Buying a stylish, but functional winter coat: Tips to remember

Shearling can be fake or real. While both are warm, investment-category real shearling, with lamb- or poodle-looking fur, is wind and water-resistant.

Cons of real shearling:

Can stain and soil easily —  inspect after each wearing
Must be cleaned each season by a specialist
Should be stored in a cool, breathable environment

Down is, ounce for ounce, the warmest and lightest material. It is also the most compressible — and one of the most durable.

Cons:

It’s more expensive than poly-fill
It’s complicated to clean and very slow to dry
May trigger allergies: down is not entirely hypoallergenic.

Poly-fill and “puffer” coats are easy to care for, hypoallergenic and offer a wide range of options.

Cons:

Can be bulky to wear, won’t compact like down
Heavier than down
Breaks down over time

Wool and cashmere can be very warm, especially if lined. Both can be treated to be water-resistant — and provide a good barrier to cold and wind — but performance is specific to each coat. Cashmere is typically lighter and offers more mobility than basic wool.

Cons:

Wool can be heavy and bulky to wear and store
Can take on an odor when wet
May be a problem for sensitive or allergic people