Warm jackets coat

When the winter winds start to blow, a warm jacket or coat is an essential whether you’re commuting to work, visiting a National Park, or just enjoying a winter walk. Warm jackets, coats and winter blazers are designed with the sole aim of retaining heat near your body in the coldest of weathers, but still being comfortable to wear and giving you the range of movement you need. Columbia Sportswear® does just that, and offers the best balance of insulation, warmth, comfort and breathability you need to maintain your body temperature, whatever activity you’re doing.

A key piece of outerwear, our selection of warm jackets and coats includes a range of different styles, from casual urban jackets to smarter coats you can wear to any event or occasion. Browse the range today and find your perfect jacket or coat built for winter weather using the handy filters.

Why a warm jacket is an essential for cold weather

When the mercury drops, we instinctively reach for something big and warm that will keep us snug from A to B, and there’s no better way to do that than with a properly insulated coat. With dozens of styles and colours to choose from, including creams, nudes and florals, as well as checked, plain and textured designs. You can also find long, short and midi coats, as well as jackets with hoods, making it easier to find the perfect one to keep you warm in the colder months.

Even though the UK can get very cold, it can also get wet so choosing a waterproof jacket or coat is something to consider. Wind chill when you’re out in the open can cool you down fast too, so a hooded style that also has a collar to protect your neck, or faux fur around the hood, is a good idea if you’re not pairing it with a jumper. Making sure your outerwear fits properly is essential for visits to cold climates whether in the UK or abroad for holidays.

What to look for when buying a Columbia® coat

Look for patented Columbia Sportswear® technologies that have been designed for the perfect warm coat.

• Omni-Tech™ keeps a coat waterproof but breathable, so you can stay dry but not overheat at the same time, essential when you’re walking long distances.
• Omni-Heat™ Infinity is a special lining that contains reflective gold dots that channel the heat back towards you in order to keep you warm.
• HeatSeal™ technology locks out the cold that usually gets in through loose stitching, and instead the pieces of the jacket are bonded thermally to each other.
• PU Vislon® is able to keep your front dry when you have the zipper done up so that no moisture can penetrate into your jacket.
• Thermarator™ insulation allows the jacket to retain warmth even when wet because it keeps the material lofty to trap air.

When you’re buying a new, smarter coat that will last you for many years to come, it’s important to look at not only the style and colour, but also the key features it has that will keep you snug.

FAQs

What are the best warm jackets?

The best warm jacket for you is the one that aligns perfectly for what you intend to use it for. If it’s for commuting or travelling, then something thin and warm usually does the job, but if you plan on long winter walks outside, then you’ll need something that will keep you warm whether you’re moving or sat on a bench. If you walk your dog come rain or shine, then choose something lightweight and waterproof that can zip and unzip easily, and dry fast.

What material is best for extreme cold?

Natural materials like down insulation perform best in very cold weather, and it’s more about how efficiently they trap the warm air your body generates. Synthetic performs best when conditions are damp, and the outer layer of a coat or jacket should be weather-resistant. Shackets do keep you warm, but they’re not very versatile and not waterproof. When heat needs to be distributed evenly, a quilted design with our patented Omni-Heat™ technology is best.

What are the features to look for in a new jacket?

When buying a jacket online or in person, check the insulation type as there are both natural down jackets and synthetic down jacket options, each of which has its own advantages. If you are going to be out in the rain as opposed to just in the cold, then a synthetic insulation coupled with a waterproofing option is required. Lightweight jackets can still offer lots of warmth and insulation, but if you like to wrap up warm, choose something bulkier.

Is it better to have one warm coat or layer?

If you’re looking for a coat for everyday use, then a single casual coat is the best that you can wear and hang up in cold weather. However, if you plan on wearing your warm coat to go hiking, then a coat that layers well with other clothing items is your best friend. You don’t always need something that’s fully insulated as your bottom and mid layers (such as a gilet or vest) provide the warmth, and it’s just the outer shell that needs to be waterproof, and even a large poncho will work.

What are the warmest kinds of jackets for winter?

Staying warm is essential from late autumn through to early spring, and the best kind of jacket that will keep you warm has numerous features. Not only should it have quilted insulation inside, but it should also be waterproof and windproof. Wind gusts can disturb the heat you’ve trapped, so a long coat is a good idea to avoid draughts, but the outer shell also needs to have the right kind of wind-blocking material.