How to choose a demi-season jacket?

As the off-season approaches, many people start hunting for the perfect demi-season jacket for this time of year. Why a jacket? Because in late autumn and early spring, when the weather changes several times during the day, a winter down jacket is still (or already) too warm, and a coat is already (or still) not the ideal solution.

If you're in the market for a new mid-season jacket but aren't sure where to start, here's our list of 5 criteria to help you make the perfect purchase for work, going out, a special occasion, or finding a versatile top that will go well with everything in your wardrobe.

So, from this publication you will learn:

1. Choosing a demi-season jacket by length and cut.
2. How to choose a demi-season jacket by the material of the top?
3. Choosing the filler: natural or artificial?
4. Choosing functionality: 3 options that really matter.
5. Choosing a demi-season jacket by style and color. What does fashion offer?

1. CHOOSING A DEMISEASON JACKET BY LENGTH AND CUT

By cut, demi-season jackets are:

• Straight - the cut of the jacket is strictly along the vertical line. The clothes are in demand among slim people and those with non-standard figures.
• Fitted or tight-fitting - these are tailored to fit the figure perfectly, they balance the silhouette well.
• Oversize - implies a loose cut, it is characterized by a slight "baggyness", when a jacket in the right size visually looks like it is too big.

By length, demi-season jackets are:

• short - to the waistline;
• long - from mid-thigh and below;
• medium - everything between the short and long sizes.

As for the cut, its choice should correspond to your needs. For example, if you walk a lot and spend a lot of time outdoors, you will need good protection from the cold and wind, such as a trench coat or parka. And if you are driving, often use public transport and do not plan to go on long hikes, then it is preferable to choose a short or medium-length demi-season jacket.

Also remember that a long jacket is comfortable to sit on cold surfaces, and a short one is more convenient for any outdoor activity. A fitted style retains heat better. But "straight" and oversized allow you to create stylish multi-layered looks and, accordingly, adjust the degree of insulation.

2. HOW TO CHOOSE A DEMISEASON JACKET BY THE UPPER MATERIAL?

Here pay attention to three parameters:

1. Waterproofness.
2. Wind resistance.
3. Vapor permeability.

If staying dry during any activity is a priority, choose a demi-season jacket made of membrane fabric, such as Gore-TexTM or similar. It combines all three parameters: it is waterproof, protects from wind, breathes well and wicks sweat away.

Among other popular top options, we note three:

• Polyester is a synthetic material, waterproof (but not for heavy rain), durable, wrinkle-resistant, lightweight, wear-resistant and practical. Demi-season polyester jackets do not require special care, but do not provide good breathability. Therefore, they are used for everyday wear of low activity.
• Nylon is a lightweight, durable, wear-resistant, elastic, resilient synthetic material. It does not breathe well. It does not absorb moisture, but passes it through itself, which allows the fabric to dry quickly. DWR impregnation treatment makes a nylon jacket resistant to heavy rain, but for a short time.
• Leather is a natural material made from the skins of lambs, calves, kids and other animals. From a practical point of view, the reputation of leather jackets as a reliable, durable, wear-resistant material is fully deserved. Such products breathe, protect from the wind and do not get wet even with prolonged exposure to water.

A little about DWR, what is it?
All raincoats and demi-season jackets made of polyester, nylon and other types of textiles are treated with DWR (durable water repellent) - a wear-resistant water-repellent impregnation. The protection lasts a long time, but is not eternal. With active use and frequent washing of the jacket, DWR treatment wears out. It can be restored using special means - sprays and aerosols for impregnating textiles at home. They are available for sale. A prerequisite for their application is preliminary cleaning of products from dirt.

3. Choosing a demi-season jacket based on filler: natural or artificial?

A demi-season jacket should effectively retain body heat in a wide range of temperatures, usually from +16 to -5°C. The lining is responsible for this. It can be regular or insulated.

• Regular (on thin fleece) is used in membrane and soft-shell jackets. These are products for sports and active recreation. Therefore, wearing them requires the use of additional insulating layers. This can be thermal underwear or another type of clothing.
• The insulated lining is used in jackets for everyday use. The lining is filled with synthetic and natural insulation.

The basis of synthetic insulation is polyester fibers. The production technology offers several options for artificial insulation. The most advanced today are Thinsulate, Hollofiber, Bio-fluff. We will not dwell on their differences in detail now (you can read about this here), but will only emphasize that all of them are not afraid of moisture (that is, they do not get wet), they allow steam to pass through well and retain their thermal insulation properties even when wet. And this is their main advantage over natural down. So if you plan to use your jacket in wet conditions or high activity, synthetic fill is the better choice.

The basis of natural insulation is eider, duck, goose down or the undercoat of a llama, camel, sheep. Of all this variety, only eider down demonstrates a higher warmth-to-weight ratio. Therefore, demi-season down jackets are so warm, thin and ultra-light. But they only work well in dry conditions, that is, with low human activity. High-intensity movements lead to the body heating up and sweating a lot. Down allows evaporation to pass through well, but it gets wet and loses its heat-saving properties. Therefore, demi-season down jackets are an ideal choice of outerwear for dry weather and low activity.

