Shop Smart: Winter Coats

<文／摄影：陈莹真>

It’s said that winters are getting warmer year by year, but sudden cold snaps or northeast monsoons can still bring intense chills. That’s when a good coat becomes essential！ However, besides down jackets or padded coats, many functional outerwear pieces—once mainly found in mountaineering shops—are gradually gaining consumer favor. So, finding a functional coat that suits you can make a huge difference in enduring the cold winter！

GORE-TEX, familiar to many, is actually widely used in mountaineering apparel, but its relatively high price often deters consumers. However, the premium pricing of GORE-TEX coats—often costing tens of thousands—is due to their patented fabric technology. Their durability has gradually won over buyers, and in recent years, they’re not just favored by hikers but have also become more accepted among general consumers. GORE-TEX truly excels in windproof and waterproof performance.

Not sure where to start when buying a functional winter coat? Why not take a stroll through a specialty shop and hear what the staff have to say—you might gain a clearer idea！ We suggest figuring out your intended use first, as this will help you choose the right coat for 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 materials like GORE-TEX or other windproof and waterproof fabrics. For insulation, down or padding is most common, though these are further divided into natural fibers (like feathers or wool) and synthetic fibers (such as hollow fiber, brushed fleece, and synthetic padding).

Wu Feng-wei, manager of the brand department at Wei Meng—which represents the outdoor brand NORTHFACE—mentioned that aside from GORE-TEX, various brands also develop their own proprietary fabrics. For example, NORTHFACE has created a fabric called “HyVent,” which also offers waterproof and breathable functionality.

As for the inner insulation layer, the choice depends on consumer needs. Down is certainly the warmest, while brushed fleece is lighter. Therefore, when customers visit a store, staff will first ask where the coat will be used, for what purpose, and how many layers are typically needed in the current weather. Everyone’s constitution differs, so cold tolerance levels vary. For example, if you’re traveling abroad, a down jacket is the warmest option. In rainy environments or where moisture resistance is desired, synthetic fibers or PrimaLoft are better choices.

In recent years, softshell—a popular style abroad—refers to soft-shell jackets made from APEX fabric. They offer waterproof and breathable functions, with brushed fleece linings that balance protection and warmth. They’re highly stretchable and mostly used for everyday casual wear or light outdoor activities. Though not as technical as professional mountaineering jackets, they’re more than sufficient for most people. While very common abroad, they’re not yet widespread in Taiwan. Wu Feng-wei explains that this is because Taiwanese consumers are still accustomed to buying two-piece coats, thinking them more cost-effective. But softshell is lighter and more casual, making it well-suited for cycling or engaging in simple outdoor activities.

 

As for two-piece coats, they remain a favorite among many Taiwanese consumers. Being combinable or wearable separately, they offer great value. Wu Feng-wei says there’s no need to buy a two-piece set—depending on your needs, you can purchase the insulation and protective layers separately. As long as they’re from the same brand, compatibility is usually high, so there’s no need to worry.