How to Style A Wool Coat?
19 Nov 2024
Although in winter, there is no doubt that a down coat has the best warmth keeping performance, some women do not like them because they look bulky in a down coat. Therefore, when the weather is not the coldest and you do have to wear a down jacket, another type of coat that also has good warmth retention performance and is beautiful but not bulky has become popular. That is a wool coat.
It is believed that there is a wool coat in many ladies’ wardrobes as a transition from the autumn clothing to the thick winter clothing. However, there are many different types of wool, and maybe the wool coat you already have is not the best for you. In addition, even if your wool coat is suitable for you, some knowledge about the wool coat outfit ideas and ways of caring for wool coats is still needed. So keep reading this blog, all your questions will be answered.
It is believed that there is a wool coat in many ladies’ wardrobes as a transition from the autumn clothing to the thick winter clothing. However, there are many different types of wool, and maybe the wool coat you already have is not the best for you. In addition, even if your wool coat is suitable for you, some knowledge about the wool coat outfit ideas and ways of caring for wool coats is still needed. So keep reading this blog, all your questions will be answered.
Categories of Wool
When it comes to wool, most people are familiar with it. But in their minds, wool is just a fabric with good thermal insulation properties, which is often used in the manufacture of sweaters and coats. Little is known about other aspects of wool. In order to introduce the ways to choose a wool coat to you, we need to clarify the categories of wool above all.
There are many different standards of classifications of wool. First of all, according to the fineness, wool can be divided into coarse wool, fine wool and semi-fine wool. Since coarse wool is stiff to the touch, it is not suitable for clothing. Today, most coarse wool is used to make carpets. The average diameter of semi-fine wool is about 15-36 microns. The diameter of fine wool is smaller. Semi-fine wool and fine wool are more commonly used in clothing manufacturing because they are softer and more comfortable to the touch.
Wool can also be classified according to the season in which it is sheared. The wool cut in spring is longer and is with more down soft fur, while the wool cut in summer and autumn is shorter and has less or even no down soft fur. Among them, wool that can reach 15-30 cm in length is also called long wool.
The more common classification of wool is based on the breed of sheep. For example, the merino wool and mohair wool we often hear are classified according to the breed of sheep. To speak more specifically, these types of wool have the characteristics including:
🐏Merino wool: It is wool produced by Merino sheep. It is fine wool and feels very soft. Merino wool is highly productive and is one of the most common wool varieties in the world.
🐏Mohair wool: Coming from Angora goats, mohair wool has a high luster and elasticity, and is suitable for making coats. Also, the younger the Angora goat, the softer the mohair wool.
There are many different standards of classifications of wool. First of all, according to the fineness, wool can be divided into coarse wool, fine wool and semi-fine wool. Since coarse wool is stiff to the touch, it is not suitable for clothing. Today, most coarse wool is used to make carpets. The average diameter of semi-fine wool is about 15-36 microns. The diameter of fine wool is smaller. Semi-fine wool and fine wool are more commonly used in clothing manufacturing because they are softer and more comfortable to the touch.
Wool can also be classified according to the season in which it is sheared. The wool cut in spring is longer and is with more down soft fur, while the wool cut in summer and autumn is shorter and has less or even no down soft fur. Among them, wool that can reach 15-30 cm in length is also called long wool.
The more common classification of wool is based on the breed of sheep. For example, the merino wool and mohair wool we often hear are classified according to the breed of sheep. To speak more specifically, these types of wool have the characteristics including:
🐏Merino wool: It is wool produced by Merino sheep. It is fine wool and feels very soft. Merino wool is highly productive and is one of the most common wool varieties in the world.
🐏Mohair wool: Coming from Angora goats, mohair wool has a high luster and elasticity, and is suitable for making coats. Also, the younger the Angora goat, the softer the mohair wool.
How to Choose the Right Wool Coat?
