All About Outerwear: What to Look for in a Fall or Winter Jacket

Whether it’s getting chillier in your area or it’s just starting to get less humid, you’re probably way past ready to pull out your favorite fall and winter fits — flannel shirts, quilted vests, jeans and boots; track jackets, long-sleeve cozy tees and leggings; hoodies, jeans and Jordans.

While you’re sorting through and thinning out your stacks of knits, faux-fur trimmed parkas and peacoats to make way for new styles, keep in mind that not all outerwear is created equally in terms of function and when-to-wearability. Spending Thanksgiving down south? You can probably leave your “roof of the world”-ready HLYN Insulated Jacket from The North Face at home and opt to sport something more along the lines of an ultra-lightweight adidas Slim Jacket.

But how do you know what exactly to look for when re-stocking your fall and winter wardrobes? At Hibbett | City Gear, we’ve got you covered — literally — thanks to our handy buying guide for shopping outerwear this sweater-weather season.

Down/Puffer Jackets

What are Down and Puffer Jackets?

These outerwear pieces are usually composed of nylon or polyester quilted layers and insulated with duck or goose down. If you’re allergic to either of those, many “down” filled outerwear options are now made with synthetic, alternative down material, too.

Down puffer jackets are sporty, lightweight and designed keep your core warm. Many coats come with horizontal stitching between the down-filled pockets, but puffer jackets with quilted stitching offer an elevated look if you want to purchase outerwear that looks a little more premium.

Hoods, either lined with fleece, faux fur, or sherpa material, are often staple components of puffer jackets, providing all-weather protection and keeping in the warmth, too.

How to Choose a Down Winter Jacket

When shopping for a new down winter jacket, keep the following in mind: If you’re out and about in subzero temps, look for a high-fill jacket in the 550 to 900 fill range. Anything lower than that won’t be nearly warm enough for those northern winters where your eyelashes start to freeze when you step outside. 

Where to Wear a Down or Puffer jacket

Down or puffer jackets are comfy and cozy for winter and fall outings. Wear high-fill down jackets on the ski slopes. Lighter-fill puffer jackets fold up easily, making them ideal for kids to stash in backpacks and put on at recess.

Our Brand Pick: The North Face

Fleece Jackets

What is a Fleece Jacket?

Fleece is, hands-down, one of the softest materials on the market. Fleece jackets consist of soft, insulating fabrics made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This allows the jacket to repel water while keeping many of its insulating properties, even in rain or snow.

Features of a Fleece Jacket

Fleece jackets are lightweight, highly breathable and machine-washable. The material dries relatively quickly on its own, and fleece jackets don’t itch. 

Where to Wear a Fleece Jacket

Fleece jackets and sweatshirts make the most sense for drier, cool to colder weather. Wear them to tailgates and football games, bonfires and holiday parades. Look for a zip-up fleece jacket with elastic cuffs to help keep the warmth from escaping, or enjoy the ribbed cuff of a fleece pullover.

Our Brand Pick: Nike Sportswear Tech Fleece

Windbreakers

What is a Windbreaker?

A windbreaker is a great fall outerwear staple. It’s a lighter-weight layer that reduces the windchill and still provides plenty of ventilation. Windbreakers are usually composed of a single thin layer of synthetic material, such as nylon or polyester.

Features of a Windbreaker?

Unlike a rain jacket, a windbreaker won’t give you much protection in wet weather. Look for a windbreaker with a good zipper, pockets and drawstring or cuffed hem and cuffs.

Where to Wear a Windbreaker

Add a windbreaker to your running ensemble to provide optimal air permeability. These thin, lightweight jackets are easy to pack for camping trips, school days and sports events.

Our Brand Pick: Nike Windrunners

Hoodies and Zip-ups

What is a Hoodie?

A hoodie jacket or sweatshirt is one of the most versatile pieces for year-round wear. Hoodies come in pullover and zip-up styles and offer an athleisure look with the comfort of a hood that’ll keep your head and ears toasty.

What Makes a Good Hoodie?

Look for a thinner hoodie material for the warmer months and thick fleece, cotton or terrycloth sweatshirt styles for cooler weather. Whether you choose a zip-up or pullover, look for hoodie styles with a drawstring so you can adjust the hood comfort.

Where to Wear a Hoodie

Wear those hoodies as a sports spectator, pop one on during early-morning soccer practice, cheer on your favorite sports team with a team hoodie or wear one to a concert. Style a women’s zip-up hoodie with a pair of leggings or shorts, or try a men’s pullover hoodie with cuffed jeans and a graphic tee.

Our Brand Pick: The North Face hoodie, Jordan hoodie or Under Armour zip-up hoodies

Denim Jackets

What is a Denim Jacket?

A denim jacket is the ultimate year-round closet staple. Denim jean jackets are low-maintenance pieces that last for years, thanks to their thick, durable material. Choose a jacket with just enough stretch to provide a range of motion and comfort in all situations.

Where to Wear a Denim Jacket

Wondering where or how to wear a denim jacket? A denim jacket is a perfect staple whether you’re in the office, at home or enjoying a night outside. Pair it with jeans and a tee, throw it over a dress or add it to twill pants and a button-up shirt. 

Our Brand Pick: Smoke Rise men’s denim jackets

Match your passion for outdoor activities with the comfort and quality of your fall and w

Vests

What Is a Vest?

This hybrid piece has all the makings of a jacket — without the sleeves. Vests are an excellent layering piece to add to any outfit. Look for quilted down jackets, thicker puffer jackets, fleece options and thin, nylon trail-running styles. Sleeveless vests include a zipper, often some type of lining and small pockets.

Where to Wear a Vest

Choose a denim vest to add extra interest to your year-round casual fits. Watch your favorite teams in the comfort of a zip-up fleece vest. Head out for a weekend of camping with your down vest. Choose a thinner, quilted style with jeans for your next outdoor gathering.

Our Brand Pick: Nike vests

Match your passion for outdoor activities with the comfort and quality of your fall and winter outerwear. Shop jackets, hoodies, vests and fleece styles for the whole family at Hibbett | City Gear.