HOW TO CHOOSE
A WINTER JACKET

Text by:Quartz Co.

Like most items we intend to keep and use for years to come, a winter jacket is an investment piece. We rely on our winter jackets to deliver us warmth and comfort all season long, wearing it everyday for nearly half of the calendar year – depending on where you live. And a quality winter jacket will last you years of everyday wear,. Because a winter jacket is one of our most durable purchases and our most-worn garments, it’s worth taking the time to choose the one that’s right for you. 

When it comes to winter outerwear, the options are many -- and Quartz Co. delivers when it comes to selection. We provide winter jackets in a range of fits, shapes, materials, and warmth to suit a wide spectrum of all-weather dwellers. Whether you prefer down to synthetic insulators, or whether you live in an extreme cold rather than a mild climate, Quartz Co. has you covered. To help you narrow down your selection and choose the style that suits your lifestyle, we’ve outlined the most important factors to consider when choosing a winter jacket. 

FIT

From fitted down jackets to directional oversized styles, Quartz Co. provides a range of fits that cater to a wide variety of lifestyles and preferences. The first step in choosing your preferred fit is to determine your size and measurements. To learn how to take your measurements, visit our “Size & Fit Guide,” where you will find a size chart and a list of step-by-step instructions on how to take your body measurements.  

Once you’ve determined your size, you can find which fit is right for you. To determine your preferred fit, you’ll need to consider a few different factors, including whether you’d like your jacket to fit snugly or loosely, and whether you’d like to wear it with lighter or heavier layers. Visit our “Size & Fit Guide” for detailed descriptions of each fit to determine which is right for you. 

CLIMATE

First and foremost, winter jackets are designed to deliver warmth. That’s why, when choosing your new coat, it’s important to consider the type of climate in which you’ll be wearing it. Quartz Co. provides three categories of winter jackets, which all offer different degrees of warmth and protect against different climates.  

Our lightweight jackets provide warmth in mild climates, where temperatures dip no lower than 23°F / -5°C. However, if you live in a moderately cold climate, where the temperatures can drop down to -4°F / -20°C, then we suggest choosing a midweight jacket, which is designed specifically for these kinds of conditions. Finally, if you live in a harsh climate, where temperatures drop as low as -40°F / -40°C, then a heavyweight jacket is the right choice for you, as these jackets are designed to deliver warmth in even the most extreme cold. 

MATERIALS

We offer winter jackets in an array of different materials, a range of impermeability characteristics, and two different types of insulation. All of our textiles are breathable and offer at least some water-resistance.

WATER-RESISTANT VS. WATERPROOF

Quartz Co. offers winter jackets with two types of resistance against wetness: water-resistant and waterproof. Water-resistant textiles are coated with a durable water repellent (DWR) and are able toresist the penetration of water to a certain degree. Water-resistant jackets work best in climates that are dry rather than wet or very snowy. On the other hand, waterproof textiles are impermeable to water, meaning they resist the penetration of water completely. Waterproof jackets are best worn in humid climates with lots of snow. Waterproof textiles also increase the insulating power of down fill, as down performs best when it’s dry rather than damp. All of Quartz Co.’s midweight and heavyweight winter jackets are made with waterproof textiles to optimize warmth, comfort, and dryness during the cold winter season.

DOWN VS. SYNTHETIC INSULATORS

The main difference between down and synthetic insulators lies in their composition: down is a natural fibre sourced from the undercoats of various birds, and synthetic insulation is usually made from polyester, either raw or recycled, and is made to mimic down’s natural softness. Weight-for-weight, synthetic insulation is less warm than down. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, maintains its insulating power in damp conditions. 

So, should you choose a winter jacket with down or synthetic insulation? The simple answer is: it depends. One is not better than the other in every situation. The decision to choose a down-insulated jacket or a synthetic-insulated jacket hinges on the conditions you’ll be wearing it in most of the time. Down is weight-for-weight the better insulator, so it’s more suitable than synthetic down for extremely cold conditions. Very cold conditions are usually very dry, as well, and down performs best in dry rather than humid conditions. Synthetic insulation is a very versatile insulator. It’s easy to care for, it keeps you warm in a variety of conditions, including cold and wet environments, and it’s more cost-effective than traditional down. 

CHECK THE LITTLE DETAILS ON THE JACKET

ZIPPERS

Two-way zippers – which open from the bottom and the top – allow you to adjust the comfort level of your winter jacket and increase mobility.

ADJUSTABILITY

Adjustable features will improve your winter jacket’s insulating capabilities. An adjustable waistband will allow your jacket to retain more body heat in the torso area, while an adjustable hood and storm cuffs will protect your neck and wrists from the cold.

POCKETS

Think of the number of pockets you might need, as well as the pockets’ location, size, and orientation. Fleece-lined pockets will provide additional warmth, especially when it comes to hand pockets. Most of Quartz Co.’s winter jackets have fleece-lined pockets for extra warmth and comfort.

HOOD

Check if the hood is detachable or not. This is a very practical feature if you wear your jacket through multiple seasons, and not just on particularly cold days or winter storms.

WARRANTY

Finally, you’ll want to know whether your winter jacket comes with a warranty. Winter jackets are investment pieces, meant to last many years of daily wear and tear. All Quartz Co. coats come with a lifetime warranty. With this warranty, we guarantee our products against defects in workmanship and materials for the life of the product, so you can wear it every winter, year in and year out.

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