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Your All-in-One Guide to Keepin’ It Cool

No-Nonsense Guide to Picking a Winter Jacket

Let Winter Rip
By Kaaden Dull

Winter is an underrated season. There’s skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, Christkindlmarkets and all the other ways to enjoy a fresh powdery snowfall. The folks who complain about winter just don’t have the right winter coat (unless they live in the Arctic Circle, and then by all means they’re allowed to moan and groan as much as they want in the 70-below windchill). So how to choose the right one when everything is “wind resistant" or “windproof” – what is the difference, anyway? This guide is here to help you understand what Duluth coats do and which one is right for you.
(Or if you’re looking for a step down from a coat, here are all our men’s jackets and women’s jackets.)

What Is the Difference Between “-Proof” and “-Resistant”?

An age-old question. It feels like everyone’s just slapping labels on labels without explaining anything. But be out of the loop no longer. “Proof” certainly seems better than “resistant,” right? Well, it’s all relative.

Windproof vs Wind Resistant

Windproof

Windproof fabrics block out airflow entirely – or at least they should. They typically use specialized, tight-knit fabrics – sometimes in combination with an internal membrane or barrier – to block out wind entirely. Good if you’re looking to block some tough winds, but they might not be the most breathable if your work gets you heated. These coats are necessary for certain weather conditions when you need to keep the chill from lowering your body temperature.

Wind Resistant

These coats and jackets are your typical windbreakers or soft shell jackets (and they pair nicely with our fleece-lined pants). They still have densely woven fabrics, but they allow more air to circulate. This makes them more breathable – better for when you know you’re going to sweat. These garments are best for milder days, aerobic outdoor activities in the cold or everyday wear.

How’s It Tested?
A fabric’s wind resistance is measured by its cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating. This calculates how much air passes perpendicularly through the fabric’s weave. Windproof measures at 1 CFM or less. Wind resistant measures between 5 and 20 CFM. You can do a quick – if potentially a little less scientific – test at home. Hold the fabric of your coat directly against your mouth and blow out hard. If you can feel your breath passing through, it’s likely wind resistant. If you can’t feel your breath on the other side and you feel the air bounce back, it’s probably windproof.

Waterproof vs Water Resistant

Can you wear it in a downpour or can’t you? Here’s what you should know.

Waterproof

These fabrics are designed to keep you almost completely dry in extreme conditions. Like their windproof cousins, waterproof fabrics rely on tightly bound membranes and sealed seams to block water entry. This is what you want when facing long-term exposure to heavy rain or sleet. However, it’s important to know that waterproof outerwear can be labeled as “waterproof/breathable”. This means the coat or jacket has a breathable barrier that allows water vapor out – so while you might not be 100% dry you’ll be damn near it.

Water Resistant

This label means that the fabric is usually treated with a chemical finish that causes water to bead and roll off. However, heavy pressure will eventually make the water force its way through. These garments are best for lighter rain or activities where overheating is a bigger risk than getting wet.

How’s It Tested?
The industry standard is the hydrostatic pressure head test, also known as the water column test. A piece of the fabric is pulled tight and sealed across a vertical tube, or column, as water is slowly poured into the tube and pressurized. Researchers note the point at which moisture forces its way through the fabric. The measurement is recorded in millimeters – so, for example, a jacket that has a 10,000mm rating could theoretically withstand a 10-meter column of water being applied against the fabric before the water begins to seep through. You can do a test at home to check – run some water over the sleeve of the jacket. If the water beads and spills off even with heavy amounts of waterflow it’s likely waterproof – but if the inside of the sleeve feels damp it’s likely water resistant.

What Features Make a Winter Work Jacket Truly Heavy-Duty?

The last thing you need on the job is a coat that drags you down. Know what to look for with this list of key features for winter work outerwear.

Tough Outer Shell

Look for heavyweight cotton canvas, heavy-duty nylon or “abrasion-resistant” fabrics. These will fight back against snags and punctures – let winter rip, not your coat.

High-Performance Insulation

While you can get down insulation for your outerwear, synthetic is usually recommended for working. Down tends to lose its loft (fluffiness and warmth) when it gets wet, which means sweat might make your coat chillier than you expected. Look for polyester or Thinsulate™ labels on your winter jackets to retain heat even when you sweat.

Weather Protection

Three letters: DWR. Durable water-repellent finish and wind-resistant membranes are the way to go. Overlapping storm flaps on the main zipper are essential to keeping out wind, rain, snow or whatever else Old Man Winter and Mother Nature decide to throw your way.

Freedom of Movement

Unless you’re a statue on night watch, you probably need to move for your work. Heavy-duty shouldn’t mean stiff. Look for gussets and a bi-swing back to move your arms without making your coat ride up.

Storage and Fit

Lots of deep pockets can accommodate all your heavy gear – some coats even offer puncture-proof pockets for all your sharp and pokey things. Internal pockets can secure your phone, your wallet and whatever else you can’t risk tumbling out into the storm. Look for inner storm cuffs in the sleeves and a drop-tail hem for extra coverage.

So What’s Duluth Got?

Here are some of our best winter coats – and a little extra. Just ’cause we like you so much.

Best for Everyday – Men’s Outerwear & Women’s Outerwear

Best for Extreme Weather – Men’s Outerwear & Women’s Outerwear

Best Accessories – Women’s Hats, Men’s Hats, Boots for Men, Boots for Women