Winter is, in most points, garbage. But everything that
stinks - cold, dark, wet - has one huge advantage: you can put big coats back
on. The right coat is a set unto itself, a piece that combines functionality
and style like no other piece in your wardrobe.
They are also quite insensitive to trends.
Which means that even a rare shopper can stealthily create a
high-quality collection, from parkas to traditional shearling jackets, for a
few years. Yes, that is, you are buying well.
"Look for something good quality, stylish and
versatile," says Nick Eley, ASOS design manager. “You want something that
lasts and looks great. Because you are going to use it a lot, you need it to
combine with the rest of the clothes in your closet.
Style is, of course, a consideration. But not at the outlay
of comfort. No man had ever looked so shaky. “The most important thing to look
for in a winter coat is something that will have you warm and dry,” says
Freddie Kemp, hairstylist for Thread. "In an model world, you would have a
gathering of all styles here, as each has a different style and practical
purpose.
PARKA JACKET
This original Inuit became known around the world in the
1950s as a staple of the US Army, adopting its famous green color and fur
lining. Through the Korean War, the lighter fishtail parka evolved for tropical
climates and later became a favorite with mods, who donned one over their suits
to stay protected on their scooters. Like everything military, it has now
become a staple of the modern wardrobe.
Menswear brands are learning more and more from outdoor
brands specializing in technical fabrics, which is why this season's parkas are
as functional as they are stylish.
"A high level of water fight is good," says Kemp.
“Don't be afraid of artificial technical fabrics, as they tend to be better
than natural fabrics at protecting against the fundamentals. If you want more heat,
look for one that has a down substantial.
“Choose a loose fit, but try to avoid being too big because
you don't want it to look baggy. For the length, choose a style that reaches
mid-thigh to the knee.
The best parka jackets
PUFFY JACKET
Another style that takes advantage of the outdoor trend is
the one favored by walkers and ravers of the 90s. Down jackets offer almost
unbeatable warmth, especially due to the weight of the coat itself, and if the
weather is changeable, they are ideal. power on and take off quickly.
The most common styles are cut to the waist, narrower than
the Michelin Man and styled in solid colors that blend as easily with a suit as
with waterproof pants. The more modern examples, however, add some extras. Look
for parka-style hoods and longer hems for added protection, while hiker-style
details like large patch pockets or fabric panels or contrasting colors update
the look.
Heat, of course, comes from below - nature's best
insulators,
trapping your body heat inside. But it is a controversial
point for animal rights activists, who argue that it is a cruel way to spend
the winter. If you share these concerns, look for environmentally conscious
outdoor brands like Patagonia and The North Face, which make your coats last and
offer pet-free alternatives.
UniqloUniqlo
The best down jackets
LONG COAT
Can you touch your toes? Because your coat could this
season. This year, designers are opting for trench coats reminiscent of early
military styles, down jackets that resemble sleeping bags, and wrap-around wool
coats approximating the one Richard Gere wore in American Gigolo.
Now unless you live beyond the Wintry Circle, the question
arises whether you need such a great cape, but practicality is only half the
problem here. It's more about style. These long coats create dramatic
silhouettes and often feature epic lapels. It's a coat in which to strut, not
shiver.
While they will darken most of what you wear with them, you
will need to style your hair with caution. The simplest styles of pants and
blouses will allow the coat to speak for itself, but don't feel like you have
to be formal. Try one with