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As the wind changes course and the temperature drops, the cold bite of winter becomes harsh on us. It becomes necessary for us to abandon our summer closet and add layers of clothing to stay warm.
As much as we want to enjoy winters cuddled up in a blanket with hot cocoa in our hands, we can’t stay hidden in our homes. To face the cold winds, the most important winter essential is a jacket that keeps you warm and comfortable. But when there are so many options, how can you choose a jacket that fulfills all your needs? Here are four tips for choosing a winter jacket that will save you the trouble of traveling around stores.
1. Think Ahead – What Do You Need It For?
The most important aspect of finding something is to recognize its need. Likewise, when you want to invest in a jacket, you must dig a little deeper and think about why you need it. Are you tired of wearing the same jacket to work and want to revamp your style? Or perhaps you want a jacket for events and special occasions.
At times, one jacket isn’t enough for all the varying occasions. In such cases, we recommend investing in a few types of common jackets for every purpose. You can buy a plain stylish jacket for work, an elegant coat for parties and events, and a casual wool & leather sleeves jacket for everyday wear.
Once you know why exactly you need the jacket, it will be a lot easier for you to pick one amongst dozens of styles and colors.
2. Pick Out A Suitable Material
One of the toughest decisions when buying a jacket is to pick out the right material. Choosing a suitable material depends on your needs and wants. Once you have that figured out, you can easily pick a fabric that ticks all your boxes.
To choose the right material, you must have a simple understanding of jackets and the fabrics they are made of. The features to consider are mentioned below.
Down Or Synthetic?
The first question you need to ask yourself is the kind of insulation you want. The two kinds of insulation available in the market are down and synthetic.
Down is a fabric that’s lightweight and warm. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics are heavier and provide less warmth than down. Another major difference between them is down isn’t a waterproof material. In contrast, synthetic materials are waterproof and perfect for occasions and places where you will be experiencing snow and ice.
A down jacket is ideal for dry and cold climates since it provides optimal and most compressible insulation. In dry weather, it shows high performance and is a safe bet to keep you warm, safe, and cozy.
Synthetic jackets are perfect for areas with cold and wet winters. This kind of insulation not only provides heat but also protects you from moisture. It keeps you and your clothes dry in icy and snowy situations. It’s the best choice to protect you from the weather and prevents you from getting sick due to soaked clothes.
Jacket Lining
The lining of a jacket is what keeps you safe and comfortable. Hence, it’s quite essential to invest in a jacket that’s lined by quilt or fleece. The lining fabric is what’s in contact with you and the outer environment at the same time. It must be made of a material that resists moisture, ensures proper insulation, and retains heat.
Types Of Material
In this day and age, there are tons of fabrics and materials for outerwear. And the best part is there is no right or wrong material. It all depends on your preference and choice. However, when you have multiple options, it gets confusing. We recommend opting for a jacket fabricated with basic materials such as wool, leather, or silk. These fabrics are the finest and most preferable because they have all the qualities a perfect jacket could have.
3. Select The Style You Want
Picking out a piece of clothing means you must consider its style and whether it’s fashionable or not. Everything you wear showcases your style. Therefore, it’s crucial for you to choose a jacket that fits perfectly with the current fashion trends while also providing you warmth and heat.
Function And Style
A fashion-faithful person will always go for a jacket that’s more fashionable than comfortable or warm. And while that may be their choice, we recommend finding a jacket that offers both.
You may think that finding a jacket that protects you from the harsh weather and makes you look stunning too is a difficult task. But that’s not the case. There are multiple stores offering various styles and designs. Their inventory is filled with jackets that may as well have come straight out of vogue. And they provide excellent protection from the weather too. You just have to look hard enough to find a jacket that fits the criteria.
Easy To Layer
We all know that a single jacket isn’t enough most of the time. That’s why winter fashion focuses more on layering than any other thing. And for this reason, you must buy a jacket that allows you to wear it over multiple layers of clothes.
To make sure that you can layer it, buy a jacket with light material or a baggy fit. The hug test is an excellent way to find out whether the jacket is snug or loose-fitting. Wear the jacket and hug yourself as tightly as you can. If you feel suffocated in certain areas, this means you need a bigger jacket.
4. Special Features – Yay Or Nay?
A proper hood, cuffs, and pockets are sometimes essential in a jacket. However, not all jackets look stylish or even practical with a hood and sleeves. These special features look best with special kinds of jackets, such as performance jackets and parkas. So, if you want a jacket with special features, the best option is to invest in a good hooded jacket or puffer coat.
Final Thoughts
Buying a jacket for winter isn’t as hectic as it seems. Most often, you can make a decision on the spot. Other times, you must consider all the features a jacket has to offer and make an informed decision. Whatever you do, if you follow these tips, you will be able to find a jacket you will cherish for a long time.