This may seem like a silly question, but how do you determine whether a coat looks warm to you? I have a hard time determining if a coat, even if I have the opportunity to feel/touch it, is warm for the wearer if the wearer isn't me. Do you go by the material? The brand? The heaviness?
I ask this for two specific reasons. First, I buy winter coats for my kids online. So, I usually don't have the opportunity to touch the coat (not that this would help me much!) before buying. And like I said, even if I buy in stores, I touch it and it seems warm and soft, so that is what I go on! My husband says to look for "good" brands, that you know those are warm...ie Columbia, etc. To me, those coats seem so lightweight and a heavier less expensive coat seems warmer...but what do I know.
Second, I am ordering some coats to donate to a local charity organization who gives them out to homeless people or those without heat in their homes. These coats have to be SUPER warm. How do I find the warmest adult coat I can possibly find?
ETA: ok, now for my second part - with regard to the homeless folks, I cannot afford to buy super nice columbia or ll bean jackets for each of the men who need one. Where can I get cheaper but still warm coats?
I actually research that which makes it warm. If it is down I look to see how the down is rated, fiber same thing. Really other than that it is trial and error.
How do you find it, Eddie Bauer or Lands End.
So far as homeless, resale shops. Cheap is cheap, they will not keep anyone warm
If I want warm, I have to have down. Goose down, duck down. If the lining is filled with down and feathers, it will be a warm coat, regardless of brand name.
LL Bean or Landsend (and I'm guessing REI) all have their kids rated to temperature.
For homeless - I'd try a thrift store, or try the LandEnd Inlet (for seconds and returned items - funny colors, etc.). I often find great coats for my own kids at the Inlet that are last years styles, or have a monogram on them or something.
THe prices are good.
I googled "how to buy a warm winter coat" and was directed to numerous sites. Here is one that I found helpful. http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/style/chi-winter-c...
As to buying a coat to donate, I'd shop thrift and used clothing stores. My family often gets their coats from a thrift store.
I agree with your husband that there are brands that are known for making warm outerwear. With all the new technology in clothing, weight rarely is an indicator of warmth. Warm coats can be incredibly light these days.
Often they will say what weather they are suited for if you go to a site like LLBean or Columbia. If you can, go to a store that carries that coat and stick your arm in it. That's what I do. I see how it warms up and try to determine "okay, this has a cinch at the bottom that will keep the air out" or "hrm, this is so puffy that the kid won't be able to move/it might be dangerous in a car seat." Go with somewhere with a good return policy if you are unsure. In other words, skip the Totsy sale if you aren't sure you're going to like the coat. My DD has done well thus far in her Circo 3 in 1 coat. I buy a size up and she uses them for 2 years. One layer only can be OK for the carseat and 2 layers is good for play.
ETA: To save money, try going to a consignment store or buying a decent-looking coat from somewhere cold, like Shopko.com (which sells clothing in MN). Some coat is better than no coat and it may be easier for them to get mittens and shirts than a coat.
I know LL Bean rates them for temperatures.
Eddie Bauer might do the same.
And, generally speaking, wool & or cashmere = warm!
I look for the material contents of the coat. If the coat is 100% down, then you know that will be a very warm coat.
I look for down filled coats. My North Face parka is not only the warmest coat I have ever owned, it is also the lightest.
For the homeless people I would buy good quality winter coats second hand at a thrift store. The homeless want warm coats, but aren'r concerned about whether they are current fashions or colours.
I have had luck with the Columbia 3 in 1 jackets. They have a zip in layer of fleece with a windproof outer shell. The windproof really does help to keep you warmer.
Now I need all the help that I can get because I do not generate body heat unless I am really moving around for a while. I bought a Columbia Omni-Heat which is supposed to reflect your body heat back at you and make you warmer. Well when you don't produce the body heat to begin with, it is sort of lost on you. So my Omni-Heat jacket is my 'spring' coat :-(
Answering the second part of your question: I've picked up name brand coats at consignment shops, savers, and goodwill. You can usually also find boots and other winter things too.
If it's 100% down, it will be very warm but useless when wet.
Primaloft, is like a synthetic down and is also warm and can be washed easily.
Wool is very warm.
Goretex and fleece coats that have Windstopper fabrics in them will be much warmer than a plain fleece or regular raincoat. They shield you from the elements to a higher degree.
Read the label. Aren't you wonderful buying for the homeless. God bless you.
Wool is a great insulator. Other than that it's high tech stuff.
We always get Lands End or LL Bean coats and they are always warm. Look for them at ski swaps, consignment stores, and re-sales. Coats with layers are the warmest. Look for a coat with a windproof, waterproof shell, and a fleece lining and an inner light jacket zipped in. Look for ones that have fleece lined hoods and can cover up your neck if needed. Also if it covers your butt it is a lot warmer than a short coat.
i buy better brands.. usually columbia, ll bean lands end.. my daughter has an arizona 2 part coat (zip out inner fleece layer) that feels pretty warm.
I do feel the material.. does it feel thick? does it have cuffs to keep out wind at the wrist? my kids are skinny so I try to find a coat that tightens in the waist.
I have looked at walmart or kmart coats and they dont look liek they would keep you very warm in michigan..
Go on Craigslist or Bookoo and look for used Columbia, North Face, etc.
for good prices. But the good warm coats are not cheap like Walmart or Target.
