womens patterned fleece jacket:Style

To effectively pick a winter jacket, it’s important to determine what type of activities you’ll need it for. Determining what your needs are will be the first step in finding a jacket that suits them.

Technical Parkas

If you are looking for a coat to keep you warm while on the slopes and performing other outdoor athletics, you’re likely in the market for a technical parka. These jackets usually have more performance-oriented features designed toward activity, like as a helmet-compatible hood and adjustable sleeve cuffs. They are usually lighter weight than a casual parka and more compressible. These can be worn for running errands, but are intended for higher impact usage than walking the dog.

Casual Parkas

If you are looking for a jacket that will see more use taking the garbage out to the road or picking up groceries in a blizzard, then you’ll probably want a more casual parka. Don’t get me wrong, you’re still going to need something warm and movement friendly, but less so than would be necessary in an ice climbing ensemble. A casual winter jacket will likely have more comfort-forward features than a more technical option, and will be more designed toward aesthetics than active performance.

Crossover Parkas

Looking for something to take you from the slopes to the chalet in style? You might be looking for a crossover jacket. With enough features you let you perform your activity of choice in the winter, and attractive enough to wear without gaiters, this is the mid jacket that combines functionality with attractiveness.