Buying a good quality, long lasting winter coat or jacket is a serious investment. And even more so these days when times are tough and money is tight. You need something to keep you warm on those frosty days, but you also want something affordable and stylish.
Buying the right coat for you is actually all about personality – you need a coat to match yours. Also, because you will be wearing your coat more than anything in your wardrobe, it will have to be comfortable, practical and flattering.
Some points to consider when purchasing a coat or jacket:
- Do not buy a sweeping, ankle length coat if you are constantly driving, taking the bus or Tube or taking escalators. Your coat needs to be comfortable, and a long, thick coat will not do in these circumstances.
- Don’t choose a coat that is too tight. Remember that you will be wearing clothing under your coat, so buying a tight coat will make it uncomfortable. Opt for a size or two bigger than your usual size. Generally, coats tend to look better if they are slightly looser and slouchier on the body. Also, your coat should last you for years, so you need to consider possible weight gain.
- Don’t be put off by a coat with an existing belt. You can always chop and change the belt if you prefer.
- Experiment with colour. A bright red coat is vibrant and will cheer you up on even the most dreary winter days. But also be practical. Choose a colour that will match the majority of the clothing in your wardrobe.
- Buy two in different colours if you want to. You can use the lighter one for day wear, while the darker one can be worn at night.
- Think about what you will be wearing underneath the coat. If you are the type who only wears a coat in the cold and immediately takes it off once you get indoors, then a normal size coat will do. But if you shiver at the thought of winter and usually wear several layers of clothes, consider a bigger size coat.
- Make sure the sleeves are big enough to accommodate a thick winter sweater underneath. Also, make sure that the hemline is long enough to cover dresses and skirts.
- Do choose a classic coat that will stand the test of time. Trends are never a good thing to follow, as they are in the one season and out the next. A coat is an investment, so it needs to last you a long time. You wouldn’t want to spend a lot on a trendy coat that you cannot wear next year.
- Check that your coat or jacket has sufficient buttons or fastenings so you can wrap up from the neck all the way to the knee. Some coats do not have a button at the neck, so you will need to wear a scarf to keep the chill out.
Author bio
This article was written by The White Company and offers tips on purchasing a coat or jacket for winter.