Winter is here, and choosing a wool coat or a more technical jacket for men is crucial for braving the cold in style. Whether you're looking for a classic wool coat or a more modern jacket for the city like those from VEST PARIS, there are plenty of options for effective protection and a strong style. So, what type of coat should you choose for this winter?
A down jacket or coat for winter
A wool coat is usually made from natural wool fibers from sheep. Wool provides thermal insulation even when wet, absorbs moisture while remaining breathable, and retains some warmth even without being very thick.
However, it may be less effective in extremely cold or wet conditions. In contrast, a down jacket is often filled with natural down or synthetic insulating fibers like polyester. Down jackets provide excellent thermal insulation due to down's ability to trap warm air and its very lightweight nature. Synthetic fibers offer similar performance in retaining heat, even when wet, and are often more resistant to moisture than down.
In short, wool can provide decent insulation in moderate conditions, while down jackets, thanks to their specific insulating filling, offer superior and lighter insulation, ideal for colder or damp conditions.
How to measure jacket insulation
The insulation of a winter garment is often measured by its ability to retain heat and protect against the cold. The main indicator is the insulating power, expressed in grams per square meter (g/m²) for synthetic insulation or in fill power (fill power) for down. This measurement evaluates the density or quality of the insulation; the higher it is, the better the thermal insulation. The garment is then tested for its resistance to cold in a laboratory, often through temperature tests under a specific standard such as ISO 11092. The ability to retain heat while wicking away moisture is also assessed, particularly through breathability tests.
Finally, specific technologies like waterproof and breathable membranes (like Gore-Tex) can also contribute to insulation by blocking wind and moisture while allowing perspiration to escape, thus maintaining body heat.
Synthetic wadding or down in coats
Insulating wadding used in clothing is typically made of synthetic fibers like polyester or polypropylene. When used in a men's coat or down jacket, it mimics the insulating properties of down but is less expensive, more resistant to moisture, and retains its warmth even when wet. In contrast, down, often derived from goose or duck feathers, is a natural, lightweight insulation, providing exceptional warmth with minimal weight. Down is prized for its ability to compress and expand, providing unparalleled warmth while remaining breathable.
In summary, synthetic insulation wadding is more affordable, moisture resistant, and provides decent insulation, while natural down is lighter, warmer, and retains heat better with better breathability.
What role does the membrane play in coats?
The membrane in a garment plays a crucial role in its insulation, providing protection from the elements while allowing body moisture to escape. You can even find wool coats laminated with a membrane. This is the case at VEST PARIS. It allows you to face the cold in style.
This thin layer, often made of microporous materials like Gore-Tex or eVent, blocks wind and water while remaining breathable. It acts as a barrier against water while allowing perspiration to evaporate, preventing moisture from building up inside the garment. By keeping the body dry, the membrane helps maintain body heat, as a dry garment is more efficient at retaining heat. Additionally, some membranes incorporate additional insulating properties, increasing the garment's overall ability to protect against the cold.
In summary, the membrane acts as a barrier against the elements while promoting breathability, which helps retain body heat and maintain thermal comfort.
Breathable insulated jacket and non-breathable insulated jacket
A breathable coat is designed to allow body moisture to escape while preventing external water from penetrating. It often incorporates technical materials or special membranes that facilitate the wicking of perspiration to the outside of the garment, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable. These coats are ideal for physical activities or in conditions where perspiration is common.
Conversely, insulated jackets that don't breathe can retain heat effectively but can also trap moisture inside.
These coats, often made with thick, insulating materials, can be excellent for keeping you warm in very cold conditions but can become uncomfortable during intense physical activity, as they can accumulate sweat, leading to a damp feeling. This is often the case with non-membrane polyamide materials that can be found in a cold jacket like Rains, for example.
In summary, a breathable coat promotes the evacuation of perspiration to maintain dryness, ideal for physical activity, while an insulating but non-breathable coat is effective at retaining heat but can lead to moisture accumulation, less suitable for intense activities.
Wool winter coat or cashmere coat?
Wool and cashmere coats offer different experiences in terms of warmth, texture, and style. Wool, often sourced from sheep fleece, is durable, strong, and provides good thermal insulation. Wool coats are versatile, available in a range of styles and weights, suitable for various weather conditions. They are often affordable and easy to care for.
