Choose the Right Lifestyle Jacket

A jacket is an essential item in your wardrobe, and it often lasts for several years. It’s important that your jacket keeps you warm and is both windproof and waterproof. The more wool a jacket contains, the warmer it will be. Wool coats are typically more formal in style. If you prefer a sporty jacket, opt for a down jacket.

The length of the jacket also plays a role in how warm it is. Longer jackets, such as a parka, prevent wind and cold from reaching your thighs, keeping them warm. Make sure the jacket at least covers your hips, as cold hips can make it harder for your body to warm up again. Also, pay attention to how the jacket closes. A button closure offers less warmth than a zipper, as buttons don’t fully seal the jacket. Additionally, consider features like a hood or taped seams.

Ski Jackets

Lifestyle jackets also include ski jackets. These need to keep you warm while being waterproof and breathable. Some ski jackets come with ventilation zippers under the arms. You can also check if the jacket has a snow guard and whether it’s removable. A snow guard ensures the jacket fits snugly against your body, keeping snow out. Some ski jackets are equipped with the Recco system, making you easier to locate in case of an avalanche.

Technologies

Certain brands have unique technologies incorporated into their lifestyle jackets. For example, Helly Hansen uses Helly Tech Protection technology, which keeps you dry in any weather. O’Neill employs O’Neill Hyperdry technology, which makes the jacket waterproof up to a water column of 10,000mm. Regatta’s WarmLoft technology ensures excellent heat retention, utilizing a synthetic down alternative.

Sustainable Jackets

More and more brands are focusing on sustainable clothing, which is great news! A jacket can be sustainable in many ways, such as through the use of recycled materials or by ensuring good working conditions for the brand’s employees. When producing a sustainable jacket, there is often extra attention paid to the quality of the materials, ensuring you can enjoy your jacket for a long time. This makes the jacket even more sustainable!

Tips

Check the care label inside the jacket for washing instructions. If the jacket is machine washable, add a few clean tennis balls to the wash. These help to fluff up the down filling. The same applies if the jacket can go in the dryer.

Don’t buy the jacket too tight. Keep in mind that during winter, you’ll often wear thicker clothing underneath and will still want the jacket to feel comfortable.