Which coat for Chicago? Added: worn over blazer

NAS 2009 I bought a down Tahari coat. Long time ago, and now I'm bigger around the middle and I can barely zip up the coat.

So I bought a Lands End puffer coat on sale this summer. The label says it's good for -12°. It is much thinner and lighter weight than the Tahari, and it is a much cheerier color. Negatives: although a bit looser, it is still snug. And it has a tricky zipper--it's slightly curved and I have to get it just right to zip up.

My sister bought the same, or almost the same coat. She's trying it out in NYC this week.

So, cold winter friends, is it true that a thin coat can be good for minus zero weather? I find it hard to believe the red one would be warmer than the old one.

Chicago area weather varies during the holidays. We've had dry years 30-40° and cold 0° years and sometimes snowy, rainy, or just icy years.

Then there is the way each coat looks. I took some photos and was not happy with the new coat. It does have a hood, which the old one doesn't.

As I type this I realize I haven't tried on the NAS red velvet blazer under it. I planned to wear the blazer on Christmas. Yikes, still more to try on.

##1-2 New coat, Lands End

#3 Old Tahari.

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

5 years ago

Anonymous

I hate to say it, but the new puffer doesn’t look warm enough for -12F (-24C) or 0F (-17C). It looks ok for 40F (-1C). (I’m gen-x and was never taught Fahrenheit!) The hood looks too small to be useful (but that’s not the worst problem in the world as you can just wear a hat and scarf).
The tahari looks warmer, but if it’s too tight, you’ll lose a lot of warmth.

MsMaven

Veteran

Thanks for the input, smittie. I can't believe such a lightweight coat can be warm enough.

I did try them both over the blazer. I could barely get into it with the Tahari, but the Lands End slipped right on. And felt more comfortable.

I feel the cold more as I've gotten older and living in California doesn't help toughen me up. Usually I only go from hotel or house to car and there to house or maybe mall. I've had trips where I had to be outside more than a few minutes. So I don't need to worry about zipping up so much. So now the red one has another advantage.

Hoping to get input from someone who's worn the Lands End in really cold temps.

Just wait--after fussing so it will turn out to be another 42° holiday.

Cee

-24C, eh ? 'Sounds... balmy !

...and so says Jack !

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

Cins

Active Member

Bonafide Chicago woman here! I have to agree with smittie, there is no way the thin down coat will keep you warm during even the mildest Chicago winter. I wear my THICK down coat all winter, as do many women who walk to work in the Windy City. Sometimes you feel like Ralphie in “A Christmas Story” all bundled up and hoping you don’t topple over ☺️. You never know when that Polar Vortex will rear it’s ugly V. I say go bother another longitude this year! Maybe if you wear lots of layers underneath you’ll be okay.

https://giphy.com/gifs/a-chris.....27BFSZSzGE

Joy

Don’t forget that sting icy wind. You will need a warm knit ear-covering hat even under the hood, but a hood is very helpful when the wind is pushing you from the back. You may want to walk around downtown to shop or see Millinium Park. Walking to the EL stop can be very cold.

Molly Mac

Lands End is typically a very reliable brand and they stand by their products. If it doesn't perform as well as you would like (or as promised) you should be able to return it for a full refund. New technology has allowed puffer coats to become more light weight but still deliver significant warmth.

JAileen

My son’s girlfriend has had a similar Lands End coat for a couple years. They live in St Paul, MN. I guess it’s been fine. However, they don’t like the winter weather. I would wonder about it being waterproof. What if it snows?

Category