give the jacket that rugged, but trendy appearance. You can easily match a bomber jacket with a T-shirt and black denim when the weather isn’t so cold. However, bomber jackets with a heavier lining, like shearling, are the best for the winter season.

Moto Jackets

You don’t have to own a bike to rock in a moto jacket. Typically, a moto jacket comes in black leather, and a range of zip pockets, buckles, and straps. Moto jackets have a unique design, something that allows these jackets to make a solid statement, especially when worn with neutral jeans. These jackets are also ideal when going to the bar with your friends. However, a moto jacket will keep you warm during the cold winter seasons.

Choosing a winter coat or jacket

How will you use the jacket?

It’s important to consider how you will use your jacket or coat before looking at its specifications. If you want a jacket for high-intensity aerobic activities, like cross-country skiing or running, consider buying a lightweight jacket since you will need to wear some layers under the jacket.

However, if you want a jacket for those daily use during those cold days or for low-intensity cardio, go for a heavier jacket or coat.

Lining material

The lining material is the layer of the coat or jacket that has contact with your skin, and assists in retaining the much-needed heat. You should note that the lining material greatly determines the warms of the jacket. Jackets with fleece or an additional layer of material help in retaining heat.

A jacket or with a lining that draws moisture can assist in keeping you dry. However, it can also keep you warm since it draws moisture away from your skin. Consider wearing a jacket with this lining material, especially if you want to do some physical activity while wearing a jacket.

Additional things to consider

There are some extra features that you can consider when buying a winter jacket or coat. Some of these features will depend on your preference and what you are searching for. These include:

• Hoods – winter jackets with hoods will keep your head dry and warm during wet weather. When buying jackets with hoods, you will realize that some can be adjusted for a tight-fitting, while others offer insulation for some extra warmth.
• Packability – today, there are different winter jackets and coats that can be packed easily. Some of these jackets can fold into a fanny pack or pouch, while others allow you to pack them into their pockets.
• Adjustment features – some jackets do come with numerous features that assist you to adjust them to fit well. For instance, jackets come with draw cords at the wrist cuffs and bottom to prevent cold air and wind, as well as hood adjustments. For front zippers, they can be water-resistant or in the form of a storm flap.
• Pockets – coats come with different storage options, and this depends on what you are searching for. Some have water-resistant zippers or flaps to keep things safe. Pockets located under the flap or close to seam offer additional protection to your items. Drop pockets, on the other hand, assist you to store large items like gloves and hats.