What to Look for When Shopping for a Warm Winter Coat

There are many places in the United States where a really warm coat is needed in the winter. I, in fact, live in one of those places. When the wind chill gets to below zero and it's snowing like crazy outside, you want to make sure that you are going to be as warm as possible outside in the cold weather. But, on the other hand, you don't want to look the marshmallow man all swallowed up in clothing. Here are some different materials that coats are made out of and you can decide which one may be the best for where you live.
Shearling
Shearling is soft and supple and is actually a lamb pelt. It is one of the warmest materials in the winter for a winter coat. Shearling is a great option for a dressier coat such as a long pea coat or trench for winter time. It is also more comfortable than other furs and is not as heavy as a fur like sheepskin. The material is rain-resistant, but it not completely waterproof.
Fur
When it comes to keeping you warm in the cold weather, not all furs are equal. Sable is the warmest, but is also the most expensive. Other quite warm insulators are mink, fox, and chinchilla. Rabbit and beaver are less expensive but are not as warm. Furs are not for many people, as many do not like the idea of them being made from animals, but they are an option for some people.
Down
Down coats are usually seen out on the ski slopes and in the cold extreme temperatures. There is a reason for that, as down is a very warm material for a winter coat. Look for a winter coat that has a down fill concentration of at least 600 or higher. This will allow for maximum warmth with your coat. When choosing a down filled coat, make sure that the outer layer or shell is waterproof as down itself takes long to dry. Not everyone can wear a puffy, down coat, but it is a great option if you are going to be spending a lot of time in the cold weather.
Synthetic Materials
There are a couple of man-made insulators for winter coats such as Thermolite and Gore-Tex. They are less bulky than down but will still keep you warm when the weather is minus 10 degrees. Another bonus is that they dry faster and they can be have a smaller shape. These materials can make great casual winter coats if you know that you will be spending time in the cold.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Warm Winter Coat