Women's outerwear: how to buy a down coat, overcoat or jacket well
First decide the season and temperature
A down coat with natural down is usually warm and light, but it fears dampness and needs careful washing. Synthetic fillings (for example, polyester fibre) keep the heat worse in severe cold, but they don't fear moisture and cost less. For the in-between season people take a jacket, a windcheater, a trench or a thin coat.
Sellers often describe the filling with just one word, “warm”. So ask about the type of insulation, its weight in grams and the temperature the model is meant for.
What to put in your request
- Type – down coat, overcoat, parka, trench, fur coat, sheepskin coat, jacket, windcheater.
- Season and insulation – winter, mid-season, natural down or synthetic fill.
- Outer material – wool, leather, membrane, cashmere, natural fur.
- Length – short, mid-thigh, knee-length, long.
- Size – S/M/L or UK size, plus your height and bust measurement.
- Brand – for example, Columbia.
- Colour – olive, black, beige.
- Condition – new or second-hand.
- Budget and delivery city.
Example: “I'm looking for a winter down coat, knee-length, natural down, olive, size L, second-hand in perfect condition is fine. George Town, courier delivery with inspection. Budget up to RM 590.”
How to compare offers
First of all, compare the content: what percentage of wool is in the overcoat and what the lining is. For a down coat, the ratio of down to feathers, and whether there is a label with the marking. Check how the seams and the zip are finished, whether there is a hood and whether it detaches.
Clothes fit differently, so ask for measurements: sleeve length, shoulder width and length of the item. For natural fur or leather, find out how returns work, because such items are often not taken back.
For second-hand: what to look at
Ask for photos of the elbows, collar, pockets and lining. For a down coat, check that the down has not clumped and that there are no wash stains. Sellers are usually ready to show the label and the receipt too, if they have kept them.
When to buy
The widest choice of down coats and overcoats appears in the autumn, while winter models at the end of the season are often sold in sales. So if you are not in a hurry, you can calmly wait for better offers, and state the desired purchase date in your request.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You can make a request once, and the answers come in the chat: price, filling, photos, delivery. Sellers see which place their offer takes and compete on terms, so the price often turns out better. The best-value offer is shown first, with reviews of the seller next to it. You can read how everything is set up on the “How it works” page.
To go with a jacket, look at jeans or jumpers and cardigans.
