Buying a coat is no easy feat.
After all, it’s an investment piece and lots of boxes need to be ticked. It needs to look good. It needs to be functional, warm, weatherproof, comfy, versatile… the list goes on.
Even the savviest of shoppers can struggle. Which is why, rather than just bagging whatever’s on sale or seems ‘ok’, it’s worth taking a little time to consider your purchase. Here we’ve rounded up a few tips to help you pick the perfect men’s or women’s coat. So why not take a look?
Master the art of coat shopping. Choose wisely. And you can thank us later.
How to choose the perfect coat
1. Read the small print
So many coats are made from cheap acrylic these days. Shockingly, even high-end brands (with a high-end price point!) can be guilty of making outerwear from low-quality materials. And coats that are advertised as being ‘wool’ or ‘polyester’, may only contain a tiny percentage.
That’s why, before you blow this month’s wages, perhaps check the small print…
What’s that £100 puffer jacket actually made from? Will it keep you warm and dry? How long is it likely to last? And is it worth the eye-watering number on the price tag?
2. Always prioritise warmth
Fact. No fashion trend on earth is worth shivering for. If it’s a toss-up between functional or stylish, a functional winter coat should win hands down. Because let’s face it, as hot as that checkerboard faux fur coat is right now, it’s unlikely to still be in fashion in 6 months’ time!
When shopping for coats, it pays to be practical.
But technically, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Coats that are both on-trend and cosy do exist. It’s just a case of finding them. And trust us, you really don’t need to look far…Just click here for men’s and here for women’s.
3. Make sure it fits
The perfect coat will fit perfectly – tailored enough to be flattering, yet with enough room for layers.
Ideally, when your arms are by your side, the cuff of each sleeve should hit right at the crease between your thumb and pointer finger. Belt loops should fall on your natural waistline. And the shoulder seam should follow the edge of your shoulder bone.
Of course, when buying a coat online, getting the right fit can be tricky. Which is why, here at triatloandratx, we offer hassle-free returns for all of our men’s and women’s coats. That way, you can order a couple of sizes, choose the best fit, and send the other back for a full refund. Simple.
4. Choose comfort
This one may be obvious. But nevertheless, your coat is the one piece of clothing that you’ll throw on every morning – for pretty much the whole of autumn and winter (and potentially even spring, here in the UK!). So comfort is 100% crucial.
Of course, getting the right fit plays a big role in this – but so does the material.
Try to avoid itchy synthetics and overly stiff fabrics. And keep in mind, heavy coats aren’t always necessarily warmer. In most cases, you’re better opting for a quilted jacket; a style that’s super lightweight yet packs a real punch in terms of its warmth and cosiness.
5. Pick something versatile
Aside from being warm and comfy, a coat also has to be versatile.
That maxi trench coat may look fab with your jeans and combat boots. But does it really go with your floaty day dresses? And can you really pull it off with those joggers and trainers?
Nope – we didn’t think so. When choosing a coat, you need to find something that covers all the bases. Something that can be teamed with a wide range of outfits and just as easily be dressed up as it can be dressed down.
Our advice? Go for something flexible like a padded puffer or parka. And to ensure a basic level of versatility, pick a staple colour such as black, grey, navy, olive green or stone.
6. Know your body
Lastly, it’s important to bear in mind what suits you and your body.
Keeping up with the latest trends is great. But no matter how fashionable that calf-length puffer currently is, if you’re 5’1” – trust us – you’re at risk of looking like a walking duvet rather than an actual human being! Instead, a hip-length style may be more appropriate.
Knowing what suits your height and shape can help to narrow down the thousands of men’s and women’s coats available online. So give it a little thought and find the perfect match for you, personally.
Shop our men’s and women’s coats today
Here at triatloandratx, we aim to make buying a coat just that little bit easier.
Our online range of coats for men and women is always stocked with a selection of styles – all of which tick the essential boxes, meeting the ‘perfect winter coat’ criteria whilst also being affordable.
Which means, there’s no need to waste hours of your life trawling the internet. Or get lost in a sea of sub-par macs, bomber jackets and double-breasted duffels. The ideal coat is waiting right here for the taking. So why not take a look? Shop like a pro and choose a new coat in record time.
And remember, if you have a question about any of our men’s or women’s coats, you’re always welcome to hit us up. Just send an email to [email protected] and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible and try to help in any way they can.