Ayla Insulated Wrap Coat — Water Proof Jacket Women
350.0 GBP
For many of us, winter isn't always crisp and dry. It's grey and wet, with slush underfoot and temperatures hovering around freezing. That calls for a jacket that keeps you both dry and warm. It's the weather we've been designing for since 1891, and it shapes how we make our winter jackets: they keep the cold out and the warmth in. Here's how to choose the right one, for women, men and kids.
The short answer: choose a waterproof winter jacket with moderate insulation, so you can add warm layers underneath when you need them.
In this guide, you'll learn:
How waterproof and water-repellent winter jackets differ
Whether down or synthetic insulation is better in wet weather
Which features matter most in a winter jacket
How to choose a winter jacket for your kids
Common mistakes to avoid when choosing and caring for your jacket
Answers to the most common winter jacket questions
Most winter jackets are built for dry cold. When the weather turns to rain and slush, they can become heavy and soaked through, and you end up too warm. You start to sweat, and that dampness soon leaves you feeling cold again. The right jacket for the conditions avoids all of this, and you don't need to bundle up to stay warm.
A water-repellent jacket has a treatment that makes water bead up and run off. It copes with light rain and short spells outdoors. A waterproof jacket has a membrane or a dense coating, and usually taped seams, so it keeps you dry through hours of rain or wet snow. If you're often out in slush, or you commute in all kinds of weather, waterproof is the safer choice.
Down is light and warm, but it loses much of its insulating power when it gets damp. Synthetic insulation keeps you warm even when it gets a little wet, and it's usually easier to look after. That makes synthetic a good choice for wet winters, while down is best saved for cold, dry days.
Waterproofing: Keeps you dry, even when it's wet and slushy.
Insulation: Synthetic insulation keeps you warm even when it gets a little damp.
Wind protection: Wind makes it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Breathability: Lets moisture escape, so you don't overheat and sweat.
Hood: An adjustable hood that fits well keeps out snow, rain, and wind.
Adjustable cuffs and hem: Keep the cold and damp out.
Length: A slightly longer cut also covers your hips and lower back.
Secure pockets: To keep your small essentials dry.
Reflective details: It's dark for much of the winter, so being seen matters.
Aim for warm enough, not as warm as possible
Many people pick a jacket built for serious cold, and then find it too warm on most days of a mild winter. A waterproof jacket with moderate insulation, worn over a warm sweater, gives you more flexibility. You can adjust your warmth through the day, adding or removing a layer as you need to.
Kids lose heat faster than adults since they have more body surface relative to their weight, and they don't always tell you when they're cold. At the same time, they warm up quickly when they play, and sweaty clothes leave them chilled once they stop. Choose an insulated, waterproof jacket that works with layers underneath, so your little one stays dry, warm and free to move. To check they're comfortable, feel the back of their neck or their tummy.
We make winter jackets for kids in several styles, ideal for colder days and winter adventures.
Common mistakes when choosing and caring for a winter jacket
When choosing
Choosing a jacket that's too warm. A jacket built for severe cold quickly becomes too warm in a mild winter.
Choosing down for wet weather. Damp down insulates less and takes longer time to dry.
Buying a size too small. Leave room for a sweater underneath. If the insulation gets squashed, it keeps you less warm.
Focusing only on the fabric. Taped seams, the hood and breathability matter just as much for staying dry.
When caring for it
Impregnating a jacket that doesn't need it. Many winter jackets don't need regular impregnation. Check the care label for your specific product.
Using fabric softener. It blocks the membrane's fine pores and ruins how the fabric performs.
Washing too hot. Keep to 30°C for PU and below 40°C for membrane jackets, and avoid high spin speeds.
Storing it badly. Hang it or lay it flat, and keep it away from heat and big swings in humidity.
Always check the care label for your specific product to make sure you're looking after it the right way.
What's the best winter jacket for rain and temperatures above freezing?
A waterproof jacket with moderate insulation is usually the best choice. It keeps you dry without overheating, and you can adjust your warmth with layers underneath.
Is down or synthetic insulation better in wet weather?
Synthetic insulation is usually better in wet weather. It keeps you warmer than down when damp, and it's generally easier to dry and look after.
What's the difference between a waterproof and a water-repellent jacket?
A waterproof jacket has a membrane or a dense coating, such as PU, and usually taped seams, so it keeps you dry in prolonged rain. A water-repellent jacket has a surface treatment that handles light rain and short spells outdoors.
How warm should a winter jacket be in a mild winter?
With temperatures a few degrees above zero, a light or mid-weight jacket over a warm sweater is often enough. That works better than a very thick jacket that makes you sweat.
What should I wear under a winter jacket?
A thin base layer plus a warm sweater or fleece works well. Several thin layers make it easy to adjust your warmth to the weather and your day.
Can you wear a shell jacket in winter?
A shell jacket works well in mild, wet winters when you wear warm layers underneath. When it's colder, choose a jacket with more insulation.
What size winter jacket should I choose?
Choose a size that leaves room for a sweater or fleece underneath without being oversized. You should be able to move your arms and body freely.
How do I wash a winter jacket?
Follow the care label, as the right method depends on the material. A PU jacket is best cleaned with a damp cloth and washed at 30°C at most. A membrane jacket should be washed below 40°C on a low spin speed with a detergent made for waterproof clothing. Never use fabric softener.