How to Pick a Men's Winter Coat

Come winter and you are looking for tips picking a winter coat for men. Some winter coats are more effective in keeping you toasty than others. Follow tips on how to pick a winter coat that will keep warm and dry >>

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider the weather: Where you live greatly determines what kind of coat is required. Do you live where snow and rain, or just dry cold? Does it have windy climate? Keep in mind that there are coats suitable for wearing under different weather conditions.

2. Understanding and choosing fabric: The best fabrics are wool and cashmere; these will keep you warm and comfortable over other fabric choices, although they come with pricey tags. If you are looking for coats with other fabrics, choose ones that have underlying layer made of goose down, the extra layer will keep you warm.

3. Features and quality matters. These are the second to none factors you must check before a purchase. Check if you are fine with the texture and material. Also see if stitching are properly done and there are no loose parts, including chipped buttons.
   
   Important features to look for are: A length that at least covers the torso, many and deep insulated pockets, buttons and zippers that keep the seams close against the body, a detachable down layer and/or hood.

4. Think how much are you ready to pay: Winter coats can be affordable as well as expensive. Brand names are usually of higher quality and last longer. But then again, many times you are paying for the "brand" instead of the material and workmanship.

5. Getting the right fit for your size and body shape: Add one size over your normal suit jacket size. This allows your freedom for movement without the thick linings binding at your neck, shoulders and back. Shoulder seams should be just over the edge of your physical shoulder, this will give you a great looking profile when wearing the coat over your clothes underneath. Try bend down to tie your shoes, raise or stretch your arms while test fitting a winter coat.

6. Trend, color and style: Style always go with trends for that particular year or era. Depending on your personal taste and preference, fashion may not be a big part in choosing your winter coat, as long as the coat performs well of its function. But color is definitely of importance, which has to look good on you and goes well with your personality. Certain colors can help illusive in shaping your body (e.g. dark colors can make you look sleek; thin). When picking light colors, ask yourself can you keep it clean?

7. Maintaining and keeping your winter coat: After winter passes, bring your winter coat to a dry cleaner and then cover it with plastic bag on a hanger in your closet/wardrobe for next winter. This will keep your coat ready to wear and prolong its life.

[veryirie]

on 11/11/2009 Excellent tips here which thank goodness we don't have to worry about here where we live. Growing up in the winter mainlands though I remember how important it is to have the right clothing.