Warmth in cold weather comes from layers, not from one thick garment. A thin base layer, a jumper or sweatshirt in the middle and a coat that blocks wind and wet on the outside will keep you warmer, and let you adjust more easily, than a heavy coat over a single T-shirt. That matters in places with long, cold winters, where you go from minus temperatures outside to warm shops, trams and offices.
So choose your coat and your knitwear as a set. The coat needs room for a jumper underneath, and the jumper needs to be the right thickness for the coat you wear most. Fit at the shoulders and sleeve length matters more than anything else on a coat, because those are the hardest things to alter.
Types of coat and jacket
| Type | Warmth | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Trench coat | Light, often water-resistant | Spring and autumn, rain |
| Blazer | Light | Work, layering over knitwear indoors |
| Corduroy or shacket | Light to medium | Casual autumn days |
| Wool or wool-blend coat | Medium to warm | Smart winter wear, dry cold |
| Padded or puffer jacket | Warm | Cold winter days |
| Parka | Warm, often with a hood | Wind, snow, long winters |
You will find a mix of these in the coats and jackets range. Many fashion coats are designed for style and mild weather rather than deep cold, so read the description for lining, padding and fabric.
Down or synthetic padding
Padded jackets use either down (feathers) or synthetic insulation. Down is very warm for its weight and packs small, but it takes a long time to dry if it gets wet and loses warmth while damp. Synthetic insulation is heavier and less packable but keeps working when damp and dries faster, which suits wet snow and sleet. Thicker, puffier jackets are generally warmer, as insulated jackets do not carry temperature ratings.
Fit and features to check
- Shoulders: the seam should sit at your shoulder point, with room to move your arms.
- Sleeves: long enough to cover the wrist when your arms are bent, especially with gloves.
- Length: hip length is easier to move in; knee length is warmer when sitting and waiting outside.
- Room for layers: if you plan to wear a thick jumper underneath, consider a size up, and check the chest measurement.
- Hood, collar and cuffs: a hood and closed cuffs keep wind out far better than an open collar.
Jumpers, cardigans and sweatshirts
The middle layer does most of the insulating. The main options in sweaters and sweatshirts and jumpers:
- Knitted jumpers in acrylic, cotton, wool or blends. Wool is warm and still insulates when slightly damp. Acrylic is light, warm and easy to wash but can pill. Cotton knits breathe but are less warm.
- Cardigans open at the front, so you can adjust quickly when moving between outdoors and warm rooms.
- Sweatshirts and hoodies in cotton or cotton-polyester fleece. Soft and casual, with a brushed inside that traps warmth.
- Fine knits and roll necks fit under blazers and coats without bulk, and look smart enough for work.
Chunky, open or cut-out knits look good but let cold air through, so they work best indoors or under a closed coat. Under a fitted coat, a fine knit or a sweatshirt is easier than a chunky jumper.
A simple layering plan
- Base: a long-sleeve top or thermal that fits close to the skin, such as a plain long-sleeve T-shirt.
- Middle: a jumper, cardigan or sweatshirt chosen for the day’s temperature.
- Outer: a coat that blocks wind and wet, with a hood or a hat.
- Extras: scarf, gloves and warm socks make a bigger difference than many people expect.
The blog post on dressing in layers for a Finnish winter goes into more detail.
Washing knitwear and coats
- Check the care label first. Many knits need a cool, gentle wool cycle or hand washing.
- Turn jumpers inside out and wash them with similar colours.
- Never wring knitwear. Squeeze out water gently, roll it in a towel, then dry it flat to keep its shape.
- Remove pills with a fabric shaver or comb rather than pulling them.
- Fold jumpers instead of hanging them, which stretches the shoulders.
- Padded jackets often need a low tumble dry to restore their loft; follow the label.
For more, see the blog post on washing and caring for knitwear. For general sizing help, read the guide to finding your size online.
Quick checklist
- Build warmth in three layers: base, middle and outer.
- Match the coat type to your climate and daily routine.
- Synthetic padding for wet snow, down for dry cold.
- Check shoulder fit, sleeve length and room for a jumper.
- Choose fine knits under fitted coats, chunky knits for indoors.
- Dry knitwear flat and fold it, never hang it.
- Look for a hood or closed cuffs to keep wind out.
Common questions
Should I buy a coat a size up?
Only if you plan to wear thick knitwear underneath or the size chart shows a tight chest measurement. Check the shoulder width as well: a coat that is too big in the shoulders looks sloppy and lets in cold air.
Why does my jumper pill?
Pilling happens when short fibres rub together and form small balls, especially on acrylic and blended knits. Wash inside out on a gentle cycle and remove pills with a fabric shaver.
Is a sweatshirt warmer than a knitted jumper?
It depends on the fabric and thickness. A brushed fleece sweatshirt traps warmth well and blocks a little wind, while an open knit lets air through. A dense wool jumper is usually the warmest.
