5 Guides in Choosing the Perfect Coat for Extreme Weather

5 Guides in Choosing the Perfect Coat for Extreme Weather

When it comes to clothing, dressing for each season can have their challenges, but in winter, it can be particularly difficult to find the perfect coat that will protect you against the extreme weather when the temperatures dip below zero. When it’s icy cold outside, your average jacket won’t be enough to protect against the snow, wind, and rain, this is why we’ve assembled this guide.

5 Guides in Choosing the Perfect Coat for Extreme Weather
[ photo: unsplash by genessa panainte ]

Below are the 5 most essential tips that you should keep in mind when shopping for the perfect winter coat.

Insulation is key

Insulation is key for trapping your body heat and keeping you warm. Winter coats come with different types of insulation, however, down insulation is the gold standard for warm apparel, especially when extreme weather is involved. The reason why down is a longtime favorite insulator is that it gives the more warmth in relation to weight and it’s easy to compress to a small, packable volume. 

With proper care, a down coat can maintain its original volume for many years, even with extensive use. However, the downside to these jackets is that they don’t perform well under wet conditions. When exposed to moisture, down jackets become saturated with water, losing a lot of their insulating qualities. This brings us to the next point.

Waterproofing is a lifesaver

For a 100% weatherproof jacket, the exterior is as important as the interior. Not all winter coats double as raincoats which is why it’s crucial to look for waterproofing qualities in your down coat. A jacket that’s not waterproof will become saturated with water, which will trap the moisture and cold, defeating the whole purpose of a winter coat. 

The waterproof layer in most coats usually takes the form of a durable water repellent (DWR) exterior coating, but many come with a chemically treated down insulation that prevents the down feathers from absorbing moisture. The chemical treatment can help the coat withstand damp environments, but you should still be cautious with your down coat in extremely wet weather.

Have enough room to wear layers underneath

It goes without saying that you should be able to fit multiple layers underneath your coat. In your journey towards finding the perfect coat, you’ll come across many jackets that seem to have room in the torso but have ridiculously tight arms. Wearing layers underneath a coat that doesn’t have enough room is one of the most uncomfortable things on earth; your layers will twist in all directions and you’ll find yourself flapping your arms awkwardly because you’re unable to move freely. 

So if you have your heart set on a certain jacket, make sure it has enough room for thermal undergarments and at least 2 more layers because when it comes down it, layers really make all the difference.

Find the right fit

When looking for the right fit, your body type and height play important parts. A lot of styles will look great on a mannequin or a model, but if a coat it too long for you, you’ll probably end up looking like a walking pile of clothes rather than a human and you shouldn’t have to compromise style for warmth. 

This is why it’s better to try a coat on in person to be able to eliminate the styles that won’t suit you. When it comes to finding a jacket that suits your body best, calf-length, knee-length, and style; hooded, collared, double-breasted, tie-waist, button-up, etc. are all very important factors to consider.

Quality is everything

Whether you’re shopping online or in-person, there are some indicators that point to whether a coat will last you through many winters to come or if it will be rendered useless once the first storm hits. So what should you look for? Check for threads or down feathers hanging through the fabric and confirm that all the seams are properly sealed because unsealed seams will allow the wind to cut through your coat. 

You must also read every label carefully, even if you’re eyeing a designer coat with a hefty price because many coats are made of cheap acrylics and others are marketed as “wool” but you’ll find that they’re often composed of nylon and spandex with small wool percentage.

When the weather turns icy cold and outside is raining  is can be very tempting to cozy up in bed under multiple layers and covers. However, the your house may be struggling with the issue of insects infestation due to the damp timber that need atlantisdamp to assess the condition of your house.