With today’s generation prioritizing style and individuality, many persist in wearing coats even in cold snaps to maintain their stylish appearance. As coats and winter outerwear can be pricey, we’ve looked into what to consider when purchasing one and how to properly store it for long-term use.
Consider Blend Ratio Over Design
Blend ratio refers to the fiber quality indication, which tells you what type of fiber the fabric is made of and if it’s a blend, the proportion of each fiber. The material and blend ratio can affect everything from insulation to the visible shape of the coat. Therefore, you should not just consider the design when choosing a coat.
Does It Have To Be 100% Wool?
For coats, wool is the primary material, and the fabric is made by mixing synthetic fibers such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon or high-quality materials such as cashmere or alpaca. It’s advisable to refrain from purchasing coats with an excessively high content of synthetic fibers as they may lack insulation, failing to serve their purpose as a winter coat.
Which Is The Best Fiber?
Cashmere, the most popular among natural fibers, has excellent insulation and is lightweight. Still, it lacks strength and is difficult to shape, so many products are appropriately blended with wool or mohair. The higher the content of high-quality fibers, the better the product in all aspects and the best coats have at least 10% cashmere and 80% or more wool or mohair content.
Trend of Handmade Coats
There was a time when handmade coats were in vogue. Handmade coats refer to those where two pieces of fabric are sewn together by hand so that the seam is invisible, a feature that makes them look like double-sided coats. High-end coats that require a lot of handiwork often don’t even have a separate handmade tag.
Finding The Right Fit For You
In winter, many people wear thick knits as innerwear, so choosing a slightly larger size can be helpful. Also, depending on the collar shape of the coat, it can be divided into oversized collar, high neck, jacket type, etc., and it’s best to choose the most versatile coat considering the combination of winter clothes and accessories you have.
Which Color Should I Buy?
With various coat colors available, choosing the color can be one of the most challenging decisions when buying a coat. Select a safe color if you’re unfamiliar with fashion or struggle with color combinations. Black is versatile as an outerwear for any color innerwear, while camel or beige can give a warm impression.
Other Considerations
In addition, carefully examine the material, thickness, and weight. No matter how pretty a coat may be, if it’s heavy or the blend ratio isn’t excellent, it won’t provide enough insulation. The best way is to try it in person and always check the blend ratio on the label inside the coat! Also, check whether the stitching and buttons are well attached, whether there are any loose threads at the hem, and whether pilling is likely to occur.
Alpaca Coat Care Method
Alpaca, a soft and shiny material, has recently gained popularity as a winter outerwear material. It is as popular as wool for coat materials and should have an alpaca or mohair content of 80% or more in the product. Alpaca has the advantage of not generating static electricity, so it doesn’t attract dust. It doesn’t discolor, but if pressure is applied for a long time, the fabric can clump or lose its shine, so caution is needed. If stains occur on an alpaca coat, gently scrub them with a soft material like a sponge, and when storing, always hang it on a hanger to prevent wrinkles.
Frequent Dry Cleaning Is A No-No
Wool, the most commonly used material for coats, is easy to care for when appropriately blended with synthetic fibers. Store it in a well-ventilated shade to remove moisture and prevent static electricity using a fabric softener or rinse. It’s best not to dry clean too frequently. After washing, remove the plastic cover to prevent moisture buildup.
Closet Storage Tips
It’s good to wear coats alternately with other clothes and pay attention to contaminants. Before storing in the closet, dust off any debris attached to the coat. If dust accumulates, the coat’s luster will disappear. Since it’s sensitive to humidity, it’s best to store it in a well-ventilated place, and covering it with a garment cover can also help. For coats with long fur, brushing along the grain of the fabric can prevent pilling by spreading clumped fur.
By. Jeon Shin Young
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