In the section above we have introduced the different subbranches of wool, so you can choose a wool coat from the perspective of fabrics according to your demands. However, fabrics are not the only element that we need to consider when choosing a wool coat. We also need to take the style, the lining, and the thermal performance into consideration.
In the first place, although now you already have certain knowledge about the features of different types of wool, many coats today are not made of pure wool. Therefore, in addition to the performance of a specific type of wool, you should also consider the performance of other mixed ingredients, such as whether it can be washed, ironed, etc. Usually, this information will be told on the label inside the coat. In most cases, the higher the wool content of a coat, the softer and warmer it is. If you have enough budget and time to take care of it, a pure wool coat is also a good choice.
Do you prefer a single-breasted or a double-breasted coat? The single-breasted one might be simpler and in style. But the double-breasted one is more flexible since it allows you to adjust the position of the button according to the change of the weather. So for more unpredictable weather, a double-breasted wool coat might be more appropriate.
Although the lining is inside the wool coat and can not be seen from the outside, it affects your wearing experience to a large extent. So it is better to choose a wool coat with silk lining because of its softness.
Next you also need to consider about the shape of the neck. Generally speaking, most wool coats are with lapels. But you can also choose a collarless wool coat since it is simpler.
There is no doubt that white and black are the most versatile colors,especially for winter. Coats may require more consideration of color versatility than other types of clothing because they must be matched with other clothing. But if you are sure that you can find a right way to wear pink and yellow, you can also choose a wool coat in these bright colors.
In the first place, although now you already have certain knowledge about the features of different types of wool, many coats today are not made of pure wool. Therefore, in addition to the performance of a specific type of wool, you should also consider the performance of other mixed ingredients, such as whether it can be washed, ironed, etc. Usually, this information will be told on the label inside the coat. In most cases, the higher the wool content of a coat, the softer and warmer it is. If you have enough budget and time to take care of it, a pure wool coat is also a good choice.
Do you prefer a single-breasted or a double-breasted coat? The single-breasted one might be simpler and in style. But the double-breasted one is more flexible since it allows you to adjust the position of the button according to the change of the weather. So for more unpredictable weather, a double-breasted wool coat might be more appropriate.
Although the lining is inside the wool coat and can not be seen from the outside, it affects your wearing experience to a large extent. So it is better to choose a wool coat with silk lining because of its softness.
Next you also need to consider about the shape of the neck. Generally speaking, most wool coats are with lapels. But you can also choose a collarless wool coat since it is simpler.
There is no doubt that white and black are the most versatile colors,especially for winter. Coats may require more consideration of color versatility than other types of clothing because they must be matched with other clothing. But if you are sure that you can find a right way to wear pink and yellow, you can also choose a wool coat in these bright colors.
Wool Coat Outfit Ideas in Winter
Maybe you were just excited about buying a satisfactory wool coat, and the next second you started to worry about how to match it. Do not worry anymore! In this section, we are going to provide several wool coat outfit ideas for your reference.
A striped knit top + a long wool coat + a pair of wide leg pants
Since most of the wool coats are in solid colors, we can choose some inner wear with patterns or other kinds of decorations. If you are afraid of making mistakes, just choose an inner garment with classic plaid or striped patterns such as a striped knit top. The wide leg pants can be either in the similar color or the contrast color of the wool coat.
A mock neck sweater + a long wool coat + a pleated skirt
A mock neck sweater is also one of the typical symbols of winter, and it protects your neck from coldness without a scarf. Together with a long wool coat and a pleated skirt, your elegance will be highlighted.
A flannel shirt + a crop wool coat + a pair of slim pants
This is an outfit more suitable for office ladies to commute, and even attend business occasions. This outfit will make you look very capable and professional. For warmer weather, you can also choose a shirt made of silk or linen.
A hoodie + a wool coat + a pair of jeans
This is a relatively casual outfit which is suitable for nearly all occasions except business conferences. Choose a slightly looser hoodie than you usually wear so that it will not cling to your body or restrict your movement.
