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(NAPSI)-There are a few important outerwear features to look for to ensure a coat will do everything from fight off wind chill and wet snowflakes to insulate and last throughout the season and beyond. Features to consider include: • Adjustability--While looking stylish is important, a jacket's function ranks just as high. Adjustable features let the wearer personalize how the jacket fits or even performs during different activities. Features such as articulated elbows, adjustable toggle hem or waistline and adjustable cuffs are all useful. • Extra Features--Features setting the curve in outerwear are cell phone and MP3 player pockets, a stow-away hood with a welded visor and a removable snow skirt that comes in handy during extreme days on the slopes. • Insulation--Look for high-quality insulating materials such as PolarThin. This is a type of premium insulation made from ultrafine fibers that create more space inside a jacket, for more warmth without bulkiness. Another premium insulation is goose down fill. Using the same warming philosophy, Lands' End uses more down and less feathers to create more insulation space, providing ultimate warmth. • Water Resistance--To be protected from rain, snow and sleet, look for technically advanced water-resistant finishes on coats, such as AquaCheck and DriOff. Also look for taped and sealed seams to make sure water won't penetrate the jacket at any point. • Temperature Ratings--Making sure coats provide warmth in the worst of conditions is a very scientific process. Lands' End uses sensored mannequins that are outfitted in outerwear, then sealed in a climate-controlled room. The company offers detailed temperature ratings representing a comfort range based on dressing with extra layers such as long underwear or fleece, to dressing without extra layers. • Warm rating: Kids 5°F to 25°F; Adults 5°F to 20°F • Warmer rating: Kids -10°F to 15°F; Adults -15°F to 5°F • Warmest rating: Kids -25°F to 5°F; Adults -40°F to -15°F. Style, comfort and function are important when selecting outerwear for the whole family. |
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