During the cold winter months, it’s important to find the perfect winter coat that is equal parts warm, comfortable, and fashionable. But, it can be hard to know which coat fabric can tick all of those boxes and be considered the best material for a winter coat when the time comes to make a purchase. Winter coats are meant to last for years, so if you get one that doesn’t satisfy your needs, you might have to shell out even more money to buy a better coat next season. So, what is the warmest material for winter coats?
We want to help you know more about selecting the warmest coat materials that are sure to protect you from the cold. So, below are three durable, warm fabrics to look for when you’re out shopping this season. Be sure to review our list of the best material for winter coats below. Happy shopping!
The Best Materials for Winter Coats
Wool
When people think of the best material for winter coats, one of the first fabrics that go into their minds is wool. Wool is a gorgeous, and incredibly warm fabric for winter coats. Wool is lightweight, yet strong, which makes it durable and long-lasting. Wool is a natural fabric, typically gotten from sheep, and creates a natural insulation due to the air pockets that are naturally present throughout. And because it’s a natural fabric, it is also naturally water-resistant, so it’s a great option for keeping warm and dry through the snowy weather. All-in-all, it’s one of the warmest coat material options for both a casual or formal winter coat.
Tweed
We may be cheating a little bit, but tweed is a fabric that had to make it onto the list. When considering the right coat materials for your winter wardrobe you should consider this warm fabric. Tweed is made out of wool or wool blend and usually comes in naturally-occurring colors. Tweed is also very durable and can come in a variety of options in terms of how heavy it is. Lightweight tweed coats are a good option for more mild fall temperatures while heavyweight tweed coats can withstand even the most frigid of winters. The sky’s the limit for this versatile fabric!
Natural Fur and Faux Fur
It is no surprise that fur is one of the best coat materials for winter coats. Fur is soft, luxurious, and downright warm. Humans have been wearing fur for millions of years and it has never gone out of fashion for a reason. It is water-resistant and can withstand temperatures well below freezing. Now, fur coats come in much more flattering silhouettes but there still as durable and warm as ever. They are even available in a faux fur option so you can have the same level of warmth and quality without having to use an animal’s coat and you can often pay less for it.
Cashmere
Cashmere is a type of wool obtained from particular goat breeds (such as the cashmere goat). It’s lightweight, warm, luxurious, and among the softest jacket materials available. Since it’s also one of the more expensive coat fabrics and is fairly delicate, cashmere coats tend to be better suited for special occasions and fancy evening events. The peacoat is a common jacket style made of cashmere and is one of the warmest materials for winter.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane often referred to as a type of faux leather, is another great winter coat material. By itself, it’s not going to be the warmest, though as many jackets are made of a blend of fabrics, don’t be surprised if you see polyurethane in the mix as outer material. (Polyurethane is often used in a similar way to leather when it comes to jackets.) It’s lightweight, breathable, and provides reliable protection against rain and snow. Polyurethane won’t be quite as durable long-term compared to leather, though it’s easier to care for and quite stylish.
Cotton
Cotton is an extremely versatile fabric that’s also traditionally used in jackets, sweatshirts, and other types of outerwear. It’s soft and breathable and offers a good alternative for people with an allergy to wool or fleece. Cotton does tend to absorb moisture and won’t be the best insulator for colder temperatures compared to other coat materials, though it works well in combination with other layers. It’s common to find winter jackets made with cotton or a blend of fabrics and then lined with something like fleece or polyester for added warmth.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic, silk-like material that’s another one of the best materials for winter coats. While nylon doesn’t offer much warmth by itself, it makes an excellent outer shell since it’s durable, water and weather-resistant, and easy to clean. Nylon tends to be a little more expensive than polyester, though it’s also softer and stronger. Lightweight nylon winter jackets are perfect for those crisp late fall days, while heavier-duty coats with a nylon outer material and plush lining are a comfortable choice when the temperatures drop.
Fleece
If you’re looking for a warm and cozy winter jacket, fleece might be the way to go! It’s soft, fuzzy, and versatile in a range of temperatures owing to its different weights. Fleece isn’t the warmest material for winter coats compared to wool or down, though it will still keep you plenty toasty. Add a fleece pullover as an excellent mid-layer when it’s really cold for extra insulation, or choose a light fleece jacket by itself for cooler days.
Since fleece isn’t particularly water or weather-resistant, many coat manufacturers will also use it as a liner material, for a perfect blend of comfort, utility, and style. And despite being a little harder to clean compared to something like cotton, it’s fairly breathable and fast-drying should it get wet.
Flannel
Flannel pajamas, blankets, and shirts are known for their snug comfort during the fall and winter months. Flannel offers breathable warmth that’s soft to the touch like fleece, although fleece tends to be a little better at holding in heat. As a coat material, look for bulky shirt-style jackets made of thick flannel, or for its use as a plush liner underneath weather-resistant fabrics like nylon or a woven synthetic.
How to Care for Your Winter Coat
No matter which of these warm coat materials you opt to get for the winter, it’s imperative to know how to take care of it so it can last for multiple seasons. Most of the time, higher quality jacket materials can only be dry cleaned and it’s important to find a great dry cleaning company that can provide quality services to not just your coat, or other winter fabrics, but all of your garments.
That’s where we come in. Visit Mulberrys Garment Care to get the highest-quality dry cleaning for all of your warm winter coats. We offer environmentally-friendly dry cleaning services that are specifically designed for particular fabrics, so no matter which fabric you choose, it will be cleaned effectively. For those staying warm with fur or fuax fur garments, you can take advantage of our fur cleaning services. We also offer free pickup and delivery from our locations in Minneapolis and San Francisco. Schedule your drop-off today!