Cashmere, on the other hand, is made from the wool of goats in the Kashmir region and is extremely soft, lightweight, and of a more premium quality, offering exceptional warmth. Cashmere coats are luxurious, elegant, and renowned for their incomparable softness. While they provide remarkable thermal insulation, they may require more delicate care and are often more expensive.
Ultimately, choosing between a wool and cashmere coat depends on your personal preferences in terms of warmth, comfort, and budget, as well as the style you're looking for. Wool is more versatile and affordable, while cashmere offers luxurious softness and warmth, but often at a higher price.
Which coat to wear in a wet winter?
For wet weather, a coat with synthetic or down insulation and a waterproof, breathable membrane would be ideal. Synthetic materials like polyester provide insulation even when wet and dry quickly.
Choose a coat with a waterproof outer membrane, such as Gore-Tex or eVent, to block moisture while allowing perspiration to escape, keeping your body dry and preventing you from feeling cold.
Also look for details like sealed seams for added waterproofing. Adjustable hoods and zippered cuffs help keep water out. Choose a coat with a length that covers your upper body for better weather protection.
Finally, choose a model with water-repellent properties so that water slides easily off the surface of the coat, thus preventing the accumulation of moisture.
The different types of coats
There are a variety of winter coats suitable for different needs and weather conditions.
A parka is one of the warmest winter city jackets, with thick insulation and a lined hood, ideal for very cold temperatures. Puffer jackets, filled with down or synthetic materials, offer warmth and lightness, perfect for increased mobility. A high-end wool coat, classic and versatile, offers moderate insulation and can be stylish for less harsh conditions. A trench coat is a thinner men's jacket but can be lined for extra protection against wind and light rain. Anoraks, with their sporty style, are water- and wind-resistant, excellent for outdoor activities. The 3-in-1 winter coat, like the one at VEST PARIS, offers versatility by combining a waterproof outer shell and a removable inner lining to adapt to different seasons and weather conditions.
By choosing from these different types, you can find the winter coat that best suits your needs in terms of style and protection against the cold.
When specialist mountain brands come to town
Some brands specializing in mountain clothing have extended their expertise to create city-friendly coats, offering a balance between technical functionality and urban style.
The North Face, Moncler, and Arc'teryx, for example, are known for their outdoor gear. They offer coats suitable for urban life, with features such as waterproofing and thermal insulation while maintaining a modern design. Arc'teryx, known for its innovative technology, offers urban coats with technical fabrics and a stylish fit. Patagonia, focused on sustainability, creates versatile coats for the city using recycled and sustainable materials, combining functionality and aesthetics. Columbia also offers urban coats inspired by their expertise in outdoor gear, offering technologies such as waterproofing and thermal insulation in styles suitable for everyday life. Brands like Mammut and Marmot also offer urban coats with technical features, ideal for tackling changing urban conditions while remaining stylish and functional.
These brands translate their mountain clothing expertise to create city-friendly coats, combining performance and style to meet the needs of active people in urban environments.
Insulation up to what negative temperature
A winter jacket's ability to protect you from sub-zero temperatures depends on various factors such as insulation, materials, fit, and your own tolerance for the cold. Some coats are designed for extremely low temperatures, sometimes reaching -30°C or more, thanks to thick insulation made of down, synthetic fibers, or wool, combined with waterproof and windproof membranes. These coats usually feature lined hoods and elastic closures to limit the infiltration of cold air.
However, how cold you feel also depends on individual factors such as your physical activity, the amount of time you spend outdoors, and your own tolerance to the cold. In addition, the clothing you wear underneath your coat, such as insulating layers, also plays a crucial role in protecting you from the cold.
For a successful winter, it is essential to consider the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the temperatures for which the coat is designed and to assess your own needs to choose a coat suitable for your specific use in extreme winter conditions.
Conclusion: Make the right choice for a warm winter
In short, choosing the right men's coat for winter means finding the right balance between style and functionality. And above all, we hope our tips have been helpful.
Whether you prefer a classic coat or a more contemporary jacket, the goal is to stay warm throughout the winter while expressing your personal style. Choosing a men's coat will depend on your individual preferences, but also on how well it protects against the cold.