The winter season is officially here, and with this seasonal transition comes bitterly cold temperatures. Thankfully, you can stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter and beyond by wearing the right jacket. But with so many different jackets, how do you know which to choose?
Material
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a winter jacket is the material. Jackets are made in a variety of different fabrics, including wool, cashmere, polyester, leather, nylon and more. Organic materials like cotton, wool and cashmere are typically the softest and warmest, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best. The problem with these materials is their ability to absorb and hold moisture, making them a poor choice to wear on a rainy or snowy day. Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, on the other hand, are resistant to moisture.
Lining
Even if you choose a jacket made of a waterproof synthetic material, it may feature a soft, organic lining. Jackets such as these offer the best of both words: they are resistant to moisture, yet they are still super soft and comfortable to wear.
Color
The color of your winter jacket will play an important role in its overall appearance. Brown is always a safe choice, as it’s easy to match with other garments (and accessories like your shoes and belt). If you aren’t a fan of brown, perhaps you should choose a black winter jacket. Black is equally as versatile but offers a slightly more formal appearance. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either a brown or black winter jacket.
Hood or No Hood
Something else to consider when choosing a winter jacket is whether or not you need a hood. If you spend a significant amount of time outdoors, then a hood will certainly prove useful. It keeps your head protected from the rain and snow, while also keeping your ears and face warm in the process. But if you spend most of your time indoors, a hooded jacket probably isn’t necessary.
Pockets
Does the jacket have pockets? Some men prefer the clean-cut look of jackets without pockets. While pockets typically don’t offer any aesthetic value, they can improve the function and utility of your winter jacket. Convention wisdom should tell you that wearing a jacket with pockets offers more storage space. If you need to carry small tools and items with you, perhaps these pockets can prove useful.
References:
http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_400/418_fashion_advice.html