Top Five Boy's Winter Coat Features

Winter is nearly here and shopping for outerwear for your little guy will start to take precedence over other clothing and accessory items. Are you new to the area and not sure where to start? Your location and climate will have everything to do with the type of outerwear your little guy gets for the season. Southern states will need lighter jackets while Midwestern and Northern states will need heavier coats to deter wind, water and snow. To top it off style will play a factor. Superhero patches and detachable hoods are fun amenities but warmth and dryness are the most important features of any jacket for your little man.

Material

Materials range from cotton, nylon, polyester, leather, suede, microfiber and a multitude of blends for the outer layer of the coat. Cotton or microfibers feel soft to the touch but also stain easily while other materials are durable, washable and rain and wind resistant.

Lining

Sherpa, faux sherpa, faux fur, cotton, polyester and fleece are popular linings. Heavier linings such as the Sherpa and fleece are ample for extreme weather climates. Some coat styles will also offer fleece linings in the upper chest area of the jacket to offer additional warmth without the weightiness.

Filling

Different fillers will provide different standards of warmth. Although down or feather and down combinations are extremely light, warm and offer different weights for warmth. Be wary of down though. Although down provides warmth it's not always a viable option due to allergies. Polyester and cotton fills are also popular in the place of down.

Style and Size

There are a multitude of coats on the market for little boys but the style, fit and size should be thought about carefully. Is he going to be in a windy area and need a longer coat for more protection? Should the jacket have tighter fitting wrist closures to keep the cold out? Will he he need a snow skirt? Is the closure of the neck too low or will he need to add a scarf to the coat? Will the coat fit him through the entire winter? Is the coat too cumbersome for everyday activities?

Closures

The closures of a jacket are often zippers or buttons but a jacket that has both a zipper and a snap placket will add a bit of additional warmth. Often, a zipper alone allows for wind to creep in between the teeth if you're in a windy area. If the coat has a placket it will cover the zipper and keep out the wind.