As a follow up to our post on the best winter boots for men, today we’re talking winter coats. Winter coats and jackets are the best way to keep your core warm and dry all winter long. No matter what your outdoor activity is, being prepared for the elements with the right jacket will allow you to enjoy whatever the day brings. There are so many different types of winter jackets and coats to choose from– with everything from down puffer jackets, to parkas, ski and snowboard jackets and winter work jackets.
Today we’re rounding up our top picks for winter coats and jackets for men, as well as some tips for choosing the right jacket and keeping it in good condition.
Men’s Winter Coats and Jackets
Casual Jackets
Down Sweater Hooded Jacket
Patagonia’s Down Sweater Hooded Jacket is a great everyday jacket for men. Craig has this jacket and loves that it is lightweight and easy to roll up and pack for travel. It’s also super toasty warm, water-resistant and eco-friendly. The hood is a great feature for those extra windy, blustery days!
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
Cotopaxi’s Fuego Hooded Down Jacket is a great staple winter jacket for men. We love that it is stylish and comes in fun colors for guys that are looking for a more fashionable look. Insulated with down, water-resistant and responsibly sourced the Fuego Jacket is a favorite. The elastic binding in the hood and sleeves and drawcord at the waist allows for flexibility and a more fitted look.
Parkas & Coats
Men’s Isthmus Parka
The Men’s Isthmus Parka from Patagonia is another great staple piece for men. This coat has a nice length to it for those cooler days and is also a little more stylish than a puffer coat. This 60’s inspired expedition parka is made with recycled materials including nylon, therma-green polyester and fleece. It also has a PU coating and DWR (durable water repellent) finish to keep you warm and dry on those wet winter days!
Snow Jackets
Burton Men’s 2L Jacket
Craig has the Burton Men’s 2L Jacket for snowboarding and loves it. It always keeps him super warm and dry on the mountain. With ThermacoreECO insulation, a tech taffeta lining, venting pit zips, removable waist gaiter to keep out the snow and cold and lots of handy pockets this is a top notch ski/snowboard jacket.
Flylow Knight Jacket
The Flylow Knight Jacket is another great snow jacket. This workman’s style jacket has a protective shell to keep out the snow and cold. It is both waterproof and breathable, has a helmet compatible hood, easy access pockets and a mesh lining for those warmer spring skiing runs. Runs large, recommended to size down.
Work Jackets
L.L. Bean Original Field Coat
L.L. Bean’s Original Field Coat with Wool/Nylon Liner is a great work jacket that could also double as an everyday jacket for men. Made from cotton canvas, this jacket is extra durable, water-resistant and heavy duty for extra warmth in cold temperatures.
Carhartt Men’s Bartlett Jacket
The Carhartt Men’s Bartlett Jacket is another great staple for men working outdoors during the winter. Carhartt is known for making gear that is sturdy and can withstand the elements. The Bartlett Jacket does not disappoint with 100% cotton and sherpa and quilted linings.
Winter Jackets vs. Winter Coats
Although the terms winter jacket and winter coat are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. Typically winter coats are heavy and come down to hip length or longer, while jackets are lighter in weight and tend to stop at hip length. Jackets are also usually worn throughout the seasons. For example, jean, fleece and leather jackets.
How To Choose Winter Coats & Jackets
Choosing the Right Materials
Choosing the right winter coat or jacket will depend on what type of purpose the jacket will serve. Will it be an everyday jacket? Or will it be a snow or ski/snowboard jacket? Do you need a jacket for cooler temperatures or warmer temperatures? Do you need a jacket that is waterproof? If you are looking for warmth you will want to look for jackets and coats made with materials like, wool, nylon, cashmere, fleece and goose down filling. Cotton tends to run less warm than the alternatives. In order to ensure that your jacket will also be waterproof or water-resistant you will want to be sure that it is coated in waterproof materials like rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, fluoropolymers, and wax.
Checking Insulation
Goose down filling is the best when it comes to thermal insulation. Don’t be fooled though some down jackets aren’t as warm as others because they only have a little bit of down in them. You can determine how warm your jacket will be by looking at the fill power and total amount of down used in the jacket. If you want an extra warm jacket you will want a higher amount of fill.
Considering Length
The length of your jacket or coat is also important to consider. As I mentioned before, coats are typically longer than jackets. Winter jackets tend to fall under the ski/snowboard or puffer jacket category, this is because they are easier to move in due to the length. Longer coats are meant for extra warmth on the hips and waist and also tend to have a more casual/dressy versus sporty look to them.
When is the best time to buy winter coats and jackets
Buying winter gear is pretty synonymous across the board. Most winter outdoor gear goes on sale after the holidays in January, February and March. Although there are often sales available during holiday shopping in December. Items usually go on clearance during the off-season in June and July but you risk missing out on availability with colors and sizes.
How to clean winter jackets
Be sure to check the instructions for washing your jacket before cleaning. Various jackets are made with different materials and require different care techniques. In general, if your jacket is made with nylon or down it can be washed on a cold gentle cycle and either air dry or dry in the dryer depending on what your coat instructs. Make sure to brush away dirt and pretreat stains before washing as well. Some winter coats may require hand washing or dry cleaning. Be careful because washing your jacket can sometimes ruin or begin to tear away at the water-repellent finish your jacket was made with.
How to store winter jackets
The best place to store your winter jackets is in a cool, dark, dry and clean space. This may mean hanging them in a closet or storing them in a storage bin. Unfortunately many store their jackets in basements and attics, which are often warm and wet and can lead to damaged clothing.
For more tips on winter gear check out this post on Winter Boots Buying Guide, The Best Winter Boots, And Best Men’s Winter Boots.
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