Winter Coats?

I recently moved to Philadelphia this past Fall, and I'm starting to realize that my normal winter jacket isn't going to cut it this winter (I'm from the South). My parents recently got me one of these: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/i/2635K,01,_Columbia-Sportswear-Whirlibird-Parka-Removable-Liner-For-Men.html as an early Christmas present, but it's way too sporty for me (I'm not a skiier and that's all I can think of when I see this). I'd like to find a warm winter jacket that will last me a while and can be worn more for any occasion and doesn't look like I just came from hitting the slopes. I never thought I'd come to the internet for fashion advice, but being that I know nothing about really cold weather and related attire, I thought I'd ask. Any advice?

Also spare many any "hilarious" hipster-related remarks you might have.

Well, that picture failed. Try here: http://www.zappos.com/columbia-whirlibird-trade-parka-intense-red

as a former Philthadelphian, i recommend:

- a shearling lined leather bomber
http://www.snowriver.com/imgthm/llibomb.jpg

- or a heavy peacoat

also, layers. lots of em. and for your own sake, get some long underwear.

Long underwear is key.
I also grew up in the south and now live in the midwest.
I got a Woolrich coat at a resale shop (it was pretty much new, tho) and it has lasted my a few seasons and is very versatile imo.

I'm seeing tons of ppl in their winter coats that still have the vent at the back stitched together with that X so it doesn't open; instead it kind of balloons out. Is this a 'thing' or are they just clueless?

They're clueless. Please please cut the tailor tacks out of your jackets, coats, and skirts. Anything vented. Please.

People are idiots. You may also see men in dress coats with the maker's tag still sewn to the left cuff -- I don't know why that partic industry has this practice but tons of guys don't take those off, either.

NAGL times so many.

agreed!

That Columbia looks pretty badass except for the color. I've been looking at one of these: http://www.zappos.com/foursquare-s4-myers-jacket-blackout to be worn w/ a fleece underneath. Layers ftw.

ive got some LL Bean 3 in 1 winter coat. Does the job for $200

You guys are missing the "not sporty" and "for any occasion" part of this request. Dan, i luv ya but.

Peacoats are any occasion but are not that warm, imo. A thick wool overcoat over another jacket combined with a scarf/hat/gloves can work, but you really need to hunt around for a coat heavy enough. Most of them just don't cut it, imo.

I have a non-sporty, for-most-occasions north face jacket that it appears they may not have this year, but is not completely dissimilar to this one. Mine does have one annoying logo on the sleeve, but it's black-on-black so it's not noticeable. Mine also lacks a hood, but is long enough that my ass doesn't freeze.

if you can get an official navy peacoat they are pretty warm imo.

Peacoats are any occasion but are not that warm, imo. A thick wool overcoat over another jacket combined with a scarf/hat/gloves can work, but you really need to hunt around for a coat heavy enough.

The j crew ones with the thinsulate lining are pretty warm, imo.

carhartt ftw

i recommend not getting a winter coat that closes with buttons

All good advice! I have a coworker with a navy one that is badass, and thinsulate ones are good, and for the love of god, get one with a zipper + buttons or even just zipper

Double-breasted coats solve the "wind gets through buttons" problem, which is probably why they ever caught on. Cf the Navy peacoat.

carhartt ftw

― pixel farmer, Tuesday, December 7, 2010 2:46 PM (26 minutes ago) Bookmark Suggest Ban Permalink

this, really

http://www.carhartt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=10051&productId=32106&langId=-1&categoryId=10927#BVRRWidgetID

buttons

- generally leave more of a gap, but not always
- are slower and a bigger pain in the ass to get on and off, usually making you take gloves off
- eventually get weakened and fall off, esp as winter coats get knocked around in public spaces

Wool coat over layers works for many occasions. As does a leather jacket, which does a better job of blocking the wind.

Long underwear can be vital. A good silk set is a wise investment. Also, a pair of thermal socks.

Those Carhartt ones are a lot more neutral/less obviously workwear-looking than I remember most of them being. My parents lived on an acreage from the time I was 14 until this year, and they had a complete stock of jackets / overalls for dealing with the outdoors. I had the trademark tan Carhartt jacket at one point, and a nice black one.

I have an obsession with white winter wear. For the past few seasons L.L. Bean has been selling a white sweeper coat made of similar material to their down vests. I'd like to have it but the price tag is far to expensive, it nears somewhere around $300 in the catalog.

I also love this season because men dress up more. I love suits, long black wool coats, leather gloves and I see fedoras are making a comeback.

Mum gave me one of these before I moved to the US, and it's kickass in winter. (Something about Australian workwear, Blunnies and stuff they get the job done, lol) Dunno about in snowy climes like Philly, but with a few layers underneath it keeps the chill out of your bones for sure

http://www.b-protected.com.au/melbourne-australia/heavyweight-bluey-jacket.jpg

This is my everyday winter coat but in dark purple. I gave up on anything not down a long time ago.

http://images.buzzillions.com/images_products/00/37/9770831_raw.jpg

These are very popular up here, but perhaps a little overkill for Philly...

http://www.canada-goose.com/products-2/arctic_down_collection/mens_arctic_down/

yeah tons of guys have those here in montreal. they look awesomely warm tbh, if kinda giant. yknow, the captain caveman look, haha.
i don't know how cold philly is or if you are someone who walks a lot, but i think down coats are a godsend for anyone who wishes to walk more than 15 min in the bitter cold. and built-in/zip-in hoods! omg i bought a new coat this year, finally, after living here for 8+ years and it is my first winter coat with a hood (and fake fur on it even!) - i love it and cannot believe i ever lived thru winter w/o it

that canada goose shit is warm as fucc but its expensive

if you wanna know how boss i am, i found one of these bad boys at the salvation army for 15 bucks: http://bit.ly/hi0lvO

couple years old but its so warm

also i look really good in it *puts on shades, drives off*

philly doesn't really get that cold imo. layers + a moderately thick jacket will be enough. also, keeping your extremities warm (feet, hands) is u&k. all your blood passes through them like 23040 times a second iirc

like, thick wool socks inside boots will do wonders

i saw some smartwool socks at nordstrom rack in nyc for under $10 (they are usually over $20) and i did not buy them i do not know why. they are good.

Lol @ Eddie Bauer's site claiming 0 - 20 degrees Fahrenheit is "very cold." I call that "late December to March." The last couple years, we've gone to about -10 for a few days with killer wind chill. And I dont't think I'm in all that frigid of a region!

i've had many pairs of both, and I think Thorlos are more comfy, warmer, and have a longer life than SmartWools. buy 3 get 1 free w/free shipping. http://www.thorlo.com/

i have those too! they def last longer than smartwool and stay cushier

holy geez i was just coveting at ladies canada goose coats online - so nice! so warm! so over $500!
they should just give them out to canadians imo

(coveting at? lol i had 'looking at' but felt it was not strong enough to convey the feeling of how much i want one of these coats)