What to Look for in a Quality Wool Coat
At Some Sun, we're sticklers for quality fabric. It's the time of year that you might be looking to invest in a quality wool coat this season, to take you into many seasons ahead. Quality clothing and fabric is becoming harder to spot. We've made this quick-guide to help you determine if the wool coat you're looking to purchase will be worth the spend.
The Some Sun® Wool Coat Buying Guide:
- Fabric Quality: Pure wool or wool blends with cashmere or alpaca are considered the highest quality, but they are not always practical or affordable. Cashmere and/ or alpaca add more softness to the wool touch. Synthetic blends are OK, especially if you live in a warmer climate. If you're looking for a truly warm coat, we personally think 60%+ synthetic isn't worth the money or time.
- Weave and Density: A tightly woven, dense fabric provides better warmth and durability. If you can see through the fabric, that is a bad sign.
- Texture: Generally coats with a slight fuzziness at purchase indicates low quality wool e.g. short staples of fiber. A coat could be a brushed wool for its particular style, but if you like a more clean look, we'd recommend non-brushed.
- Lining: A full lining (often polyester or silk) enhances comfort and durability, protecting the wool from sweat and wear. Pay attention to stitching quality in the lining as well. It also helps prevent the wool from pilling.
- Construction: Check for double stitching, especially around high-stress areas like buttons, cuffs, and hems. Reinforced seams add strength and prevent fraying over time.
- Fit and Style: Choose a cut that allows room for layering but doesn’t feel oversized. Keep in mind you might wear it over thicker sweaters, so you'll want the extra room.
- Details: Quality coats often feature durable zippers, leather accents, and sewn-in—not glued—buttons. Functional details like deep pockets, removable hoods, and adjustable cuffs add to the coat's practicality. Steer clear of pretend pockets-- you might want to put your hands in to keep them warm!
- Weight: While weight alone isn’t a quality indicator, heavier coats generally offer better insulation. Feel the fabric to judge density. If you live in a generally colder climate, you'll want a denser fabric. If you live in Florida, thick wool fabric might not be necessary.
Happy coat shopping!
xx Some Sun Team
