20 Tips on Buying and Maintaining Your Winter Coats Online

Coats are an essential piece during the cold days of the year. You must keep them in your wardrobe, especially if you experience cool temperatures. Now one way to do it is by shopping for coats online.

This essential winter wear item has loads of variety and colour in its options. You will get to see that online as well. So you should consider adding these items to your shopping cart for the season.

I'll take you through a few tips in this post. They will guide you when you're doing your shopping for some coats online. But they'll also teach you how to take care of your winter coats. After all, you'll want to wear it beyond one winter season, right?

Buying Tips for Coats Online

A winter coat might look the most elegant winter wear out there. But you shouldn't get carried away with the looks. You must focus on buying the right pieces while shopping online.

It's one of the most essential and costly items for your wardrobe. Hence, you shouldn't take this lightly.

There are a few basic guidelines which you should follow. It reduces the risk of any errors while browsing for coats. If you're paying attention to those details, you're free to experiment once in a while.

1. Check the Fabric

When you think of peak winter, cold and chilly are two words that come to mind. It's essential to pick appropriate fabrics while you do coats online shopping. This area can be tricky while browsing online.

The reason is; that you don't get to see the coat in person. So you should get online and compare the fabrics available. If you could do some research and then buy, it would work too.

Wool and cashmere are the best fabrics to keep you insulated and warm. The latter is warmer, but the privilege comes at a cost.

Some winters also experience rain. If protection from rain is the priority, go in for a waterproof option. It comes in many styles to ensure you don't sacrifice your look.

2. Check the Fit

The correct fit plays a role in most types of winter clothing and clothing in general. Choosing the right fit is crucial while picking your perfect winter coat.

If you want suitable sizes, think big. Opt for one size larger than your typical suit jacket size. It will allow you to move without any restrictions. Also, the layers underneath won't bind your shoulders and neck.

If it's suitable, the shoulder seams should fall just over the edge of your shoulder. It'll ensure an enhanced profile while wearing a blazer or suit.

3. Test the Size

The length of your winter coat is another crucial factor for coats online. Your height and preferences dictate the ideal length. You could choose a cropped blouson-style coat, something longer or a full- or three-quarter-length coat.

A full-length coat should fall around the lower level of your shins. It often looks smarter than a three-quarter-length design. This style works well on taller men.

Three-quarter length coats should end between the lower parts of your knee and trouser pockets. It's a perfect choice if you're fashion-conscious. It works as high-street and designer clothing too.

4. Choose Either Single or Double-Breasted Coats

Double-breasted overcoats have been pretty fashionable in recent years. But, you also get single-breasted variants.

A single-breasted piece is more practical. You can wear this coat open or closed. But that's not the case with double-breasted coats you find while coats online shopping. This coat should always remain closed.

Further, a well-tailored single-breasted coat provides a slim appearance. It's a bonus during the winter months. After all, the weather demands extra layers on your clothing most often.

5. A Blend of Form and Function

When you're shopping online, it's easy to get carried away sometimes. You have such good variety on display, so it tends to happen. You should add your options or favourites to the cart.

Once that's done, compare the price, quality and features. Then pick the better of them all. In the process, please don't overlook the form for function.

Ask yourself where and when you'll be wearing it. If you're looking for workwear, a roomy overcoat is good. If you're looking for something casual, think of jeans and sneakers.

Consider a lightweight mac or structured pea coats for casual looks without compromising on smartness.

6. Think Long-Term

Your budget determines whether your choice will be basic or high-end. But please focus on quality over quantity. Also, consider a piece that will last beyond one winter season.

If you invest in good-quality yet expensive winter coats online, it's fine. You don't need to worry as it will last for the long term.

A high-quality coat lasts longer if you look after it. If you pick a classic style over a contemporary one, it will last season after season.

7. Classic Coats Are a Go-To

The classic coats online will always include the colours and features that have worked over time. You will see a lot of grey, tan, navy and black winter coats online. They'll always look good, o matter where you wear them.

You can wear them weekly, and they'll pair well with most items.

8. Focus on Details

Once you've narrowed down your options, look at the details. The minute details and features can elevate a coat from ordinary to extraordinary.

If you turn up a collar with a wide cut, it'll protect you from the elements. A back belt will give you a slim silhouette. It also allows the coat to drape off your waist.

And you shouldn't forget about accessories while looking for coats online. Consider a patterned scarf, a dapper hat or even sneakers. You can use the rest of your wardrobe to customize your look. You will end up with a stand-out winter ensemble.

More Tips for Buying Coats Online

Here's how to choose the perfect outerwear to keep warm. To stay extra snug, don't forget to top your look with a cozy hat.

1. Before Shopping

It's essential to think about the activity. The colder your climate, the warmer the coat should be. It also applies to a less intense activity you'll be wearing it for.

2. For Maximum Warmth

look out for wool or down. Ideally, the fill power should be 500 or more. And remember, the higher the fill power, the better the insulation will be.

Consider a water-resistant fabric, like nylon or polyester. Some are washable too. If you're sensitive to down, opt for synthetic fills.

3. Removable lining

For fluctuating weather, buy coats with a zip-out lining in wool, down, or fleece. You could wear the shell and lining separately or together.

4. For the Dressy Occasions

Look for woollen coats online with buttons to the neck. Double-breasted and longer styles are the warmest ones and also dressier options. Fabrics like angora, cashmere, and mohair look great but are delicate.

