Your Guide to Coats & Thermal Layers

Being active in the winter can be intimidating unless you know your gear. What kind of coats and underwear are warmest? Which are the most breathable? What materials should you choose for a specific activity?

Read our guide to find out!

Protection

Flexible or rigid protective garments, also called shells, protect you from the elements like wind, rain, and snow. They are lightweight, breathable, and tear resistant for long-lasting protection.

Lamination

The process of applying a protective membrane to the main fabric of a garment.

Windproof, waterproof and breathable pictograms

Two-Layer Membrane

The membrane is glued to the outside rather than the lining, protecting the membrane from wear.

Three-Layer Membrane

The outer layer, the membrane, and the lining are joined to form a single fabric. The three layers make the garment even stronger.

Water Repellent, Waterproof, and Water Resistant

Water repellent: The garment repels water. Heavier rain will eventually get through. Water repellency fades over time, but can be maintained with the proper products.

Waterproof: The type of fabric or finish used on the garment completely prevents water from passing through.

Water resistance index: This is measured in millimeters. If the water resistance level is less than 8,000 mm, the garment is water repellent. Anything above 8,000 mm is considered waterproof.

Breathability Index

Breathability is measured in grams per square metre and refers to a fabric's ability to wick away water vapour and moisture such as perspiration. A fabric with good breathability will considerably reduce the amount of moisture that accumulates in the garment. Wet skin cools down more quickly, so it's important to choose activewear with good breathability to prevent you from getting too cold or overheating.

Warmth

Figuring out the perfect combination of clothes to wear is the key to staying comfortable when practicing cold weather sports. What base layer do you choose? Which insulation? What weight? Your needs will change from fall to winter, skiing to running, morning to night.

Merino and Synthetic Knits: Thermoregulation

Merino Wool

This naturally technical fibre neutralizes odours and prevents bacteria from growing. Athletes love how soft and delicate it feels against their skin. It makes excellent outerwear because it keeps the wearer warm and wicks away moisture.

Polar Fleece and Synthetic Knits

In addition to being extremely comfortable, these fabrics dry very quickly. They are also generally affordably priced. The underwear, in-between layers, and fleece jackets come in various thicknesses, and can have antibacterial treatments applied to them to reduce odours.

Take a look at the weight listed on your merino undergarment.
It will likely be between 100 and 300 g/m².

The more it weighs, the denser and warmer the garment will be.

Down, Feathers, and Synthetic Down: Insulation

Down and Feathers

Down and feathers are great at conserving heat, which makes for very light and effective insulation. They are the best choice in extremely dry weather and for physical activities where you aren't sweating too much.

Synthetic Down

Synthetic down is great at wicking away moisture. It retains its insulating power even when it gets wet, making it the best option for physical activities where you sweat a lot.

How to Care for a Down and Feather Coat?

Wash your garment at home if you can. Professional cleaning products are too strong and pungent.

Wash your garment separately in cold water, by hand or on the gentle cycle.

Only use mild liquid soap. Do not use fabric softeners, bleach, or products with chlorine in them.

Rinse your garment at least two or three times. Doing so should remove any soap residue. Il will also make the down and feathers fluffier.

Dry your garment in the dryer on a low temperature. Add a few tennis balls to the dryer to speed up the process and give the down and feathers more volume. Do not air dry your garment: it takes a lot longer to dry, which could give mould time to develop.