You must be well-equipped to withstand winter, at least for those who suffer from subzero temperatures during the season’s peak. But, before you start putting on layers without knowing what you’re doing, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the many types of winter-appropriate outerwear. Visit us at Tatras to know more!
We’ve selected different types of outerwear that you should be aware of, all of them are designed with practicality in mind. Before you buy a costly jacket, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each.
- Parka
The parka is a hooded coat made of caribou or seal hide that was first produced by the Caribou Inuits to endure northern temperatures. Today, parkas are more commonly seen with some form of insulated filling and woven textiles instead of traditional animal skins.
- Bomber Jackets
During WWI, bomber jackets were designed for military pilots to protect them from the freezing temperatures at altitude, which were a major issue given the open cockpits of the time. It would usually be constructed of leather or sheepskin, with high collars, snug cuffs, and hems.
- Overcoat
The overcoat category of outerwear includes several subgroups, but in general, the style is longer, extending past the knees, is composed of thick fabric like melton wool, and is worn as the outermost layer, frequently over a lighter jacket.
- Waxed canvas jackets
Waxed canvas jackets are water-resistant, making them ideal for wet weather like snow or sleet or sludge, aka whatever it is you call what just fell from the sky.
- Trench Coat
The trench coat was designed during World War I to replace troops’ cumbersome serge jackets. Early trench coats had a below-the-knee length, a double breast with ten buttons, raglan sleeves, epaulets, a storm flap, buttoned pockets, and a waist belt made of khaki-colored gabardine, twill, or poplin.
Today, the trench coat comes in a variety of styles that are both pared down and dressed up.
- Puffer Jackets
After nearly freezing to death on a fishing trip, Eddie Bauer invented the first puffer, the Skyliner, in 1936. His quilted jackets insulated the wearer like sleeping bags, down vest for men trapping heat and keeping them warm (and, in Eddie’s case, alive).
- Down Jackets
Down jackets can be found in a variety of styles, including some of the ones on this list. Originally manufactured from goose down feathers, down is now commonly found in synthetic fabrics like polyester.
- Peacoat
The peacoat was popular among sailors from the Netherlands, Great Britain, and the United States. The short jacket type is made of a dense and heavy woolen fabric with a wide lapel, an eight- or ten-button double breast front, and hand pockets.