A black knit top + a PU leather skirt + a long black wool coat
Have you ever tried to create an all black outfit? If you have not, then try this one! You will look really cool! It would be better if a pair of sunglasses can be worn. If you can wear a pair of high heel long boots, you will absolutely be the focus of other people’s eyes!
A striped knit top + a long wool coat + a pair of wide leg pants
Since most of the wool coats are in solid colors, we can choose some inner wear with patterns or other kinds of decorations. If you are afraid of making mistakes, just choose an inner garment with classic plaid or striped patterns such as a striped knit top. The wide leg pants can be either in the similar color or the contrast color of the wool coat.
A mock neck sweater + a long wool coat + a pleated skirt
A mock neck sweater is also one of the typical symbols of winter, and it protects your neck from coldness without a scarf. Together with a long wool coat and a pleated skirt, your elegance will be highlighted.
A flannel shirt + a crop wool coat + a pair of slim pants
This is an outfit more suitable for office ladies to commute, and even attend business occasions. This outfit will make you look very capable and professional. For warmer weather, you can also choose a shirt made of silk or linen.
A hoodie + a wool coat + a pair of jeans
This is a relatively casual outfit which is suitable for nearly all occasions except business conferences. Choose a slightly looser hoodie than you usually wear so that it will not cling to your body or restrict your movement.
A black knit top + a PU leather skirt + a long black wool coat
Have you ever tried to create an all black outfit? If you have not, then try this one! You will look really cool! It would be better if a pair of sunglasses can be worn. If you can wear a pair of high heel long boots, you will absolutely be the focus of other people’s eyes!
Ways to Care for A Wool Coat
Perhaps the reason that many ladies are reluctant to choose a wool coat is that it is difficult to care for. From washing to storage, any mistake in any step may ruin the entire coat. So do not care for the wool coat randomly according to your own thinking anymore! In this section, we are going to provide you with a tutorial to care for a wool coat step by step.
A very common problem with wool coats is pilling. When you notice your wool coat is pilling, do not pull it out with your hands. Manual removal is very inefficient, takes a long time to remove completely, and is prone to omissions. You can buy a roller covered with a sticky paper. Just roll the roller over the coat and the coat will be clean. And you do not need to clean the roller, just tear off the sticky paper.
If the label on the coat has clarified that machine washing is not allowed, then do not machine wash it, even if the coat has been stained. If the coat is not severely stained, then you can wipe it with a cotton cloth dampened with detergent. If the coat is severely stained, it is better to dry clean it.
The storage is also important. Clean the garment before storing and make sure it is completely dry to avoid creasing, and place it in a breathable bag or cover to protect it from dust and insects. Store your wool coat in a cool, dry place to avoid mildew and odor.
If your wool coat gets wet, it is necessary to dry it, otherwise it tends to shrink. Just hang the coat in a ventilated and dry place without additional heating.
When ironing the wool coat, you need to iron along the direction of the wool's fibers. Otherwise, the wool may no longer be soft and pliable.
A very common problem with wool coats is pilling. When you notice your wool coat is pilling, do not pull it out with your hands. Manual removal is very inefficient, takes a long time to remove completely, and is prone to omissions. You can buy a roller covered with a sticky paper. Just roll the roller over the coat and the coat will be clean. And you do not need to clean the roller, just tear off the sticky paper.
If the label on the coat has clarified that machine washing is not allowed, then do not machine wash it, even if the coat has been stained. If the coat is not severely stained, then you can wipe it with a cotton cloth dampened with detergent. If the coat is severely stained, it is better to dry clean it.
The storage is also important. Clean the garment before storing and make sure it is completely dry to avoid creasing, and place it in a breathable bag or cover to protect it from dust and insects. Store your wool coat in a cool, dry place to avoid mildew and odor.
If your wool coat gets wet, it is necessary to dry it, otherwise it tends to shrink. Just hang the coat in a ventilated and dry place without additional heating.
When ironing the wool coat, you need to iron along the direction of the wool's fibers. Otherwise, the wool may no longer be soft and pliable.