Coats serve two functions: First, they keep you warm. Second, they make you look good, even in the worst weather. Like any other clothing, coats come in a variety of materials, lengths and styles. Here is some basic information to help you wade through all the options, so you'll know what kind of women's coats will work best for you.
At home, around town, at a casual event, your fashion style is whatever you want to wear. For your corporate clothing, look for something that is stylish, but not gaudy. For formal occasions, a simple, black overcoat is never out of place.
Whatever style you choose, if the point is to keep warm--and it is--then women's coats must close tight with buttons, snaps or a zipper. The most wind-proof ladies coats are double breasted or feature a wide placket (protective flap over the zipper) that extends all the way down the front. A belted waist also helps keep the wind out.
Much of our body heat is lost around the head and neck. A hood that fits closely around the head with a neckline that fastens securely under the chin is the best, though not always best looking, option. Women's coats with turn-up collars that close with a tab work well and look good. Of course, hats look better. Womens hats come in all kinds of styles from knit hats, winter hats, western hat, leather hats, even designer hats. Scarves are equally valuable-- hand knitted scarves from our Worldstock partnership, or a luxurious pashmina scarf (Tibetan cashmere). Extras like shawls or wraps can add insulation to the head or shoulders. If you find a coats you like that doesn't have a hood or collar, visit Overstock's fashion accessories pages for great deals on scarves & wraps or hats.
Women's coats sleeves should extend past the wrist bones and, when it comes to keeping you warm, narrower is better--less cold air creeps in. Pockets should be big enough to fit your whole hand, especially if you forgot to check out Overstock's assortment of mittens and leather gloves.
Trench coats earned their foul weather reputation in the trenches of World War I; they've evolved since then and are now found on most must-have fashion clothes lists. World War II brought us the bomber style leather jacket, and many a woman guarding the home front (or just shopping at the mall) has been seen in a women's leather jacket.
The outer or protective layer of a ladies coat must be as attractive as it is effective against the weather. Tightly woven cotton, nylon, poplin, polyester, wool or a blend of any of these can be very good. They are made in solids, stripes, checks, plaids, houndstooth and hundreds of other patterns. Leathers--calfskin, pigskin and sheepskin--are good wind barriers, but they can be damaged if they get wet.
Manmade products can imitate the look of real leathers. They are less expensive, possess good wind and water repellent characteristics, but may stiffen and crack in cold weather and don't have the long-term durability of the real thing. The designer coat, of course, has always been on some women's must-have list. Fortunately, at Overestock.com, they also reside on the can-afford discount clothing list.
Wool and wool blends are the most common material in coats. Wool is produced all over the world and comes in grades from very coarse to heavenly soft (such as cashmere or alpaca). It insulates well, even when wet, but can shrink or felt-up when over exposed to handling and heat. Hand washing is possible, but dry cleaning is always recommended.
Down is small feathers collected from birds. Costs and warmth vary, depending on breed and 'fill'--the amount of down in the coat. The higher the fill numbers, the warmer the down coats. Down can be machine washed, but must be handled gently, especially when wet, to avoid damage. Less costly manmade alternatives include polyester and various types of foam.
Leather naturally gets darker with age; if the factory helps this process along with a dye, it's called antiqued or distressed leather. Sheepskin with the wool still attached is often called shearling; a shearling coat or shearling boots combine the style of leather with the warmth of full-fleece wool. You should take time every now and then to thoroughly clean and condition your hide. Numerous products are on the market, so read the labels and choose carefully. If leather gets wet, clean it off quickly, then let it air dry slowly away from a heat source. You can dry clean leather, but take it to a leather specialist for best results.
By the way, ever see a rabbit shiver? Furs are tremendously good at keeping heat in. For those who may not like the idea of fur clothing, the manmade imitations are viable options which are almost equal to, and occasionally better than, the real thing.
Dry cleaning may cause damage to urethanes and vinyls, but most manmade materials can be home laundered or hand cleaned with mild soap and a damp cloth. Every clothing description at Overstock.com describes basic care requirements for that garment, so you'll know exactly what you're getting before you buy.
'Faux' is French for 'false' and is used to describe manmade imitations (because faux fur sounds so much classier than fake fur). The cost differential between real and imitation fur or leather is very real. Never try to buy the real thing at the imitation price, unless the seller has a reputation like Overstock.com, where you are sure to get what you pay for.
When it comes to leather, 'full grain' is the best. Full grain leather is the complete hide and retains the thickness, texture and markings of the original. It looks luxurious while being breathable and is most durable. When the hide is cut for thickness, you get 'top-grain leather' and 'split leather.' Top-grain is the outer skin, which looks almost as good as full grain, though it is usually sanded and painted. 'Split leather' and suede are the lower quality, lower skin layers that are heavily treated to have the appearance of full grain. However, the velvet-smooth exterior of a suede coat more than makes up for any of its so-called disadvantages.
How can I make sure the clothing I buy online will fit?
Know your size before you make any purchases. Our women's sizing guides will help you determine your coat size, so you can buy with confidence.
How can I know the coat will keep me warm?
First, know your weather. Be sure your overcoats are sufficiently warm for whatever weather you expect that day. Length is important: A full length coat reaches down past the knees while women's blazers or women's jackets reach just to the waist or hips. Different fabrics or different weights of the same fabric have different insulation values. You'll probably need at least one short and one long coat, maybe a few of each, to deal with the vagaries of your local climate and your different needs.
If it's cold enough to wear coats, it is cold enough to need scarves and winter hats, so have fun with them. Put together a matching three piece set. Buy a couple of contrasting hats and scarves so you can mix-n-match for every mood or outfit. Be creative!
Women's boots look great all year-round, but they truly make their mark in foul weather. Overstock.com has a fabulous selection of boots (including trendsetting designer footwear) at prices that are astounding.