One Cleaners

Couture Dry Cleaner for New Orleans

Tips + FAQ

Buying a stylish, but functional winter coat: Tips to remember

Shearling should be distinguished between “fake” and real. While both are warm, “real” shearling, with its lamb or “poodle” looking fur is both wind and water-resistant.

Cons of Real Shearling:

  • Can stain and soil easily — so it must be inspected after each wearing.
  • Ink stains can be difficult to remove
  • Must be cleaned each season by a specialist
  • Should be stored in a cool, breathable environment

Down is, ounce for ounce, the warmest and lightest material. It is also the most compressible—as well as one of the most durable.

Cons:

  • It’s more expensive than poly-fill
  • It loses insulating properties when wet
  • It’s labor intensive to clean, and very slow to dry
  • May contain allergens, because down is not entirely hypoallergenic.

Poly-fill and “puffer” coats are easy to care for, completely hypoallergenic, and offer a greater range of options for those on a budget.

Cons:

  • Can be bulky to wear and less compact than down
  • Heavier than down
  • Breaks down over time
  • May not drape as well as down

Wool and cashmere can be very warm, especially if lined. Both can be treated to be water-resistant—and provide a good barrier to cold and wind—but performance is specific to each coat. Cashmere is typically lighter and offers more mobility than “basic” wool.

Cons:

  • Wool can be heavy and bulky to wear and store
  • Can take on an odor when wet
  • May be a problem for sensitive or allergic people

—The Clothing Doctor

This tip is © The Clothing Doctor and used with permission. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission.

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