How to Buy a Winter Coat

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You and your winter coat will be spending many a cold day together, so you might as well get one you love.

Step 1: Consider fabric
Consider that a winter coat must be warm and two of the warmest fabric choices are wool and cashmere. Cashmere is the warmest, but also the most expensive. Fur and leather are also warm but require more maintenance.

Step 2: Look for lining
Look for a coat with lining made of a synthetic fiber thermal insulation or goose down for added warmth in especially cold climates. Otherwise, an acetate lining will do.

Step 3: Get a good fit
Get a good fit. Wear a blazer or sweater when trying on coats to make sure they'll fit over your layers and still be comfortable. Raise your arms, sit down, and bend over in the coat to see how it moves with you.

Step 4: Fit flattering style
Find a flattering style. Length-wise, a coat should fall somewhere between your thigh and knee. Try on belted styles, A-line coats, pea-coats, military-inspired styles, coats with a hood, and double-breasted versions to see which works for you.

Step 5: Go for color
Go for a color that flatters you, regardless of what's in style. Since you'll be wearing it for months on end, make sure it's something you won't tire of quickly.

Did You Know?
Although the winter solstice is the year's darkest day, the coldest days of winter come about a month and a half later due to the oceans' slowness to cool.