4. Choosing functionality: 3 options that really matter

Additional protective elements of a demi-season jacket that determine its high functionality include:

• windproof strip covering the zipper (ideally it should be water-resistant);
• waterproof seams;
• high collar with chin protection (may have removable or solid fur);
• adjustable hood (may be insulated or regular, solid or removable, with or without fur trim);
• functional internal and external pockets with zippers or flaps;
• double cuffs: internal elastic and external adjustable;
• adjustable waist;
• adjustable hem.

All of the above options can be present on the jacket in full or in part (it all depends on the specific model). If yours has all of this, you are lucky - you have an excellent demi-season item in front of you that will make any city and country adventure comfortable. We will note the importance of three options:

1. Adjustable hood - it covers the ears, head and neck in case of rain and strong wind.
2. Waterproof seams and zipper - they additionally protect you from water getting inside.
3. Elastic internal cuffs and elastic band (or drawstrings on fasteners) in the waist (or at the bottom of the product) for additional protection from cold getting inside.

For those who value versatility in outerwear, we recommend paying attention to transformers - demi-season jackets 2-in-1 or 3-in-1. The first can have detachable sleeves and hood (or sleeves and lining), the second - sleeves, hood and lining. These products can be worn in two different ways - as a jacket and as a vest. By removing or adding parts of the top, you adjust the thermal comfort depending on the weather and your activity. Almost always, such jackets are made of wind- and waterproof breathable fabric, on an insulated lining.

As for pockets, their number and location is another detail that people pay attention to when choosing a demi-season jacket. They serve both a decorative and functional purpose. There are never too many pockets, especially internal ones. It's great if one of them has a headphone jack. For outdoor jackets, size and insulation are important, so choose a jacket with convenient outside pockets and a soft fleece lining.

5. Choosing a demi-season jacket by style and color. What does fashion offer?

They say that a successful signature style is one that you will love for years. It follows that your focus should be on wearing things that you like the look of and the silhouettes that make you feel confident. We would add one more thing - stay loyal to brands that are high quality, comfortable and make you feel good.

If your budget allows, buy 2-3 demi-season jackets in different styles. Otherwise, choose the one that is closest in spirit and best suits your needs. And if it turns out to be universal ("for both feast and world" plus goes well with most of your wardrobe items), then you "killed two birds with one stone."

What does fashion offer?

A dark blue or khaki bomber jacket is a good example of stylish demi-season outerwear for every day. It can be worn until the first frosts and with the onset of early spring. The minimalist design and practical color will allow you to combine the bomber with most of your wardrobe items, using bright accessories.

A good alternative to a pilot jacket would be a demi-season jacket with buttons or snaps. Light and stylish, it goes well with any pair of classic chino pants.

A 60s favourite, an icon of British style, the demi-season Harrington jacket offers excellent protection from the cold and ease of movement. Unlike the "loose" bomber, the straight silhouette of the Harrington jacket brings you closer to business style. There are options made of wool, leather and textile.

A lifesaver for every day - quilted demi-season jacket. Without being too bulky, it is ideal for days when the weather is unpredictable. Warm, cozy, waterproof. Available in various colors. Universal in use: suitable for looks in the style of sport, casual, smart-casual.

For work, meetings, dates and weekend walks - a demi-season trench coat. The top goes well with an office look. A straight or slightly fitted silhouette, mid-thigh length and below, always with a turn-down collar, with or without a belt, will allow you to wear an office suit or dress. Effective weather protection and elegant cuts ensure that you arrive at your appointment looking impeccable. The garments are available in a variety of shades and are often complemented by brightly coloured linings.

For going out and for special occasions - stylish weightless down jackets. They provide exceptional warmth and comfort. When you want to attract the attention of others, choose the brightest demi-season models in a straight or oversized style.

For adventurers in the city and beyond, the parka is a clear choice. It's mid-thigh length, has a removable quilted lining, a large adjustable hood, huge patch pockets on the flaps, a storm flap on the center zip, and adjustable cuffs on the sleeves.

If you haven't found what you wanted, check out the full range of men's and women's demi-season jackets from the popular Ukrainian brand FREEVER.

Summing up

When choosing a demi-season jacket, focus on the material, functionality, quality of cut and fittings. When deciding on the length, silhouette, design and color, proceed from the tasks that you want to solve. And when choosing the top and insulation, focus on your activity and the weather conditions in the region. For this reason, some jackets are literally windproof and waterproof, while others protect from the wind partially, and from water for a short time.

• For regular everyday use, choose a demi-season jacket made of nylon, polyester and leather.
• For sports and active recreation - opt for a membrane top. It is windproof, waterproof, breathable and wicks away perspiration.
• For dry weather and moderate activity, a demi-season down jacket is the best choice - light, thin, and ideally suited to the cold.
• For the wet off-season and high activity, it is better to choose a jacket on holofiber, thinsulate or bio-down. Unlike natural down, synthetic insulation does not absorb moisture, but passes it through itself to the outside. But, even in a moistened state, artificial fibers do not stick together, maintaining volume and thermal insulation properties.

Lastly, avoid the temptation to buy a cheap no-name - it will help you save money in the long run.