When you're in the hustle and bustle of a crowned city street look around you. Everyone seems to own a goose down coat. Recently I bought one, and now I understand the reason for their popularity.
Ultra warm and lightweight, it's my new go-to coat.
Before selecting it, I shopped around and asked lots of questions. I learned, if you want a warm down coat that needs less layering, it should be at least 70% down, with 600 fill insulation.
Based on quality and style, I liked three companies: Moncler, North Face and Lands' End. Each makes a super warm coat that lets you bundle up without bulking up. Good. Let's avoid a Michelin Man look. After I considered a fourth element -- cost verses value, I chose the Down Chalet Coat from Lands' End. Here's why: Designed as stylish as its competitors, it has all the bells and whistles for a fraction of the cost!
Lands' End's Chalet Coat is 80% natural goose down with 650 fill insulation, which is comparable to the others. It has (1) an attractive wind and water resistant polyester shell; (2) snaps and a zipper [double] closure; (3) a goose down insulated, snap-off hood; (4) micro-fleece storm cuffs; and (5) 5 pockets [3 inside and 2 fleece-lined outside]. All 5 pockets zip closed. And what makes the coat truly warm in the coldest weather is (6) a wind blocking chin guard. With the chin guard and insulated hood, I don't have to wear a scarf, or hat in 17 degrees F. So far, I've avoided hat hair and wearing extra layers of clothing. Plus, I get lots of compliments wearing it. It's surprising how toasty warm such a lightweight coat is.
The coat is mid-calf, longer than it photographs and machine washable too. Extra tip from Landsend: When machine drying your coat, throw in a few tennis balls to fluff it up.
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