How to Find the Best Winter Jacket

From style to construction to price, the choice of a winter jacket has lots of factors. Despite the immense variety, it can prove difficult to find the perfect outerwear--a piece that looks good and serves its primary function, providing warmth. Use these tips to minimize shopping time and find the best winter jacket at the best price.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine your target price before venturing out to find the best winter jacket. Think of the purchase as an investment and allot enough money, particularly if you want years of winter wear.

2. Isolate the best winter jacket style to meet your needs. Select outwear that compliments your winter wardrobe (i.e. color and fashion), promotes comfort, flatters your figure (see Step Three) and accommodates both portability and mobility needs. Avoid trendy designs and colors unless the jacket is largely intended for fashion wear--otherwise focus on detailing (e.g. trim, stitching, buttons) and scarves for added style.

3. Ensure that the size of the winter jacket is roomy enough to accommodate sweaters and/or layered clothing. For best results, try on the jacket prior to ordering and choose a shape compliments your body. Learn more about selecting a winter jacket that flatters your body type at FitnessMagazine.com (See Resources)

4. Choose materials and construction that are suitable for the intended life of your winter jacket. When shopping to find the best winter jacket, verify if the shell is waterproof or weather-resistant. For extra warmth, consider down, wool and lined leather. Thinsulate-lined coats are another practical option for those seeking less bulk and added warmth. Additionally, seam-sealed jackets provide extra durability for snow lovers.

5. Consider brand names and preferred retailers of winter wear --companies with a reputation for quality. Also, examine the return policies of companies. Examples of winter jacket retailers include L.L. Bean, Lands' End, North Face, Cabela's, Columbia and Carhartt. Economical-minded shoppers have found retailers such as Burlington Coat Factory to be satisfactory.

Tips & Warnings

• Save money by using comparison shopping search engines (e.g. Nextag, Buy.com, Amazon, Google / Yahoo Shopping, ShopLocal.com). Look for post-holiday and post season sales. Evaluate the cleaning instructions of the winter jacket and consider both cost and convenience. When shopping for the best winter jacket, look for internal and external pockets to suit your lifestyle and consider any portability needs.

Resources

• Find the Winter Jacket for Your Shape (FitnessMagazine.com)

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on 9/5/2009 defygenius.blogspot.com