Down-filled parkas and puffer jackets talk a big talk when it comes to bad weather. But, really, how can you tell the one youre thinking about buying online or trying on in a toasty dressing room will actually hold up to colder-than-cold temperatures and other inclement scenarios? A lot more goes into this purchase than whether or not the jacket looks warm and durable. Of course, looks matter, too. We sought out expert advice from heavy-duty-outwear designers at Uniqlo, Fjällräven, and Peuterey. Theyre scrutinizing this shopping process and answering questions you may not think to ask, like: Is real down insulation better than the synthetic kind? Or, vice versa? And, what details should you be extra mindful of when prepping for polar-vortex-like conditions? Were dissecting everything from the hood of your jacket to its sleeves and interiors. Consider this guide while shopping and youll be a happy (and warm, and dry) camper come winters worst. Like this post? Theres more. Get tons of style secrets, insider shopping dish, fashion news, and more on the Refinery29 Fashion Facebook page! Your Needs Matter For starters, every individual experiences temperatures differently and will have different needs. You probably know if you typically run hot or cold, says Henrik Andersson, Fjällrävens head of innovation and design. That said, its always better to err on the side of being too warm rather than risk not being warm enough. In order to know how warm a coat is, you need to look at its insulation and construction, explains Andersson. How is the coat sewn together? What materials is it composed of? Are there any specific technologies used in the coat thatll make it more weather resistant than others? These are all important questions to consider. Peuterey and Post Card creative director Riccardo Coppola adds that you should find one that makes you feel very confident and comfortable at the same time. And, a little online research — heck, reading the labels About Us section — wont be for naught. It is important to look for quality and also keep in mind the [brands] outerwear expertise. Real Down Versus Synthetic This depends on your needs and where youll be wearing your coat. If you are looking for a jacket specifically suited for moist or wet climates, synthetic insulation is a good option because its not affected by humidity like down is, explains Andersson. Its also, generally speaking, a much cheaper option. Down, on the other hand, is Mother Natures best insulator. It is the lightest and most compressible insulation there is — made not from feathers (a common misconception), but the fluffy undercoating that provides warmth for geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. Down can be of different qualities, Andersson explains. It is rated on its fill power, or fluffiness: The higher the fill power, the better. For reference, the designer told us that a rating of 500 is considered high quality and good enough for most conditions. If youre in need of the highest warmth-to-weight ratio, a coat in the 700 to 800 fill-power range is your best bet. This is ultimately a choice that comes down to personal preference, and there are plenty of pros and cons to assess for both — not least of which is ethical production. Hood Up Your head needs protection just like the rest of your body and limbs. A hood is optimal to prevent wind chill and heat loss from your head — which quickly loses heat when exposed to the elements, explains Andersson. And, those furry-trimmed hoods arent just for show, either. Canada Goose claims the uneven hair lengths on its trimmed hoods create a windbreak that protects exposed skin, helping to reduce heat loss from the face. It adds that, this holds as true in urban environments as much as it does in the high Arctic. Its always nice when our style choices are also just generally smart choices. The Bigger Picture I have always considered the jacket a home that welcomes you and makes you feel great, Coppola told us. That means, youll be investing in a coats details — like the art hanging above your couch, and the throw blankets that ensure youre always cozy. The Uniqlo design team advises considering features like removable linings, storm cuffs, and the technology of the fabric, so [the coats] functionality can be used to adjust to varying temperatures and weather conditions. And, dont forget about add-ons like double zippers. You can open them up from the bottom, letting excess heat out while maintaining the windproofness and warmth around neck — which can get chilled if you unzip the whole front; a small but very functional feature that makes your winter jacket more versatile, adds Andersson. You also want to consider how comfortable the coat is when youre actually wearing it: Do you like the fabric and fit? And, does it complement a wide range of outfits for maximum versatility? The Fit Test Should you go up a size so that your coat fits all of your miscellaneous sweaters? Well, put simply, you need a jacket that is properly designed with features and details that work in cold, and a fit that keeps in enough (but not too much) air as an insulating layer, says Andersson. If it is too tight, you dont get the most out of the insulation. If it is too roomy, there is too much air for the body to warm up resulting in you actually losing body heat. Windproof, Waterproof, Weatherproof The construction and fabrics are important but, in the end, what is needed is an insulated distance between the body and the air outside, explains Andersson. Think thickness. When it is really cold, the jacket needs to be thicker and windproof from outside. Even though with better fabrics and construction you get the most out of the insulation, there is no technology that can make a thin jacket warm enough for the coldest of cold days. Laymans terms: While your ultra-thin puffer is a great layering piece under your wool coat, you ultimately shouldnt be prancing about in sub-zero temperatures in that alone. Got it? Safety first. For inclement conditions like snow, sleet, and ice, you want to look for a shell fabric that is windproof, water-repellant, and durable. In the extreme cold, a complete waterproofness is generally not needed, as it’s better to have ventilation in order to prevent moisture being trapped inside. Another important nugget: Also, remember that you can use layers to adapt for different temperatures. This goes beyond just your coat and speaks more to making sure youve thought out the rest of your outfit, too. How Does Your Coat Measure Up? The length of your coat is (maybe) something you neglect to think about when shopping. Andersson warns that this measurement should really be adapted for use: A longer parka will provide more warmth, but if it’s too long, it may restrict mobility. The less exposed skin, the better — depending on your needs. Our needs? Warm bums. And, thighs. Warm everything. (Preferably with a cup of hot chocolate in hand.) Obviously, if you want your limbs freed up for all kinds of moving around, you might need an above-the-knee cut. Like what you see?How about some more R29 goodness, right here?5 New Ways To Wear OmbréWhat Type Of Black Friday Sale Should You Shop?Reese Witherspoon Will Make You Re-Think Talbots Refinery29 ift.tt/11WDDAc
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 02:20:20 +0000
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