In Quebec, the coat is worn three seasons a year. It is therefore important to know how to choose it. Although its primary function is to protect you from the cold, it is also important that it be stylish and comfortable. There are several criteria to consider before proceeding to the checkout : cut, color, size, materials and style. Here are our tips and advice!
The ideal cut
Before choosing the cut of your coat, you need to know your silhouette. Here are our tips for different body types.
If you're small, choose a short or medium length coat. The ideal length does not exceed the buttocks. Coats that are too long will tend to crush you.
However, if you want to go in that direction, opt for patterns or vertical stripes to slim and add volume to your waist.
If you have curves, you need a coat that will structure your silhouette. It is then necessary to opt for a fitted model to mark your size.
If you're tall and have a complex about it, choose a short coat. On the other hand, to emphasize your size, long coats, which are very trendy, will fit you like a glove. If you are going in this direction, avoid adding too much volume. The straight cut will be more advantageous.
The V-shaped morphology will avoid shoulder pads so as not to further enlarge his already athletic figure.
An A-shaped body type will opt for a straight coat that will not accentuate the volume at the hips. This silhouette will be able to go towards shoulder pads since the upper body is smaller.
H's and I's will look great in more straight cut coats. They should bring less volume to your shoulders and your pelvis to rebalance your silhouette.
The right color for you
It's understood that black is a must-have in your wardrobe. However, when you already have one, have fun!
For an everyday coat, avoid too flamboyant colors. You need to consider the colors you wear most often in order to make a smart combination.
The colors that match most easily and are most in vogue are denim blue, burgundy, emerald green, beige, cream, brown, khaki, gray and even the plaid coat.
If you want a brighter piece to wear from time to time, red, mustard yellow, royal blue and orange are original colors that will certainly enhance your look.
Then, the skin tone and the color of hair and eyes are to be considered. Beige coat with blonde hair, to be avoided. A red coat with red hair too. A light beige coat with dark blonde hair, acceptable! A burgundy coat with a copper red hair too! The secret : contrasts. Tone on tone makes the look less strong, off. However, some contrasts don't work. Green, for example. If you have a lot of redness, it will make it stand out more.
The perfect size
When shopping, always bring a cardigan, hoodie or relatively thick woolen sweater with you. When it gets really cold in the winter, no matter how much insulation your coat has, you'll probably wear a few layers underneath. If your coat is too tight, it won't warm you up properly. It can also affect your mobility.
Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect size :
The arm test : stretch your arms out in front of you or raise them to the sky. If you have "water in the basement" at your wrists and hips, your coat is too small. You will have constant cold drafts coming in through these areas.
On the other hand, if when you lift your arms into the sky, a lot of fabric is gathered around the shoulders, it may be too big for you, which is not better.
Then cross your arms from shoulder to shoulder. In other words, hug yourself. If you feel resistance in your elbows and shoulders, the size above will be a better option for you.
The shoulder seam should come just before your biceps. If it comes in the middle, either it's too big or the style is wider.
For a classic fit, the seam should line up perfectly with your shoulders.
Materials to prioritize and avoid
You will have to choose between wool, synthetic materials, down or a mixture of these.
Down as insulation has several advantages : it is very light and very warm. It is also ideal for cold and dry climates. Down coats are also the most durable and they are very comfortable.
Synthetic down also has its advantages. It is just as warm as natural down and it resists very well to cold and humid climates. This imitation of down, which is very present in new coat models, is hypoallergenic and dries very quickly. It is however heavier. It is up to you to choose what suits you best!
The impermeability of a coat is also very important. Make sure the coat is indeed waterproof or has a water-repellent treatment.
Wool coats should be mostly made of wool. The 100 % wool, although very warm and high quality, is not necessary. As long as the percentage of wool is the highest, you are assured of good quality. Wool is a great insulator, it breathes and absorbs moisture well. However, it is not waterproof and will not protect you from the wind. It is therefore perfect for milder days.
Now it's time to style
You're putting on your best suit, your favorite outfit, your most professional costume, but you don't know what coat to wear with it? Well, it's easy!
It's not time to wear your technical coat for your outdoor sports. It's time to break out your fancier coats. We don't want to break the style of the suit. It's important to choose it well so that it enhances your outfit and not the other way around.
The elegant long coat can be worn over any style of outfit. Colors such as grey, black or brown will easily match all your suits. Plus, it doesn't just look good with your costumes, it will also work well with your everyday outfits.
The trench coat is also a very good option. Classic, timeless, trendy and practical, it will enhance your suit.
The peacoat is the most casual option of all. It will not work with all your clothes, due to its length, but it is still chic and elegant.
Then, have fun : fur hood, matching hat and scarf, woolen hat and gloves... Don't mix too many colors, especially if your coat or outfit is more flamboyant, you don't want your accessories to steal the show!
Here's our great selection of coats and jackets.