Shop Smart for Winter Outerwear

<文／摄影：陈莹真>

It's said that winters are getting warmer year by year, but sudden cold snaps or northeastern monsoons can still bring intense chills. That’s when a good outerwear piece becomes essential. But besides down jackets or padded coats, many functional outerwear items—once mostly found in mountaineering gear shops—are now gaining popularity among consumers. So, picking the right functional outerwear can make a huge difference in surviving the cold season.

GORE-TEX, familiar to many, is widely used in mountaineering clothing. However, its relatively high price often deters buyers. The reason GORE-TEX outerwear can cost thousands is due to its patented fabric. Its durability has gradually won over consumers, and in recent years, it’s not just favored by hikers—more everyday shoppers are embracing it. GORE-TEX truly excels in windproofing and waterproofing.

Not sure where to start when buying a functional winter outerwear? Try visiting a specialty shop and listening to what the staff have to say—you might get a clearer idea. It’s advised that you determine your needs first before making a choice, so you can find something that really suits you.

Currently, so-called functional outerwear can generally be divided into two parts: the protective layer and the insulation layer. The protective layer refers to fabrics like GORE-TEX or other windproof and waterproof materials. For insulation, the most common are down or padding, which are further divided into natural fibers (like feathers or wool) and synthetic fibers (such as hollow fiber, brushed fabric, and synthetic padding).

Wu Feng-wei, brand manager of Wei Meng—the distributor for the mountaineering brand NORTHFACE—mentions that aside from GORE-TEX, various brands also develop their own patented fabrics. For example, NORTHFACE has created a fabric called “HyVent,” which also offers waterproof and breathable functions.

As for the inner insulation layer, the choice depends on consumer needs. Down is undoubtedly the warmest, while brushed fabric is lighter. So when customers visit a store, salespeople will usually ask where the jacket will be used, for what activity, and roughly how many layers one typically wears in such weather. Everyone’s tolerance to cold varies due to individual constitution. For instance, if you’re traveling abroad, a down jacket is the warmest option. For rainy environments or situations requiring moisture resistance, synthetic fibers or PrimaLoft are better choices.

In recent years, the softshell—a popular item abroad—is a type of soft outer shell made from APEX fabric. It’s both waterproof and breathable, with a brushed interior to offer both protection and warmth. It also features great stretch, making it suitable for general leisure and light outdoor activities. Though not as professional as high-end mountaineering gear, it’s more than adequate for most people. Though widely used overseas, it hasn’t yet caught on widely in Taiwan. Wu Feng-wei explains that this is because Taiwanese consumers are still accustomed to buying two-piece sets, thinking they’re more cost-effective. But softshells are lighter and more casual, actually perfect for cycling or engaging in simple outdoor activities.

 

As for two-piece outerwear, it remains a favorite among many Taiwanese consumers. Being combinable or wearable separately, it offers good value. Wu Feng-wei says it’s not necessary to buy a two-piece set—you can also purchase the insulation and protective layers separately based on your needs. As long as they’re from the same brand, compatibility is usually high, so there’s no need to worry.