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(ARA) – Now that the cold weather is here along with the flu season, choosing a good winter coat is very important. But keeping sniffles, flu and cold temperatures at bay doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable and get a great fit while doing so.

Buying a good winter coat takes a little preparation and a bit of patience. When shopping for those trendy down-filled women’s parkas with fur-trimmed hoods or those sporty men’s urban baseball jackets, there are several tips to keep in mind, according to outerwear manufacturing mavens. Monroe G. Milstein, founder, president and CEO of Burlington Coat Factory advises consumers to wear heavier winter clothing when shopping for coats. Otherwise, the coat might be too snug to fit over bulky or mid-weight winter sweaters and jackets. Don’t forget that layering is important due to the varying temperature environments of today’s modern lifestyle, whether one is traveling from car, train or bus to office, shopping or socializing.

When trying on a coat, make sure to move your body! Milstein recommends you walk around, move your arms front to back, even twist to look over your shoulders. Check for ease of mobility and a comfortable fit. The fabric of a coat should not pull across the back area, around the hips or in the armholes. Also, be sure to check the sleeve length. Milstein says sleeves should extend beyond long-sleeved garments by at least half an inch. “Don’t be afraid to have your coat altered!” he adds. In fact, you can also always re-position the buttons in order to improve the look or fit of a coat. “But remember to unbutton your coat when seated in the car,” Milstein cautions. This helps the coat retain its shape.

As far as coat length goes, this season it’s a matter of personal preference and choice according to the pros. The old rules (about what body type, height or weight takes long or short) simply don’t apply now. At Burlington Coat Factory, the top five designer styles this winter include: cropped bomber-style jackets for men; short and three-quarter length wool coats for both men and women; trendy short down-filled parkas; wool pant coats; and long velvet-lined hooded great coats for women. Color plays an important role this year, especially in women’s coats, with lipstick red, rose, pumpkin and pastels of blue and pink popular choices.

If you’re in the market for a raincoat, clarify your needs. Milstein points out that water-repellant coats maintain dryness for only about seven minutes during a downpour; waterproof coats, on the other hand, keep you completely dry but do not breathe. Make sure to get the one that will perform the necessary function for your wardrobe.

That said, a well-made coat is an investment, and one that should fit properly. Choose wisely. “A great coat makes a nice first impression, complements your shape, reflects your personal style and keeps you warm,” notes Burlington’s Milstein, all of which are good for your health!

Courtesy of ARA Content