Are Down Jackets Warmer Than Wool?

Shopping for winter clothing seems simple enough, right? Wrong. Even though you'd think the least stylish thing to shop for would be fairly straightforward, there's so many options and price ranges, it can make your head spin. From waterproof, to water resistant, to all-weather, it's hard to decipher what you actually need and what's tacking on unnecessary cost. But the most basic thing most people need to know is if a down coat is actually warmer than wool — and trust me, before investing that kind of money in a jacket, you're going to want to figure out if it's worth it.

If you live in a cold climate, you'll probably agree that during those few brutal months of winter, nothing is more worth your hard-earned money than a coat. The most popular winter coats are down and wool, and while both materials are quality, down is generally more expensive, which makes it a little less enticing to purchase. But it turns out, there's a reason for that.

According to the New York Daily News, down is the best material to keep you warm in the cold. Down is natural insulation (from duck or goose feathers), it holds heat better than most other organic materials, it's lightweight, and it's breathable. But even though down is warmer than wool, that doesn't mean you should skip a wool coat and go right for down.

Wool has one big advantage over down — it can get wet. Wool is water-resistant, so it's going to hold up in wet weather, whereas down isn't as effective when it's wet, and it takes a long time to dry out.

So which one is worth the investment? Probably both over your lifetime if you live somewhere that gets rain/snow and is very cold. However, if it doesn't rain/snow much where you live, or it doesn't get super cold, then you can choose one or the other based on your needs. Whichever you're looking to invest in, I've rounded up seven wool and down jackets options to keep you warm this winter.

1. Down Parka

Soia & Kyo; $399.90; Nordstrom

Fur trim on the hood will keep you extra warm.

2. Long Down Coat

Calvin Klein; $249.90; Nordstrom

You might look like a snowman, but it's better than freezing your booty off.

3. Quilted Down

Kristen Blake Plus Size Jacket; $189.90; Nordstrom

A quilted pattern makes down a little more stylish.

4. Red Down

Canada Goose Kensington; $900; Nordstrom

Canada Goose is a favored down coat designer — but they do come at pretty steep prices. If you're looking to invest in a lifelong item, this is a great brand to go for. Plus, the red color is so pretty.

5. Long Wool Coat

Gallery Plus Size Coat; $219.90; Nordstrom

Since wool isn't as insulating as down, a long version is the best bet for warmth.

6. Double-Breasted Wool Coat

Vince Camuto; $150; Nordstrom

For a little edge, choose a double-breasted coat.

7. Toggle Coat

Cole Haan; $153; N ordstrom

A toggle coat can be dressed down or up, and you really can't beat classic camel.

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Images: Nordstrom; Pixabay