Pointers for Winter Coat buying

Jessica writes, I am a teacher and do yard duty. For the last 15 years every coat and jacket I have purchased has had a hood. I am tired of the “hooded” coats. I am due for a new coat. Hats give me “hat head” problems. Any suggestions?

Dear Jessica, I understand the problem. It is impractical to be outdoors in Canadian winters without a cover for your head. A hood does do the job and doesn’t flatten your hair. However, the solution does not have to be a coat with an attached hood.

For the same comfort try using a shawl or warm scarf, not knotted under your chin but placed so that it can both warm your neck and cover your head when needed. Place the scarf or shawl over your head the old fashioned way, put on the coat or jacket and then simply drop the scarf back. It works as a scarf that frames your face and keeps your neck warm. Then when you need a hood, simply pull up the scarf or shawl and you have one. This way all of your coats and jackets will work comfortably in winter without having to have an attached hood.

Also you can use a variety of scarves for this purpose and accomplish the goal of warmth and have different looks as well. If you don’t want to use a scarf there is a very practical accessory which is available. I call it a “hoody”. This is a hood with a scarf attached. It simply does the job of both a scarf and a hood. It is formed to the hood shape and easy to place. Either way, know that every jacket you own need not be hooded. If accessorized correctly any jacket or coat can go to work and keep your head and neck warm.

Annette writes I just tried on a tailored fitted coat. It looked great but when I put it on over my suit jacket it was very close fitting. How should a coat fit?

Dear Annettte, A coat must do the job you need it to do. If you just hop in and out of a car, your needs will be different than someone who walks to work.

Remember a coat is an outer layer. It should fit over your normal wardrobe. If you are a suit person your coat should comfortably go over your jacket. A fitted coat should still accommodate these needs. Make certain that the sleeve length comes to where your thumb starts or a little longer. Bend your elbow, the sleeve should then be no higher than your wrist.

Jean writes, I have a wool knee length coat. As soon as the wind blows , it gets right through to my back. Is there a way to make my coat warmer?

Dear Joan Put your hand up under the lining of the coat up to the center back. Is there a piece of suede or leather as an inner lining? If not, buy a chamois in an automotive supply store large enough to stitch it to the inside shoulder seams of your coat and fall part way down your back. This piece of suede will serve as a wind break and increase the warmth of your coat.