I should have thought of this checklist in the fall or winter. ahh well. So it’s either a little bit late or really early. Ask these questions when buying a new coat and you might be more likely to make a choice you are pleased with.

Main things to consider when buying a new or used coat. They are appearance, maintenance and function.

Appearance:
-Why buying a hood with the coat you will want to determine if you want a loose one or one that is tight around the head.
-Do you want a hood that is detachable?
-What are the pros and cons of having a furry rim around the hood?
-Belts can be a great accessory for appearance or they can get in the way. or they can close the coat loosely without having to button up.
-some people like reversible coats.
-Pockets can be useful or can interrupt the flow of appearance in a coat

Maintenance:
-Determine what the cost difference is for cleaning or the longevity of the material.
-What type of coats are more likely to absorb body odor?
-what materials are known to last long?
-I found no local laundry willing to clean a leather coat and I don’t know about fur coats.
-Is some material less likely to get scuffed up?

Coat functionality:
-You want a coat that will serve its purposed but won’t be over kill. For example some coats have removable interior lining so you can increase or decrease temperature.
-Some people don’t often get cold arms and a warm vest or wind breaker may be adequate.
-others may want their entire body covered and so may have the bottom of the coat to reach the knees.
-Consider the pros and cons of zippers verses button when you have your gloves on.
-Wool is reported to still maintain body heat even when it gets wet.
-Polyesters are known to not breath very well.
-Some coats may have documentation of how cold the coat will protect against.
-Do you want a coat that will adjust to thicker clothes as well as thin?
-does the coat has a stain guard already on it or is it water proof?
-Do the edges and interior of the coat look finished or does it display rough edges that might indicate lower quality?

Suggested web sites:
– http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/fashion/winter-coat-shopping-advice
– http://63.240.88.209/Fashion/Fashion-Spotlight/The-Big-Chill-Winter-Coat-Guide
– http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/ycn-143bf80e-5ac8-32b9-b68b-205eaff906b0/winter-coat-shopping-tips-173800581/
– http://tips.become.com/winter-coats/Shopping-For-Winter-Coats.html