Up with Down: Tips on Buying Outerwear

When the weather outside is frightful, you really want a coat that is not only delightful but also very warm. Hey, you might look swell strutting about in that purple, velvet trench coat, but is it really going to keep out that icy wind and rain?

Maybe Santa will bring you one of the season's hottest fashion items to warm you up: a down vest or coat. Oh so stylish and yet so functional. Now, don't we all love that?

So, how do you know what to look for when choosing quality down outerwear?

Lands' End outerwear expert, Scott Whittingham, has a few tips on getting the biggest bang for your duck buck:

— Look at the type of down used. Goose down has a greater density of feathers versus duck down and other down fills. Greater density means more warmth.

— Consider the down fill power (a measure of down's volume in cubic inches per ounce). Down with a higher fill power rating is a more efficient insulator. A higher volume means a higher degree of loft, and therefore more warmth. Lands' End down jackets range from 500 to 700 fill power.

— Look for water-resistant, waterproof and wind-resistant fabrics that are also breathable. A jacket with an outer shell that is water-resistant or waterproof will lessen the chance that the down insulation will get wet. Down clumps and becomes a less effective insulator when it is wet. Wind-resistant fabrics prevent icy winds from penetrating the outer barrier, helping to keep warmth in.

— Down is much more breathable than any synthetic fill. This allows moist air to travel away from the body through the down to keep the interior warm and dry. A shell made from a breathable fabric will enhance this ability rather than trapping the moist air.

— Consider your activities. A hood is a great addition to a jacket, but for extra warmth, look for down insulated hoods. Many down jackets also offer performance features for added convenience. Many down outerwear items pack in their own pockets for easy travel.

Here are some more of Whittingham's top tips for choosing high-quality outerwear:

— Look for temperature ratings. Consider your climate and how you will use the coat. Outerwear that is rated to perform well in certain temperature ranges will help you determine which coat best fits your needs. A coat that is temperature rated from -10 degrees to 15 degrees F can be worn to and from work while still being warm enough for shoveling snow.

— Look for performance features. With all the options available, it is important to choose a coat that integrates fabric technology to enhance its performance. Features to look for include laminates that make a coat's shell waterproof and breathable, water-repellent finishes that let moisture bead up and roll off, and barriers on inner shells that block icy wind. For fleece, Nano-Tex Resists Static is a permanent nanotechnology that helps resist static shock, static cling and particles like lint, pet hair and dust.

— Minimize bulkiness. Choose coats with insulation that is lightweight while still offering exceptional warmth. Down, when quilted, offers exceptional warmth without extra bulk. Fleece is excellent for sealing out wind and keeping warmth inside. Synthetic insulations are also a good choice as many mimic the warmth of down while offering added benefits, such as being hypoallergenic or nonabsorbent to provide warmth during the wettest weather.

— Consider the details. Some details such as hoods are easily visible, but many important extras are not. Look for concealed cuffs, adjustable draw-cord hems and combination zip-and-snap fronts with inner storm shields to help to seal out chilly drafts. For longer-length coats, a two-way zipper adds ease of mobility, while armpit zips prevent overheating in coats designed specifically for winter sports.

— Add warmth with accessories. As with coats, consider the climate and how you will use the accessories. For winter sports, look for durable nylon shells, reinforced palms and fingertips, as well as fleece with stretch for ease of movement. Fabrics like cable-knit cotton, wool or cashmere offer an ideal combination of style and warmth for everyday or special occasions.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association.