It’s that time of the year again – time when the weather turns cold, reminding us to start searching for the perfect winter coat. Fortunately, most stores are more than willing to devote ample floor space to the latest winter coat trends and as such, you shouldn’t have too much trouble starting your coat buying quest.
The trouble starts once you are face-to-face with so many coats. Which style looks best? Which will be warm enough on cold winter days? You’re bound to have a lot of questions, but hopefully the following tips will help you narrow down your choices.
The first thing you’ll want to do when buying a winter coat is set a budget. How much are you willing to spend? By deciding right away what your spending limits are, you won’t have to worry about spending too much after the fact. Set a budget and stick to it.
Next, after you have found some coats that both fit into your budget and catch your eye, you’ll want to try them on. Trying on potential coats in the store will ensure that you are purchasing your new coat in the right size for you. It will also give you a chance to feel the materials and assess the coat’s visual appeal.
As you are feeling the materials, it’s always a good idea to take a moment and think about how warm or durable the materials seem to be. If you are looking for a durable coat, avoid purchasing ones that seem badly sewn or made from cheaper materials. If warmth is what you are after, then thinner coats are probably out of the question.
Before deciding whether to buy a particular coat, be sure to check the tags for washing and special care instructions. Many coats are machine washable, while some are dry clean only. Special care instructions, such as hand washing or hanging to dry may also be mentioned on the tag. If you’d like to be able to wash your coat at home, be sure the washing instructions allow it.
If everything checks out and you’ve found the perfect coat for you, it’s time to inquire about the store’s return policy. Does the store allow returns and under what conditions? How long will you have to return the coat and will you be given a full refund or store credit? It’s okay to purchase a coat with a no return policy, but if you do, be extra sure that everything is functioning properly – zippers, buttons, and clasps – and that the coat fits you well before making your purchase.
For those who don’t mind wearing last year’s fashion, try to do your coat shopping at the end of the season. Stores offer large discounts for leftover stock, so you can end up finding your perfect coat at a fraction of its original price. There are some downfalls to end-of-season shopping, however. Because the coats will have already been picked over, it can be more difficult to find a coat that you like in a size which fits you properly.
We can’t wait to see you showing off that new purchase.