As the fall semester comes to an end, the infamous Montreal winter begins, and your attire may feel incapable of warding off the December chill. If so, you are primed for a new winter coat.
The search for a good jacket can feel daunting, especially for first-year students who may have never experienced a winter quite like Montreal’s. Any good coat encompasses more than just functionality—the style matters too, and getting it right can elevate your winter look to the next level while keeping you warm. Here are a few tips on what to look for—and what to avoid.
How to get started
The key factor in determining a coat’s quality is its ability to keep you warm. This depends mainly on the material of the coat. So, which material is the best for ensuring cozy comfort?
In an interview with The Tribune, GQ Style Editor Noah Johnson gave some advice on what to look for.
“For a jacket, always go for down. It’s got the best warmth for its weight, by far,” Johnson said.
The more insulation, the better, so look for anything thick enough to withstand cold and wind and trap heat. It’s always a good idea to make sure the down is ethically sourced. Some good options are The North Face and Patagonia, which are certified to the Responsible Down Standard.
If you’re not a fan of down, Johnson offered some good alternatives.
“Go for wool, or better yet, cashmere if you can swing it,” he explained.
Aside from down, these fabrics are the next best option in terms of warmth and are always stylish.
If you enjoy the snow, look into brands like Burton, Arc’teryx, and Helly Hansen that carry more water-resistant jackets meant for winter sports and extreme weather.
Avoid slimmer puffers and vests, which still have insulation but aren’t enough to withstand Montreal’s far-below-freezing temperatures. If you like to accessorize, choosing a jacket with extra pockets is useful for added storage, but if hats and scarves aren’t your preference, a parka-style jacket will provide added head warmth.
For those who want more than just upper-body warmth, you may be in the market for a longer style that helps keep your legs warm, in addition to your torso.
“I always like a winter coat to fit a bit oversized—I just think it looks cooler and it makes sense to give yourself maximum layering options,” Johnson explained.
If you’re looking for something classic and reputable, the iconic North Face Nuptse and Uniqlo’s Seamless Down Parka are great options. If your price range is a little more flexible, go for even higher-quality brands like Woolrich, Canada Goose, and Ten c. Bear in mind that the average-priced winter jacket is still in the $100 to $200 range. A quality coat is never going to be cheap, but a hefty price tag isn’t necessarily something to be afraid of.
“I think a winter coat should be an investment,” Johnson explained. “Buy the absolute best one you can afford, and expect to wear it for as long as it fits you.”
A good coat maintains its quality for years, so it’s better to spend more on a long-lasting coat than to buy a cheap one that has to be frequently replaced.
“If you’re really strapped for cash or unsure about finding the right style,” Johnson added, “Just go to an army [or] navy store and find some vintage military field jacket or peacoat. You can’t go wrong with either of those.”
Where to look
Montreal has plenty of amazing options for coat shopping. A ten-minute walk from McGill’s downtown campus will take you to St. Catherine Street, where you’ll find stores like Simons, Sports Experts, Uniqlo, Arc’teryx, and The North Face.
If your budget is tight, walk over to St. Laurent Boulevard, where you’ll find great options at thrift stores and vintage shops like Eva B, Empire Exchange, and le Chaînon.
If you’d rather order a winter jacket online, look for brands that can ship within Canada to avoid hefty import fees.
It’s safe to say that nobody looks forward to the cold of a Montreal winter, but with a well-chosen jacket, even an unpleasant trek to your 8:30 a.m. class will feel more like a cozy holiday stroll.
