How to choose a winter jacket?

As the cold weather approaches, the question of what to wear for the coming winter becomes more and more pressing. The most popular type of outerwear is a jacket. Comfortable, practical and versatile, winter jackets today enjoy the well-deserved love of all segments of the population. In order not to make a mistake with your choice and purchase a truly high-quality item, it is worth understanding some of the nuances.

Which upper material is better?

The first thing you need to decide is the material of the product. Whether it is fine leather, expensive fur or practical textiles depends on specific preferences. But it’s still better to know the pros and cons of each decision in advance.

• Fur. A classic option that looks impressive and at the same time retains heat perfectly. In cold weather, a fur jacket will be a real salvation. Moreover, sheepskin and beaver are considered the warmest. But if it’s raining or snowing outside, then you shouldn’t wear such a thing, because moisture can easily deprive it of its visual appeal.When you decide to buy a fur product, be prepared to shell out cash for a jacket in case of bad weather.
• Leather. Jackets made of leather, especially calf or pork, keep the heat at five plus. However, when it comes to winter clothes, do not forget about the lining. It can be made of fur, wool or padding polyester. The skin is not afraid of either frost or humidity. But all this applies to natural materials. Faux leather, alas, is not the best option for winter: at very low temperatures it becomes hot and can crack.
• Textile. Lightweight, practical and warm fabric jackets are at the peak of popularity. When choosing, it is important to clarify how resistant the material is to wind gusts and moisture. As a rule, this information is indicated on the label. It is irrelevant only in one case - when there is a backup option.

Which insulation to choose

The filler of the product is your protection from the cold. This means that careless choices are unacceptable. Let's look at the most popular types of insulation.

• Pooh. Light, warm, natural filler. If properly cared for, down jackets last for many years. However, they are not cheap. People prone to allergies should be careful when handling down. Washing at home is not recommended: dry cleaning is required to preserve the appearance and warmth of the product.

• Down and feather. A common option today. Due to the feather, prices are significantly lower than for pure down. At the same time, down and feathers retain heat well. This down jacket can be washed at home, following the manufacturer's recommendations. To prevent the filler from clumping during washing, you can use special balls. Otherwise, you will have to beat the insulation yourself.

• Sintepon. Artificial insulation that retains heat well.Easy to care for: easy to wash at home and dries very quickly. When choosing, give preference to quilted products, since after several washes the padding polyester may clump into clumps.

• Hallofiber. Filling made from artificial fibers, which many consider a real godsend for the cold winter. Lightweight, warm, hypoallergenic, washes well and retains its shape. With all its advantages, hallofiber is also quite affordable.

• Thinsulate (biofum). A relatively new version of insulation, which is often called artificial swan down. Thinsulate is an environmentally friendly material that retains heat perfectly, does not absorb odors, does not clump when worn and does not cause allergies. It tolerates washing well, but you still shouldn’t abuse it. An excellent tandem is bio-down and moisture-resistant outer fabric that can be wiped with a damp cloth.

Important selection criteria

• Comfort. When choosing a winter item, be guided not only by how warm and beautiful it is. The product should also be comfortable and light, because you will spend a lot of time in it.

• Length. A suitable option for the winter is something that covers the lower back. This applies to both male and female models. It’s even better if the jacket is elongated. Health comes first!

• Size. Don't buy an item right away. In severe frost, you will probably have to dress warmer, and the jacket should not hinder your movement. Raise your arms, bend a few times to the sides and forward. Observe your feelings. If you feel tight, you might want to take a larger size.

• Details. Pay attention to how the item is stitched. If the threads are too thin, there is a high probability that they will soon break. Look how firmly the buttons are sewn and whether the lock is sewn evenly.Such seemingly trifles will tell a lot about the integrity of the manufacturer and the quality of the product as a whole.

• Practicality. Obviously, a white down jacket is a bad choice for a young mother. Just like expensive fur for a student who gets into a crush on the subway every day. Consider your lifestyle and wearing conditions so you don’t have to regret wasting money.

All of the above are just basic tips on what to pay attention to. The main thing is to buy only those things that you love. Then the new thing will be worn for a long time and with pleasure.