Whether you’re strolling through snow-covered streets or battling icy winds, it is crucial to have the right outerwear to protect yourself from the cold. The good news is, you can stay stylish and comfortable by investing in well-made pieces. From trendy shackets to versatile reversible bomber jackets, there are several options to suit your personal style and elevate your winter wardrobe. Here are five valuable tips to help you choose and style outerwear that will keep you snug and protected throughout the winter.
Choose Wisely
Not all outerwear labeled as winter jackets will keep you warm. How cold your climate is influences what type of outerwear will be warm enough. The brand and material are other key factors.
1. Consider the Material
If it rains or snows where you live, then you need a jacket that has a water-resistant or waterproof outer shell. Coats with multiple layers of water-resistant material indicate higher quality.
If you live in a cold climate, then you should check that the coat has insulating properties, too. Three types of insulation are down, synthetic and pile. Down is a strong insulator in dry weather, while synthetic and pile insulation are ideal for wet weather.
Waterproof zippers are necessary if you need a coat to wear in rainy or snowy weather. Two-way zippers provide more warmth for use in colder climates. Tight cuffs are another good feature for winter coats in cold climates. They help block the cold, rain and snow.
If it’s windy and frigid in the winter where you live, then you probably need a coat that has wind flaps to protect you from the wind chill. Wind flaps prevent freezing winds from cutting through your zipper.
2. Research the Brand
You may want to check the reviews of a new brand before buying its winter outerwear. Quality brands usually have a reputable brand website that is free of spelling and grammatical errors and has a clean, appealing design with clear images of its products.
3. Consider Your Current Closet
What you like and dislike from your current closet can help you choose what outerwear to buy. Avoid the materials and styles that you don’t like, and lean toward the materials that you already know you like. You might also want to try something new.
If you like hoodies, and they can keep you warm where you live, then search for men’s hoodies that are thick and have drawstrings. Hoodies with these features are more suitable for winter outerwear. Fleece lining also adds warmth.
Trendy shackets are a casual, stylish choice that you may want to add to your closet. If a winter shacket isn’t enough to keep you warm, try layering a hoodie underneath it. Plaid/flannel shackets are popular choices, but you can find denim, leather and solid-color styles, too.
4. Experiment With Your Style
You never know what you’ll like until you try it. Trying something new every once in a while helps you keep an open mind and discover more things to like. Changing up your style may give you a boost of confidence or help you embrace a new vibe that you’re after. If you want to attract more wealth into your life, you might want to try buying a luxurious coat that helps you feel rich.
Trench coats are a style that can level up your appearance. A trench coat pairs well with most winter clothing, so you can rely on it throughout the season. You can find a variety of trench coats from those that are for milder temperatures to those that can keep you warm in frigid climates.
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Parkas and reversible bomber jackets are stylish yet casual winter outerwear options. If you like jacket styles with a loose fit, then a parka is a good choice. For more of a sporty style, try a bomber jacket.
Common fabrics for winter coats include polyester, cotton, wool, faux fur, leather and suede. Besides influencing functionality, the fabric influences the style. Leather, suede and faux fur are usually dressier options, although you can also find casual styles.
Styling Your Outerwear
Now that you know how to find a quality coat that will keep you warm throughout the cold season, you can learn how to style it. Knowing how to layer in the winter will help you stay comfortable rather than becoming sweaty or feeling too cold. You can shed and add layers as needed when you enter and exit buildings.
Shackets pair well with wide-leg jeans, sweaters and baggy clothing. Another rule of thumb is to pair patterns with solids. If you’re wearing a plaid jacket, then a solid shirt looks best underneath. You can contrast the colors of your layers as well. Mixing fabrics and textures is another way of styling your winter outerwear.
5. Master the Art of Layering
If the temperature where you live regularly dips below freezing, you might want to wear long johns (thermal underwear) underneath your jeans. Don’t forget about adding winter hats, gloves and scarves to your wardrobe. Heat escapes through your ears, head, neck and hands. So, even the best winter coat won’t keep you completely comfortable in icy cold weather if you forget to cover these areas. You can find winter gloves that are compatible with touch-screen use to be able to operate your phone and other mobile devices while wearing them.
When you are layering your winter clothing, start with the thinnest fabric, and gradually increase the fabric’s thickness. This is usually the most comfortable. You may need a moisture-wicking fabric for your base layer as well. If your workplace requires business attire, you can wear a v-neck vest over your dress shirt for extra warmth.
Examples of clothing that you can work with for layering include long-sleeved shirts, polo shirts, t-shirts, undershirts, Oxford shirts, henley shirts, crew neck knit shirts and sweaters.
You only need up to three layers, including your coat. If you feel too cold with three layers, you probably need a better coat.
Stay Warm and Protected From Wet Winter Weather With Quality Outerwear
Choosing a quality coat that’s suitable for your climate is the most important aspect of protecting yourself from the weather. Knowing how to layer your clothing will maximize your comfort during your region’s coldest season. Some areas become windy and/or wet in the winter, requiring a waterproof coat to stay dry and avoid chills. In below-freezing climates, a high-quality waterproof coat that insulates your body is necessary to keep you safe from the cold.
