Choosing and caring for your winter coat
Tips to ensure your outerwear outlasts the season
A good winter coat is a big purchase that can set you back hundreds, even thousands, of dollars, and will likely be hanging around your closet for at least a couple of years to come.
So, before you head to the mall, keep these tips in mind:
Making a selection 1. Consider your lifestyle and where you live. A luscious cashmere coat may be beautiful, but if you are going to be sloshing to work, waiting for the bus, carrying groceries and walking your dog in the rain, it may not be the best first choice for your lifestyle. 2. Consider colour. Yes, black goes with everything. But think about the grey, dark days ahead, and you may want to brighten them with a jolt of colour. 3. Consider the classics. A coat is not cheap, so you want it to last a while. You may fall in love with a super-trendy item, but if your coat is out of style in a year, well, you can do the math. 4. Consider quality. The better the quality, the longer your coat will last and the better it will look.
Care and maintenance 1. Don’t put your coats away wet. Let them dry fully before stuffing them in a closet so they don’t develop mildew and aroma. 2. Do clean them once or twice a season. And, always at the end of the season. Down parkas can usually be cleaned in the washing machine, but wool coals must be dry-cleaned. 3. Don’t ignore care labels. Leather, suede and shearling which are all big news this season need special care. Treat them correctly.