Although I consider myself a certified California girl, I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. I’ve lived in LA for a decade now, and when winter comes, I always joke, “In LA, coats keep you warm, but in Boston, coats keep you alive.” And while it’s meant to be a joke, it’s also very true.
If you grew up in New England (or anywhere it’s cold), you know that not dressing warm enough outside can actually be dangerous. I grew up in a small town north of Boston, and the winters were so severe that sometimes at school we had “cold days,” like a snowy day that shuts school down—but just because it’s too cold and Children having to stand outside in freezing cold to wait for the bus is a liability. Frostbite takes place within minutes when the wind chill factors are much lower than zero. And you wonder why I moved to sunny California?
As a Bostonian, the best advice I can give you about winter coats is that cheaper versions are never worth it. Sure, you can find great verses about jeans or skirts, but at the end of the day, there’s no comparison between cheap winter coats and high-quality jackets. If you’re going to splurge on a product, I really think outerwear is the best option.
It is also very difficult to find a “medium length” winter coat. They’re all cropped (doesn’t keep you warm) or very long and knee-length (great if you’re ice fishing or doing some sub-zero activity), but if you just want a something in between will keep you super warm, best quality jacket, in my opinion Boston born Triple FAT Goose Askya Two-Tone Puffer Down Parka ($600 ).
Now, let’s talk about the price. Its biggest competitor (a brand other than Goose in the title), has discounted parkas from $800-$1K+. So while it’s certainly an investment, this jacket is relatively much more affordable. What I like about the Askya style is that it has a two-tone look where the sleeves are a bit darker and the bodice is lighter. One of my biggest complaints about life jackets is that they don’t look good. Most feather coats make me look like a block of soap. But the two-tone style gives it more dimension, making it more stylish and less bulky.
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Another feature I love is Triple FAT Goose which allows you to browse their product with warmth. So their “warmest” jackets are really best for sub-zero temperatures, if you’re going on a freezing cold ski trip or an outdoor trip in the winter that you know. Most of my time will be spent outdoors. While I will be going to Boston, where temperatures can drop below zero, most of my time will be spent heating the house. So a jacket underneath, like Askya is perfect.
Now, if you’re in freezing temperatures and plan to spend a lot of time outside in the cold, you’ll want to buy a jacket in their “warmest” category, Isberg’s waterproof Parka ( $750). But if your winter plans aren’t too intense — like mine — you’ll want something that can be a notch lower but still very warm, like Askya style.
In addition to the warmth, you can also see their jackets by water resistance, wind resistance and weight. So, if you know you’re going to a place where there’s going to be a lot of rain, for example, you’ll want something that scores well in water resistance.
I also like that it has a removable hood. If you’re going anywhere with inclement weather, you want a hood. Even if it doesn’t rain, there’s a good chance there will be snow or hail. And on days when it doesn’t, it’s nice to be able to take off the bulky hood.
Another design element that I love? There are side pockets, but there are also pockets on the front – great for stuffing my phone in if I want to go for a walk in the winter. We all know the pockets on top of puffer jackets don’t work for phones—they just slide out. There is also a monastery zippered pocket on the inside of the jacket.
As for the size, it runs true to size – but with winter coats, it’s usually a good rule of thumb to go up one size as you’ll likely be wearing thick sweaters and warm weather clothing. I have a small one and it fits my sweatshirt perfectly without being too tight or bulky.
Finally: material and ethics around wear and tear. Triple FAT Goose uses recycled fluff (in fact, all the materials that make this jacket are recycled), but in reality, it is an animal product. The brand will stop making all new fur products in 2021. If you’re allergic to feathers, this might not be the best option for you either — check out these tips instead. this alternative down jacket.
Triple FAT Goose is also available on Amazon, although the Askya style isn’t there yet. But everyone raved about the quality and warmth of the brand. One reviewer said: “This is one of the highest quality parkas I have ever purchased. Keeps me warm in sub-zero temperatures and the weight-to-warm ratio is correct.” Another reviewer said: “Amazing. I went to Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, where the weather is extremely cold and I feel completely comfortable in their feather coat.”
Key point? If you need something heavy duty this winter – Triple FAT Goose, although an investment, is the best investment for you. And they have great mid-length coats, it’s still hard to find quality versions.
We’ve outlined the importance of proper winter coats and how not having a warm enough jacket can be dangerous in freezing temperatures. So this season, please consider donating to your local mutual aid group that provides winter clothing, boots, and other cold-weather essentials to neighbors who don’t have a home. your stay.
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