| As the months get colder and the days get shorter, | | | | a range of good quality and well designed winter |
| it’s inevitable that winter's on its way. Nothing | | | | jackets that will keep you warm and dry even well |
| can liven up a man's winter wardrobe and beat the | | | | into minus temperatures, thanks to various synthetic |
| cold quite like a good quality winter coat or jacket, | | | | layers and insulation. For a smarter looking winter |
| but in a season as hectic as winter, it’s all too | | | | coat which will keep you warm enough for |
| easy to leave it until its almost too late before you | | | | day-to-day use, you may want to consider the |
| go out and find the one you want. To make it simple, | | | | difference between a thick or relatively thin material. |
| there are a handful of options to keep in mind before | | | | For extreme cold, a thick wool or sheepskin coat is |
| you make your purchase, not least the choice of | | | | ideal, but they can be heavy and even be too hot, |
| style over function. | | | | whereas a lighter material like a wool-cashmere blend |
| What is a winter coat and what is a winter jacket? | | | | will retain the heat whilst keep a good fit. |
| Well, traditionally the coat is focussed on form, | | | | When you're after a winter coat or jacket, see the |
| simplicity and style, like a pea coat or long overcoat, | | | | purchase as an investment. A good jacket should last |
| whereas a jacket aims to protect you from the cold | | | | for several winters if need be, should keep its shape, |
| and elements through insulation and breathable | | | | do its job and still look great afterwards. They can |
| fabrics, and is generally more hard-wearing and | | | | be pricey, but for men it’s an essential |
| practical. An easier way to tell is to look at the | | | | must-have, so it’s important you don't put it off |
| length; a jacket should stop at the hips and a coat is | | | | until winter's almost over. Shop around for the best |
| anything longer. | | | | deal and, importantly, the best choice. The usual high |
| So the first questions should be, where do you plan | | | | street stores will definitely have a good selection, |
| to go this winter and what do you plan to do? Do | | | | though they will mainly focus on form over function. |
| you work in the city and are looking for something | | | | Find a good outdoor store and you'll find the full |
| to make the morning walk a little easier, or are you | | | | range of mens winter jackets that have been |
| anticipating a two week ski break in Courchevel and | | | | designed to bear the seasonal elements well. |
| need something that's fit to hit the slopes in? The | | | | Just remember that whatever jacket or coat you go |
| main thing to consider is if the jacket will be durable | | | | for this winter, it should make you look good, feel |
| enough to stand up to its usage. Specialist outdoors | | | | comfortable and keep you warm and dry. |
| shops, as well as ski and snowboard shops, will have | | | | |