Got your winter jacket yet? If down outerwear is on the short list, you're likely to be encountering "fill-power" numbers, and words like "clusters" and "loft." Here's a primer.
Down, defined. Down is the layer of fine feathers and clusters under a bird's outside feathers. The feathers are, well, just what you're picturing. The clusters are less familiar to most – they're smaller, finer, fluffier, and shaped something like a snowflake. The down in men's and women's outerwear is made up of feathers and clusters alike.
Considered nature's most efficient insulator, down warms you by trapping the heat from your body in loosely structured air spaces created by feathers and clusters. Better quality down has a higher ratio of clusters to feathers. Outerwear is required to contain at least 75 percent down clusters to be legitimately labeled as down.
The download on fill power. Fill power is the way down outerwear is graded. You'll see this number when shopping better men's, women's,monster beats cheap boys' and girls' coats. It measures the number of cubic inches one ounce of down will occupy. Generally, the higher the number, the warmer the outerwear.
One ounce of 500 fill power down takes up 500 cubic inches of space. One ounce of 600 fill power down takes up 600 cubic inches. An ounce that takes up more space is loftier, and traps heat better.Canada Goose Tremblant
For the great majority of us not planting a flag atop Mt.Canada Goose Lodge Down Hoody Fuji this winter, investing in 800+ fill power down men's or women's outerwear is not unlike driving a 1200-horsepower Bugatti Veyron on the 405 freeway: overkill. But while the Bugatti will at least look hot in the mall parking lot, the coat will likely always feel hot there. And when the fill power number goes up, so does the number on the price tag. A better range for the average consumer seeking considerable warmth and excellent value is a fill power rating of around 500 to 700.
Since down's insulating ability when wet heads south faster than a goose in October, look for water-repellent shells in women's and men's outerwear. A riptop nylon shell will also wear better, and resist tears.Canada Goose Victoria Parka
And remember that, beyond fill power, superior down will remain more resilient over time, thus retaining its heat-trapping properties. So shop a brand you trust. Some companies make things easier by testing their outerwear, and promoting temperature ranges in which it'll keep you comfortable. Shopping for warm outerwear doesn't get much cooler than that.
Coats: A real strength. I loved their long,Canada Goose Trillium Parka navy-blue military coat with black leather sleeves (150). For a raincoat, you can't beat the leather-collar trench for the price (110). Watch out, though, for the trendy oversized coats; they are just that.
Jackets: I tried on their Geo tweed, with pants to match (345), that I would have bought had I needed a trouser suit. Very chic and not readily identifiable as "from the high street." Pair with any of the tops from their basic range for a chic, feminine edge.
Pants: Topshop has two styles and shapes (from 40) that work really well now that Phelan has got her hands on them.
Dresses: On the whole, the shapes I liked were a little too short, even with tights or leggings, and the proportions looked rather "little girlie." That said, I particularly liked two: the Geo print racer peplum (55) and the Boutique slip dress (85). When in doubt, buy it in black. Your cupboard might already be full of it, but despite what people say, no two black dresses are actually ever entirely the same. There is also the longer, peasant-style option. But unless you live in Marrakech, I don't recommend it.
Leggings: I liked the leather and cotton mix of the contoured side-paneled "treggings" (28). With a sweater thrown over the top, these would work wonderfully at the weekend.
Knitwear: This was a surprise. I loved Topshop's knitwear—lots of fun, easy pieces, particularly in the oversize styles. Try their hairy jumper (48). For foundation wear, buy a gray merino wool roll neck (45). If you can get your hands on one, buy a J.W. Anderson bat or ghost sweater (69.99; online only) for fun weekend wear.
Skirts: A disappointment and the item of clothing I was most in need of. I loved the pencil-skirt shapes from J.W. Anderson (40), but the high waists left me feeling constricted. Another option, the black Midi skirt (45), was way too full and left me looking like I was on my way to the prom.
Shoes: Another nice surprise were the Pax chain riding boots (150)—I bought them in black and plan to remove the chain—and the flats, try the J.W. Anderson loafer (59.99) or the studded brogue (65). I'm not a heel wearer and a cursory look around the shoe department did nothing to persuade me otherwise, though if you are on the lookout for fun, fashion-forward footwear, there appeared to be some options worth considering.
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