They might not be capable of handling a coat's usual wear and tear. For the look and the durability, wool blends are an excellent choice too. But it shouldn't be blended with more than 10 percent of fancy materials.

How to Maintain Your Winter Coats

As mentioned, a good winter coat will last years with the proper love and care. So here are some tips on the ways to take good care of them:

1. Check the Care Tag

Whenever you're winter coats lad up at your house, check the care tag instructions. You can do that while you're shopping them online too. It'll help when you need to wash them after a few uses.

It's the first rule of thumb before washing anything. The care tag usually has all the information you need. It mentions whether your coat is machine-washable or hand-washable.

It also mentions which wash cycle and water temperature it needs. Apart from this, you'll see instructions about specific detergents and how to dry the coat.

These are the rules more than suggestions. If you pay attention to them, your coat will thank you.

2. Pre-Treat all the Stains

If you haven't washed your coats in a while, you'll see a few stains. It could be food, dirty snow, puddle splashes, or sweat.

Pre-treat these stains with a stain remover or a squirt of dish soap. Apply the treatment to the stain, and let it soak for 10 minutes. Next, toss it into the washing machine or scrub it with a wet cloth.

3. Fasten Your Buttons and Zippers

The metal on the zippers can damage other clothes in the washing machine. So, it's best to zip, fasten, and button everything on your coat. Do this before washing it.

It also retains your coat's shape as it tumbles around in the machine.

4. Wash Similar Fabrics Together

When opposite materials rub together, it could cause pilling, fading, or degradation of your clothes.

Wash them separately or with similar fabrics to keep your coat in prime condition. Keep wool with wool, nylon with nylon, fleece with fleece, and so on.

These are some basics to look at while maintaining your winter coats. So keep this in mind when you shop your coats online.

Winter Coats Online: Ways to Wash 4 Types of Coats

Now let's look at some ways to wash coats in particular.

1. A Wool Coat

Wool coats are among the popular coats in the winter market. But how should you wash them?

For most wool coats, dry cleaning is often the best option. And if the tag says "dry clean only", please avoid cleaning it at home.

If you don't need to dry clean, you can use your washing machine. Before doing this, you should prepare your wool coat for washing.

To prep your woollen coat, use a garment brush and brush it in a downward motion. Do this over a towel to clean up any dirt and debris. Then, spot treat the stains with a certified product for wool garments.

Once the stains are treated, turn the coat inside out. Then, place the coat in a mesh washing bag to avoid snagging. If your washing machine has a wool cycle, it's great. Or else, set it to a gentle cycle and only use a wool wash. Please don't use a regular detergent.

Finally, hang the coat flat to dry. If it seems too much, send it to a professional for dry cleaning.

2. A Down Coat

Down winter coats is another set of popular warm coats online. But they're also pretty expensive. So preserve them for longer periods by caring for and washing them correctly. Luckily, these coats online are easier to clean than wool.

Before putting it into a washing machine, pretreat any stains on the coat. You should wash down coats in a front-loading washing machine or one without a centre agitator for best results. Ideally, you want very gentle agitation for your down coats.

Add your detergent and choose one that's formulated for down coats. When your cycle is complete, dry the coat in the dryer on a low heat cycle. Try using woollen dryer balls to fluff your coat after a tumble in the machine.

When your coat is damp, bring it out of the dryer and hang it dry. Do it until it's thoroughly dry to avoid any shrinkage or damage.

3. A Faux Fur Coat

The fur on any coats online is a thing of pure beauty. There is an artificial variant to real fur. It's known as "faux fur". Many of you might've seen coats with faux fur trims.

When you buy it, it looks ultra-stylish. But the real work starts when your coats get dirty and stained. Gradually, your coat starts looking less glamorous. But, getting that trim back at its luxurious best is easy.

You should ideally resort to hand washing if it's faux fur. It's more work than the washing machine, but there's a lesser risk of ruining your coat!

If possible, please remove the fur trim from the coat. Or else, work around it and clean the rest of your coat. But please ensure that you follow the care tag's instructions.

First, fill a basin or sink with cool water and a tablespoon of gentle detergent. Then, add your faux fur and submerge it entirely. After that, let it soak for 10 minutes. Later, squeeze out the soapy water and rinse it clear.

Now. roll up your faux fur in a towel and squeeze it to get rid of the water. Then you can air-dry it on a drying rack until it's fully dry. Once your fur is fully dry, brush it with a soft brush.

4. A Fleece Coat

Fleece might not look as fancy as wool or down. But, it has its relevance in winter climates. And you should check your care label for wash-care instructions. Here are some simple steps to wash your fleece coats at home.

First, turn the coat inside out before washing. It will prevent pilling on the exteriors of the garment. Also avoid washing fleece coats with heavy fabrics items such as denim jeans. It can damage to the fabric.

You can machine-wash the coat with cold water on the cycle. You should also use a high-quality deep cleaning detergent in the process. After the wash cycle, lay it flat and allow it to air-dry.

Conclusion

I hope this guide was helpful in some way. It had a few tips on buying and maintaining your shopped coats online.

Whichever coats you shop for, ensure they remain with you for a long time. As you've read, they can come at a cost. So might as well invest the money in a piece worthy of each penny. But yes, you should do your bit y taking good care of your coat too.

So I hope that you get your hands on some fantastic coats online this winter season. Please keep all the basics in mind; the rest will take care of itself.

This post was written by Kosha team member - Shawn Mathias