How to Compare Temperature Rates of Kid's Winter Coats

The right coat makes for more comfort in the cold

Buying a child's coat based on temperature ratings can be a little overwhelming if you aren't clear about what sort of weather the coat will be worn in. Although there are several different rating systems in use, most manufacturers rate coats for three levels of cold weather: warm (best for moderate winter weather, between 5 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit); warmer (best for colder temperatures, between -15 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit); and warmest (best for extreme cold, between -40 and -15 degrees Fahrenheit).

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper

Instructions

1. Determine which coats you're most interested in comparing. Narrowing your choices makes the task simpler. Write a list of your choices on a piece of paper.

2. Decide what type of weather conditions your kid will wear the coat. A coat intended for winter in Southern California, for example, will probably not need to keep its wearer warm in subzero temperatures.

3. Consult Land's End chart (see Resources), which has a basic temperature rating system and an explanation of how those ratings were determined.

4. Write down the temperature rating of the first coat you're interested (you should be able to find it at the manufacturer's web site).

5. 

   The right coat for the right weather

   Find another coat you're interested in, visit the manufacturer's website, and write down the coat's temperature rating. Continue doing this until you've found the ratings or descriptions for all the coats on your wish list.

6. Review your notes and compare all the coats against the weather conditions you anticipate using them in, and find the best coat for your needs.

Tips & Warnings

• If a manufacturer's website doesn't list the temperature rating of a particular coat, there's probably an online customer service representative, reachable by email and by phone, who can help you.

• If you're not going to be in extreme cold conditions, the coat with the highest temperature rating (withstands the coldest weather) might not be your best option.

References

• Temperature rating chart (Land's End)

Resources

• How to choose winter coats for kids