Best kind of winter coat

[Mumofjz]

Starting to look at the Autum/Winter range of coats and wondering what was best - a wool blend coat or a more casual padded (barbour) type of coat? Not had a woolen coat in years and can't remember if they are warm enough!

[Mumofjz]

anyone?

[dexter73]

I have both. I find the padded one much warmer than the wool one.

[EverlongYouAreGoldAndOrange]

I like wool coats but they're just not practical for me. I'm liking the Barbour winter force coat but it's a lot of £££.

[MrsSnow]

I have both.

I have a wool one for smart/city type occasions.

Padded one, for freezing cold and weekend casual.

[CravingSunshine]

The best investment coat I ever bought was from Lands' End - a goose-down jacket which is TOTALLY warm, windproof and waterproof to the extent that you really don't mind going out in the cold and you don't need to wear a scarf as it zips right up. Amazing. Mine's a bit like this but doesn't have the belt.
I'm also buying a waterproof parka for Autumn as I hate wearing anorak/hikers' coloured raincoats. I think they look dreadful if you're out with your pushchair wearing jeans. Such a snob, me...
I've been through so many types of winter coat - buttons, duffles etc and none of them has ever been as good as that first one I mentioned.

[SilverSixpence]

I'm not usually a fan of the down coat style but this one on Land's End looks ok and apparently very warm. Would love one of those but not sure if its worth it as I'll be hugely pregnant all winter

[SilverSixpence]

this is lovely too

[Lovewearingjeans]

I love the second one Silver

[TellMeLater]

I have a waterproof down parka from North face I love it so much, it's beyond useful....it's loveliness is it's warmth and I have a wool coat for when I want to look more dressed - which I love too. Both were eye wateringly expensive.

If I had to choose between them I'd go for the parka, every time I put it on it gives me a big hug!

[EdMcDunnough]

I like the padded, practical ones but I often want a longer style and my favourite coat is a wool/broadcloth one from Toast. Very plain, simple, dark greenish brown, sort of slim/fitted with a small collar.

It seems to go with everything and it's just, well it's 'me' if you like, so even if I look a bit naff sometimes I put it on and feel better.

I have a couple of Barbour jackets which are very warm and lovely, and good with jeans, but not really much in the way of sporty/mountain style gear as it just doesn't suit me.

[EdMcDunnough]

Also I tend to layer up with anything - so being warm enough isn't a problem, I just put on a jumper underneath.

[springshowers]

Hi there,
I came across this thread while searching for a winter coat myself. However then I stumbled on some information on how the "down" is procured and had to opt for cruelty free options as I couldn't buy it after that. I got a fabulous warm jacket from Land's end (it works fine even in -30C I am told) and has artificial insulation.
Here's the article that informed me on the options:
www.choosingraw.com/vegan-shopping-challenge-a-vegan-friendly-winter-parka/
I thought I'd post it, for those of you who might be interested in cruelty free, eco friendly but affordable options.
Have a nice day!

[reindeerjumper]

I've always been ok with high wool content coats, I can't wear down as I don't need any more bulk with my big norks.

[PurpleGeekyGirl]

I have a gorgeous long tall Sally wool cost for when I need to be posh. It's the only coat I have ever owned whose sleeves are long enough for me! And a crag hoppers waterproof parka for everyday use which is fan on horrible wet days like today