You will agree, it is a simple and difficult task at the same time. As far as the cut of the coat is concerned, the basic criteria are very similar to those you would use to choose a blazer.
As for the material, it should allow you to protect yourself from the cold in an efficient way. Finally, it should be functional enough to protect you from bad weather, it is really essential.
So you need to find a piece that is both beautiful and functional. But how?
THE COMPOSITION OF THE COAT
The composition of the coat that you will choose is crucial since the main purpose of the piece is that you do not get cold.
Several choices are available to you, but the material that you should favor in winter is :
WOOL COATS
It is the most suitable natural fiber for the season because of its properties:
it is insulating (it protects effectively from the cold)
breathable (it does not make you sweat like a synthetic material)
thermoregulating (it regulates heat)
It offers many advantages that we have not yet been able to recreate artificially despite the technology available.
The vast majority of the Prêt-à-Porter offer consists of wool coats. The prices of the interesting pieces are around 400 euros: below that, the offer is rarely qualitative.
As you probably know, wool is not the only material that can be used to make coats:
CASHMERE COATS
This is also a very good option if you have the means. Cashmere is softer than wool. It is also warmer.
Cashmere coatA 100% cashmere coat from Pal Zileri. Unfortunately inaccessible to small and medium budgets.
ALPACA COATS
Very nice material, always soft and extremely warm. You will most likely find it in many mixes, often with wool to soften the material and increase its warmth.
MIX OF MATERIALS
As far as natural/synthetic blends are concerned, the 80/20 ratio seems to me the most acceptable. You can go down to 70/30, but not below.
Indeed, beyond 30% of synthetic the coat will not be warm enough and will retain too much moisture, which will make you catch a nasty cold.
When used properly, synthetic can help wool to last over time, or provide a little more warmth.
Personally, I'm a big proponent of all natural. That said, when I see a piece with a particularly successful design or a design that has no equivalent, even with a little synthetic, I am willing to make concessions.
So, as you can see, reading the label of your future coat before buying it is very important!
Pay attention to the lining too. The 100% polyester, in particular, makes you sweat.
Viscose is more and more used for linings because it is very close to silk. It is an artificial fiber and not synthetic.
