PNW ladies and others with wet climates, question about coats

qfbrenda

When choosing wool blend coats, do you have a minimum percentage of wool you want in your coats? I'm curious because one of the coats I ordered apparently has more polyester than wool. I think it's because it's a black and white tweed. I don't know the percentage yet because they are supposed to show up tomorrow. I just don't know if for the price ($70) it'll be fine because of our relatively mild winters, or if I should hold out for one with more wool in it.

14 years ago

Shopping

8 replies

Latest reply was from Turkey Vulture

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I have one black wool dressy coat by Miss Sixty, it is 60% wool, 30% polyester and 10% rayon. I wear it sometimes to the opera. I feel the cold from the the short walk from the parking garage to McCaw hall. Admittedly I'm not wearing many layers underneath.

14 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Brenda, I would wait to do the "feel test" on it...if it feels bad to your touch then return it. I wouldn't discount it entirely just because of the polyester.

14 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I don't have a minimum percentage that I look for. Prompted by your question, I looked at the wool coats in my closet, and they range from 38 to 70 percent wool. I think fit has more effect on warmth than the percentage of wool. My two looser-fitting "wool" coats--the ones that are 38 and 70 percent wool--feel the warmest to me. The two that are 60 percent wool, and closer fitting, seem less warm. All are fine for the climate here in Seattle. I do like a nice wool coat (obviously, since I have enough of them) but I think I get more wear out of my hooded raincoat with its removable lining!

14 years ago

Aida

Veteran

Not sure about required % of wool, I usually do the "feel test" as Jenava suggested If it helps, here are the fiber contents of my two wool coats:

BLACK: 80% wool/19% nylon/1% other
BLACK/WHITE TWEED: 40% wool/41% polyester/12% acrylic/4% nylon/3% other

Both have polyester linings, and both keep me very nicely dry.

14 years ago

Vix

Veteran

I prefer 80-100% wool for the breathability and warmth. I walk a lot in my coats and warm up quickly, then freeze once I stop moving. If it's too cold for my raincoat, I want to maximize what I get from the wool ones!

14 years ago

Anonymous

I find with tweed-type coats that the fabric has a looser weave and allows more wind to blow through. But a typical wool coat has a denser weave and will be warmer. But if you live here in the PNW...get BOTH. Both types will get a lot of wear. I just got a new wool coat and its quite warm....solid black. I got it on sale at Macy's a couple months back and its in constant rotation. I wear it on chilly/non-rainy days. I have a hooded rain coat with lining for really wet days. Plus a puffer with removeable hood for really cold days. I am on the hunt for a tweedy wool coat now since that seems to be a wardrobe hole. Around here you need options.

14 years ago

mamaKate

Veteran

I recommend a "splash test" to see how quickly it absorbs vs. sheds water.

14 years ago

Turkey Vulture

Active Member

Sometimes polyester has a great feel to it...wait and see what it feels like on and under your hand. And try to wear it outside at night so you can tell how good it is at repelling the cold!

I prefer as high a percentage of wool as I can get, but I'll sacrifice some for the right color and cut.

14 years ago

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